By a CORRESPONDENT
A SHORT lifespan for traditional farm co-operatives was predicted by a
leading potato grower at the opening of the British Growers' Look Ahead
two-day conference and exhibition at Birmingham yesterday.
There would have to be a complete change of philosophy, said Tony
Worth, whose family farming operation covers 2000 acres in Lincolnshire.
''They will have to be more outward-looking, responding to the market
place, instead of being production-driven,'' he warned. ''The
traditional co-operative structure will no longer be appropriate.
''We shall see the serious marketing co-operatives restructuring,
making it possible for those organisations to attract outside directors
and funding to develop their full potential as suppliers to the
retailers and niche markets.''
Mr Worth, who is also managing director of the Holbeach Marsh
Co-operative --which handles a total of 160,000 tonnes of potatoes --
indicated this group's three-tier operation could be regarded as a
model.
Not only did it provide a marketing organisation for its own members,
but it acted for another leading co-op in the area, and offered a wide
range of services for non-members.
The group had marketing links with three major retailers, a leading
frozen chip manufacturer, wholesalers, and other processors.
He predicted polarisation of potato production with the move to a free
market. The larger units would employ their own top-class management,
while smaller family units would also survive.
But medium to large units would have to rely on organisations like his
own co-op, completely change their operations, or sell up as competition
got fiercer -- and margins tighter.
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