First experiences with a negotiation decision support system contributing to milk price elaboration in Corsica

Abstract

Abstract Milk pricing in Corsica is particularly affected by the secular traditions in sheep farming. The situation is now being exacerbated by the new constraints imposed by the international market conditions as well as by the large number of parties involved in the production and processing continuum. Establishing milk prices as far as quality is concerned presupposes: (a) a definition of standards, and (b) a convergence of different interests. Experiments were recently undertaken using a negotiation decision support system (NDSS) offered to farmers and industrial dairies by INRA researchers. This system seems to offer promising perspectives, both through the multiplication and storage of data and the serenity of the discussions that take place around a screen-relayed dialogue. It appears both desirable and possible for the experiment to be extended to cover other farm types. Nevertheless in its present form, this study should be seen as a first experiment in using the tool. The goal is neither to reach effective negotiation between the farmers and the dairies nor to establish, through this NDSS, a general forecasting model for all the responses to be expected during the development stages of this tool. The first aim is primarily educational, to induce and participate in the building of a ‘collective mind’ by better formalising the development phenomena.