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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Cooperative Resource Management Division

The Cooperative Resource Management Division (CRMD) conducts research and provides technical assistance oriented to organizational and business functions common to all cooperatives regardless of commodity interests and size. The division focuses on the general economic, structural, financial, social, competitive, and public policy environment facing all farmer cooperatives.

CRMD staff research explores most aspects of the contemporary cooperative enterprise. Overall objectives are focused:

1. To improve understanding of the unique character of the cooperative form of organization among farmer cooperative patrons and leaders, public policy makers, educators, and the general public.
   
   
2. To improve understanding of the application of cooperative principles to business problems related to organizational structure, operations, finances, governance, and resource management.
   
   
3. To improve the performance of farmer cooperative organizations in increasing the economic welfare of the farmer through development, assessment, and application of financial, strategic, and evaluative tools consistent with both organizational objectives and sound business practices.
   
   
4. To strengthen the role of cooperatives as instruments for economic and social change.

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CRMD has four program areas: strategic management and planning; farm supplies and services; law, policy, and governance; and finance.

Strategic Management and Planning

The Strategic Management and Planning (SM&P) Program improves the development, deployment, and use of cooperatives' resources: human, financial, and physical capital. The program enhances cooperative managerial performance and improves organizational structures and operating efficiencies to better utilize resources for achieving members' economic and other goals. Specific SM&P objectives include improving the understanding and performance of cooperatives in the science of managing essential business operations and assets, with emphasis on human and physical assets. Studies improve the design and encourage the adoption of organizational structures that make the most efficient use of resources by participating in broader cooperative systems and partnerships. The staff encourages the development and adoption of effective strategic planning practices within cooperatives and continues to develop and refine more meaningful ways to assess operational and market performance.


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Farm Supplies and Services

The Farm Supplies and Services (FS&S) Program provides research and technical assistance to farmer cooperatives that sell farm supplies and/or provide farm-related services to members. FS&S helps supply cooperatives improve operating efficiencies by studying and analyzing services to members. The staff analyzes the role, structure, and impact of farm supplies and services cooperatives in rural and agricultural industries. They identify the impact of technological developments and various regulatory, trade, and agricultural policy programs on farm supply cooperative operations.


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Law, Policy, and Governance

The Law, Policy, and Governance (LPG) Program identifies the impacts of changes in Federal legislation, law, regulations, and public policy on cooperatives and their members and assists members in understanding and functioning in the changing environment. It also identifies and analyzes cooperative governance regarding member participation and organization, as affected by socio-economic change. Research focuses on unique cooperative economic, legal, financial, and organizational characteristics and contributions as they relate to public policy toward cooperatives. The staff documents socio-economic changes that provide opportunities for successful cooperative operations in rural areas. Research identifies factors that determine member participation patterns and techniques that enhance member involvement in their cooperatives. Research also serves to determine, analyze, and develop cooperative governance structures that facilitate member control, sound business operations, and realization of member needs and objectives.

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Finance Program

The Finance Program (FP) promotes knowledge and understanding of the principles of cooperative finance and encourages improvement in the financial performance of cooperatives. The staff monitors the financial condition and performance of cooperatives to identify ways they can improve their effectiveness in managing and safeguarding members' investments. Specifically, FP promotes sound and equitable financial structures for agricultural and other rural cooperatives, including programs for equity accumulation and redemption. Data is collected, analyzed, and evaluated for financial condition, trends, and practices that provide benchmarks for measuring financial performance.

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