Project structure

The research process starts with the development of an appropriate analytical framework, which will set the frame for well-targeted research hypotheses and methods in the subsequent research tasks. The analytical framework will also guarantee that the research is optimally embedded in current academic, societal and policy debates on relevant topics for collective marketing initiatives.

A status-quo analysis of different types of producer co-operation in marketing will be elaborated for all study countries on the basis of previous research results, wider literature and other secondary data sources. This concerns an assessment of the state of knowledge on organisational forms of producer co-operation, their relations to other partners in the supply chain and their relevant political and market environments.

A series of 18 in-depth case studies of COFAMIs and their relevant social, economic and market environments will be conducted. The in-depth case studies will enable a more detailed analysis of the importance of different limiting/enabling factors (both internal to the initiative, concerning arrangements with other supply chain actors, and related to contextual factors) in facilitating/restricting the emergence, performance and continuity of COFAMIs. The case study field research consists of interviews with (participating and non-participating) farmers and other relevant actors, as well as the collection of data to assess the impact and performance of the investigated COFAMI.

The research activities will be synthesised and intergrated into general conclusions on limiting/enabling factors of COFAMIs, and formulates support strategies and measures for their improvement and dissemination.

In the approach of the project, a key role is given to the consultation of stakeholders and experts in all stages of the research process. Stakeholder and expert consultation are considered crucial to ensure that research results and proposed support measures are sufficiently grounded in field experiences and policy debates, and to mobilise their direct expertise of farmers’ initiatives.