The role of producer organizations in development of the Latvian fruit and vegetables sector and the EU
Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Struktoru Str. 14, LV–1039 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: inese.biuksane@inbox.lv
Abstract:
Cooperation works as a tool for stable and sustainable economic development, facilitating human well-being and development of economy. It reflects cohesion of the sector and interest in facilitation of the common development of the sector. At the EU level, an increasing attention is paid to cooperation and its role in promotion of competitiveness of the fruit and vegetables sector. The aim of the research is to evaluate the contribution of producer organizations to the development of the fruit and vegetable sector and achievement of the objectives of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. Based on the national and international planning documents, available statistical data and the results of conducted questionnaires, a general overview of the activities of fruit and vegetable producer organizations in Latvia and their achieved results in reaching the objectives of the EU’s common organization of the market in agricultural products was provided. Several proposals were developed to strengthen the activities of fruit and vegetable producer organizations, to facilitate the competitiveness of the sector, as well as to implement the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU. The results obtained during the research can help the institutions involved in the establishment and implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU to better develop and improve the policy in the sector.
Key words:
cooperation, EU Common Agricultural Policy, fruit and vegetables sector, Latvia, producer organizations