Question

How did the co-operative movement grow in Denmark?

• A. Through government mandates and subsidies, for example, the establishment of state-controlled agricultural cooperatives.
• B. Through voluntary participation by producers and consumers
• C. Through forced consolidation of small farms into large, state-run enterprises.
• D. Through a top-down approach initiated by wealthy landowners seeking to control the market.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Through voluntary participation by producers and consumers

DENMARK

• The Dairy Farm & Co-operative Hub of Europe

Basic Facts

• Capital: Copenhagen

• Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)

Why is Denmark World-Renowned?

• Known as the “Dairy Farm of Europe”

• Famous for dairying and agricultural co-operation

• No formal Co-operative legislation – the movement grew voluntarily

• Birthplace & promoter of Single Purpose Societies

Called “Co-operative Denmark” due to widespread success in:

• Agriculture

• Dairying

• Consumer goods

• Bacon, Eggs

• Insurance

• Seen as the “Torchbearer of the Co-operative Movement” globally Because of the success of cooperatives in agriculture, dairying, consumer, bacon, egg, insurance etc. the country is also known as cooperative Denmark.

• Co-operatives in Denmark grew as a voluntary movement

Education & Co-operative Awareness:

• Folk High School

• Founded by N.F.S. Grundtvig

• Established as early as 1814 with compulsory education

Aimed at teaching:

• Simple living

• Theory and practice of co-operation

• Academic and life skills

Played a vital role in shaping the co-operative mindset

Three-tiered Schooling System:

• Folk High Schools – Philosophy & co-operative values

• Rural Schools – Household economy, especially for women

• Agricultural Schools – Technical + general education → Referred to as “hot beds” of the co-operative movement