Garlic growers find marketing strength in a co-operative business model with Phil and Dave of Braidwood Garlic Growers Co-operative

Braidwood Garlic Growers Co-operative Farming Together Program Manager Amanda Scott speaks to Phil Shoemark and Dave Ellis of Braidwood Garlic Growers Co-operative. With a grant deadline looming, the group formed a co-operative very quickly. Members have since benefitted from the co-op's marketing strength and greater access to a growing market. Phil and Dave speak about the importance of finding people with different strengths to drive the co-op and why 'people skills' are critical. Topics covered: •Forming a co-operative with a deadline: Making it happen fast with a clear objective •How the co-op model provides economic return and collective marketing strength •The impact of COVID 19 •The purchasing of collective commercial equipment •Disseminating information with members through a newsletter •Navigating difficult personalities: finding common ground •Find a mediator with good people skills and following meeting procedures •Different way of communicating with members •Making it work: You have to have a strong goal, enthusiasm, and enough members and expert advice. •Following a holistic management framework: What are you really trying to do? •The growing garlic market •You need four people with the following strengths: Finance, Marketing/Sales, •Production, a People skills Resources: Braidwood garlic website Become a garlic grower Braidwood garlic newsletters Instagram

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Farming Together, brought to you by Southern Cross University. A conversation between host Farming Together Program manager Amanda Scott and the farmer, fisher and forestry groups which were supported by the University’s program. You will hear how groups worked collaboratively to build stronger, more resilient farming communities in the face of increasingly complex environmental, economic and social challenges.