Relational Premises in the Cooperation Between Farms with Conservative Breeds and Industry Organisations

Marta Domagalska-Grędys
2017 Zeszyty Naukowe SGGW w Warszawie - Problemy Rolnictwa Światowego  
The main aim of the study was to indicate relational premises in the cooperation between industry organisations and farms with conservative breeds (cattle, pigs, and sheep). It has been assumed that the processes of integration of domestic animal breeders depend on the state of the relationships established (in terms of quality, sustainability, dependence and uniqueness) with industry organisations. The research was carried out on the basis of an interview questionnaire (in 2017) with farmers
more » ... om south-eastern Poland, representatives of organisations, and a review of secondary sources describing the activities of industry organisations since the beginning of their existence. The specificity of the entities under analysis stems from their role and responsibilities. Breeders contribute to the growth of biodiversity, while industry organisations are an important partner in their relationships as they support farms (they mediate in the contracting process, organise trainings, represent the interests of producers in Poland and abroad). Preliminary results of the research indicate that the best conditions for cooperation are in the networks of breeders of conservative breeds of pigs as well as in interorganisational relationships with the 'POLSUS' industry organisation. 53 out in new conditions of integration (and globalization). A closer look reveals that producers (breeders) and industry organisations fulfil new functions. The history of industry organisations repeatedly confirms that the process of adaptation to the changing socio-political conditions is ongoing. The new context for perceiving the role of industry organisations as associations implementing the biodiversity Programme raises the question as to what extent they are ready to fulfil the new role and support farms? Do relationships developed between them give hope of development of farms through a network of relationship of cooperation? The main objective of the study was to indicate relational premises in the cooperation between industry organisations and farms with conservative breeds (cattle, pigs, and sheep). The specific objectives included: 1. Description of the involvement of industry organisations in actions supporting member producers and breeders. 2. Assessment of the relations between farmers and industry organisations in terms of quality, sustainability, dependence and uniqueness. 3. Opinions on "good relations" of cooperating farmers and organisations (what is a good relation?). The following research questions were posed: Do farmers and industry organisations rate the relations similarly? In which cases are the relations (between farmer and institution) the most harmonious? Which relation quality characteristics can be considered satisfactory and which require improvement (due to a low rating)? The subject of the study was the farms with animals of conservative breeds and the best organised industry organisations of the supra-local nature, with which they established formal relationships. The specificity of the farms results from their role and responsibilities. By maintaining the breeds of protected animals, breeders commit themselves to complying with certain procedures and, thus, increasing biodiversity. Breeders establish formal relationships with various institutions, including, apart from the aforementioned industry organisations, the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Balice (the coordinator and implementer of the protection of farm animals 4 ), the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARMA) 5 (which transfers subsidies to livestock units covered by the biodiversity protection Programme), the Agricultural Advisory Centre, Veterinary Inspection, banks, municipal offices, universities, feed suppliers, and customers. Industry organisations participate in activities which support farmers and processes of transformation in agriculture by influencing the state agricultural policy, amending the legislation, representing their interests in the European institutions (in Brussels) and global organisations (IHAR), and providing services (issuing certificates for breeding animals)
doi:10.22630/prs.2017.17.4.81 fatcat:dheyk3hycrha5gy4dikbgvlmda