Micro entrepreneurship in organic production of fruits and vegetables in Croatia: From self-help to neoendogenous development

Abstract

The article presents results of qualitative research conducted with Croatian micro entrepreneurs in organic production of fruits and vegetables, with a view to explore sectoral potential for development beyond the currently prevalent self-help mode, toward more encompassing and systematic contributions to rural development, better aligned with neoendogenous development approach. Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews with Croatian micro entrepreneurs in organic production of fruits and vegetables from all the twenty Croatian counties and the City of Zagreb were conducted. Six additional interviews were conducted with select experts in organic food production. Interviews with practitioners reveal self-help as often cited motivation for entering in organic agriculture, as well as daily mode of operation of the micro entrepreneurs. However, they also claim that not only instrumental, but also value-rational motivations, such as belief in doing the right thing and openness to other people and the environment, keep them going. Among the farm-level strategies known to be associated with rural development, deepening is found to be prevalent over broadening and regrouping. Involvement of the participants in associations of organic producers is limited, and participation in inter-sectoral partnerships, such as Local Action Groups (LAGs), is modest. Tracing cues the participants have left in the interviews, as well as recommendations from the experts, transitioning from self-help to neoendogenous development is envisioned through a combination of a reformed subsidies system and enhanced intra-sectoral cooperation, as well as cooperation with sectors of tourism, IT and academia.