Cooperative - sustany/dvg GitHub Wiki

A cooperative, often called a co-op, is any association of farmers, businesses, or manufacturers who work together to process, prepare, market, handle products, supplies, and/or services provided that the association operates for the benefits of its members. A cooperative operates for the benefits of its members by giving earnings in proportion to each of the member�s effort.�

Under the United States Code, Title 12 Chapter 7A, an association must meet at least one out of three requirements to be a cooperative. First, each member of the association is only allowed one vote. Second, the association must not pay dividends on stock or membership capital over 8 percent per annum. Third, the association must not deal with products, supplies, or services with nonmembers if such dealings are greater in value than such dealings with its members.