Options for agricultural service cooperatives in a postsocialist economy: Evidence from Romania.

Axel Wolz,Marius Mihai Micu,Judith Möllers

doi:10.1177/0030727019861973

Abstract

Almost three decades since the collapse of the socialist regime, Romania’s farm structure is characterized by a distinct dual pattern. The far majority of farms is relatively small, while a small number manages about half of the total utilized agricultural area. Most farmers face significant constraints in creating viable farm businesses. When this is the case, it can be assumed that farmers will unite and establish agricultural service cooperatives (ASCs), as has been observed in many other parts of the world. In Romania, however, as in many other postsocialist economies, farmers tend to be reluctant to form or join formal organizations of mutual assistance. Yet there are signs of change, as first ASCs have recently been established. The objectives of this contribution are twofold: First, we discuss the major obstacles why ASCs did not develop after regime change. Second, we analyze the major reasons and influencing factors why private family farmers become more open to this type of formal organization in recent years. The analysis is based on a literature review, farm statistics, and qualitative in-depth interviews with farmers in 2018.

Highlights

In Romania, as in most other postsocialist economies, the newly established private family farmers show a strong psychological resistance to forming or joining formal organizations of mutual assistance
We will discuss the major obstacles to farmers in establishing self-help organizations, such as agricultural service cooperatives (ASCs), and the major influencing factors why this is just changing
We aim to achieve a better understanding of why cooperation has yet to find success among farmers in postsocialist economies

Summary

Introduction

In Romania, as in most other postsocialist economies, the newly established private family farmers show a strong psychological resistance to forming or joining formal organizations of mutual assistance. This can be attributed to a considerable lack of trust (Balint and Wobst, 2006; Mollers et al, 2018). Since a short period first changes in this respect can be observed In this exploratory analysis, we will discuss the major obstacles to farmers in establishing self-help organizations, such as agricultural service cooperatives (ASCs), and the major influencing factors why this is just changing. Evidence on the individual motivation, reasons, and actual factors that lead to farmers to form or join organizations of mutual assistance is patchy at best (Bouamra-Mechemache and Zago, 2015; Gijselinckx and Bussels, 2014)

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Conclusion