Abstract:
By 1999, most agricultural input firms used company Web sites and adopted some type of Internet strategy. However, far fewer engaged in e-commerce with most activity occurring with suppliers (channel partners) rather than with end customers. Firms perceiving greater logistics and inventory management gains were more engaged in e-commerce activity. The ease of information access, more product choices, easier product comparisons, and improved buying convenience were expected to support farmer e-commerce adoption. However, firm managers indicate that a key to expanding farmers' e-commerce activity is the ability to build personal relationships over the Internet that satisfy farmers' service needs. Copyright 2004 American Agricultural Economics Association