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Membership

If you're a farmer-producer, consider becoming a member.

Sunderland Co-operative Inc. is an agricultural co-operative whose mission is to improve the profitability of its members by offering value-added goods and services.

Local Ownership Global Buying Power

Sunderland Co-operative Inc. is locally owned by area farmers, locally managed, & provides locally based service & expertise with an international global market reach. Sunderland Co-operative Inc. is a member-owner of Growmark Inc. & markets products & services under the FS brand.

We Abide to the Seven Co-operative Principles.

Voluntary & open membership
Democratic member control
Member economic participation
Autonomy & independence
Education, training & information
Co-operation among co-operatives
Concern for community

WHY BECOME A MEMBER?

Our Profits are Your Profits

Any earnings realized by Sunderland Co-operative, after paying the cost of goods & operating expenses, are either reinvested in the business or declared through patronage dividends to its members based on their support (patronage) of the business. The Board of Directors makes this decision. Members must spend a minimum of $1,000.00 in a fiscal year to be eligible to receive patronage.

One Member = One Vote

Each member has one vote & shares equal influence with other members. You are invited to the annual meeting where you can raise issues for discussion.

Member-Elected Board of Directors

Members are responsible for electing the Board of Directors, which establishes the co-op’s policies & strategies. The daily operation of the business is under the direction & supervision of the General Manager, who answers to the Board of Directors.

WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER?

A membership in Sunderland Co-operative Inc. requires a mandatory $50.00 administration fee and a member loan of $50.00. The administration fee is payable at the time of application submission, and the member loan will be paid through patronage that is declared before the funds will be dispersed to the member. When the membership application is accepted by the Sunderland Co-operative Board of Directors the applicant will be entitled to earn patronage based on their support of the business

Return your completed membership application, along with your payment to the Sunderland Co-operative location closest to you to begin your application process.

Membership Application