NorthumberlandThe only dairy that is pure New Brunswick

Co-operative Principles

  1. Open membership - Membership in most is open to all who have need of its services.
  2. Democratic control - Co-operatives are controlled by those whom they serve. The "One member - one vote" rule prevails. Control is from the bottom up, rather from the top down.
  3. Limited interest paid on capital - Limiting the interest or dividend paid on capital stock eliminates speculation in co-operative shares which removes the tendency of investors to influence policy.
  4. Patronage refunds on purchases - This is one of the distinctive characteristics of co - operatives. Co- operatives operate on a cost basis, returning all charges over and above the cost of doing business to patrons in proportion to their purchases from the co - operative. The refund may be in cash, in patronage refund stock, or part cash and part stock.
  5. Neutrality in political or religious issues - This neutrality is observed on all matters that are not vital to the preservation of the co-operative way of doing business.
  6. Constant program of education - Co-operatives should carry on a program of education to keep their members informed about co-operative operations so they can make intelligent decisions concerning the business they own.
  7. Continuous expansion - Co-operatives must, if they are to fulfill their obligation to their patron-owners, help keep abreast of current changes in the business economy.