The cooperative business form has gained widespread respect in value-added agriculture as a way for producers to retain ownership of the produce as it moves through the supply chain. However, the cooperative model is also being extended to public services in sparsely populated rural areas that otherwise would be without these services. Cooperative business forms are becoming a major tool in local economic development and they are being used in innovative ways to serve rural constituents. This authoritative source identifies and explains many of the issues involved in creating and managing these business efforts. Leading scholars trace the history of cooperatives, describe various approaches involved, and examine the effects that cooperatives can have on rural communities. Chapters include research on cooperatives that cannot be found elsewhere. For example, the chapter devoted to new cooperative law is written by the author of the original law. Included also are chapters on social capital and consumer cooperatives that are groundbreaking. Written for the student, researcher, and policy maker, this volume is unique in providing in-depth research findings on the broad spectrum of issues facing the creation and management of cooperatives.