Improving small farmer participation in export marketing channels: perceptions of US fresh produce importers

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to identify important elements of a strategy to facilitate small farmer participation in international supply chains for fresh produce. Design/methodology/approach -The study employs survey data collected from a national sample of US fresh produce importers. Their concerns and suggestions regarding potential for transactions with small Mexican farmers were assessed, with factor analysis providing a thematic summary of their perspectives.Findings -Results of the study reveal that US importers are not uniformly pessimistic about the ability of small farmers to meet their demands. On the contrary, almost one-third said they probably would work with small farmers in the near future. In general, importers are interested in transactions in which the product meets consumer and government expectations and is grown on the buyer's terms, the grower is reliable over time, the transaction is simplified, and the grower handles transportation. Importers rate small farmers poorly on their ability to achieve the last two factors, but these are also the items rated least important to the importers. New approaches to building market capacity in small farmers are also highly valued by the importers, including government investment guarantees, and arrangements for facilitating contact between importers and growers. More traditional methods, such as cooperatives and use of brokers, were not rated as highly.Research limitations/implications -The study relies on cross-sectional, self-report data from one side of the grower/importer dyad. Incorporating longitudinal data with a dyadic perspective could provide additional insight. Originality/value -A practitioner perspective on the challenges in international fruit and vegetable supply chains, particularly as relates to developing countries, is of considerable value. Not only can governments choose improved policies for improving market readiness for the growers, but also members of supply chains themselves can identify tactics for ensuring successful transactions by enhancing coordination. The prospects for a win-win outcome for growers and importers are improved.

Supply chain orientation in SMEs as an attitudinal construct

“…Ciliberti et al (2009) addressed the specific challenges related to SMEs as supply chain partners, among which limited financial and human resources probably are the most important. For the food sector, the role of smallholders and their inclusion in (global) supply chains has been extensively discussed, mainly from a quality, reliability and transaction cost perspective (Stanton and Burkink, 2008). These approaches differ from the perspective taken in this paper, which mainly refers to the attitudes of farmers (as representing SME managers) towards supply chain needs as well as to their intentions to implement respective measures.…”

Reaping the benefits of value innovation: Lessons for small agribusinesses in Africa

“…To best of our knowledge, there are very few publications on value innovation in the context of small agribusinesses in Africa. The focus in literature tends to be on western innovation, value chain management and improving innovation systems through technological advancements (Bonnet et al, 2005;Cooke, 2004;Possas et al, 1996;Rottger, 2010;Stanton and Burkink, 2008). This paper sets a precedent for further investigation both qualitatively and quantitatively into this aspect of business practice in small agribusinesses in Africa.…”

“…Bonney et al (2005) is one of the few articles used in this literature review that attempts to link both the concepts of innovation and value innovation in agriculture stating that the agro-food industry needs to embrace a consumer focused approach to market development and business growth as well as embrace the principles associated with value chain management. There is documentation of creating value through value chain innovation, information systems and technology advancements (Cooke, 2004;Stanton and Burkink, 2008). In the literature on innovation in agriculture, Possas et al (1996) inform that innovation in the agricultural industry has being receiving notice from economists since the 1960s.…”

Quality assurance programs and access to international markets: the case of horticultural processors in Vietnam

“…Since the horticultural sector in Vietnam and other developing countries provides livelihoods for many of the rural poor, either as farmers or as wage laborers in primary production and processing, these people directly depend on the industry's success in export supply chains. Increasing consumer demand for high-value products offers new income earning opportunities, when food supply chains manage to adapt properly to the new conditions, as shown by Stanton and Burkink (2008). This is not only a challenge for processing firms, but also for upstream stages of the supply chain.…”