NEFU is part of a long tradition of promoting the cooperative business model. National Farmers Union (NFU) began in 1902 when grain farmers in Texas banded together to protect themselves from unfair pricing practices. Since its founding, NFU has supported the development of agricultural co-ops as an effective means to increase producers’ bargaining power in the economy and food system. NEFU promotes all models of economic cooperation, including producer co-ops, consumer food co-ops and credit unions.

The NEFU Board of Directors, along with our affiliate member the Neighboring Food Co-op Association and the NFU Executive Committee, has joined with the United Nations in recognizing 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives.

Cooperative Enterprise: Building a More Resilient, Self-Sufficient New England
History shows that co-operative enterprise is a powerful means by which people — including farmers and other producers in particular — can further their own well-being in our market economy.