Small-Scale Grower Cooperatives in the Northeast United States

DUncan Hilchey, Gilbert Gillespie and Brian Henehan

No 280098, Research Reports from United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development

Abstract: Between 1999 and 2001, managers, directors, and grower members of 25 small-scale fruit and vegetable cooperatives (annual gross sales of $10M or less) in the Northeast United States were surveyed to learn about their organizational characteristics, management strategies, and impacts on members. The results show the critical importance of small-scale cooperatives to their members, and members' farms and families, as well as reveal small-scale grower cooperative organizational fragility and vulnerability. Among the important challenges identified are a general lack of manager stability, underdeveloped business management skills, and maintaining member commitment. However, many respondents are interested in working together to better their industry, and potential areas for such inter-cooperative activities are identified.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Farm Management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 44
Date: 2006-04
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:urdbrr:280098

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.280098

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