Natural Resources Research Articles

New Generation Co-operatives for agricultural marketing and processing in Australia: Principles, practicalities and a case study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-28-2001

Journal Title

Australasian Agribusiness Review

ISSN

1442-6951

Keywords

Western Australia, Farm co-operatives, Co-operatives, Co-operative case study, Tatura Milk Industries Ltd., Farm production, Food processing, Agro-industrialisation, Agricultural marketing

Disciplines

Agribusiness | Agricultural and Resource Economics | Agricultural Economics | Agricultural Science | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Animal Sciences | Horticulture | Marketing | Operations and Supply Chain Management

Abstract

Agro-industrialisation and a reduced role for statutory marketing pose new challenges for the farm sector. Possible responses include transformation of co-operatives or creation of new co-operative structures. This paper outlines weaknesses in traditional marketing and processing co-operatives. However, principles embodied in new generation co-operatives are shown to potentially overcome those weaknesses. An Australian case study, Tatura Milk Industries Ltd, is described to illustrate the practicalities of incorporation of these principles in co-operatives in Australia. Issues surrounding new generation co-operatives in an Australian context are discussed. The paper concludes by suggesting a limited initial role for new generation co-operatives in Australia.

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