By Lindsey Frey and Tom Vogel
“While organic and fair trade are very important, Principle 6 of the 7 International Principles adds support for local economies and quality small-scale production. We hope the P6 boosts sales for these producers and businesses, ”¦ giving shoppers a quick way to identify ”˜best of the best”' products and companies,”'” says Sean Doyle, general manager.
7 International Cooperative Principles.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Democratic Member Control
Member Economic Participation
Autonomy and Independence
Education, Training and Information
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Concern for Community
P6 Products criteria:
Local ”“a product grown or produced in the 5-state region – MN, WI, SD, ND, IA.
Cooperative/nonprofit ”“cooperative ownership of the business, where members have a stake in the business, or nonprofit status.
Small farmer/producer ”“a.) independently owned and operated, and b.) selling direct to store or through a local distributor with a regional distribution area.
Find P6 list of items at: Customer Service Desk, www.seward.coop. www.p6.coop
