Diversification in Spanish Dairy Farms: Key Drivers of Performance

Antonio Alvarez, Beatriz García-Cornejo, José Pérez-Méndez () and David Roibás ()

International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 2016, vol. 19, issue B, 26

Abstract: Recent downward trends in milk prices and the abolition of European Union (EU) milk production quotas have raised questions among Spanish farmers exploring whether diversification initiatives are profitable. The objective of this paper is to provide empirical evidence measuring the financial performance of value-added dairy farm ventures. The study analyzes forty-nine farms in Northern Spain that have diversified activities through milk commercialization and related niche products. Data collected through in-depth interviews with farmers shows that knowledge management, management control systems (MCS) and a differentiated value proposition for customers positively affect performance. Contrary to what is expected, networks and the technological level of the ventures (innovation of the production process and the use of IT systems) do not assure positive performance outcomes.

Keywords: Community/Rural/Urban Development; Demand and Price Analysis; Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety; Institutional and Behavioral Economics; International Development; International Relations/Trade; Production Economics; Productivity Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:ifaamr:244626

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.244626

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