Stroud Micro Dairy is now a Co-operative!
Frequently Asked Questions
Stroud Micro Dairy is now a registered co-op and the first community owned dairy co-op in the UK.
Why a co-op?
It is the best way to secure our community’s future access to dairy; dairy that they can trust will be good for them and good for the environment. Members of the co-operative can have a say in the way that their food is produced, and even how much it costs. In this, SMD is the first dairy in the UK, although it hopes to be the first of many.
What is a multi-stakeholder co-op?
A cooperative is a business that is owned and run by its members who therefore share the profits or benefits, and have a say in how it is run. SMD is a multi-stakeholder cooperative made up of staff, community members and social investors.
How did we achieve co-operative ownership of SMD?
The first step in becoming a co-operative was to register with Co-op UK. Not only did we submit an application, we also secured funding from Hive (part of Co-op UK) to pay for an advisory consultant. He worked with Kees Frederiks our founding farmer, and our other directors, to get us to the next step, which was to fundraise to buy the majority of the value of the business from Kees Frederiks, the founder of SMD. This was achieved in spring 2022 and the dairy became fully co-operatively owned.
What are the benefits of being part of a co-operative?
Firstly, the future of the dairy will be secured because the community will own it, not one person. Secondly, members of the co-operative will have food sovereignty. In other words, they will have a say in how their dairy is produced, what is produced, or even how much it costs. Thirdly, you should get a financial return for your investment if you invest.
Can I get my money back?
At the discretion of directors, after 3 years following investment. Restrictions on withdrawals are possible if the directors deem it necessary to strengthen the cash position of the co-operative; so you should expect to be able to withdraw funds progressively over a period of a few years.
Can I claim back part of my investment against my tax using EIS?
No, unfortunately agriculture is one of the industries not eligible for EIS.
How can I find out more about the Stroud Micro Dairy share offer?
Our current share offer is now closed, but if you would like more information, please contact us at hello@stroudmicrodairy.co.uk.
I am already invested in Oakbrook Farm - how does this affect me?
If you are already invested in Oakbrook Farm that is no problem. Investments were still possible in Stroud Micro Dairy up to a maximum of £20,000.