A government study that began in 2006 assessing the national economic impact of cooperatives was released Wednesday. The study titled: Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives," shows that more than 29,000 American cooperatives generate revenues of more than $654 billion and employ more than 2 million workers.
"Because of the hard work that USDA and its partners did, the nation now has a more definitive view of the role and economic strength of cooperatives in our economy," Secretary of Tom Vilsack said while introducing the study results. "Historically, cooperatives have always been extremely important to rural America, serving as economic engines and innovators. This study shows how significant their impact is nationwide."
The report listed income at $133 billion for the cooperatives, wages totaled $75 billion. Using a $1.5 million Congressional appropriation, USDA Rural Development worked with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the National Cooperative Business Association and other private-sector associations on this project. The data and findings from the study are at: http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/.
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