Neue Publikation: The Role of Farmers and Farmer Associations [07.04.26]
Bühler, N., Hansen, R., Jensen-Auvermann, T., Laven, P., Hess, S. (2026).
In: Lewandowski, I., Mayorga-Duarte, L., Scheurich, P., Vargas-Carpintero, R., Schlecht, V., Weik, J. (eds) Bioeconomy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-09098-0_30
Abstract
Over recent decades, the political, social, legal, and economic landscape of agricultural production has undergone profound transformation at global, European, national, and regional levels. The pursuit of sustainability, coupled with rising expectations for product quality and increasingly stringent standards governing environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and consumer protection, compels farmers to reassess and redefine their development strategies for long-term viability. These sweeping changes, set against the backdrop of intensifying competition within the agricultural sector, have escalated pressures on individual farms. Farmers face mounting challenges, including constrained access to capital, shrinking profit margins, and declining incomes. These difficulties are further exacerbated by the volatility of global markets, where unpredictable price fluctuations add another layer of uncertainty to agricultural operations (De Wolf and Schoorlemmer 2008). Medium- and long-term strategies, both at the individual and inter-farm levels, are indispensable for addressing the escalating competitive pressures in agricultural markets and positioning farms for a sustainable future. At the individual level, particularly within the globally acclaimed family-run farm model, profit maximization is only one aspect of a broader objective: the holistic maximization of benefits for the family. The theoretical principles underlying this approach are explored in detail in ► Sect. 30.1.1. At the inter-farm level, significant opportunities for growth and development emerge through collaboration. Such partnerships can range from targeted cooperation in specific areas—such as shared supply chains, joint marketing efforts, or pooled use of machinery—to the formation of formalised Farmer Associations or cooperatives (Doluschitz et al. 2011). Cooperatives often arise in response to shared challenges that cannot be effectively tackled by individuals alone, echoing Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen’s enduring principle: “What is impossible for the individual can be achieved by the many” (Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen 1818–88). Farmer associations, operating at both national and international levels, provide structured mechanisms for collective action, enabling farms to pool resources, enhance efficiency, and amplify their bargaining power. These collaborative models and their practical applications are examined in ► Sect. 30.1.2. By fostering cooperation, farmers can not only adapt to competitive pressures but also build resilience and secure a sustainable future for their enterprises.
