CO-OP PROGRAM HELPS THOUSANDS OF FARMERS

A Lismore-based initiative, that uses the expertise of local co-ops, has been hailed a success.

The Farm Co-Operatives Centre of Excellence has helped 16,000 farmers across the country and more than 300 farming groups, in the past 12 months.

“We’ve had so much interest from all facets of the agricultural, fishing and forestry industries, in all regions of Australia”

“To be able to come here and get access to that expert specialist knowledge around the legalities and the financial issues in setting up a co-op is absolutely essential for the success of the co-op”

Last month, the centre launched the world’s first online co-op builder, resulting in more than 60 new agricultural co-ops.

(AUDIO IN PARTS)