Yes,that's understandable but if there are enough seriously minded people to start the ball rolling and some kind of entry fee just to sharpen that commitment,who knows....
I was thinking more along the lines  increased selling power perhaps.Equipment sharing could prove slightly more difficult.
20 individuals each taking 1 ton of carobs will get the going rate and will be at the mercy of the mill owner,they after all are a business not a charity.However a far better price could be negotiated for 1 load of 20 tonnes either to a mill or direct to the end user.