The Mississippi Association of Cooperatives (MAC) was established in 1972 as an affiliate of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (1967). A nonprofit organization, MAC serves farmers, their families and communities in increasing their livelihood security and improving quality of life. Building from a tradition steeped in the Civil Rights Movement, MAC provides technical assistance and advocates for the needs of its members in the areas of cooperative development and networking, sustainable production, marketing and community food security. MAC is the parent organization of the Mississippi Center for Cooperative Development. MAC member organizations include ten cooperatives, two credit unions and two associated organizations. These community-based groups are located across the state. Those involved in agriculture utilize diverse production and marketing strategies. Popular crops include watermelon, southern peas, okra, leafy greens and sweet potatoes, among others. Member organizations market their goods through a wide variety of avenues such as direct sales, farmers markets, grocery stores and food distributors/food service providers.