Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
The role of collaboration in agriculture
S.R. Schiller
1
, C. Gonzalez
2
, S. Flanigan
3
1
Institute for Rural Development Research, Frankfurt am Main
(schiller@ifls.de);
2
University of Évora;
3
James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen
Introduction
The multi-level perspective (MLP), which has been applied in the FarmPath project
(Darnhofer, this volume), implies that collaboration between actors is essential for niche
development; and likewise collaboration between niche and regime actors needs to take
place in a transition process. Studies on transition have, in general, noted the importance of
these interactions for the transition process. However, there is little knowledge on the
development of collaboration and its role in the context of transition. Using three initiatives
as case studies, this chapter will provide insights into collaboration in agriculture, and its
role in the transition towards regional sustainability of agriculture.
Collaboration, as opposed to conflict and competition, is a major pattern of human
behaviour necessary for the production of goods and services (Fuchs-Heinritz and
Barlösius, 2010). Individuals act together within a common context to achieve a common
objective. From this general definition, it becomes clear that collaboration can take very
different forms in terms of the number of actors involved; the intensity of interaction; the
activities undertaken; and the social norms and values, framework conditions and
objectives pursued. Furthermore, collaboration can be formal and/or informal.
Cooperatives, particularly agricultural cooperatives, are a distinct organizational and
regulated form of collaboration, generally with a solidarity-oriented, rather than profit-
oriented approach. In agriculture, two key forms of collaboration can be differentiated:
'vertical cooperation' between agricultural producers and other businesses in sectors (for
example, suppliers and processors); and 'horizontal cooperation' between agricultural
producers (such as machinery rings) (Klischat
et al.
, 2001).
Collaboration has also been identified as important in relation to ensuring the social
and economic sustainability of farming. Sutherland
et al
.a (this volume) denoted multiple
functions of agriculture which are identified in both literature and EU agricultural policy as
key to sustainability in agricultural systems. Agriculture is expected to provide a range of
goods, functions and ecosystem services from food security to employment; rural
development; soil and water quality; nature conservation; and amenity functions. These
expectations make it increasingly difficult for farmers and the agricultural production chain
to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of consumers, citizens and policies. It
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