Farmers’ problems and co-ordination of agricultural activities cannot be solved simply by EU and/or government support, or by private market co-ordination institutions. Emerging producer groups and co-operatives seem vital in achieving bargaining power. Theoretically, and according to Western European (Dutch, Danish etc.) and US practical experience, one of the major important private institutions that can strengthen producers and help co-ordinate (agricultural) chains is the co-operative entity. To fulfill the basic co-operative aims and to compete in a more market-oriented environment (e.g. more liberal agricultural policies, opening European and world market, etc.) they will initiate new marketing strategies. To implement such new marketing strategies,... |