Open and Voluntary Membership

"Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances."

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All are welcome here. If you raise or are interested in raising mealworm, you have a purpose here!  We need your ideas and we want you to share you questions and expertise with other farmers. 

Democratic Member Control

"Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Elected representatives (directors/trustees) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner."

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While we don't (yet) have elected representatives in this co-op, we do listen to every idea and suggestion you provide. This site, above all else, is for YOU. If you want a feature added here, please send us an email and voice your opinion. 

Members’ Economic Participation

"Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership."

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This website is free to use by all members and nonmembers alike. However, this site cannot run by itself. It requires basic domain subscription and maintenance fees. Members who wish to donate or advertise their product or company on our Sponsored Links page are encouraged to do so.  At the very least, we suggest all members contribute in the Forums. Human capital is the most cherished currency here!  None of this exists if we don't work cooperatively to improve mealworm farming.

Autonomy and Independence

"Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity."

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Our Forums are the heart of this co-op. It is controlled by fellow members (moderators) who maintain the integrity and purpose of these forums, following a set list of rules. Self-promotion and advertising, for example, is prohibited to help maintain the integrity and unique identity of this cooperative. All sponsored ads are related to the topic of mealworms and insect culture, and are intended to raise capital to support the ongoing progress of this cooperative.

Education, Training, and Information

"Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, helps boost cooperative understanding."

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Education, training, and information are vital when it comes to effective mealworm farming. This site strives to provide as much research, data, and anecdotal information possible, so new and seasoned farmers can make the best decisions for their farms. We provide results from collegiate research, years of practice, and even from a mealworm farming census we gave to farmers last year to provide a well-rounded view of current farming best practices. On top of all of this, we rely on the Forums to help disseminate this information, as well as new information that curious farmers are testing and evaluating themselves.  

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

"By working together through local, national, regional, and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs."

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It is our goal in the coming months to branch out into other etymological fields, such as edible insects and applications in permaculture gardens. By seeking outside sponsorships, we intend to form alliances with otherwise separate fields of interest, all for the advancement and applicaiton of the mealworm farming profession.  We encourage all mealworm farmers to sell locally when possible, and to form their own local alliances with businesses in their communities. 

Concern for Community

"Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership."

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Mealworm farmers have great success when they collaborate with each other to learn best practices, and then apply those practices with their own farms. This collaborative international business structure supports local communities as well, through indirectly improving the quality and awareness of the mealworm farming industry.