Unusual Business and Producer Organizations

On the 14th of September 57 experts from the public, private and academic sector gathered to explore the theme "How can producer organizations become full-fledged partners in innovative partnerships?" Progreso Network & Agri-ProFocus members Solidaridad, KIT and Agriterra were responsible for the organization of the event held in Huize Frankendael in Amsterdam.

Edith Kroese (Progresso Network) and Hedwig Bruggeman (Agri Pro-Focus)welcomed all the participants and introduced the program. Then Roldan Muradian (CIDIN / Agriterra) held a presentation on trends in sustainable supply chain management and the implications for the future role of producer organizations and their development. Roldan emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial capacity and strategic partnerships for producer cooperatives to able to coop with the current challenges of price instability, agriculture for biofuel etc.

Subsequently Bertus Wennink (KIT) discussed concepts related to partnerships. Bertus stated that; "When producer organizations move from collaboration to partnerships they should go from stake to share and from voice to vote. Furthermore, if NGO's tend to focus on organizational strengthening and less on assisting the PO, then they will become independent business partners. This could transform the PO into a project executer instead of an organization making strategic choices for its members".


 


After a very special chocolate intermezzo provided by master chocolatier Kees Raat all the participants were divided in small groups to form round table sessions.

Seven organizations shared their story on an innovative partnership they engage in. Experiences ranged from the stimulation of partnerships in the coffee sector to public-private partnerships on climate change. Besides telling their story, the organizations also shared their dilemmas and obstacles within the partnership.

The other experts cracked their brains to find solutions and better ways to deal with these challenges. The biggest eye-openers of the sessions were formulated into a statement on strategic partnerships.

This resulted in the following statements:

- NGO´s should also take risks in partnerships, something to gain and loose for each partner.

- The best way to finance climate adaptation for smallholders is through mitigation strategies like reforestation.

- Making farmers shareholders is a good way of creating an inclusive and transparent value chain.

- If politicians don't see interest - benefits for them, the PPP will not happen.

- Cultural traditions impede efforts to improve transparency and accountability.

- Partnerships are an expensive way to support a happy few.

- Success of the project depends on whether the supportive relationship will change into a sustainable commercial one.

- A self-sustainable cooperative is business oriented. A strong governance structure is a CSF for a successful cooperative.

These statements were heavily discussed.

Hedwig Bruggeman finished the day with a reflection on the learned lessons during the day. In addition Roldan Muradian proposed to use the knowledge gained this day, for a research agenda in the future.

The Progreso Network team couldn't be more fulfilled with such an interesting and inspiring day, where experts met, shared knowledge, discussed and learnt interesting lessons from each other on how to stimulate and facilitate strategic partnerships between PO's and other actors.

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