Why A Co-op?
7 Co-operative Principles
Farmer Direct is committed to its cooperative principles. The following is a list of the 7 Cooperative Principles that guide Cooperatives around the world in achieving and activating their values.
- Voluntary and open membership - We’re open to all certified organic farmers who are willing to accept membership responsibilities.
- Democratic member control - We are a democratic organization controlled by our members – 1 member, 1 vote and governed by a board of directors elected from our membership.
- Members’ economic participation - Members are required to make a one off investment in the Coop. The investment is valued at 5.5% of their annual sales through the Co-op and helps ensure financial stability through the creation of an equity pool.
- Autonomy and independence - Farmer Direct Co-operative is an autonomous organization controlled by our members.
- Education, training and information - Farmer Direct Co-operative provides education and training for its members, elected representatives, managers and employees, so they can contribute effectively to co-op development.
- Cooperation among cooperatives - We serve our members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together with other co-ops through regional, national and international structures. We do our best to strengthen the co-operative movement by building business relationships with sister co-ops.
- Concern for community - While focusing on member needs, Farmer Direct Co-operative works for the sustainable development of our community.
Our Mission
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Support, protect and promote the organic family farm.
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Encourage a deeper understanding of the best ecological practices which lead to healthy, stable and resilient ecosystems.
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Reinvest surplus back into mother earth through implementing biological systems on our family farms.
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Be an leader in creating a social economy.
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Establish and maintain direct relationships with ethical customers.
Support, protect and promote the organic family farm.
Encourage a deeper understanding of the best ecological practices which lead to healthy, stable and resilient ecosystems.
Reinvest surplus back into mother earth through implementing biological systems on our family farms.
Be an leader in creating a social economy.
Establish and maintain direct relationships with ethical customers.
Our Team
Our Board of Directors
Gene Davis - President
Jocelyne Dechaine - Vice President
Murray Horkoff -Treasurer
Jason Freeman - Secretary
Mike Sutter
Greg Gleim
Nathan Nash
Keith Neu
Duane Phillippi
Our Management Team
Jason Freeman -
General Manager & Sales
Marla Carlson
fairDeal Program Manager/Office Manager
Geoffrey Ward
Member Services Manager
Karen Erbach
Accounts Manager
Jeff Paidel
Logistics & Member Services