2001, Volume 9, Paper 9

ISSN: 1883-5675

New Generation Co-operatives for Agricultural Marketing & Processing in Australia: Principles, Practicalities and a Case Study

Brad Plunket – Western Australian Department of Agriculture & graduate student University of Missouri
Ross Kingwell – Western Australian Department of Agriculture & University of Western Australia

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.