Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

New Co-ops Help Organic Livestock Producers

Organic producers throughout Manitoba recently formed two co-operatives with the help of OPAM, Dena Hunter, business development specialist in Melita, John Corbey, manager of the Southwest GO Team, and other specialists with MAFRI and MASC.

One of the first tasks of the new Manitoba Marketplace Asociation Feeder Co-operative is to seek financial tenders (for competitive interest rates) from banking institutions. Members would have access to preferred-rate financing so they can finish and/or background cattle, or add value (such as Omega-3) to the beef as demanded by buyers. The feeder co-op is working with young producers who may be having difficulty finding financing.

The new Manitoba Marketplace Association Trade Inc. Co-operative (MOMA) has hired Helene Bouvier of Organic Ranchers to help members market organic beef to buyers, maintain relationships between members and buyers, assemble and co-ordinate livestock sales, educate producers on the industry and explore value-added and/or branded products.
For further information about the work of these two cooperatives, contact:

Dena Hunter, Business Development Specialist
Southwest GO Team, Melita at 204-522-3256
or Email: Dena Hunter.

Corinne Chisholm, Coordinator
Box 312 Beuhlah, MB Canada R0M 0B0
Phone: 204-568-4746
Email: MOMA Trade