Farmer cooperation is constantly promoted as a solution for increasing agricultural competitiveness. According to Eurostat and MADR data, associated farms have, on average, better access to markets, cheaper inputs, and stronger bargaining power. However, the level of association in Romania remains low compared to the EU average.

From an economic perspective, cooperation brings clear advantages: reduced procurement costs, contractual stability, and access to joint investments. Functional cooperatives can increase added value through processing or integrated marketing. European Commission data show that associated farms generally achieve more stable incomes than individual ones.

The problem arises at the operational level. Many forms of association are created formally, in order to access funding, without a real economic strategy. Lack of internal discipline, differences in size among members, and unclear decision-making processes generate conflicts and reduced efficiency. In practice, these associations fail to deliver the promised advantages.

For 2026, cooperation is viable only if it is treated as an economic structure, not as an administrative instrument. From a financial perspective, collaboration works when there are clear rules, common objectives, and measurable benefits for members.

(Photo: Freepik)