Ag secretary issues proclamation recognizing National Cooperative Month

Press release

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a USDA proclamation Tuesday recognizing October 2023 as National Cooperative Month to celebrate the vital role cooperatives play in improving economic opportunities and advancing equity in America. 

This year’s National Cooperative Month theme is “Owning Our Identity,” echoing the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to create more and better markets, address climate change and advance equity.  

In his proclamation, Vilsack noted that more than 30,000 cooperatives account for more than 2.0 million American jobs and generate more than $700 billion in annual revenue. Agricultural cooperatives are in every state serving people in 10,000 locations.

USDA Rural Development continues to partner with cooperatives as they serve their members’ needs, fill market gaps and create opportunities for people through this long-standing, resilient and sustainable business model. Rural cooperatives are the backbone for America’s power delivery and for improving access to high-speed internet, affordable housing, education services and high-quality health care services for people in rural communities.

The agency offers a variety of financial assistance and services to assist rural businesses, including cooperatives and agricultural producers. To learn more, people can visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/cooperatives .