The Canadian government has announced funding of $968,000 to support the growth and development of agricultural co-operatives. The project, initiated by the Canadian cooperative federations CCA and CCC, will begin this April. It will look at developing supports and tools to ensure the success of agriculture co-ops. Three priority areas will be:

1. Developing tools to assist co-operatives in growing their equity and identifying solutions to the capitalisation challenge faced by co-ops.
2. Developing governance and leadership materials and seminars for directors and managers that will focus on business strategies that exploit the competitive advantage of co-operation.
3. Supporting the development of promotion, information, and resources to increase awareness of the advantages and benefits of the co-operative model among extension and agricultural professionals.

• Co-operatives are capable of thriving in the new agriculture economy;
• Success lies in capturing the competitive advantage of co-operation;
• Co-operatives have particular significance in the 21st Century; and
• The future calls for inter-cooperation and development support.