Good question. We’re different because each Co-op is individually owned by the farmers in that area, which allows each store to stock the products and services that are most important to the people who live there. Also, Co-ops are generally staffed by employees with more training and experience than what you might find elsewhere.

Most of all, it’s a good bet that your Co-op is one of the most tenured organizations in your community. Between the employees, board of directors, and customer base, there is a vast amount of institutional knowledge of agriculture and rural living within each Co-op organization.