The voting producers of Whatcom Farmers Cooperative (WFC), a full-service agricultural cooperative based in Lynden, Wash., have approved a merger with CHS Inc.

The proposal will become effective in July, pending appropriate due diligence by both organizations and approval by the CHS board of directors.

"I want to thank the producers of Whatcom Farmers Co-op for turning out and making a clear statement that we should move forward with the merger. A lot of time and effort by the board of directors went into the decision to bring this proposal to our members," WFC board chairman Jeff Bedlington said. "WFC will remain a locally based company, staying true to its roots. We are excited for the opportunities that CHS and WFC can provide for our employees and customers."

According to the announcement, continuity of staffing will continue at WFC's current locations, and Don Eucker will continue to lead the group as general manager.

"CHS continually looks for strategic opportunities that strengthen our ability to help our farmer-owners grow their businesses," CHS executive vice president Lynden Johnson said. "We're very pleased to be able to build on the already-strong local expertise for producers in this trade territory."

Founded in 1941 as Whatcom Grange and becoming Whatcom Farmers Cooperative in 1982, WFC provides products, services and expert advice to farmers, agricultural businesses and homeowners through its agronomy, energy and retail store operations. WFC has locations in the communities of Lynden, Bellingham, Fairhaven, Ferndale, Blaine and Nooksack, Wash., serving customers throughout Whatcom County.