An analysis of the success of UK agricultural marketing cooperatives: can they effectively redress power imbalances in current market conditions?

Eastham, Jane Francesca (2014). An analysis of the success of UK agricultural marketing cooperatives: can they effectively redress power imbalances in current market conditions? University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This is exploratory research that has examined the efficacy of agricultural marketing cooperatives in the UK as a mechanism to redress power imbalances when faced with highly consolidated downstream markets. This issue would appear to be of particular significance in the light of the continued UK government emphasis on the cooperative action as a means of supporting farm gate prices following the deregulation of European Markets. This research draws upon, and examines the possible linkages between two key bodies of literature, Power Dependency Theory and literature based on the issue of common property and the free-rider problem and presents, through the exploratory framework, the idea that cooperative success is contingent upon an iterative relationship between leverage and cohesion (Emerson, 1962: Olson, 1965). This understanding is used to examine the three diverse marketing cooperatives, and findings from which suggest that cooperatives in current market structures are unable to improve their leverage position over the longer term. The research also suggests that there is not necessarily an iterative relationship between cohesiveness and improved leverage. What is apparent is that Cooperatives endure because they offer other types of benefits to farmers and currently play an important role is sustaining a failing farming sector.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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