The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlights cooperatives as a cornerstone of rural America, where producer- and user-owned businesses help farmers market crops, secure inputs, and access credit, while consumer-owned co-ops provide electricity, telecommunications, food, childcare, and health services. Through its Cooperative Programs, USDA promotes understanding of the co-op model with education, research, technical assistance, and financial support, ensuring co-ops remain vital in meeting local needs and sustaining rural economies. This national commitment to cooperative development complements the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group’s (CSG) work to strengthen rural prosperity by lifting up asset-based, collaborative strategies.
CO-OPS: A KEY PART OF RURAL AMERICA
