Tag: agricultural law

Phil Kenkel

Bill Fitzwater Cooperative Chair, Oklahoma State University

The 1800’s were a period of rapid growth in the U.S. economy.  Rapid industrialization was driven by the expansion of railroads, financed by large banks.  The U.S. government initially encouraged the growth of large scale industry but then became concerned over the power of wealthy individuals.  Industrialist, often referred to as “Robber Barons” took a stranglehold on American Industry.  They formed “trusts” which were corporations or combinations of corporations formed mainly …

Phil Kenkel

Bill Fitzwater Cooperative Chair, Oklahoma State University

The Legal Structure of Cooperatives

In terms of their legal identity, cooperatives are corporations.  Cooperatives are incorporated under separate statutes which gives them some distinct and unique legal features.  This makes it important to understand the legal environment under which cooperatives operate and to understand some of important areas where their legal characteristics differ from other corporations.

As mentioned, cooperatives are a special form of corporation.  A corporation is a separate …

In a typical community supported agriculture (CSA), members pledge to help cover the anticipated costs of the farm’s production for part or all of the growing season. In return, the members receive a portion of the farm’s crops over the period of time specified in the CSA membership agreement, usually summer through early fall. The CSA model allows farmers to get needed capital at the start of the growing season while providing members with fresh locally produced fruits, herbs, meats, …