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Large experience is gained in the development of agricultural cooperatives in advanced countries of the European Union by functioning in changing market conditions and facing a continuous competition. A certain positive experience in the field of cooperation is obtained by Lithuanian farmers, too. In Latvia and in other new member states of the European Union, the activity of cooperatives is underestimated in spite of the wide reforms held in the agrarian sector. The paper reflects the conductive factors of efficiency of Lithuanian, Austrian and German dairy processors' associations, and the British machinery rings. The main aim of this paper is to find out the work experience of agricultural cooperatives in the European Union countries to promote the development of cooperatives in Latvia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development issues of the labour market are of a great importance for the EU institutions and all the member states. The Green Paper that was elaborated by the European Commission in November 2006 pays special attention on the following features characterising the labour market: competitiveness and flexibility of employed people, capability to adapt in new conditions that change more and more rapidly. The research on labour market in Latvia identifies the understanding of competitiveness of rural employees, its relevance with the stability in labour market, and preferable and real preparedness to develop their competitiveness in the changing labour market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]