Abstract

Supply networks are increasingly complex networks of interdependent organisations. In the case of food supply
networks, globalization seems to be one of the main drivers for change. Agricultural producers have to deal with
longer and more complex supply and value chains. However, globalization has resulted in both winners and losers
among small farmers. This research looks at drivers for collaboration that may support small farmers’ integration to
successful food supply chains.
Even though cooperatives are a prominent form of farmer organization, there is little evidence that suggests that
these have served as frameworks for successful integration of small-farmers into global supply chains. Hence, this
paper focuses in an alternative Mexican legal figure for land collective ownership (‘ejido’) and explores their
members’ propensity to collaborate. An exploratory research is conducted and initial findings are provided.
As an initial outcome, this paper suggests the need for a complementary research approach to increase small
farmers’ propensity to collaborate and work together. Areas for further research are identified.