Cooperative Development Services, Inc.

The Natural Foods Co-op Sector Is the Nation S Farmer-friendliest Retail Sector, Representing a Value Chain of Products and a Values Chain of Support for Local Economy, Environment, and Sustainability. Such a Sector Is Rapidly Emerging in the Greater Chicago Food Shed. the Intent of This Project Is to Convene a Systemic Conversation Among Consumers, Distributors, and Producers to Study, Develop and Implement a Shared Vision Leveraging Cooperation to Simultaneously Meet Consumer Preferences via Economically Competitive Consumer-owned Retail Stores While Creating a Projected New Producer Marketing Opportunity Valued at $3-4 Million in Farmgate Income Annually. Cooperative Development Services, Supported by Three Other Nonprofit Business Development Organizations, Will Convene 15-20 New and Existing Grocery Co-ops, Philanthropic Partners, at Least One Farmer-friendly Cooperative Distributor, and an Association of Specialty Crop Producers. the Applicant Will Be Responsible for Grant Management, With Support From an Advisory Committee of Business Development Professionals and a Project Manager. All Participating Organizations Will Convene Quarterly to Create Shared Understanding and Vision for a Cooperative Local Foods Production, Distribution and Marketing System Serving the Region.the Work Plan Will Be Implemented in Part Through Contracts for Specific Research Study Activities Producer Business Expansion and Capitalization Support and Outreach Presentations to Extend the Value of the Project. Key Outcomes Include 1) Creation of Shared Vision and Plan 2) Feasibility Assessment for a Cooperative Warehouse Distribution Location Serving the Project Area 3) Engagement With Producers Interested in Serving This Market, With Support for Business Planning and Capitalization by Those Producers 4) Efficient Project Administration.