Law No. 46 of 1971 regarding agricultural cooperative societies.

This Law comprising 70 articles organized into nine Chapters aims to regulate and organize the cooperative societies in Libya defined as well-regarded organizations founded on the principles of cooperation. They comprise individuals engaged in agriculture, those with direct interests in the field, or producers in related industries. The cooperative aims to enhance agricultural production and marketing, striving to achieve economic and social benefits for its members in alignment with the State's overall plan. The agricultural cooperative structure includes (i) local agricultural cooperative associations at the village or city level, established under Law No. 123 of 1970; (ii) joint agricultural cooperative societies at the governorate level, formed from local associations within the governorate; (iii) the Cooperative Union of Agricultural Cooperative Societies at the republic level, comprising joint associations and specific associations as mentioned in Article 11.
Chapter two on the activities of agricultural associations specifies that each agricultural association creates an annual program within the State's general plan, which its members must follow, with penalties for non-compliance outlined in its regulations. The association engages in all aspects of agricultural production and provides related economic and social services needed by its members and their area. It contributes to State plans for land cultivation and agricultural improvement in cooperation with specialized State agencies, organizes necessary loans for agriculture and land use, provides and organizes the use of modern agricultural machinery, supports rural and environmental industries, manages and utilizes land entrusted by legal entities and individuals, establishes model farms for livestock and poultry, and contributes to public and social services. Additionally, the association assists agricultural cooperative societies in achieving their goals, particularly in lending, supply, and marketing operations, resolves disputes among associations, conducts and publishes cooperative research, coordinates with other cooperative sectors, and supervises associations under this law without conflicting with Law No. 123 of 1970. Specialized associations may be created to focus on a single purpose from these goals.
The subsequent chapters address the internal structure and governance of agricultural associations, encompassing administration, the Board of Directors, financial operations, including exemptions and benefits such as taxes, fees, and customs duties. It also covers State oversight, a dedicated Monitoring Committee, dissolution procedures, and associated penalties.