The role of cooperatives as intermediary actors in the grass-fed supply chain

In the agriculture system, cooperatives assume an important coordinating role, able as intermediaries to influence the efficiency of different food supply chains. A cooperative attitude among stakeholders can help foster a more sustainable food production and consumption pathways, also considering that integration has been found to provide greater economies of scale. Within the Filierba project, the role of cooperatives in dairy and beef supply chain in Piedmont, Italy, was investigated. In this territory, grass resources are abundant while the number of grazing cattle is the highest among Italian regions. The use of grass as feed for bovine livestock to obtain innovative products is the core of the Filierba Project. This type of supply chain is emerging and a market for these premium products is currently lacking. In this context, this research aims to investigate the actual and potential contribution of cooperatives in the processing, distribution and commercialization of the grass-fed products. For this purpose, an on-line questionnaire was prepared and distributed to Piedmontese dairy and beef cooperatives. A total of 9 responses have been collected from beef (5) and dairy (4) sectors. The stages of the supply chain in which cooperatives are involved, supply and distribution channels implemented, transformed or marketed grass-fed products, the interest to widen the supply of these products, and the main difficulties found in their commercialisation were asked in the questionnaire. Moreover, some questions on food safety, traceability, rewarding systems, marketing strategies, sustainability practices implemented, and supply chain practices related to the relationships with suppliers, partners, and clients were added. This research contributes to frame the role of different stakeholders actively involved in this market. Despite consumers could be interested in grass-fed products, the difficulties encountered in the commercialization of these products need to be carefully analysed to identify opportunities for market growth.