Organic Growers of Alabama Cooperative, A Loosely Fitted Cooperative: Nurturing the Community and Growing Together

The age-old connection between the people and the land is something that seven women, who have organized themselves into a loosely fitted cooperative, are reviving. In the process of growing together as members of a cooperative, these women in Macon County, Alabama, are not only promoting healthy living and nurturing community, but are also addressing the issue of food security by making nutritious affordable produce and other agricultural products available to their community. Additionally, they are illustrating alternative strategies of community and economic development. This article examines why they chose the structure of a loosely fitted cooperative over a traditional or formal cooperative, how relationship building and partnering has been integral to their individual and collective success, and what their aspirations are