Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Nathalie, Virginia, the 2020 Farmers Cooperative is a mission-driven nonprofit designed to amplify the voices and economic power of small-scale farmers—especially Black and socially disadvantaged growers—across the United States (ruralclimate.org, linkedin.com).
What They Do
- Member-owned cooperative model
Farmers collectively own and govern the organization. Elected committees and a board manage policies, pricing, and production levels, while staff facilitate operations, ensuring democracy, transparency, and accountability in decision-making (2020farmersco-op.com). - Diverse “farmer pools”
Members can join specialized pools—like the Grower Pool for produce, the Rancher Pool for livestock (meat, poultry, fish), and an Industrial Hemp Pool. Each pool has its own policies and committees, empowering members to shape pricing and production for their specific commodity (2020farmersco-op.com). - Comprehensive member benefits
Membership perks include access to equipment and bull lease programs, technical training, discounts on supplies and equipment, and exclusive Q&A sessions with industry experts (2020farmersco-op.com).
Core Values & Vision
- Equitable economic opportunity
The cooperative aims to create fair, democratic marketplaces for small and historically marginalized growers (2020farmersco-op.com). - Transparency and shared governance
Every member gets a voice through committees, elections, and a clear policy-making process. - Community & capacity building
Programs include farmer advocacy, best‑practice training, and collective economic initiatives—all designed to uplift and equip farmers for long-term success (2020farmersco-op.com).
Why It Matters
In an agricultural landscape often dominated by large-scale producers, 2020 Farmers Co‑Op offers an inclusive alternative—one that values small farmers’ dignity and agency. As Booker T. Washington aptly stated, “There is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem”—a philosophy the co‑op wholeheartedly embodies (2020farmersco-op.com).
From urban gardeners to rural ranchers and industrial hemp producers, the cooperative fosters an environment where diverse farmers can thrive together.
đź–Š Join the Movement
Ready to be part of something bigger? Here’s how you can get involved:
- Become a member – Sign up for the Grower, Rancher, or Hemp Pools.
- Access training and technical support – Improve your farming practices and business acumen.
- Tap into collective economics – Benefit from shared pricing, marketing, and purchasing power.
Final Thoughts
2020 Farmers Cooperative stands out as a beacon of hope for small-scale and marginalized farmers, marrying democratic governance with economic empowerment. Through its cooperatively‑run pools, resource sharing, and mission‑driven support, this organization is helping reshape the future of American agriculture—one farmer at a time.
