CDS is offering a free, four-part training series from January 21–February 4, 2026, for startup producer cooperatives, funded by a Regional Food Systems Infrastructure grant from the MDA. Registration is free—please join us!
Session 1: Capper-Volstead Essentials: Legal Foundations for Startup Farmer Cooperatives (Wed., 1/21, 7pm)
Cooperative attorney Jack Huerter of Dorsey & Whitney, LLP, covers the fundamentals of the Capper-Volstead Act and what its protections mean in practice for farmer co-ops.
Session 2: Financial Essentials, Part 1: Creating a Strong Financial Foundation for Producer Co-ops (Tues., 1/27, 7pm)
CPA Audrey Griffin of Synergy Accounting & Business Solutions, LLC, provides an introduction to the financial, governance, and compliance systems small producer co-ops need to operate responsibly and reduce risk.
Session 3: Financial Essentials, Part 2: Building on the Foundation for Growth (Thurs., 1/29, 7pm)
In the second of this two-part session, Audrey offers guidance on strengthening financial oversight as co-ops grow, including reading financial statements, managing grants, and navigating employee versus contractor rules.
Session 4: Financing the Cooperative’s Startup Phase (Wed., 2/4, 7pm)
Kevin Edberg of CDS walks attendees through practical strategies for funding the early stage of cooperative development. Special guest Roderick McCulloch of Shared Capital Cooperative joins to offer insights on working with lenders.
Full session descriptions and registration details can be found here.