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