ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) honored Kandiyohi County Farmers Union President Erik Hatlestad with the Cooperative Leadership award during a Nov. 23 awards program.

Hatlestad was instrumental in the establishment of the New London Food Cooperative. He has dedicated his life to the advancement of cooperatively owned enterprises. He is also active in federal policymaking supporting cooperatives.

“I am proud to play a small part in the Minnesota tradition and the Farmers Union tradition of organizing democratically owned enterprises,” Hatlestad said. “As with all cooperative efforts, I could not have done this alone. The New London Food Cooperative is the product of the hard work of many volunteers, hundreds of members, and an entire community. Thank you, Farmers Union, for recognizing our work to build a store that focuses on local farmers and community.”

“I am honored to recognize Erik for his work,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “Establishing cooperatives to meet community needs is a core Farmers Union value. Erik is a modern-day cooperative builder. He is active in supporting cooperative development at the federal, state and local level. Thank you, Erik, for upholding cooperative principles in the 21^st century.”

The 83rd annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention was Nov. 22-24 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, Minneapolis.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org).