Join the Finland Food Chain team and Kevin Edberg of the Cooperative Development Services organization to discuss the fundamentals of setting up a new cooperative. The Finland Food Chain and a group of local producers are beginning the process of incorporating a producers cooperative to carry on the work and vision of the Finland Food Chain beyond the term of the grant that has funded the project so far. Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Co-ops cultivate sustainable development on a human scale, and provide producers and/or consumers with needed products, services and markets; including food, housing, health care, daycare, elder services, electricity, banking services, and so much more.
Cooperative Development Services (CDS) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1985. Since its inception, CDS has been committed to providing a range of innovative, results-oriented, and cost-effective services to cooperatives and related organizations. Drawing on the skills and expertise of an experienced and knowledgeable staff, CDS has participated in the development, restructuring, and expansion of over 500 cooperative organizations of all kinds.