“Unlike other consultants, there is no bullshit. Except when it’s actual bull shit.”
 

Cooper Agricultural Services, LLC

Cooper Agricultural Services, LLC collaborates with university researchers, food and farm organizations, Cooperative Extension, agribusiness, food preparers, and individual producers to leverage USDA investment, create new market opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver sound technical information on sustainable and innovative agronomic practices to the industry.

Since 2016, we have helped organizations in Georgia access over $1 million in Federal funds annually. Although we are based in the Peach State, our work is nationwide.

 

Our services include —

Working with Eric Simpson and the West Georgia Farmers Cooperative.

Working with Eric Simpson and the West Georgia Farmers Cooperative.

  • Private foundation grants
  • USDA Rural Development Value-Added Program Grant (VAPG)
  • USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy for America Program Grant (REAP)
  • USDA AMS Farmers Market Promotion Grant (FMPP)
  • USDA AMS Local Food Promotion Grant (LFPP)
  • USDA OAO "2501" Grant
  • USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Grant (BFRDP)
  • USDA FSA/NRCS Outreach Grants
  • Other agricultural and non-agricultural Federal grant programs
  • Market analysis, marketing plans, and feasibility studies
  • Multimedia and content marketing
  • Technical conservation, management, and safety plans and related operational documents
  • Locally-sourced supply chain solutions
  • Strategic communications advising
  • Technological research and practical implementation
“We have had the good fortune to work with Donn on a number of grants awarded to Georgia Organics through his efforts and are always impressed with his professionalism. There are so many skills that go into successful grant writing; attention to detail, crunching numbers and timely reporting. Donn Cooper possesses all of these and more. What impresses most is his ability to transform thoughts, needs and words into ‘grant speak’ – a true art.”
— Anthony-Masterson Photography + Films

Donn Cooper

Moderating the Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable with Jenni Harris, White Oak Pastures; Julia Gaskin, UGA Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator; and Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black.

Moderating the Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable with Jenni Harris, White Oak Pastures; Julia Gaskin, UGA Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator; and Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black.

Donn Cooper is the founder and CEO of Cooper Agricultural Services, LLC, which offers a range of financial, marketing, and political consulting services to help farmers, food preparers, farm-centered nonprofits, and agribusinesses to identify market opportunities, integrate dynamic initiatives, and capitalize on emerging consumer food trends.

Cooper is a partner in his family's farming operation in North Georgia, which currently comprises over 10,000 USDA organic and pasture-raised laying hens, a 500-head cow-calf herd, and a retail Christmas tree operation that celebrated its 35th year in operation in 2015. He has managed a no-spray market garden on his family farm, a farm-to-table organic operation serving the historic Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island National Seashore, and the local farmers market in Athens, Georgia in its early years. After working with the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to promote new research into resource conservation and ecosystem management on commodity farms in South Georgia, he became the Farmer Services Coordinator for Georgia Organics, one of the leading nonprofits serving producers employing alternative production systems and marketing strategies.

Donn Cooper, U.S. Representative Austin Scott, and Michael Wall, Georgia Organics Director of Programs

Donn Cooper, U.S. Representative Austin Scott, and Michael Wall, Georgia Organics Director of Programs

At Georgia Organics, Cooper led a multi-year project providing outreach and technical resources to beginning farmers and ranchers. His collaboration with UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the Small Business Development Center has spawned a new impetus to provide robust business training to farmers in the state. In addition to leading workshops, farm tours, and conferences across Georgia, he produced over 50 short technical videos designed to help small farmers implement operational efficiencies. 

Cooper speaks regularly on small farm economics, farm and food trends, and alternative marketing schemes. He has also served as a political consultant and speechwriter. His writing has been published in Growing America, Southeast Farm Press, Vegetable Grower News, Fruit Grower News, Oxford American, among others.

Since 2012, Cooper has served as a member of the following organizations:

Georgia Organics, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Cattlemen's Association, Georgia Farmers Market Association, West Georgia Farmers Cooperative, Georgia Farm Bureau, UGA Sustainable and Organic Production Team, Southern SARE Advisory Committee, Team Agriculture Georgia, Georgia Sustainable Agriculture Consortium, Georgia NRCS State Technical Committee, Sunbelt Ag Expo Exhibitor Committee, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and Southeast Young and Beginning Farmers Alliance

PARTNERS

consultants 

Cooper Agricultural Services, LLC works with a set of skilled contractors on individual projects. Their expertise includes intensive production methods, organic and conservation regulations, and robust data analysis. Please contact us to learn more about our full suite of services.