We're thrilled to announce that the 2020 Farmers Co-Op has officially welcomed member farmers from three new states: Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our mission to create a truly national network of small scale farmers.
Growing Together
What began in 2020 with just seven founding farmers has grown into a network spanning more than 21 states. The addition of Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana brings new crops, new markets, and new perspectives to our cooperative family.
"Each new state we reach means more farmers gaining access to fair markets and collective power," said cooperative leadership. "These aren't just numbers—they represent real families and real farms that now have a seat at the table."
What This Means
For New Members
Farmers in Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana now have access to:
- Market opportunities through our wholesale and Farm to School programs
- Technical assistance for production planning and food safety
- Collective bargaining power when negotiating with buyers
- Peer support from a national network of fellow farmers
For Existing Members
The expansion strengthens our cooperative by:
- Extending our growing season across more climate zones
- Adding crop diversity to meet buyer demand year-round
- Increasing our collective volume for better market access
- Building a more resilient and geographically diverse network
Regional Focus
Virginia
Virginia farmers bring strong connections to mid-Atlantic markets and expertise in cool-season vegetables. We're excited to expand our reach into the Washington D.C. metro area.
Tennessee
Tennessee's diverse agricultural landscape and central location make it ideal for distribution coordination. New members are already integrating into our logistics network.
Louisiana
Louisiana farmers add unique crop varieties and expertise in heat-tolerant growing. Their experience with extended growing seasons will benefit the entire cooperative.
Join the Movement
If you're a farmer in any state interested in joining the cooperative, we want to hear from you. Our growth is driven by farmers seeking community, fair markets, and collective power.
The application process is straightforward, and our team is here to guide you through every step. Visit our membership page to learn more and apply.
Looking Ahead
This expansion is just the beginning. We have our sights set on reaching farmers in every state where there's need and interest. But growth for its own sake isn't our goal—we're building a movement rooted in equity, sustainability, and farmer prosperity.
To our new members in Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana: welcome to the family. To our existing members: thank you for building a cooperative worth joining. Together, we're proving that collective action can transform agriculture.