Basic methodological approaches to the organisation of an agroindustrial association

摘要

Increasing attention is being given in Russia to the idea of creating agroindustrial conglomerates, but with a different ethos from the 1970s and 1980s, with emphasis on grassroots initiatives and the voluntary principle. The paper outlines the essential stages of forming such an association: studying consumer demand and purchasing power, markets and competition; choosing participants; and defining the area of operations. At present Russian consumers' incomes have considerable influence on demand.Agricultural enterprises are generally too weak to be the principal integrators, and this role is more often taken by processor enterprises. It is important to involve partners who are able to provide capital investment. The area of operation will dependon transport costs and distances between points of supply and sales. Consultation with specialists will be essential for identification of the optimal variant of activity. This will then be followed by the necessary processes of registration and business planning. Special legislation on integrated enterprises, covering their social and legal status and entitlement to tax and other financial concessions, was drafted in early 1997.