WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) will be hosting the College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from February 16 – 19. Over the course of this three-day conference, participants will hear from experts in the field of cooperatives, participate in interactive learning activities and workshops, and tour co-ops in the Twin Cities. The event attracts students from across the country and is beneficial to those new to co-ops as well as those with some previous co-op education.

“NFU’s history is rooted in the cooperative movement and our future is too,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “The College Conference on Cooperatives is a glowing example of the value Farmers Union provides to our members and their communities. I’m excited to see yet another group of smart, engaged students taking an interest in the cooperative model.” 

Participants will hear from a variety of speakers from local and national co-ops. The keynote luncheon, in partnership with CoMinnesota and hosted by the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, will feature a keynote address from Megan Rock, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Sustainability and Innovation at CHS Inc.  

NFU promotes rural economic and cooperative development by supporting existing agricultural co-ops and helping form new farmer co-ops and other rural businesses. The primary objective is to help family farmers and ranchers add value to the food, fiber, and energy they produce. NFU assists producers to retain ownership of their commodity further into the processing channel and enhance market returns on their investment. By working together with other groups and individuals, Farmers Union helps family farmers and ranchers advance their farm, ranch, co-op and community enterprises.

Students interested in participating either in person or virtually can visit nfu.org/ccoc for more information.

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