Co-op Week --- a reflection of our co-operative history

Our co-operative heritage for Ontario agriculture co-ops dates back 100 years. It was in 1914 that this united agricultural-based co-op network began when a group of farm leaders met and developed the concept of connecting Ontario farmers into one organization.

But it is not only agriculture co-ops that take part in this annual weekly celebration called Co-op Week. The co-op sector has deep roots in Canada. 

In the late 19th century, farmers in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada developed co-operative creameries and cheese factories to meet the needs of the growing dairy industry. Alphonse Desjardins founded Canada’s first caisse populaire in Lévis, Quebec in 1900. And in the first decade of the 20th century, farmers in western Canada organized co-operatives in an effort to market their products.

Co-op Week has been celebrated by francophones throughout Canada since 1958. In 1981 celebrations were held among Anglophone co-ops in the Maritimes and Saskatchewan. The event went national in 1982 with the encouragement of the Co-operative Union of Canada, a predecessor of the Canadian Co-perative Association.

During Co-op week, fundraising efforts from GROWMARK Ontario employees are geared towards supporting the Co-operative Development Foundation that provides financial support and guidance to global communities in need of a new start through co-operative practices.