This week on Farming Together we speak to Co-op Federation Secretary Same Byrne. Sam explains why the co-operative model is still relevant and how many co-operative pitfalls can be prevented by educating members. He also gets excited about some up-and-coming co-ops which are set to disrupt the market and give more back to the community.Topics coveredWhat is the Co-op Federation?The Co-op business model: How does it work?Why would you choose a co-op over other models?Largest and oldest agriculture co-ops. Is it old fashioned?Importance of education for members.Co-ops get a reputation for its ‘burden of democracy’ but personality issues arise in any organisation. School students, accountants, and lawyers don’t have enough education regarding co-operatives.Why do co-ops fail?Exciting new co-ops: Disruptive solutions-faced co-ops. Solving community problems: Commerce with a conscienceThe unifying nature of farming co-operativesSam’s co-operative membershipsExtra resources:https://fed.coop/ (Co-op Federation website)https://www.facebook.com/thecoopfed (Co-op Federation Facebook)https://www.instagram.com/thecoopfed/ (Co-op Federation Instagram)https://events.humanitix.com/co-op-federation-assembly (Co-op Federation Assembly 2021 registration)