Globalization

  • Agricultural Cooperatives and Globalization: A challenge in future?
    • http://ifmaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/09_Hansen.pdf
      • Globalization is one of the greatest strategic challenges for agricultural cooperatives. It has increased significantly over the last decade, and despite financial crises and recession in many parts of the world globalization will likely continue — albeit with less force than before. Cooperatives have specific challenges of globalization. In some areas, cooperative challenges have been solved. Critical issues such as the use of foreign raw materials and production abroad are now a part of business development in several large cooperatives. Foreign members are also increasingly common, still not without challenges. In other areas, however, more structural and fundamental problems persist. Here major changes in the organization of cooperatives are required if all of the advantages of globalization are to be exploited. For decades, Danish agriculture has been characterized by a high market share for cooperatives and a structure which to a high degree has been export and globally oriented, indicating no specific problem concerning globalization of cooperatives.
      • Henning Otte Hansen, University of Copenhagen
      • Library ID Number: 7651
  • Cooperatives in a Changing Global Food System
    • http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/rr157.pdf
      • This study examines how U.S. agricultural cooperatives are responding to the current trend of globalization in the agricultural and food sectors. Information from three case studies illustrates the extent to which cooperatives’ organizational structure may limit or enhance their ability to compete with investor-owned firms (IOFs) on a global scale. Concentration levels in key agricultural production, processing, and distribution markets are reviewed.
      • Next, the report examines new global strategies being employed by IOFs and their impact on farmer-owned cooperatives. The international activities of three regional cooperatives are examined in detail and data is used to highlight advantages and disadvantages that cooperatives may experience in global competition with IOFs. Factors limiting international involvement by cooperatives include the diverse interests of their members, ties to domestic resource bases and social groups, the high risk levels and long-term nature of international investment, and symbolic barriers, including language barriers and the different connotations of the term “cooperative” in other nations.
      • Potential advantages for cooperatives include their reputation as reliable, high-quality suppliers and ethical business partners and their ability to meet specialty, niche demand created within a global food system. Cooperatives must seek opportunities in the new global system that their organizational structure makes them uniquely qualified to fill. They must also seek member response to questions of international involvement and encourage a spirit of “permanent innovation” among cooperative members and staff. Finally, cooperatives must enhance the potential social, cultural and economic benefits from international cooperation for their membership.
      • Library ID Number: 2587
  • Guide for Prospective Agricultural Cooperative Exporters
    • http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/rr93.pdf
      • This report discusses several different aspects of exporting that U.S. agricultural cooperatives must consider to develop a successful export program. Major topics include factors in making the decision to export, sources of assistance, developing an export marketing strategy, sales considerations, and completing the transaction. The purpose of this article is to help cooperative management, personnel, and members understand the export process and to provide a basic reference tool for experienced and novice exporters.
      • Research Report 93 . 40 pgs. 1990. Alan D. Borst.
      • Library ID Number: 2534
  • Using Export Companies to Expand Cooperatives’ Foreign Sales
    • http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/rr52.pdf
      • Many agricultural cooperatives can expand foreign sales by using export management companies (EMCs). Small cooperatives may find them particularly useful. This discussion of EMCs covers: services and products handled; market coverage; fees, margins, and costs; ownership and financial structure; advantages and disadvantages; and guidelines for selecting an EMC and Export Trading Companies.
      • Research Report 52 . 17 pgs. 1985. Arvin R. Bunker and Tracey L. Kennedy.
      • Library ID Number: 2392
  • Export Techniques of Grain Cooperatives
    • https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/46271/?ln=en
      • Exporting Grain is a highly specialized form of marketing. Success depends on careful attention to detail. To understand the many techniques used in developing sales arrangements and physically handling grain for export is the “how” of exporting. There are certain fundamental techniques that should be understood by directors and administrative employees for cooperative grain export programs. Included in this article are techniques involved in export pricing, overseas shipping arrangements, and sales and service agreement between buyer and seller on the point at which title to the grain is to be transferred from seller to buyer.
      • Library ID Number: 1990
  • Cooperative Exporters and Foreign Technical Standards
    • http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/rr113.pdf
      • Technical standards of the foreign markets to which cooperatives export or plan to enter are outlined in this article. The roles of Federal and State Governments and international government organizations regarding these standards are also described. The objective of the study is to help agricultural cooperative exporters more effectively manage the costs of dealing with the technical standards and regulations of foreign countries to which they export.
      • Research Report 113 . 21 pgs. 1993. Alan Borst, Bruce Reynolds.
      • Library ID Number: 2888