Established in 1962, the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives pursues a research, educational, and outreach agenda that examines cooperative issues across multiple business and social sectors. The agenda encompasses all aspects of the cooperative business model, including development, finance, structure, and governance.

The Center benefits from an active Advisory Committee composed of cooperative business leaders, legal and accounting experts, public policy officials, and university scholars. Their insights into issues affecting cooperatives bring a timely, relevant perspective to the Center's programs.

The Center's programs are implemented through partnerships with UW faculty, staff, and extension agents, federal and state agencies, state cooperative councils, cooperative business groups, and others.

Current activities include research projects on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives, and Cooperative Governance, Behavior, and Performance. Annual programs include the Farmer Cooperatives Conference, and the Cooperative Issues Forum.