The Cooperative Development Center is at the forefront in creating innovative cooperative strategies that link rural food producers with consumers of their produce. The Center can provide a multitude of services, including market/feasibility studies, business plan formation, financing, and more. Just in the last six months the OEOC has:

• Assisted in the creation and operations of the Lake To River Cooperative in the greater Youngstown area, an effort that has provided new markets for local produce and agricultural products, including providing fresh locally grown produce to regional schools.
• Has assisted in the ongoing planning and creation of an additional 5 regional "food hubs" around the state of Ohio, providing additional markets for agricultural goods, and providing access to fresh produce to under-served rural areas.