Cooperative Identity - Definition, Values and Principles

Definition

·         A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

Values

·         Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.

·  In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

Principles

·     Voluntary and Open Membership – Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all person able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

·    Democratic Member Control – Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.  Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.  In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights – one member, one vote – and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

·  Members’ Economic Participation – Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.  At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative.  They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.  Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

·     Autonomy and Independence – Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.  If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

·    Education, Training and Information – Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.  They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

·     Cooperation Among Cooperatives – Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

·     Concern for Community – While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

Policy Statements:

      To promote, foster and encourage rural cooperation.

      To promote a better understanding of problems relating to agricultural cooperatives and to assist in achieving a closer relationship among rural cooperatives in Idaho .

      To assist in determining the need for agricultural cooperatives in Idaho and when such need has been determined to encourage and assist in the organization and maintenance of
 such cooperatives

      To assist in coordinating efforts and activities among agricultural cooperative, farm organizations, farmers, public officials and others interested in strengthening and advancing the
cooperative movements

      To sponsor education programs to create a better understanding on the part of farmers and the public of the principles, purpose, organization and operation of agricultural cooperatives and to assist agricultural cooperatives, farm organizations, those engaged in teaching, research and agricultural extension work and other, in the planning and promotion of such educational activities.

      To promote the efficient and economical transportation of agricultural products and supplies through cooperation with the transportation industry, public officials, farm organizations, those engaged in teaching, research and agricultural extension work and others interested in promoting the same objective.

      To work for the enactment of laws which will promote the interest of agriculture, the agricultural cooperative movement and the public interest.

      To engage in any other activity which will help to promote the interest of agriculture and the agricultural cooperative movement and to cooperate with other state and national organizations who have similar objectives.

      To have, exercise and enjoy all powers how or here-after granted to corporations under the laws of the State of Idaho, and particularly all the powers and privileges granted to corporations under Chapter 10, Title 30, Idaho Code, and present and/or future amendments thereto, and to do any act or thing necessary to carry into effect any and all of the aforementioned purposes.

Idaho Cooperatives Marketing Act
    We support the Idaho Cooperative Marketing Act in the Idaho Code as a viable vehicle for the establishment and operation of agricultural co-ops in Idaho .  We support the procedure of requiring industry endorsement from the Idaho Co-op Council for any revisions of Idaho co-op laws brought to the legislature.

Development of Cooperatives in Idaho
    We support and encourage the development of cooperatives, agricultural and non-agricultural, to meet the needs of supplies, markets and services, for people in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest .

USDA Cooperative Support
    We support funding through Congress for the USDA Rural Business Development which provides educational materials and industry information valuable to co-ops across America .

The ICC recommends sound environmental practices to ensure clean air and water. These practices should be based on scientific research with a balanced response of public opinion. Each environmental practice must be evaluated as to the fiscal and social impact on the individual and society.

Policy Statements:

Agricultural Crop Protection Products
We support the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and their jurisdiction for regulating agricultural crop protection products (CPP).

We support reasonable regulation of use and storage of agricultural CPP's, and dissemination of factual information on their need, use, hazards and safety.

We support sound, scientifically validated evidence to warrant curtailment of legal application or storage of agricultural CPP's on agricultural land.

We recognize that, due to improved testing technologies, a negligible tolerance rather than a "zero" tolerance evaluation should be used in registering agricultural CPP's.

We support legislation to facilitate the registration and re-registration of minor use crop protection products.

Stream Channel Protection Act
We support legislation to provide for appropriation and transfer of adequate funds from the Fish and Game Department to the Department of Water Resources for administration of the Stream Channel Protection Act.

Aerial Applicators
We recognize the importance of aerial applicators to the agricultural community and support regulations that allow these applicators to continue to meet the demands of our industry. We encourage compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding the safe use of crop protection products.

Air Quality
We support efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment. We support the Idaho Legislature in requiring the State Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to promulgate rules consistent with and not in excess of the federal law. We support the Idaho State Department of Agriculture as the state agency to monitor air quality in Idaho.

Food Quality Protection Act - FQPA
We support the efforts by Food Producers of Idaho, the Idaho Congressional Delegation, the University of Idaho, the crop protection products (CPP) industry and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture in compiling factual information related to chemical use in agriculture. We support efforts to delay further implementation of restrictions on use of CPP's by EPA until actual CPP use data has been obtained. We further support that USDA become more involved in the FQPA review and implementation on behalf of agriculture producers in the U.S. We encourage full support of Idaho agricultural cooperatives in providing use data to the Minor Crop Alliance Committee to aid in compiling actual CPP use data.

Noxious Weeds in Idaho
We support funding from the General Fund and through a broad assessment of all citizens of Idaho to generate funds to control and combat noxious weeds on all Idaho lands. We support the establishment of Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMA's) in Idaho and that aggressive action should be taken by these CWMA's for the control and elimination of noxious weeds. We further support annual reporting by the Noxious Weed Advisory Board to the state legislature on the progress and costs of controlling noxious weeds in Idaho. We support the efforts of the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign (IWAC) in their efforts in education and public awareness about the identification, control and eradication of noxious weeds in Idaho. We encourage county, state, federal and private groups to support this program.

Funding Noxious Weed Control in Idaho
We support reinstatement of the $1.00/tire tax on all tires (except for recaps) sold in Idaho as a method of funding a Noxious Weed Control Fund to provide necessary monies for fighting and controlling noxious weeds in our state. We recommend that this fund should be ongoing with annual financial reports submitted to a germane committee of the Senate and House Agriculture Affairs Committee. We support that this tire assessment be collected and administered through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Crop Residue Disposal
We support the classification of crop residue as a biodegradable solid waste and that administration of programs to regulate and enforce crop residue disposal management should be under the direction of the Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Field Burning
We support field burning as an approved agriculture practice and a necessary tool for some commodities in Idaho. We endorse the field burning guidelines and procedures established by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and encourage producers to abide by these guidelines. We support ISDA as the governing agency for monitoring the field burning activities in Idaho. We support continued research for exploring alternative methods to field burning.

Right to Farm
We support the Right to Farm legislation as a method of maintaining an environment in rural Idaho that allows the generally accepted best management practices for production agriculture to occur and be used by Idaho producers.

Bio-control or Natural Pest Control
We support continued research for the development of alternate, environmentally sound crop protection products.

Noxious Weed Free Hay
We support the cooperation of all federal and state land agencies to require that only certified noxious weed free hay be allowed on federal and state lands.

Environmental Oversight
We support the designation of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture as the regulatory agency for implementing and monitoring any environmental regulation related to agriculture production and/or processing.

Farm Credit

The ICC promotes the availability of farm credit at competitive rates and terms for viable economic farm and farm-related enterprises.

Policy Statements:

Farm Credit System
We endorse the Farm Credit System and legislation that will improve the viability and integrity of the system. We also endorse local control of the system.

Mediation
    We support voluntary debt mediation. We believe that mediation can prove helpful in facilitating dialogue between financially stressed farm borrowers and their lenders and can help develop reasonable and responsible resolution of differences between farm creditors and borrowers facing financial difficulties.

Supplier Liens
    We support extending credit with perfected and reliable chattel security as a positive and necessary method for farmers to obtain loans. We encourage lenders and suppliers to work together in a fair and simple way to accomplish the following:
  *  enabling both the supplier and the lender to calculate, in advance, their risk positions
  *  discouraging unsound credit practices by lenders and suppliers
  *  providing notification to the lender of any supplier lien so that the lender can monitor his loan.

Central Filing System
We support the State of Idaho in establishing and maintaining a Central Filing System as a clearing house for all liens filed in the State of Idaho. This data base of information is vital to the transactions at all levels of agriculture purchasing and loans.

The ICC recognizes the existence and necessity for farm programs as a device to control over production and as an attempt to provide equality for producers of farm products.

Policy Statements:

Farm Programs
We support farm programs that stimulate markets and enable farmers to generate farm income through marketing of products rather than government payments.

Planting Specific Crops
We support farm income support benefits to be applied equitable between all eligible crops such that planting decisions are driven by the market and not by farm program benefits.

Language of Farm Programs
We support clearer statements and interpretations of language in farm programs enabling a clearer understanding by all individuals.

Timing of Farm Programs
We recommend that Congress be more timely in the announcement of annual farm program regulations.

Farm Commodity Programs
We recommend that individual farmers be more thoroughly advised as to the financial consequences of all Federal Farm Commodity programs if there are changes in the market prices of the commodities involved.

USDA Risk Management
We support the expansion of the USDA Risk Management Program in Idaho. We support th inclusion of as many counties as possible for collection of data in order to expedite the implementation of the USDA Risk Management Program.

Specialty Crops
We support funding for research and market development for specialty crops grown in Idaho. Idaho's climate, soil and water enables Idaho agriculture to produce a wide variety of specialty crops. The protection of the specialty crop industry is dependent upon state and federal agency support of these important commodities.

The ICC supports a responsible, efficient and fiscally sound government for the citizens of Idaho.

Policy Statements:

Performance Audits
We support performance audits for all agencies and departments of Idaho State government. We believe performance audits provide a vehicle for review to tax-payers and state agencies.

Election Consolidation
We support legislation that consolidates elections, including school district elections, and that creates uniform procedures for voter registration and the conduct of elections.

State Director of Agriculture
We support the appointment of a director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture who possesses the skills to provide quality leadership, vision and direction for the agricultural industry. We support the appointment of an individual possessing competence in communication, working with people and understanding the challenges of agriculture in Idaho. We support the appointment of a director who can be endorsed by the commodity and agricultural organizations in Idaho.

Initiatives
We support the initiative process in Idaho as a method for citizens to express themselves on issues. We support a legislative review of the initiative process in Idaho and strict adherence to the rules governing the process.

Re-licensing of Dams
We support the re-licensing of all power generating dams in the Northwest region.

Private Property Rights
We support an amendment to the Idaho Constitution to protect the rights of the citizens to full use of their property without limitation of use or economic impact. However, if in the public interest limitation or economic impact (take or partial take) occurs we support laws that provides fair compensation to the property owner.

Commodity Indemnity Fund
We support the Commodity Indemnity Fund (CIF) and believe that it serves the growers as an important insurance fund against loss of revenue due to failure of commodity warehouses and commodity dealers in Idaho.

Bonding
We support bonding of commodity warehouses as set forth in Idaho Code 69-208A as established by the Legislature with a minimum bond of $25,000 and a maximum of $500,000. We support increasing the bonding levels of commodity dealers as set forth in Idaho Code 69-506 as established by the Legislature, with a surrent maximum of $25,000, to a level that more accurately reflects an indexed dollar volume of business that a commodity dealer transacts with Idaho growers. We support the periodic review by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to ensure that bonding levels are maintained at a rate relevant to current economic trends.

Seed Indemnity Fund
We support the creation of a Seed Indemnity Fund (SIF) to serve as an insurance fund for the seed industry against the loss of revenue due to failure of seed warehouses in Idaho.

The ICC supports and encourages co-op involvement in activities and organizations that enhance our industry and the members of cooperatives.

Policy Statements:

Idaho Preferred
    We support the "Idaho Preferred" program. In an effort to promote Idaho producers, we encourage all consumers, businesses, and state agencies to purchase those items which are identified by the "Idaho Preferred" logo. We encourage continued funding of this program.

Buy Idaho
    We support the "Buy Idaho" campaign and encourage cooperatives, state agencies, and other businesses to support the campaign and purchase items made in Idaho when possible for the operation of cooperative businesses.

Food Producers of Idaho
    We support annual voting membership with Food Producers of Idaho. We further support activities sponsored by Food Producers as a way of collaborating with other ag organizations and commodity groups to showcase the Ag Industry.

Agriculture Natural Resource Industry - Political Action Committee - ANRI-PAC
We support the ANRI-PAC for Idaho agriculture and recommend that the Idaho Cooperative Council, Inc. maintain a position on the board of directors of ANRI-PAC to represent Idaho agricultural cooperatives in determining support of state political candidates who endorse the needs of the agriculture industry/co-ops and the members we represent.

Crop Protection Product Labels and Licensing
We support the proper use of labeled crop protection products. We encourage all co-ops in Idaho to work cooperatively with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture in the implementation of its CPP and educational programs related to labels and licensing. We further support this education as a method of protecting the public and ensuring safe, effective use and application of crop protection products in our state.

Friend of the Co-op Industry
We support the annual recognition of legislative leaders who have displayed a commitment to Idaho Agriculture and the cooperative industry through their participation and loyalty. We recommend that these legislative leaders be recognized at the ICC/FFA Legislative Breakfast and that this recognition be made public following the event.

Women for Active Organizational Involvement
We support the active involvement of women in the advancement of the co-op industry as a whole and further support that cooperatives work to actively involve women in the co-op industry on a local, state and national level.

Executive Institute for Northwest Cooperatives
We support the combined efforts of the cooperative councils of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Montana and Alaska along with regional cooperatives that comprise the Executive Institute for Northwest Cooperatives. We further support and encourage Idaho cooperatives to utilize the education/training available through the annual Regional Cooperative Meeting.

The ICC promotes trade policies that are developed for the purpose of promoting growth in world trade rather than to restrict or retard growth.

Policy Statements:

Export Embargoes
We support the national security of our country. We do not support embargoes on agriculture exports by our government for political reasons.

Market Development
We support a coordinated effort by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, the Idaho Department of Commerce and Idaho's universities in developing markets in and out of Idaho for Idaho products. We support adequate funding by the legislature for salary and operations of the Idaho Trade Offices for market development.

Value Added Industry
We support promotion for development of value added agricultural industries in Idaho.

The ICC recognizes the value of an adequate labor force for agriculture and supports programs and policies that treat both employees and employers fairly.

Worker's Compensation
We support allowing the option for employers to cover an employee's benefits up to $1000 per incident, rather than having the Worker's Compensation claim count against their experience. We recognize that minor bills impact the rate of worker's compensation coverage. We support the current procedure of notification of the employee's insurance carrier of these minor claims.

The ICC recognizes the importance of a strong fiscal base for the operation of our society.

Policy Statements:

Estate Tax Exemptions
We support the current marital deduction provided for spouses and support raising the unified credit.
This exemption should be periodically reviewed and adjustment made to reflect current economic trends.

Balanced Budget
We support a balanced state and federal budget.

Distribution of Surplus Funds
We support the equitable return of state surplus funds to the counties for the reconstruction of county bridges.

Capital Gains Tax
We support the "stepped up" basis currently provided for at the time of death and recommend this provision be retained. However, we further recommend that there be a reduction in the capital gains tax rate.

Inflation
We support a monetary and fiscal policy that controls inflation and increases productivity.

Economic Development
We support tax legislation that encourages private initiative, economic growth, equity and simplicity.

Investment Tax Credit
We support continuation of the investment tax credit in Idaho.

Production Exemption
We support retention of the production exemption within the framework of the Idaho Sales Tax laws.

Property Tax Relief
We support legislation that provides more equitable per-capita taxation for Idaho residents, currently not provided by property taxes.

Unclaimed Patronage Refunds
We support the retention of unclaimed patronage refunds by the local co-op to be used to stimulate business, for scholarships or for any legal purpose. We support retention of 20% or $20,000, whichever is less, to be paid to patrons if they are identified and found.

State Lottery
We support retaining the original intent of the legislation for the disposition of lottery proceeds.

Property Taxes and Impact Fees
We support impact fees to aid in the controlled development and growth of communities in Idaho.

Deferred Payment of Commodities
We support judicial and legislative efforts of allowing deferred payments on commodities as a tax planning tool with recognition of income in the year income is actually received.

Agriculture Economics Study
We support a periodic economic study by the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Agriculture Economics and Rural Sociology to assess the full impact of agriculture's contribution to Idaho's economy with all multiplier effects considered. We further support that the findings from this study be made known to members of the Idaho Legislature, state leaders and the general public in explaining the impact of agriculture on our state's economy.

Bond Levy
We support a two-thirds majority as a requirement to pass a bond levy.

The ICC recognizes the need to preserve and protect our state and country's natural beauty and resources. We also recognize the importance of an adequate energy sup-ply to our industry. We encourage programs to protect our natural resources while still meeting the needs of our industry.

Policy Statements:

Idaho's Water
Idaho's water is a valuable resource to the state. We support a water plan that protects Idaho's water for industry (agribusiness/transportation), environment and recreation and that alterations to this plan must come only after adequate scientific research and fiscal impact studies of proposed changes. We endorse state and individual water rights.

Government Intervention
We support legislation that restricts the involvement of the Federal Government or special interest groups who attempt to interfere with Idaho water.

Water Quality
We recognize the need to maintain the quality of Idaho's water resources.

Fossil Fuels
We support the mining and drilling of fossil fuels. We believe they should be taken in such a manner that minimizes disruption of the environment. We recognize the possibilities of using other forms of energy and support research in this area.

Ethanol
We support the use of ethanol for an octane enhancer in fuels. We support the tax incentives for ethanol blended fuels that are manufactured from products raised in Idaho. We support the development of ethanol plants in Idaho.

Atomic Energy
We recognize the importance of nuclear energy in meeting our future energy needs. We urge the development of permanent disposal sites for radioactive waste material that will not endanger any underground water supplies.

Public Lands
We support multiple use management of public lands within Idaho with due regard for the rights of traditional users. We further support that weed control and rangeland management practices as established by the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture be maintained on all public lands.

Refined Fuel Storage Tanks Insurance Fund
We support an insurance fund with a $1 million cover-age and support a deductible of at least $10,000 and that the standards of the Idaho law be equal to but no greater than the federal laws. We support the administration of the fund by the Industrial Accident Fund.

Industry Advisory Board
We support the adoption of the federal rules and regulations regarding refined fuel storage tanks and support the appointment of an Industry Advisory Board for monitoring those rules and regulations.

Idaho Private Property Coalition
We support the Idaho Private Property Coalition and believe that property owners should be adequately compensated when government restricts the use of their property.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
We support the management of all Endangered Species by the State of Idaho and not the federal government. We feel that listing or introduction of any endangered specie in Idaho should only occur after extensive study, public input and resulting effects are explored and documented.

Clean Water Act
We support the agriculture industry's commitment to reducing non-point source pollution. We support volunteer nutrient/pesticide management. We encourage all agriculture interests to use Best Management Practices as guide-lines for protecting our water. We support and encourage the Idaho Congressional Delegation to work to ensure that agriculture's progressive history of pollution abatement is recognized in all federal water legislation.

Alternative Energy
We support development dollars and incentives to explore alternatives forms of energy that might protect our precious and limited natural resources. We support financial establishing financial opportunities for producers and industries who will explore alternative forms of energy.

Idaho Water Coalition
We support the purpose and mission of the Idaho Water Coalition and believe that the Coalition exists for the support of water users in Idaho.

Cell Towers
We support the cooperation and communication between utilities, landowners, and government officials as to the placing of cell towers. We support that these locations be carefully selected as to not interrupt approved agricultural practices.

The ICC recognizes the importance of Rural Electric Cooperative (REA's) and Rural Telephone Cooperatives (RTA's) in serving Idaho.

Policy Statements:

Cooperative Utilities
We support the existence of cooperatives and private rural telephone and rural electric companies in Idaho. We recognize that they are vital and essential to Idaho consumers. We encourage these companies to provide services at competitive and fair rates.

The ICC supports the maintenance of a quality and diverse transportation system for the agriculture industry in Idaho

Policy Statements:

Farm to Market Roads and Bridges
We support a simplified, equitable method of calculating farm and commercial truck licensing fees in Idaho that takes into account the seasonal and limited mileage use of many farm and agricultural trucks.

Freight Rates
We support open disclosure of all freight rates that apply to transporting farm commodities.

Licensing Agricultural Vehicles
We support the continues use of unlicensed agricultural vehicles to transport farm supplies and products.

Operator's Age
We support the agriculture exemption for youth to operate licensed vehicles on public roadways in Idaho.
Waterways and Water Transportation in Idaho
We support the protection of Idaho's waterways for the movement of agricultural commodities and supplies allowing for enhancement and growth in markets for Idaho products and manufactured goods. We support the efforts to maintain the current system of dams on the Columbia River and Snake River as an efficient way to handle Idaho water and for the value of transportation of Idaho commodities.

Railroad Access
We support federal legislation mandating that railroads provide competitive access by captive railroad shippers to the nearest competitive railroad. We further support close government scrutiny of all U.S. and Canadian railroad operations to protect the users and consumers of commodities/products transported by rail. We further support the maintenance of short-line systems throughout Idaho as a method of moving products from rural communities to the mainline systems.

Truck Weights
We support the increase of maximum truck weights in Idaho to 129,000 pounds. We further support that these trucks meet all established requirements for proper axle weight distribution formulas. We further support the elimination of the federal highway fee on maximum gross vehicle weight limits to allow a more equal and fair interstate system of vehicle weights.

Lower Columbia Channel Improvement
We support the deepening of the lower Columbia River shipping channel to 43 feet to accommodate the new cargo load limits. We support the elimination of the current 40 feet, which prohibits the normal operating capacity of these vessels and thereby increases shipping costs to the producers.

Ton Mile Tax
We support registration fees to replace the ton-mile tax only if an agriculture/non-commercial registration category for hauling an individual's own products is available.

Nonpayment of Motor Fuels
We support increased penalties for nonpayment of motor fuels purchased for motor vehicles by driving away in that motor vehicle without having made due payment or authorized charges for the motor fuel dispensed. We support the Department of Transportation efforts to increase penalties for this action in addition to the current penalties provided for in Idaho Code section 18-2408.

We support implementation of regulations over the pricing of motor fuels at the wholesale and retail levels. We further support that penalties be implemented to prohibit the selling of motor fuels at a cost less than the delivered cost of the motor fuel plus the cost of doing business.