Abstract:
Grower cooperatives and quasi-cooperative producer associations
have a long tradition of using group action to establish or
improve quality standards and to promote product uniformity
for their crops and livestock. These efforts have often been key
to creating new domestic and international markets. Such
endeavors often include working closely with state and federal government
agencies.
A recent example of this can be seen in northeast Oregon, where hay
growers formed the Wallowa County Hay Growers Association in 2003 to
tap into an expanding market for weed-free and premium forage products.
In addition to improving market opportunities for its members, the hay
association may also yield environmental benefits by helping to reduce the
spread of noxious weeds on public and private lands.
