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Agricultural cooperatives are pivotal in promoting agricultural industrialization but face capital shortages, needing strategic financing selection between bank loans and e-commerce. This paper uses Stackelberg game theory to examine cooperatives' and enterprises' optimal decision-making and motivations under different financing. It scrutinizes preferences for financing methods and explores bank credit policies and e-commerce interest rates in channel selection. Findings suggest that developing favorable policies, like encouraging green credit and e-commerce support for farmers, could significantly improve cooperatives' financing. Expanding digital initiatives in supply chains could also enable more sustainable models. This research illuminates cooperatives' complex decision-making and offers insights to bolster agricultural finance systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-machine collaboration of agricultural machinery is one of the international frontier and hot research in the field of agricultural equipment. However, the current domestic multi-machine collaborative operation of agricultural machinery is limited to the research of task goal planning and collaborative path optimization in a single production link. In order to achieve the purpose of zero inventory of agricultural materials and precise and efficient production operations, a new technology of agricultural machinery multi-machine collaboration with multi-dimension and full chain was proposed, which takes into account the whole process of agricultural production, as well as agricultural machinery system and external supply chain, storage and transportation chain collaboration. The problems of data collaboration, process collaboration and organization collaboration were analyzed. And the realization conditions of new multi-machine cooperative technology were analyzed. Meanwhile, the zero inventory mode and precise operation mode of agricultural materials under the background of multimachine cooperation of intelligent agricultural machinery were studied. Then, a precise and efficient agricultural production mode based on data-process-organization collaboration was constructed. The results showed that the multi-machine cooperative technology mode of multi-dimensional and full-chain agricultural machinery could greatly improve the efficiency of agricultural machinery, operation quality, land utilization rate and reduce production cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the role of agricultural cooperatives in strengthening the resilience and social fabric of rural communities in the Kita and Yanfolila regions of Mali. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, data was collected from 149 participants, including cooperative members and non-members, through structured surveys and focus group discussions. It explored the challenges faced by farmers, the benefits of cooperative membership, the dynamics of social cohesion within these cooperatives, the nuances of inclusion, and conducted a comparative analysis between cooperative members and non-members. The communities in Kita and Yanfolila faced multiple adversities that significantly affected their resilience, livelihoods and overall well-being. Drought emerged as the most serious problem, affecting the entire population and underscoring its profound impact on agriculture and welfare. Flooding was also a significant threat, exacerbating food insecurity. While terrorist activities and COVID-19 seemed less pressing due to their limited occurrence or awareness at the time, vigilance and awareness remained key. The study highlighted the myriad benefits of cooperative membership and how it empowered members through agricultural training, access to resources and financial stability. In particular, cooperatives have been instrumental in addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable access through initiatives such as boreholes and pumping equipment, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and food security. The study also highlighted the key role of cooperatives in fostering social cohesion, promoting conflict resolution and serving as networking platforms. Members praised cooperatives for providing emotional and material support in times of need, disseminating conflict management techniques and promoting transparent, collective decision-making processes. However, there was a noticeable gap in perceptions between cooperative members and non-members regarding the role of cooperatives in conflict resolution. Non-members were less confident, possibly due to a lack of exposure or understanding of cooperative mechanisms. Inclusivity emerged as a key issue, with discussions highlighting the challenge of extending benefits to nonmembers, which could lead to feelings of exclusion. Income disparities between members and non-members further exacerbated issues of social cohesion. The study also highlighted the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing disrupted supply chains, reduced incomes, increased unemployment and heightened food insecurity in rural communities. Despite this, agricultural cooperatives stepped up by disseminating information, distributing essential supplies and promoting hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diagnosis of the state of mechanization is carried out in a group of sugarcane production sites in the Cienfuegos province. The methodology used is based on a combination of methods where is carried out a targeted search for data on agricultural mechanization activity and a survey of personnel related to the activity. The collection of information covered a total of 11 cooperatives and basic agricultural production units that supply the aforementioned industry. The survey included a sample of 111 people, including all members of the Boards of Directors of the cooperatives and a group of qualified workers. The results of the work show a set of deficiencies, among them: an unsatisfactory state of the equipment, the excessive dependence of the production bases on the service units, little control of the quality of the work and poor maintenance management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines cooperatives from the Agricultural sector and the Manufacturing industry. The research focuses on the growth of cooperatives of different sizes and ages. The period of the research is 5 years. After an indepth study of the empirical data of the studied sectors, an analysis of the rate of change in net sales revenue and their productivity is made. The productivity, growth and age of the cooperatives are expected to be positively related for the period under study. Cooperatives with longer working experience are predicted to realize a higher rate of change in net sales revenue compared to cooperatives that have been operating for a shorter period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Romania, the numerous, dispersed family farms with small areas continued their activity in many cases considering a certain tradition as closed or partially open systems. After the accession of our country to the European Union in 2007, there has been a tendency to reduce small holdings through mergers, a phenomenon which is otherwise naturally manifested in all the states of the EU, but not to the extent that would be necessary for Romania. Following the analysis of agricultural holdings in Romania by size class in 2020, it was found that out of the 2,887.00 thousand of agricultural holdings, 2,606.98 are under 5 ha in size (54% are under 1 ha, and 36.30% are between 1 and 5 ha). The average size of farms increased in the period 2010-2020 from 3.45 ha to 4.42 ha. The chronic under capitalization of subsistence and semi-subsistence agricultural holdings also contributes to the modest performance of the Romanian agricultural and agri-food sector, compared to its natural potential and the population's expectations that agriculture and the food industry quickly adapt to the EU's common agricultural policy. Since these categories of farms mostly ensure self-consumption for the rural population in most Romanian villages, their association is required to achieve a level of economic development and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to present a functional and performing agricultural cooperative from Nădlac, Arad County, Romania, that can be a model of good practices for the association of small farmers and Romanian agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary Bulgarian cooperative business model emerged at the end of the 19th century in response to specific socio-economic conditions. It developed progressively with the realization of various businesses - agricultural, credit, or as provision of services to member-cooperators, etc. Throughout the years, the cooperative model underwent periods of significant growth, yet also of stagnation, which has justified the interest that both theory, and business practice have shown in it. Generally recognized is the contribution of a number of national and international researchers who in the past have analyzed the features of the cooperative model and defined it accordingly. From the analyzed literary and normative sources, we can deduce that the definitions and opinions on the cooperative nearly overlap. It is defined as a voluntary union of persons who mutually assist and cooperate with each other with equal responsibilities and rights. The member-cooperators delegate part of their functions to democratically elected leading representatives when they establish a cooperative enterprise. The main goal of the cooperative is to meet the needs of its members in its non-profit oriented activity. Considering the multi-aspect character of the studied topic, we outline the aim of this paper as making an analysis of the origin and development of the cooperative model and its applicability to the agricultural sector in Bulgaria. The chosen methodological approach is based on the statistical groupings of a big corpus of official data on cooperatives entered in the Bulgarian Commercial Register since 2005 to date. We have established certain indicators, reflecting the tendencies in the development of cooperatives by region of planning, economic sectors, annual revenue, etc. We used Microsoft Office and the licensed version of Statistics Grad Pack for Windows for data processing. Main inferences: In Bulgaria, the cooperative business model emerged first in villages to satisfy the needs of the local population. Later, these cooperatives appeared in larger towns. This process in Bulgaria is reverse to other European countries with more developed market economy. The agricultural orientation of the developing Bulgarian economy at the end of the 19th century explains the establishment of the first national cooperatives of the agricultural credit type in villages. In Bulgaria, the cooperative business model as a legal organizational form penetrated almost all branches of the national economy. The role of Sector A "Agriculture, forestry and fish farming" was dominant. To a great extent, this resulted both from the specifics of the Bulgarian economy, and the existing cooperative traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study comprises theoretical and empirical analyses of differentiated voting rights in the governance of agricultural cooperatives with self-interest seeking members. A survey was conducted among representative samples of members and General Assembly delegates of a large Swedish dairy cooperative while two important decisions were under consideration. Because of the equal voting rights regime, the majority of small-scale farmers encouraged the General Assembly to reject both efficiency-raising measures. However, if the large-scale farmers had had more voting power, both proposals would have been accepted. Because of limited spatial competition, the large-scale members could not "voting by their feet". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperative education plays a crucial role in the development of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS). Despite its significance, recent years have witnessed challenges in the cooperative sector being associated with the provision of education. However, the existing research has predominantly focused on the absence of cooperative education and poor participation among members, neglecting such members’ perceptions towards education provided. As such, this study examines perceptions of AMCOS members regarding cooperative education. More specifically, the study determines members ' perceptions of the cooperative education setup, implementation, and alignment of such cooperative education to cooperative principles. Employing purposive sampling technique, the study gathered data from 64 participants through focus group discussions and interviews. Qualitative methods were utilized for data analysis. Results indicated that AMCOS members harbor negative perceptions regarding the adequacy, approach, teaching methodology, target audience, and evaluation of cooperative education. Members reported dissatisfaction due to the lack of practical applicability, insufficient training duration, and perceived irrelevance of the content. The study concludes that the existing cooperative education programs are unfavorably perceived by members. Based on the findings, it is suggested that reforms in cooperative education delivery be implemented, advocating for inclusivity across all community groups. Additionally, facilitators ought to optimize the allocated time to ensure members derive maximum benefit from training aligned with educational objectives. Furthermore, agricultural and cooperative officers should frequently visit AMCOS to educate members on cooperative education matters. These reforms aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of AMCOS by fostering a positive perception and engagement among their members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural development must be the government's main focus to achieve comprehensive and serious economic development for society. The (Regional) Government as a public organization holding autonomous rights to determine policies to increase agricultural development must begin to prepare. What many experts have highlighted is the role of Regional Government in regional development in terms of human resources, namely the existence of a personnel system called bureaucracy. Every organization needs to develop human resources (HR) through improving performance to have abilities, skills, and positive attitudes to carry out their duties well. Experts and scholars say that three concepts among the many are highlighted in the aspect of bureaucratic resource management to improve employees' work, namely organizational justice, organizational politics, and work commitment. The research aims to determine and analyze the achievements of implementing agricultural development; and to know and analyze the respective relationships between organizational justice, organizational politics, and work commitment on employee performance in agricultural development. Use a quantitative approach to causality design. Take the case of Wakatobi Regency with its unique coastal areas and small islands. The sample was 225 employees or around 44% of the total sample of 514 people. The number of samples was determined by Slovin calculation and then taken at simple random. Primary data was obtained through distributing questionnaires, and secondary data from economic reports from authorized institutions. Data were analyzed using the SEM-AMOS approach. The results of the analysis found that development in Wakatobi Regency is supported by the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Its role is very dominant in GRDP, but it has not shown a direction that is in line with economic growth because it has experienced a decline. One of the aspects highlighted is that the performance of local governments in agricultural and fisheries development has not been optimal. The theoretical implication is that development performance analysis must use variables and indicators from empirical factual data (non-perception) through GRDP values and economic growth. Because, it has been proven that aspects of implementing human resource management through organizational politics and organizational justice have been proven to have a significant influence on performance, while work commitment is not yet significant. Practical implications for the government as a development policy formulator are to evaluate the development approaches that have been carried out, as well as regional leaders and leaders of regional apparatus implementing units (OPD) to pay attention to employee work commitment because our findings prove that their role is still weak in carrying out their duties and functions as ASN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sales Policies for Sustainability in various production cooperatives arise in response to a lack of understanding of product behavior in the market. In this context, the aim of this study was to diagnose the current situation of the COOPINCOSAN company (local agricultural organization/cooperation), identify processes and management within the commercial department, and ultimately implement strategies to optimize product marketing. To achieve these objectives, exploratory, descriptive, and deductive methods were employed. Surveys were conducted using a statistically validated questionnaire through the Cronbach's Alpha method. The results revealed a significant lack of involvement from cooperative members in marketing, as well as a notable absence of promotion strategies, leading to a decrease in sales. In response, three sales policies supported by two key strategies were implemented: the introduction of a specific marketing channel and the development of a comprehensive promotion plan. These measures aim to effectively address identified shortcomings, encouraging active participation of members and generating a significant boost in sales. In conclusion, the sales strategies seek not only to rectify the lack of member participation and promotion but also to enhance products and strengthen the brand, fostering awareness that drives sales and solidifies COOPINCOSAN in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article aims to address the unnecessary stopping and low efficiency issues present in existing multi-machine cooperative steering control methods. To tackle this challenge, a novel cooperative control approach for multiple agricultural machines is proposed, considering two typical steering modes of farm machinery. This approach encompasses a multi-machine cooperative control framework suitable for both steering modes. Based on the established lateral and longitudinal kinematics models of the farm machines, the method includes a path-tracking controller designed using the pure pursuit and Stanley algorithms, a formation-keeping controller based on PID control, and a T-turn cooperative-steering controller based on a problem-solving approach. To assess the method's viability, a collaborative simulation platform utilizing CarSim and Simulink was constructed, which conducted simulations for both U-turn and T-turn cooperative steering controls. The simulation results indicate that the proposed control framework and methodology can effectively ensure no collision risk during the U-turn and T-turn cooperative steering processes for three farm machines, eliminating stopping in T-turn, enhancing safety, and improving fuel economy. Compared with traditional sequential control methods, the proposed approach reduced operation time by 17.47 s and increased efficiency by 15.29% in the same scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to perform an in-depth comparative analysis of pro12 quality and pro-environmental approaches to the products improvement in SMEs (belonging to the electrical machinery industry industry) from V4 countries. Design/methodology/approach: An in-depth comparative analysis of pro-quality and pro15 environmental approaches to product improvement was carried out in SMEs from V4 countries. Based on previous research (survey research conducted from March to September 2023 including 379 SMEs from V4 countries), two benchmarks for these approaches were developed and further analysed. Statistical analyses were used, i.e. Box-and-whisker chart and Wilcoxon paired test in STATISTICA 13.3. on the level of significance p<0.05. Findings: It was shown that SME entrepreneurs from V4 countries have a relatively similar approach to the improvement of pro-quality and pro-environmental products. The pro-quality approach is more important than pro-environmental in case of product improvement. Practical implications: Research results can be the basis for defining more precise directions for the development of SMEs in V4 countries and increasing cooperation between consortium regions in the development of product production in line with the idea of sustainable development and current customer expectations. Social implications: The results can have a positive impact on public attitudes, mainly entrepreneurs from SMEs, but not only in making further efforts to improve the quality of products while reducing the negative impact on the environment. This behavior may contribute to increased customer satisfaction with purchased products, but also to the development of the economies of the V4 countries and to meeting the requirements of sustainable development. Originality/value: Originality of the research includes determining the current approach of SMEs in the electrical machinery industry in V4 countries to meeting customer expectations regarding product quality, while striving to achieve environmentally friendly products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aim to explore the possible relationships between innovation, social capital, and farm viability towards sustainability, using indicators from the literature and developing complex indexes for all examined concepts in the framework of an agriculture cooperative located on the Greek island of Samos. Data from the United Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos (UWC SAMOS) were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and further personal in-depth interviews. The findings revealed a highly complex relationship between these indexes that could not just be analyzed quantitatively. Instead, qualitative data explain the weak innovation and low level of social trust by identifying the "institutionalization of the members of the cooperative", emphasizing the importance of mixed methods approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of "Fava Santorinis" as a PDO product does not protect the cultivated genetic material that produces this product, since this is not registered as a traditional cultivar in the National Common Catalogue. The failure to include this information presents a significant hazard to the genetic diversity of these cultivars, potentially resulting in the loss of their distinct traits, reduced crop yields, and quality. Furthermore, it seeks to comply with established procedures for characterizing and subsequently register this traditional cultivar in the National List of Varieties. The "Santorini Fava" (Lathyrus sp.) is a renowned agricultural product that is unique to Santorini, and it has played a pivotal role in upholding the island's traditional agriculture. Today, the local agricultural cooperation continues the cultivation of this crop, preserving it as an indispensable facet of the island's cultural heritage. The objective of the project M16SYN2-00135 is to guarantee and secure this indigenous variety, from which the PDO product in question originates, by applying official description protocols and making use of the existing know-how for the description of the genetic material, the definition of the landrace, and its description for registration in the National Catalog of Varieties. At the same time, the sustainable management of viral diseases and the rational management of its seed production will lead to an increase in productivity, its stabilization, and ultimately, its shielding. The product will be utilized by the cooperative contributing to the sustainability of the holdings and the prevention of commercial exploitation of the traditional variety beyond the area of origin based on the best practices for the preservation of the varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the agricultural sector is poised to undergo significant transformations towards sustainability. Small-scale farmers' restricted accessibility to resources hinders their ability to effectively adapt to such advancements. This research paper investigates the potential role of agricultural cooperatives as deus ex machina, offering an idea for solving the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Additionally, it examines the potential benefits agricultural cooperatives could provide to large-scale farmers while simultaneously advocating sustainable agricultural practices. To gather accurate data, individuals who were members of cooperatives in the Larissa region of Greece were interviewed using questionnaires. The sixty qualitative interviews conducted shed light on the fact that cooperatives play a significant role in promoting sustainable agriculture and offer numerous benefits to their members, particularly small-scale farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most investments, businesses, or even organizations, results and their value are calculated in terms of profit and economic terms. But what if you have to calculate the value and work of a social enterprise? What is that thin line that separates one business from another? The way to evaluate the efficiency of a business includes the social contribution and the social footprint of the business. Is it possible for a successful farmer cooperative that wants to increase its activity to remain as a social enterprise, or must it change its legal form? In an agricultural cooperative that shows remarkable success, how aligned are the opinions of the members with the vision of the cooperative and to what extent do the cooperative's vision and its reason to exist change? The above questions were the reasons behind why this study was carried out and the realization of the primary research presented in this article. The research presented herein is based on qualitative research tools, and this study involved carrying out a case study of a women's agricultural cooperative in Agios Antonios, a village in the prefecture of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project aims to safeguard this local variety by comprehensively studying its genetic variability. Furthermore, it seeks to follow official protocols for the description and subsequent registration of the variety in the National List of Varieties, increasing the product's value and securing its identity. Experimentation targets evaluation of the landrace to select plants with improved productivity and quality. The profit from implementing the program will come from a combination of higher productivity due to the use of improved genetic material, improved consulting services related to agricultural techniques, and increased values due to higher prices due to authenticating the product. This initiative aspires to provide benefits for the Agricultural Cooperative of Bean producers of the Prespes area. At the same time, the farmers will be trained for good seed reproduction and production of the landrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between SSE bodies, culture and sustainable development, studying the case of the Petrified Forest of Sigri on the island of Lesvos and its interaction with the cooperative of the neighboring settlement of Eresos. Qualitative research was conducted by reviewing the relevant literature and implementing semi-structured interviews. A SWOT analysis was also conducted. The results showed that the Eresos Agricultural and Livestock Cooperative in Sigri, in collaboration with other agencies, can contribute to the sustainability of the area. The cooperative lacks organized promotion, beyond that attempted by the Natural History Museum based in Sigri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The official designation of the bean "Fasolia Vanilies Feneou" and grass pea "Fava Feneou" as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products do not extend protection to their cultivated genetic material due to their non-inclusion in the National Catalog of Varieties [EC 2008/62/EK (official Greek Gazette) FEK 165/30-Juanuary-2014] as recognized traditional cultivars. This omission poses a significant risk to the genetic diversity of these varieties, potentially leading to the loss of their distinct characteristics, decreased yields, and compromised quality. The primary objective of this project is to ensure the preservation of these local varieties through a comprehensive study of their genetic variability. Additionally, it aims to adhere to official protocols for describing and subsequently registering these varieties in the National List of Varieties. This registration will enhance the product's value and secure its unique identity. The experimentation phase of the project focuses on evaluating the landrace to select plants that demonstrate improved productivity and quality. This work presents the parameters connected with the description of the unique identity of this product; its origin, traceability, and local agricultural practices; and specific product characteristics that will contribute to this. The product will be utilized by Kiato Union IKE and, at the same time, farmers will be trained in the excellent seed reproduction and production of the product. This initiative promises several benefits for the agricultural cooperative and producers in Feneos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to answer the question of whether the Greek AKIS system can contribute to the different requirements of the new trends in agriculture according to its main functions. A SWOT analysis has been applied to examine the internal and external environment. Data were collected from 61 experts/representatives of organizations (policy, education, research, consulting, agricultural cooperatives, credit, private companies, and farmers). The data were analysed using Excel spreadsheets and the Statical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V.28). Based on this method, dominant strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats of AKIS were identified as a starting point, as well as useful guidance for decision makers, local authorities, and the other actors in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural cooperatives have an important role in supporting agricultural development and improving the well-being of their members. They provide farmers with financial and social security, as well as fostering an environment that is supportive of collective actions. This study aims to assess the economic and social safety of female cooperative members by looking at their experiences and perceived improvements over time. It examines how gender dynamics, social capital, and cooperative engagement affect women's perceptions of economic and social security through field surveys and structured interviews. According to the preliminary findings, active engagement in cooperatives improves women's feelings of social security, belonging, and empowerment. They might not be as confident in their ability to make economic judgments due to societal prejudices, resource access restrictions, and cultural norms. This study emphasizes the potential of women to break down traditional gender norms and obstacles as well as the economic gains associated with cooperative activity. These findings provide empirical support and inform efforts to promote empowerment and gender equality in agricultural cooperatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European agri-food sector, operators with substantial bargaining power often engage in unfair trading practices (UTPs). Our paper aims to empirically examine the occurrence of UTPs and their influence on the performance of cooperatives. To fulfill the goal of our paper, we collected responses from 109 cooperatives in Greece after the transposition of a specialized EU Directive (i.e., Directive (EU) 2019/633). We found that, on average, the sampled cooperatives encountered three prohibited ("black") UTPs, while all reported at least one prohibited UTP. Moreover, the two most commonly reported practices (i.e., "unduly late payments" and "buyers' demand that suppliers pay for the deterioration or loss of products that occurred after ownership transfer") exerted a significant negative influence on cooperative performance, even in the presence of a proficient Board of Directors. Consequently, policymakers may need to pay more attention to UTPs and ensure that the national enforcement authorities are well-equipped to act rapidly and effectively against offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In disaster scholarship, there is limited understanding about how vulnerability is socially constructed by a convergence of varying social structural and historical processes that predispose certain vulnerable groups to disasters even before a hazard event occurs. This article aims to fill this void by using Critical Disaster Studies perspectives to explore the root causes of why crop farmers in the coastal region of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta have been locked in a permanent position of vulnerability. In order to develop more sustainable food supply chains, this exploration aims to shed light on the socio-cultural interpretations, experiences, and needs of disaster-affected farmers—the most important but vulnerable actors in the crop production hierarchy in Vietnam. Following a historic disaster between late 2015 and early 2016, local governments deliberately organised farmers into an agricultural cooperative in an attempt to support farmers in enhancing economic resilience and disaster preparedness. However, this intervention has failed since farmers refused to participate in the organisation's activities. While this reaction may seem irrational, it reflects farmers' distrust in the government, which was largely a result of their collective trauma from the state's agricultural collectivisation policy implemented between 1976 and 1985. Farmers chose to cling to their individual working routines out of concern about government supervision, forcing them to take bigger risks and pay for the food supply chains' catastrophic damage. Our findings show that a strained relationship between farmers and the government can jeopardise disaster recovery and resilience building. Our paper adds to the Critical Disaster Studies literature by revisiting the concepts of vulnerability and resilience, emphasising the importance of addressing socio-cultural vulnerability before improving disaster resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the experiment was to monitor the effect of increasing nitrogen doses on oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) macroelements and microelements uptake by primary and secondary harvest product. The plot--scale experiment was set up in years 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 in terms of agricultural cooperative in Mojmírovce in Slovakia. There were five treatments of fertilization and the block method of experimental plot size of 600 m² in triplicate was used in this experiment. The first treatment was unfertilized control treatment. Other treatments were fertilized by increasing doses of nitrogen 120 kg/ha, 160 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha and 240 kg/ha. Results indicates greatly effect of different weather conditions in experimental years on monitored parameters. There were the highest seeds yield, as well as nutrients uptake found in year 2013/2014 that was warmer and more rich in precipitation than year 2014/2015. The highest average nitrogen uptake by both harvest products 41.06 kg/ha was found at unfertilized control treatment 1. Nutrient uptake ratio of seed and straw at control treatment 1 was N : P : K : Ca : Mg : S = 1 : 0.13 : 0.42 : 0.48 : 0.13 : 0.12. There was found nutrient uptake ratio by both harvest products N : P : K : Ca : Mg : S = 1 :0.14 : 0.61 : 0.37 : 0.12 : 0.11 at treatment 4, where the highest yield of seed was reached. On average, manganese transport was higher than return transport. On the contrary, greater amount of iron was return in the form of straw. Generally, macro and microelements uptake was observed in 2013/2014 with more favourable weather conditions and higher average reached yields. The return transport of elements, especially potassium and calcium, in the form of post-harvest residues is important particularly in conditions without animal production and animal manures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural e-commerce has achieved an effective interface between rural specialty industries and large markets. This paper explores the impact of rural e-commerce on the income levels of potato farmers based on field survey data. In addition, the extent of the impact of rural e-commerce on the income levels of potato farmers in the participating and non-participating groups was further explored under the counterfactual assumption. The main findings are as follows. (1) Rural e-commerce can increase the income of potato farmers. Participation in rural e-commerce can increase farmers' income in both the participating and non-participating groups. If the participating group had not previously sold potatoes through rural e-commerce, their per capita household income would have been reduced by 27.22%. Similarly, if the non-participating group had sold potatoes through the rural e-commerce platform, their per capita household income would have increased by 36.35%. (2) Under the counterfactual assumption, the impact of rural e-commerce on the incomes of farmers who have not yet sold potatoes through e-commerce platforms is more profound. The marginal income increasing effect of rural e-commerce is currently at an incremental stage, and selling potatoes through an e-commerce platform can lead to higher returns for farmers. (3) Gender, farm household differentiation, self-employment experience, arable land area, position in village and whether participating in agricultural associations or cooperatives are important factors that simultaneously influence farmers' e-commerce participation decisions and income levels. Education and health level can influence farmers' e-commerce participation decisions. Age, farming years, dependency ratio and accessibility to irrigation can influence farmers' income level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the impact of emergency cash injections within Project Kita III during the challenging agricultural period of 2021 in the Kita Circle. Targeting vulnerable households and agricultural cooperatives, this study investigated the multifaceted dimensions influenced by these injections, ranging from distribution processes to the overall resilience and community engagement of beneficiaries. To conduct this research, a sample of 157 beneficiaries were chosen, with a predominant representation of women at 75.80%. The study employed a dualpronged approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative insights gleaned from 10 focus group discussions. The findings of this study unveiled a significant positive impact on mitigating the repercussions of the poor harvest experienced in 2021. Notably, the emergency cash injections played a pivotal role in attenuating reduced crop yields and addressing food insecurity prevalent among the beneficiaries. By extending the duration of available food stocks within households, these injections effectively reduced the dependence on harmful survival strategies that were previously employed due to scarcity. Moreover, cash injections contributed to the amplification of community engagement within agricultural cooperatives. This enhancement in participation indicated a positive shift in the involvement of beneficiaries in cooperative organizations, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to agro-ecological practices. While the assistance was acknowledged as relevant and beneficial, concerns regarding its adequacy were prevalent among the beneficiaries. Many expressed a desire for larger amounts of cash assistance, implying a potential gap between the actual received aid and the perceived need, emphasizing the continued vulnerability and need for further support. The study underscores the critical necessity of addressing the root causes of agricultural underperformance to ensure sustainable, long-term food security within these communities. It emphasizes that while emergency cash injections proved instrumental in addressing immediate challenges, they must be complemented with strategies that tackle the underlying issues affecting agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for these injections to strengthen the sustainability of Project Kita III by bolstering cooperative organizations, promoting ecologically sound agricultural practices, and fostering enduring community engagement. However, it identifies a need to mobilize internal resources within these cooperatives to ensure sustained success beyond the scope of external aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural cooperatives in Catalonia are characterised by their extraordinary longevity, with more than a quarter of them having reached a century of survival and operation (Socioeconòmic Review of the "Federació de Cooperatives Agràries de Catalunya", FCAC, 2022, 2021 and 2020). Despite this durability, these organisations have been compelled to face important changes (evolution of the agricultural sector, consumer tastes' changes, government requirements, mechanisation and modernisation of the agricultural sector), as well as to respond to structural difficulties such as farm dimensions, ageing and generational renewal, among others. As a fundamental structure of the Social Economy, co-operatives carry out their activities under the premises of co-operative values and principles, becoming essential actors in the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Villaescusa, 2019) approved within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. Referring to agri-food cooperatives, Mozas and Bernal (2020) highlight them as entities that constitute the backbone of the Social Economy, representing one of the basic instruments of rural development (Gallego, 2007). The proposal we make in this paper is as follows: agricultural cooperatives' demonstrate a longevity that requires a detailed analysis in order to determine the elements that contribute to it and that, in a tacit way, contribute to the fulfilment of some of the SDGs (4, 9, 12, 16 and 17). To achieve these research objectives, we use Bourdieu's (1986) Theory of Capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customers, civil organizations, the media, and society demand that companies behave in ways beyond regulatory requirements concerning social and environmental issues. Therefore, companies are striving to adapt to these new requirements and to express their commitment to stakeholders through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. The values and principles of cooperatives make them ideal for responsible business management within the framework of CSR. Almeria is a province in southeastern Spain and it is one of the areas with the highest concentration of agribusiness in Europe. This paper aims to empirically verify whether the CSR orientation of agricultural cooperatives in this province are greater than that of other companies because of the application of these principles. Or, if globalization and competition is pushing these organizations to abandon their principles and values while losing their distinctive identity. A cluster analysis was applied to a representative sample of 107 fruit and vegetable production‐commercialization companies, and this included five dimensions of study applying the stakeholder theory: partners, employees, customers, farmers, and the environment. According to their legal form, we concluded that these entities do not significantly differ in their corporate social responsibility strategy. The Mann‐Whitney nonparametric analysis indicates that only the employee dimension shows significant differences depending on the legal form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central collective action issue in agricultural cooperatives is the free‐rider problem, a prevalent form of which arises when members systematically side‐sell to competing chain actors. Despite the plethora of studies on side‐selling's antecedents, little is known about side‐selling's actual consequences, particularly from the standpoint of cooperative members. In two studies, we aim to deliver a member‐based assessment of side‐selling's influence on critical cooperative benefits and explore possible solutions. In the first study, with survey data from 128 members of four fruit cooperatives in Greece, we show that side‐selling has a negative effect on perceived cooperative benefits, even in the presence of other collective action issues (e.g., the influence costs problem). In the same study, we posit and demonstrate that side‐selling's aversive impact on cooperative benefits can be appeased when members think that their cooperative's transparency regarding cooperative activities is high. In the second study, with interview data from 20 members, we find that different punitive (e.g., expelling members) and collaborative (e.g., fostering trust) solutions are considered effective. Accordingly, our article advances extant knowledge of an issue that strikes at the heart of cooperative activity and offers valuable insights to cooperative decision‐makers seeking to confront it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the relationship between prudence in risk attitudes and patience of time preference of Chinese apple growers regarding off-farm cold storage of production and marketing in non-harvest seasons. The authors also consider the effect of farmer participation in cooperative-like organizations known as Farm Bases (FBs). Design/methodology/approach: The authors use multiple list methods and elicitation strategies to measure Chinese apple farmers' risk attitudes and time preferences. Because these farmers can either sell their apples immediately to supermarkets or intermediaries or place them in storage, the authors assess correlations between their storage decisions and their preferences regarding risk and time. The authors also differentiate risks involving gains and losses and empirically examine individual risk attitudes in different scenarios. Findings: Marketing decisions are moderately associated with risk attitudes but not time preference. Farmers with memberships in local farmer cooperatives are likely to speculate more in cold storage. Thus, risk aversion behavioral and psychological motives affect farmers' decision-making of cold storage and intertemporal marketing activities. However, membership in cooperatives does not always result in improved income and welfare for farmers. Research limitations/implications: The research confirms that behavioral factors may strongly drive vulnerable smallholder farmers to speculate into storage even under seasonal and uncertain marketing volatility. There is the need to think deeper about the rationale of promoting cooperatives and other agricultural forms, because imposing these without careful consideration can have negative impacts. Originality/value: Do risk and time preferences affect the decision of farmers to utilize storage facilities? This question is important because it is not clear if and how risk preferences affect the tradeoff between consuming today and saving for tomorrow, especially for farmers in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods can severely disrupt agricultural activities. When these activities are part of production chains, domino effects can occur. We use agent‐based modeling to simulate the production dynamics of a French cooperative winery as an example of a production chain, adopting a dual individual‐collective perspective. The cash‐flow analysis shows that there are nonexplicit mechanisms in the cooperative organization that allow the propagation of flood impacts throughout the chain and influence the winegrowers' ability to cope, thus threatening the continuity of the winegrowers' activity and the cooperative winery itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article examines the legal aspects of the agricultural cooperation, which is important for the economic and social development of the state, especially in war and post-war times, as the basis for ensuring food and environmental security in Ukraine. The concepts of «sustainable agriculture», «food security» and «environmental security» are considered. It has been established that at the present stage limited attention is paid to the issue of implementing sustainable agriculture as a priority direction for achieving food and environmental security of Ukraine. It was determined that in order to implement sustainable agriculture, it is necessary to harmonize social, ecological and economic factors in the agrarian sector of the economy of Ukraine, especially in the field of agricultural cooperation. It is emphasized that there is an insufficient level of synergy between the environmental and agrarian policies of the state, environmental factors are not sufficiently integrated into the system of agrarian relations, into cooperative legislation, particularly in the context of the agricultural cooperation. In conditions of European integration processes, the specialized Law of Ukraine «On Agricultural Cooperation» is not fully oriented towards ensuring sustainable agriculture: it does not contain the term «sustainable agriculture» or provisions on environmental protection, food and environmental security. The Law of Ukraine «On Cooperation» also does not cover environmental aspects. In the course of the study, it was substantiated that a necessary condition for the proper implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the introduction of sustainable agriculture in Ukraine in the field of the agricultural cooperation is the strengthening of the legal framework, the creation of an appropriate legal field that will reflect the focus of agricultural cooperation on achieving sustainable agriculture, as well as ensuring food and environmental security. In this context proposals for improving the cooperative legislation of Ukraine are made in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data-driven innovation enables firms to design products that are more responsive to market needs, which greatly reduces the risk of innovation. Customer data in the same supply chain has certain commonality, but data separation makes it difficult to maximize data value. The selection of an appropriate mode for cooperation innovation should be based on the particular big data analytics capability of the firms. This paper focuses on the influence of big data analytics capability on the choice of cooperation mode, and the influence of their matching relationship on cooperation performance. Specifically, using game-theoretic models, we discuss two cooperation modes, data analytics is implemented individually (i.e., loose cooperation) by either firm, or jointly (tight cooperation) by both firms, and further discuss the addition of coordination contracts under the loose mode. Several important conclusions are obtained. Firstly, both firms' big data capability have positive effects on the selection of tight cooperation mode. Secondly, with the improvement of big data capability, the firms' innovative performance gaps between loose and tight mode will increase significantly. Finally, when the capability meet certain condition, the cost subsidy contract can alleviate the gap between the two cooperative models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, agricultural cooperatives have become increasingly popular in the food industry. This paper aims to shed light on the extensive literature on agricultural cooperatives. Design/Methodology/Approach: In conducting this review, we applied the bibliometric review method. Initially, we retrieved 1249 bibliometric data from the Scopus database, which were reduced to 364 documents after applying the PRISMA guidelines. The data were filtered using the following keywords: "agricultural marketing cooperatives", "agricultural marketing societies", "performance", "value chains", and "supply chains". Findings: According to our findings, the present research is primarily focused on smallholders, sustainability, and supply chain management topics. We found that current research lacks an understanding of why agricultural cooperatives fail in terms of finances, investments, and implementation of strategies. We conclude that agricultural marketing cooperatives in their current state and legal form might not be flexible enough to compete in markets due to global and sustainability concerns. Finally, we provide a practical roadmap for researchers, investors, policymakers, and non-profits. Limitations: The main limitation of our review is that it contains only studies found in Scopus and examines only the English language literature. Originality/Value: Bibliometric analyses focused on agriculture cooperatives are scarce, and this paper provides a broader perspective of the existing literature. Moreover, it identifies research gaps and current trends in the field while providing a detailed description of how agricultural cooperative research has evolved over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid increase of the number of agricultural cooperatives in China, the problem of fake cooperatives has become more and more serious. The core problem is that some members do not use cooperative services, and elite capture phenomenon appears in the organization. Since services are one of the most important public goods attributes of cooperatives, it is important to ensure that more members use them. What are the factors that affect members' utilization level of cooperative services? Existing research does not provide a comprehensive answer. Based on the micro-survey data of 74 citrus cooperatives and 524 citrus members in China, the article found out that 50.9% of the members did not use any services provided by cooperatives, and only 20.04% of the members used cooperatives' sales services. So, this study empirically analyzes the factors that influence the use of cooperatives' services by puns model. The results show that quality of service, service convenience and mountain terrain promote the use of cooperative sales services for members. In addition, cooperative knowledge, planting area, surplus distribution, quality of service, and service convenience significantly increased the utilization leve of cooperative sales services by members. Finally, the study puts forward some suggestions, such as propagating cooperative sales service, improving the quality of cooperative sales service, perfecting cooperative distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era where economic reform is a necessity, the industrial cooperatives (IC) model is both realistic and very desirable due to its peculiar focus on utility. Their member-centered mission and social commitment based on cooperative identity make them well-positioned to act as social entrepreneurs for the long-term sustainability of any economy. The purpose of this study is to specifically bring out the significance of IC for encouraging social entrepreneurship (SE) by blending the peculiar characteristics of IC with those of SE. The literature supports that social innovation and social value creation are the essential elements that ensure industrial cooperatives' success and support them as sustainable social enterprises for the growth of an economy. The literature also revealed that because of the distinctive nature of IC, which is reflected in their golden cooperative principles and values, they equally serve as a role model for SE and contribute immensely to the sustainable development of a country like India. In keeping with this, it is suggested that policymakers may provide an institutional, legal, and administrative environment that is favorable to IC. The findings of this study contribute to existing research by combining SE and cooperative literature under the umbrella of cooperative identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of risk management on collaborative innovation and the intervention of communication intensity in agricultural cooperatives. A survey was conducted with managers of Brazilian agricultural cooperatives listed in the Organization of Cooperatives of Brazil. The structural equation modeling technique was applied to a sample of 103 valid answers. The results show that risk management positively influences collaborative innovation and communication intensity, and that communication intensity positively influences collaborative innovation. Furthermore, a mediating effect of communication intensity was observed in the relationship between risk management and collaborative innovation. Theoretical implications arise from the observation of the intervention of communication intensity in this relationship, mainly by providing insights to expand research in this direction. Practical implications also arise from observing the intervention of communication intensity in this relationship, such as alerts to the managers of these organizations about the relevance of aligning communication and risk management to the purpose of collaborative innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bács-Kiskun county there are 106 nucleated settlements that are not administratively independent. Their common characteristic is that they are census-designated as a part of a settlement, have a settlement core and in at least one of the censuses from 1980 onwards had a population of 20 persons. Based on our analysis, the 106 settlements can be divided genealogically into the following types: 28 manors, 19 tanya centres, 14 Kalocsa clustered tanyas, 6 suburban settlements, 15 settlements with a holiday and tourism function, 11 agricultural co-operative centers, 3 settlements with an institutional function, 4 settlements on the edge of a larger town or village and 6 other settlements not elsewhere classified. In 1949, there were around 11 000 people living in these settlements, a number that slowly increased until 1980, from where the population growth became more dynamic: in 1990, there were around 17 000 people living in these settlements, a number that exceeded 24 000 in 2022. The most dynamic group of settlements are the suburban settlements, and also the settlements with a holiday and tourism function and those with an institutional role, but population growth in these groups is not common in all decades. The population of the tanya centres and the agricultural co-operative centres grew until 1990, and then both started to decline. The manors and the clustered tanyas near Kalocsa lost significant population. Thus, while all but the latter two groups experienced population growth (or stagnation) between 1949 and 1990, after 1990 only the suburbanisation, holiday-tourism and institutional settlements increased their population. The empirical research shows that the non-administratively independent nucleated settlements of Bács-Kiskun County, form a highly differentiated picture from a functional point of view. Among them, the residential function is dominant, while formal economic activity and the presence of municipal services are on the decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper answers calls from the food regime scholarship for a closer analysis of the implicit rules, transitions, and regional scales of food regimes. Drawing on archival materials from the Japanese colonial administration and Sino-American agricultural cooperation, interviews with key actors, and secondary sources, this paper examines instances of agricultural knowledge production and exchange. We suggest that beyond the profound influence of the US in the postwar food regime, the nuances and historical and regional specificity of agricultural scientists' life stories and individual technological imaginaries can 'scale up' through the translation of agrarian knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Estudios Cooperativos is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this research is to analyze the production cooperatives in adaptive with the agricultural innovation management system through qualitative method. To achieve the objectives of the research, semi-structured interview method and brainstorming technique were used in data collection and triangulation method was used to evaluate the validity of qualitative findings. In order to implement the qualitative method, three types of open, axial and selective coding were used. MAXqda12 software was used to analyze the collected data. The study population of this research included 30 experts from the agricultural production cooperative sector at the level of Khuzestan province, who were working in the field of agricultural production cooperatives with agricultural orientation. Based on the qualitative analysis, 11 functions and 36 sub-functions were identified for managing innovation in agricultural cooperatives in Khuzestan province, and for the adaptation of production cooperatives to the agricultural innovation management system, 124 summaries with 767 repetitions with 59 sub-categories in 4 main categories were identified. Strength, weakness, threats and opportunities were identified. Using the obtained results for planners will pave the way for production cooperatives to adapt to the agricultural innovation management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to investigate the causality between access to computers (AC), internet networks (IN), digital administration skills (DAS), and financial literacy (FL) on profits (PFT). This study’s objectivity compares agricultural cooperatives that adopt technology with adopt non-technology. Secondary data was explored to analyze the performance of active agricultural cooperatives which are partners of the East Kutai Regency government. Using panel data regression from eighteen sub-districts in East Kutai, it is proven that technology adopting agricultural cooperatives were more prominent than non -technology adopting agricultural cooperatives during 2017–2022. However, there is a harmony in the statistical findings from both observations (agricultural cooperatives that adopt technology and non-adopters of technology), where access to computers and financial literacy both have a significant effect on profits. Other analysis results show that internet networks and digital administration skills have an insignificant impact on profits. The study's implications provide valuable output for the future sustainability of agricultural cooperatives. The success of agricultural cooperatives depends greatly on the effectiveness of the application of technology. Through this research, it is hoped that it can provide open space for academic, managerial and policy-making development to restructure the agricultural cooperative system, especially optimizing internet networks and administrative skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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