Small Producers Research Articles

Small and medium-sized entities in livestock sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan: factors of increasing production volumes

The goal is to study the current situation and prospects for the development of livestock farming in the Abay region, identify main problems and determine ways to solve them, aimed at stimulating and increasing the efficiency of the industry. Methods – to prepare the article, various economic research methods were used: abstract-logical, monographic, synthesis and analysis, comparative and statistical, systematic approach. Results - analysis of the state of livestock sector in this region in 2021-2023 was carried out based on comparison of indicators of the number of livestock of farm animals and poultry, production volumes, output per unit of livestock, use of resources, feed, pasture lands, and the size of attracted investments in fixed capital. The dynamics of the amount of processed livestock products is considered, main limiting factors are identified, and the possibilities of small and medium-sized business entities for growing the potential of processing industry are shown. Conclusions - main problematic issues of livestock farms in the region include: ineffective realization of potential due to insufficient access to innovative technologies, low level of developed infrastructure, risks of livestock diseases, lack of feed, lack of domestic large processing enterprises in the dairy industry, low utilization of their production capacities . An effective and efficient tool is proposed as measures to support small agricultural producers - government procurement of food products from small farmers in the region based on the division of large contracts into lots. This method is widely used in EU countries, which has allowed small-scale farmers to expand access to the national market, increase their incomes and contributed to the growth of employment in rural areas.

Assessment of milk production and processing in the southern regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Goal - indicators of production and processing of cow's milk in the region are presented using the construction of multiple regression model and recommendations for the development of dairy market in Kazakhstan are given. In the work methods of logic, statistical analysis, factorial, econometric modeling and systematization are used. Results - it is noted that dairy industry is an integral part of agro-industrial complex. Literary sources containing information on achievements in dairy industry of developed countries are analyzed; current state of the world economy and its importance for ensuring food security are shown: inflation, anti-Russian sanctions, decline in consumer incomes. The productivity of cows, reasons for the decline and increase in milk production, low share of dairy processing, and high depreciation of agricultural machinery are considered. The need to conduct research on the volume of dairy products production is substantiated using the example of Almaty as a large milk-processing regional center. It has been determined that the influx of investment has a significant impact on productivity of the city's dairy enterprises. An econometric assessment of the factors that have the greatest impact on the process of processing raw materials and obtaining finished products was carried out. Conclusions – scientific and practical results of generated regression model for assessing production processes and milk processing are presented. Socioeconomic criteria have been determined: the level of employee salaries, food inflation in dairy industry, increase in the number of dairy product complexes. Recommendations for modernization of dairies based on effective measures of state support, consolidation of small agricultural producers, and introduction of innovative technologies have been developed. Resource conservation is important - mandatory requirement for equipment, technologies, production activities, and economic mechanisms. Accounting of resources, their availability and consumption, careful attitude to the use of energy, water, heat are mandatory components of the rational use of potential.

Kazakhstan dairy market: guidelines for optimization

Milk plays an important role in human life as obligatory and necessary food product, containing the most valuable and easily digestible proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals. The goal is to show the current state of dairy industry in Kazakhstan, factors influencing its development. The economic parameters of production of milk and dairy products, dynamics of production volumes, and the number of cattle by type of management have been studied. The methods are based on the study of domestic and analytical reviews, scientific publications, and statistical information. Results – there is a shortage of raw materials for processing enterprises, their low quality, and a large number of small producers. The authors state that homemade milk from private farms does not meet technological standards, which, in turn, is the reason for poorquality industrial processing of raw materials. Domestic producers satisfy the need only for liquid processed milk and cream (94.9%). Conclusions – indicators that have restraining effect on development of dairy industry in the republic are considered, the need for technological reequipment, formation of cluster structures, and state support for Kazakh producers is pointed out. Compliance with raw milk quality standards is only possible when using the latest methods for obtaining and primary processing of raw milk. To achieve an effect, subsidies for technical equipment are required, especially for small-scale farms (milking and refrigeration machines, disinfectants, express control analyzers, etc.). Forecasts for consumption of dairy products assume the ability to determine in the future the volumes and structure of market demand for this type of product. The fundamental factors are the level of income, trends in changes in retail prices, degree of market saturation, national and historical traditions.

УПРАВЛІННЯ ЗМІНАМИ НА ПІДПРИЄМСТВАХ МОЛОКОПРОДУКТОВОГО СЕКТОРУ УКРАЇНИ

The article is devoted to studying modern trends in the development of Ukraine's milk processing sector. It also reveals the level of actual dairy product consumption by the country's population. As the study results showed, it has been significantly lower than the recommended parameters in recent years. Your role in the dairy sector is crucial to addressing this issue and shaping the future of the industry. The dynamics of milk production volumes by main categories of producers were analyzed. The key structural changes in the industry's development have been identified, among which the most significant is the long-term concentration of production in the sector of small producers—households. In the modern structure of milk production, the share of households in the population is 66%, and 31% is provided by agricultural enterprises of various forms of management. The concentration of production of dairy raw materials within the household sector is accompanied by a low number of problematic issues that hold back the potential of greening, innovative development, and increasing the competitiveness of domestic dairy products. However, there is a silver lining. Strategic orientations for further management changes in the dairy sector of Ukraine's enterprises were outlined, highlighting the potential for organic dairy production. The activation of further development of organic dairy production and the greening of dairy products and trade brands were identified as critical factors. According to the current assessment, the share of organic milk production in EU countries is insignificant. This creates real prospects for Ukrainian dairy companies to increase their competitive potential in the domestic and European milk products market. Based on the research results, a list of the main characteristics inherent in organic production in the country's dairy sector was substantiated. The set of key challenges that necessitate the constant management of changes in the dairy industry enterprises are outlined. The main ones are defined as: structural disparities by category of milk producers, constant complication of dairy product quality standards by the EU, loss of the potential of domestic feed production, low paying demand of the population of Ukraine, slow pace of transformations towards greening and implementation of sustainable development initiatives of the agri-food sector of Ukraine. However, the research results also demonstrated active trends in the development of trademarks of dairy companies in Ukraine, which contributes to a more intensive formation of competitive advantages among them. These findings are crucial for understanding the current state and potential future of the dairy sector, and they also inspire hope for the industry's future.

Willingness to vaccinate and willingness to pay for vaccination against peste des petits ruminants in northern Senegal.

This study was carried out in Linguere department, Louga region of Senegal. Its objective was to explore the socio-economic factors that influence small ruminant producers' decisions on vaccination against peste des petits ruminants. We carried out a willingness to vaccinate and willingness to pay for vaccination using a choice experiment approach with 200 small ruminant producers. Results showed that the key factors that influence willingness to vaccinate, include perceived benefits of vaccination (98, 95%CI: 96-100%), the type of vaccinator (91, 95%CI: 87-95%), the access to information (86, 95%CI: 81-91%), the vaccine availability (80, 95%CI: 74-86%), and the possession of a vaccination certificate by the producer (76, 95%CI: 70-82%). Preferences of producers leaned toward home vaccination (preference weight = 0.74, p = 1%), individual herd vaccination (preference weight = 0.45, p = 1%), elective participation to vaccination (preference weight = 0.33, p = 0.01), and low-cost services (preference weight = -0.004, p = 0.1). Producers expressed a willingness to pay for vaccination per animal of XOF 184 (USD 0.3), XOF 113 (USD 0.18), and XOF 82 (USD 0.13) for home, individual herd, and elective vaccination, respectively. The findings underscore the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and bringing vaccination services closer to the producers.

The economic value of sustainability certification for sugarcane farms

Certifications related to sustainability in agribusiness are a crucial tool for promoting agricultural processes with a higher level of socio-environmental responsibility. However, their economic impact on small and medium-sized rural properties remains a topic of discussion. This research, with its comprehensive approach, aims to assess the economic potential generated by Bonsucro certification, an innovation process in sustainability. This process introduces pioneering evaluation criteria to meet the specific sustainability demands in the sugarcane sector on small and medium-sized properties. The approach was quantitative, using the Discounted Cash Flow method supported by Monte Carlo Simulation, where four scenarios were developed considering the small and medium producers without certification and with Bonsucro certification. The results obtained not only allow for obtaining the Economic Value of certified and non-certified producers but also for profiling the modal producer (who possesses traditional characteristics of the region), identifying convergence variables that are common characteristics among them and that impact land management, such as education, average age, investment capacity, among others. The findings demonstrate that small and medium-sized rural properties certified by Bonsucro create more economic-financial and sustainable value than uncertified rural properties. These findings can serve as a powerful motivator for private entities and associations of rural producers to implement certification, thereby empowering small and medium-sized rural producers to address relevant issues that have impacted the sustainability of sugarcane production, bringing significant results in terms of economic viability and socio-environmental impact.

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Memengaruhi Keputusan Pembelian Produk Halal Pada Gerai Pempek Nony 168 Palembang

The growth of the Muslim population in Indonesia has strengthened public awareness regarding halal food, making this issue increasingly important in the culinary industry. However, complexity in the process of making halal certification is often faced, especially by small and medium scale producers, who consider the process of making halal certification a complex challenge and require expensive costs. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of brand awareness, product quality and brand image on consumer purchasing decisions for halal products. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire. Samples were taken using the Non Probability Sampling Technique with the Purposive Sampling method which was distributed to 115 respondents from consumers of Pempek Nony 168 Palembang. This research uses testing tools in the form of SmartPLS 3.0 software with the PLS-SEM analysis method. The research path coefficient results show that product quality has a positive and significant influence on brand loyalty, but brand awareness does not have a positive and significant influence on brand loyalty. Apart from that, brand awareness and brand loyalty have a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions, but product quality does not have a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions.

Flow properties of single origin chocolates: Effect of product formulation and particle size.

The objective of this research was to evaluate changes in flow behavior of chocolate during chocolate grinding using a stone grinder as affected by chocolate formulation. Three different types of chocolates were evaluated. Two chocolates without milk added (70% chocolate) and two chocolates with milk added and with different amounts of cocoa nibs (30% chocolate and 14% chocolate) were tested. For the 70% chocolates, nibs of two different origins were used; therefore, a total of four samples were evaluated. Chocolates were processed in a stone grinder, and samples were taken as a function of grinding time. For each timepoint, the flow behavior of the samples was measured using a rotational rheometer and fitted to the Casson model. Particle size was measured using a laser scattering instrument. Results showed that yield stress increased linearly while the Casson plastic viscosity decreased exponentially with grinding time (smaller particles). Particle size distribution of the chocolates showed a prominent bimodal distribution for short grinding times (∼9 h) with small (∼15 µm) and large (∼100 µm) particles; with longer grinding time, the population of larger particles decreased. Yield stress values were higher for the 70% chocolate, but they were not very different between the two milk chocolates tested. The Casson plastic viscosity was greatest for the 70% chocolate, followed by the 30% chocolate. The 14% chocolate had the lowest Casson plastic viscosity. Changes of Casson plastic viscosity with particle size were more evident for the dark chocolates compared to the milk ones. These results are helpful to small chocolate producers who need better understanding of how the formulation and grinding of chocolate affect its flow behavior, which will ultimately affect chocolate handling during production.

Quantitative descriptors that contribute to variability in the F3 population of ornamental pepper

The diversity of peppers from the Capsicum genus has always enriched global cuisine and is currently driving the growth of the ornamental plants market. In this sense, breeding programs with ornamental peppers play a crucial role in the evolution of the ornamental market. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate genetic variability in an F3 population of ornamental pepper through principal component analysis (PCA) based on quantitative descriptors of ornamental interest and identify correlations between them through Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. In the F3 generation of a genetic improvement program with ornamental pepper plants at the State University of Montes Claros, 200 genotypes were conducted. In these, four quantitative descriptors were evaluated: plant height (PH), fruiting stages (FS), production (PD) and average fruit mass (AFM). The data were subjected to normality and homogeneity of variance tests (p<0.05) and, subsequently, to principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate genetic diversity between genotypes. Analyzes were performed using PAST software. The PCA results demonstrated that the variables PD and PH were the ones that contributed most to PCA I, while for PCA II it was FS. In the Pearson correlation coefficient, it was observed that the most significant correlation occurred between the PH and PD variables. AFM and PD were negatively correlated, indicating that the greater the average fruit mass, the lower the number of fruits produced. The results of this study will open up opportunities for the development of new cultivars of ornamental peppers, which are cultivated mainly by small producers or family farmers.

PERCEPCIÓN DE PEQUEÑOS PRODUCTORES RESPECTO A LOS EFECTOS DEL CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO EN LA FLORACIÓN Y PLAGAS DE AGROECOSISTEMAS CAFETALEROS: UN ESTUDIO DE CASO

<p><strong>Background. </strong>The coffee production in Veracruz state is important in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental sectors, mainly for the small producers who are dedicated to this activity. However, this sector has different problems that have generated its stagnation or abandonment, some of these are caused by the effects of climate change, coupled with the inadequate management of coffee agroecosystems that favor deforestation, low biodiversity and the elimination of natural enemies of pest organisms. <strong>Objective</strong>. To assess the perception of small coffee producers about the relationship among flowering, pests and climate change in Sabanas, Veracruz. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Eleven producers were interviewed through a questionnaire with open questions that allowed them to state how they perceive coffee flowering, pest problems, climate change and how they relate to each other. Results. The main problems they mentioned are pests, drought, and delayed flowering. The main pests they mention are rust, nematodes, and the berry borer, and they also indicate the presence of the coffee stem borer, which they had not previously observed. Finally, they perceive that herbicides, deforestation and pollution negatively affect their agroecosystems. <strong>Implications.</strong> The work suggests carrying out monitoring in the study area and/or surrounding areas to know the dynamics and distribution of the pests present in the crop. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> Small producers relate the increase in severity and the occurrence of new pests with climate change. In addition, they observe that changes in temperature and precipitation influence the delay in flowering and generate certain stress in the plantations, which they consider it is aggravated by practices such as the application of herbicides and the removal of shade trees.</p>

Who are small-scale food producers in Italy? Comparisons among different approaches

The question “What is a small-scale producer?” keeps receiving different answers depending on the context in which is posed. Alternative ways of defining smallholders reflect heterogeneous historical and institutional eco-systemic contexts and depend upon what is the role of small-scale agriculture in the rural economy. This has become a pressing issue given the need to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which refers to “small” farmers. Two important related issues are: 1) the adoption of a specific and robust definition of small-scale food producer (SSFP) and 2) the empirical implementation of this definition to determine the SSFPs. The calculations require suitable databases with microdata at the level of individual farms. Based on the 2020 agricultural census results, we identified the small food producers in Italy. We also proposed and compared other approaches to identify SSFPs, that are simpler than that proposed by the FAO and could also be calculated for other census years. Since revenues are not available for every farm – even the census did not collect this information – the standard indicator of production was used instead of revenues to identify SSFPs.

Social Responsibility as a Factor in the Survival of Small Agricultural Producers of Pigs in the Rural Area of the Republic of Croatia

Abstract The Republic of Croatia has several rural areas where agricultural production is carried out. Unfortunately, these areas have been experiencing negative trends and decline, leading to concerns about their survival. Despite state policies that are supposed to protect small agricultural producers, these conditions have been threatened by other interest groups and factors. The current state policy measures have proven to be ineffective, which is evident through the numerous barriers that small agricultural producers face when attempting to place their products on the market. To address these issues, a research paper was conducted to highlight the social responsibility of the state to protect small agricultural producers and ensure that they have equal market conditions. The research paper also presents the concrete demographic and economic situation in these rural areas, and regression calculations, trends, and hypothesis testing were used to identify possible future perspectives of development in these areas. The data used in this research paper were collected from various sources such as the State Statistical Office of the Republic of Croatia, the Agency for Payments in Agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia. The research analysis was carried out using mathematical and statistical methods to quantify the collected data and present them in the form of research results. Based on the findings of the research paper, concrete activities were proposed to create assumptions that small agricultural producers can carry out their business activities without hindrance. These activities aimed to protect small agricultural producers and ensure that they have equal market conditions, thus creating a healthy and sustainable agricultural sector in Croatia.

Properly Cleaning Portable Milking Units: A Step-by-Step Guide

This article aims to help small dairy producers learn how to properly clean portable milking machines so they can improve milk quality and prolong the life of milking equipment. This publication is accompanied by one brochure that aims to summarize the steps for proper cleaning of portable milking units. Written by Izabella Toledo and Chris Decubellis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, April 2024.

Identifying selection strategies based on the practices and preferences of small ruminant farmers to improve the sustainability of their breeding systems

Small ruminant farming is of socio-economic and environmental importance to many rural communities around the world. The SMARTER H2020 project aims to redefine genetic selection criteria to increase the sustainability of the sector. The objective of this study was to analyse the selection and breeding management practices of small ruminant producers and breeders, linked with socio-technical elements that shape them. The study is based on farm surveys using semi-structured interviews conducted in five countries (France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Uruguay) across 272 producers and breeders of 13 sheep and goat breeds, and 15 breed × system combinations. The information was collected in four sections. The first and second sections dealt with general elements of structure and management of the system and the flock/herd. The third section focused on selection and breeding management practices: criteria for culling and replacement of females, selection criteria for males, use of estimated breeding values and global indexes, and preferences for indexing new traits to increase the sustainability of their system. The fourth section aimed to collect socio-technical information. We used a data abstraction method to standardise the representation of these data. A mixed data factor analysis followed by a hierarchical ascending classification allowed the characterisation of three profiles of selection and breeding management: (1) a profile of producers (n = 93) of small flocks/herds, with little knowledge or use of genetic selection and improvement tools (selection index, artificial insemination, performance recording); these farmers do not feel that new traits are needed to improve the sustainability of their system. (2) a profile of producers (n = 34) of multibreed flocks/herds that rely significantly on grazing; they are familiar with genetic tools, they currently use AI; they would like the indexes to include more health and robustness characteristics, to make their animals more resistant and to increase the sustainability of their system. And (3) a profile of producers or breeders (n = 145) of large flocks/herds, with specific culling criteria; these farmers are satisfied with the current indexes to maintain the sustainability of their system. These results are elements that can be used by private breeding companies and associations to support the evolution of selection objectives to increase the resilience of animals and to improve the sustainability of the small ruminant breeding systems.

Análisis de la producción y exportación de fresa mexicana: 1988-2020.

The objective of this study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the variables that determine strawberry production in Mexico; to analyze the potential export markets for Mexican strawberries; and to determine the effect of strawberry exports on production using a regression model for the period 1988-2020. The results were that, if the average rural price increases 1%, suppliers will be willing to produce 118,096 tons more and if strawberry exports increase 1%, production will increase 2.9%. The COVID-19 sanitary crisis reduced Mexican strawberry production by 279,794 tons. Since export demand influences strawberry supply, it is necessary to assist small and medium-sized producers to meet export quality standards and take advantage of market opportunities in Latin America and Europe.

Optimization and Prediction of Operational Parameters for Enhanced Efficiency of a Chickpea Peeling Machine

Chickpeas hold significant nutritional and cultural importance, being a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a staple ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. Peeling chickpeas is considered a crucial pre-consumption operation due to the undesirability of peels for some uses. This study aimed to design, test, and evaluate a small chickpea seed peeling machine. The peeling prototype was designed in accordance with the chickpeas’ measured properties; the seeds’ moisture content was determined to be 6.96% (d.b.). The prototype was examined under four different levels of drum revolving speeds (100, 200, 300, and 400 rpm), and three different numbers of brush peeling rows. The prototype was tested with rotors of four, eight, and twelve rows of brushes. The evaluation of the chickpea peeling machine encompassed several parameters, including the machine’s throughput (kg/h), energy consumption (kW), broken seeds percentage (%), unpeeled seeds percentage (%), and peeling efficiency (%). The obtained results revealed that the peeling machine throughput (kg/h) exhibited an upward trend with increases in the rotation speed of the peeling drum. Meanwhile, the throughput decreased as the number of peeling brushes installed on the roller increased. The highest recorded productivity of 71.29 kg/h was achieved under the operational condition of 400 rpm and four peeling brush rows. At the same time, the peeling efficiency increased with the increase in both of peeling drum rotational speed and number of peeling brush rows. The highest peeling efficiency (97.2%) was recorded at the rotational speed of 400 rpm and twelve peeling brush rows. On the other hand, the lowest peeling efficiency (92.85%) was recorded at the lowest drum rotational speed (100 rpm) and number of peeling brush rows (4 rows). In the optimal operational condition, the machines achieved a throughput of 71.29 kg/h, resulting in a peeling cost of 0.001 USD per kilogram. This small-scale chickpea peeling machine is a suitable selection for small and medium producers.

Efficiency evaluation of Cunambí and Timbó plant extracts in agroecological management of Meloidogyne sp. in jambu crop

The control of phytoematoids through the use of plant extracts with nematicide attributes represents another alternative for small producers, with affordable and economical value, besides not presenting risks of environment contamination. Due to the need to seek to increase production in an increasingly sustainable way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ‘Cunambí’ (Clibadium surinamense L.) and ‘Timbó’ (Derris elliptica) plant extracts extracted from different part of plants at different concentrations (distilled water, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) to control meloidogyn sp. in ‘Jambu’ (Acmella oleracea L.) under controlled conditions. The aqueous extract was obtained from crushing the plant parts used of each species. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed. The percentage of immobile nematodes was determined evaluating the nematostatic and nematicide activity of extract. In the in vitro test cunambí and timbó extracts at different concentrations showed nematicide activity on Meloidogyne sp., considering that all treatments differed from control group. When timbó extract was used, the concentration of 2% presented lower results than the other concentrations used. The application of timbó and cunambí extracts via soil did not affect height, diameter, fresh and dry shoots weight, nor even the weight of jambu root system. Despite these variations, all percentages used were able to reduce the amount of Meloidogyne sp. Therefore, timbó and cunambí extracts may be an option to control Meloidogyne sp. under controlled conditions, recommending concentrations above 4%.

Production of vegetables with biofertilizers based on native microorganisms: A case study in Tixtla, Guerrero, Mexico

In agriculture, the use of fertilizers has increased due to the high demand for food by humanity, causing negative impacts because of high production costs and soil contamination. We evaluated five biofertilizers based on native microorganisms promoters of plant growth (NMPPG) as an alternative to the fertilizers used by small vegetable producers. The evaluation was carried out with three types of vegetables (lettuce, celery and epazote) in the Juan Berbera Catalán Irrigation Unit made up by producers from the community of Tixtla, Guerrero. The results show that Rhizobium sp. R01 (Tx3), Azotobacter sp. C3 (Tx1) and Bacillus licheniformis M2-7 (Tx5) used as biofertilizers promote germination and considerably increase fresh weight in these crops, and Azospirillum sp. M9 (Tx2) and Trichoderma sp. ABC1 (Tx4) present significant differences with the negative and chemical control. The yield of lettuce, celery and epazote was favored using biofertilizers, which can be considered a good alternative to apply to these crops, likewise, the price of biofertilizers (5 liters per Tx) compared to the fertilizer DAP-18-46-00 (50 kg) used by the same producers is $1,200.00 vs. $2,000.00 MXN per hectare produced respectively. In conclusion, the biofertilizers used herein represent a feasible alternative for farmers without disregarding the need for technical specialists and producers to identify optimal conditions that support the sustained application and management of biofertilizers.

Smallholder participation in zero-deforestation supply chain initiatives in the Indonesian palm oil sector: Challenges, opportunities, and limitations

As actors in tropical agricultural commodity supply chains implement commitments to end deforestation, they risk exacerbating social inequities by excluding smallholder farmers, who are important producers of many tropical commodity crops. Here, we explore the potential for independent oil palm smallholders in Indonesia to participate in zero-deforestation supply chains. We find that these smallholders are underrepresented in the share of zero-deforestation compliant oil palm production. We then synthesize perspectives from key actors in the oil palm industry including smallholders and their representatives, palm oil producing and consulting companies, nongovernmental organizations, and academic researchers. Based on these perspectives, we find that challenges to smallholder supply chain participation include limitations in knowledge (e.g., smallholders may not know the location of protected forests), institutional issues (e.g., absence of trust between oil palm growing companies and smallholder farmers), and financial constraints (e.g., the opportunity cost of not clearing forest). To address these shortcomings, we encourage oil palm growing and milling companies to take the lead on incentivizing, supporting, and facilitating smallholder participation in zero-deforestation initiatives. Specifically, these companies could build and use their technical and political resources to identify and map all forests in their entire supply shed and ensure small producers have land rights that enable participation in zero-deforestation supply chains. These policy levers would need to be combined with economic incentives such as access to improved inputs or price premia for their products. However, we caution that smallholder integration into existing zero-deforestation supply chains alone is unlikely to result in significant additional forest conservation at scale in Indonesia due to selection bias, leakage, and existing land tenure norms. Community-led and jurisdictional or landscape-scale supply chain initiatives that acknowledge multi-commodity production are more likely to provide equitable and just avenues for Indonesian smallholder farmers to steward forest resources.

Private label partnerships with retailers: a risk or opportunity for producers?

PurposeThis study identifies benefits and challenges of PL partnerships, and recommendations to improve the PL partnership process.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews (n = 8) with Irish PL retail buyers (n = 4) and producers (n = 4). Data was coded and thematically analysed.FindingsThree key themes were identified. Theme 1 provides an overview of the benefits of PL partnerships for producers (e.g. volume driven orders, increased efficiencies) and for retailers (e.g. unique products, meeting consumer demand). Theme 2 presents challenges of PL partnerships specific to small and large producers (e.g. small producers may need significant investment to upgrade facilities, while larger producers may require significant volume to justify adaptation of production lines). Challenges common to both (e.g. risks related to short-term contracts, concerns about brand identity) are also discussed. Theme 3 summarised recommendations for successful PL partnerships generally (e.g. setting clear expectations and goals, building rapport and trust), and recommendations specific to producers and buyers specifically (e.g. producers should diversify customers to reduce risk, and retailers should communicate needs and direction).Originality/valueThere is currently limited research on PL partnerships between producers and retailers. This study addresses this gap by identifying key aspects for producers to consider when entering PL partnerships and key aspects for retailers to be aware of to help improve the attractiveness and success of these partnerships.