Use of Renewable Energy as a Strategic Behaviour or Companies in the Agricultural Sector.

Objective To describe the use of renewable energies in firms in the agricultural sector in order to associate their use to competitiveness variables and to determine if their incorporation has an impact on the competitive performance of the firms. Design/Methodology/Approach An instrument was designed aimed at managers and owners of companies in the agricultural sector based on the theory of industrial organization and competitiveness. The information was coded, and association tests as well as comparative cluster analysis were performed. Results The use of renewable energy by the firms addresses economic and commercial strategies. Of the twelve competitiveness variables used to compare firms, nine were linked to the use of renewable energies. The firms using renewable energy demonstrated superior results in competitiveness. Study Limitations/Implications The results are applicable to firms in the agricultural sector within the region analyzed. Financial and energy consumption variables should be considered if the method of analysis is to be replicated. Findings/Conclusions The use of renewable energy is a strategic behavior that allows companies to improve their market position. Companies that use renewable energy as a strategic behavior are more competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]