Cooperative Facts

• Agriculture is the nation’s largest employer, with more than 21 million people involved in some phase.
• There are 2 million American farmers -- each belong to 1 or more cooperative.
• Number of Farmer Co-ops Across the U.S.: over 2,500
• Marketing and supply cooperatives account for a third of both total farm sector revenue and input purchases.
• On average, farmers who belong to a supply co-op earn approximately $5500 more per year.
• More than half of the fuel used by farmers is provided by co-ops.
• Total Business Volume in 2008: $191.1 billion
• Total Assets of U.S. Cooperatives in 2008: $57 billion
• Estimated total employment (full-time, part-time, & seasonal): over 250,000
• Total payroll: in excess of $8 billion