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A system of governance that upholds democratic member control is critical to:

Maintaining existing member dedication and attracting new members.

Safeguarding trust in the cooperative.

Strengthening confidence in the strategic direction of the cooperative.

Dedication, trust, and confidence increase our strength and resilience and is foundational to our ability to function as a viable business.

Governance: The Essentials

While employees are the day-to-day decision-makers of the cooperative, members are tasked with upholding our mission by carefully reviewing and updating our bylaws, policies and standards, and advising the board and staff on critical topics.

At CROPP, our model is “one farm, one vote.” Regardless of the farm’s size, location, products, or volume, each farm has equal voting power. Farmers vote on important topics as needed, and they vote to elect farmer representatives to the board of directors and each pool’s executive committee to represent their voices annually.

The board of directors is made up of seven farmer-members, and this body holds the highest authority in the cooperative. The board sets policies and standards for the cooperative with the advice of committees, task forces, and staff experts. The board also sets pay price and hires and oversees the CEO. (including farmer-members, their families, and employees) attended the cooperative’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting.