WASHINGTON (Mar. 4, 2011) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson commends U.S. Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., for introducing S. Res. 87, which recognizes 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives.
“NFU has a long history of supporting the development of farmer-owned cooperatives as a way for farmers to add value to the food, fiber and energy they produce,” said Johnson. “Today, the cooperative business model has been expanded beyond the farm sector to serve the needs of many different industries, consumers and patrons who want to enjoy the benefits of a business that they own and control.”
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 64/136 proclaims the year 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives. Johnson said the Senate resolution is one way the U.S. can show its full support for this international effort.
“I encourage all Senators to support cooperative business development across the U.S. and highlight the benefits and opportunities cooperatives provide for their member-owners,” said Johnson. “Thank you for recognizing the important role farmer-, consumer- and worker-owned cooperatives play in rural America’s continued economic growth and development.”