Agricultural cooperatives in the European Union

This book deals with the development of agricultural cooperatives in the European Union. Its fifteen chapters cover fifteen countries, describing a number of trends that apply to the whole of Europe and serve as a basis for a number of conclusions and proposals. As it is not possible to include all the data from fifteen different countries, we will focus only on the main Europe-wide trends and issues that influence cooperative leaders, managers and their representatives when they shape cooperative policy in national and European organisations and government agencies. Specific information for each country is provided in the relevant chapters. An understanding of the trends in the development of agricultural cooperatives in the EU Member States will provide useful insights for cooperatives that are being formed or are just starting up in our country, but also for farmers themselves and those who are involved in setting up new types of cooperatives. We believe that the development of new types of cooperatives is absolutely necessary - but also requires a lot of patience and capital. With this book, we wish all those involved in this work good luck!