Right. I’d imagine there’s wild variability across co-ops wrt size, operations, earnings, etc. Sounds very willy-nilly. Like pfury said, very high on the “feelz” index, it would seem. Very low on the “business acumen” index - generally speaking.
I suspect this would be the case. If only because I’d imagine they see themselves as “do-gooders” and have a sort of moral superiority complex - and the only way to maintain their legitimacy in the marketplace is the stifle entrants via the vote. Generally speaking of course. But, then again, I don’t really know anyone who’s worked for a co-op nor have I dealt with any outside of a farmer’s market … and they’re very quick to denigrate the less expensive produce offered at my local supermarkets.
They tend to push the “buy fresh, buy local” doctrine…