1. Mission

The mission of Obborra Farmers Union is to empower and serve its oborra farmers by providing them with their cooperative collective strength to improve their economic well-being, ensure the long-term sustainability of their farms, and build a thriving rural community. This is achieved by operating a democratically controlled, user-owned, and user-benefitting business model.

2. Core Values

The following values define the union's identity and guide all its actions:
1. Democratic Member Control: The union is owned and governed by its members. Each member has an equal voice and vote in electing the leadership and deciding on major policies.
2. Member Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to the union's capital. Any surplus (profit) is reinvested in the union's services or distributed back to member cooperatives based on their use of the union, not on investment shares.
3. Autonomy and Independence: The union is a self-help organization controlled by its members, even when entering into agreements with other organizations.
4. Education and Training: The union provides training and information to its members to develop their farming skills, business knowledge, and understanding of the cooperative model.
5. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: The union will actively strengthen the cooperative movement by working with other local, national, or international cooperatives.
6. Concern for Community: While focusing on members' needs, the union works for the sustainable development of its local communities.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The union's responsibilities are centered on supporting member cooperatives and ensuring the union's success. These duties can be categorized by the type of support provided.

A. For the Union and Its Governance
• Democratic Governance: Ensure all members have a voice. Elect a skilled Board of Directors to set policies, approve budgets, and hire professional management.
• Financial Stewardship: Secure fair financing for operations and member loans, manage resources transparently, and ensure the union is financially sustainable.
• Leadership Development: Invest in strong leadership by hiring experienced managers and training members in governance to guide the union's growth.
• Strategic Marketing: Develop and invest in marketing strategies to build the union's brand and ensure members' products achieve the best possible market position and prices.

B. For Member-Cooperatives' Economic Empowerment
• Collective Bargaining: Pool members' produces and resources to negotiate better prices for outputs (crops, livestock) and lower costs for inputs (seeds, fertilizer).
• Access to Markets & Services: Market members' products collectively to access larger markets and premium segments. Provide essential services like transport, storage, processing, and distribution.
• Supply & Input Procurement: Purchase farm supplies (fuel, equipment, fertilizer) in bulk to pass on significant cost savings to members.
• Access to Credit:Establish or connect members to cooperative credit or loan services to finance farm operations and investments.
• Risk Mitigation: Help members build resilience against economic and environmental shocks through pooled resources, shared equipment, and education on sustainable practices.

C. For the Community and Sustainable Development
• Rural Development: Be an anchor institution that creates local jobs, supports other local businesses, and improves the overall quality of life in the Cluster.
• Education & Capacity Building: Train farmers in modern, sustainable agricultural techniques, financial literacy, and cooperative management to ensure long-term success.
• Infrastructure Investment: Advocate for and help develop critical rural infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and water systems, which are foundational for farming success.
• Promoting Sustainability: Educate and support members in adopting farming methods that protect the environment and adapt to climate change.