Files
Abstract
Public policy has encouraged services to the cooperative sector due to public
goods that result when members use their cooperatives. Purveyors of public services
to cooperatives have been affected by several crises and changes that have lessened
resource availability. The Agricultural Cooperative Service-USDA, one of the primary
service providers, has potential for expanding its cooperative development
services to include nonfarm organizations in addition to its traditional farm clientele.
Five options are offered for closer coordination between ACS and other public
sector providers of services to cooperatively owned businesses.