Collective action in the Greek agrifood sector: evidence from the North Aegean region

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the existing forms of collective action in the Greek agrifood sector and to focus on co‐operatives, the dominant form of collective action in the agrifood sector of the North Aegean region.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on six contextual and behavioural conditions under which collective action may emerge.

Findings

This paper shows that very successful co‐operatives, according to the six contextual and behavioural conditions, co‐exist with unsuccessful ones, which are characterised by inflexibilities and inability to respond to a constantly changing market. Moreover, the legal status of some co‐operatives (obligatory co‐operatives) is of great interest.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to categorise existing forms of collective action in the Greek agrifood sector. Moreover, it gives information about the co‐operatives of the North Aegean region, based on three research programmes that were conducted in the region.

Citation

Vakoufaris, H., Spilanis, I. and Kizos, T. (2007), "Collective action in the Greek agrifood sector: evidence from the North Aegean region", British Food Journal, Vol. 109 No. 10, pp. 777-791. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700710821322