Farmer cooperatives are more effective in securing favorable government decisions when they have an active, structured public policy program. Members play important roles in shaping and implementing that program. A cooperative should develop a written set of policy resolutions and a regular procedure for revising those resolutions. The public policy program should include a plan to implement the resolutions through personal contacts with policymakers and coordinated efforts with other cooperatives and interest groups through coalitions and trade associations. The cooperative always strives to act with an abundance of credibility and patience so policymakers will trust, and even seek out, its advice.