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Agricultural Cooperatives: Roadblocks to Achieving Sustainability

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  • Myrto Paraschou

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Panagiota Sergaki

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Nikos Kalogeras

    (Marketing & Consumer Behaviour Group, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 9101, 6700 HB Wageningen, The Netherlands
    Domain International Business and Communication, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 634, 6200 AP Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Stefanos A. Nastis

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Christos Staboulis

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Agricultural cooperatives are essential in mitigating climate change and food insecurity through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of biodiversity. However, weaknesses in governance, economic restrictions, market pressures, and regulatory obstacles frequently hinder their efficacy. This study investigates the main factors leading to cooperative failures through qualitative analysis of twenty-three (23) expert interviews. Research demonstrates that strong governance, efficient communication, financial stability, and supportive policies are crucial for the viability of cooperatives. Leadership issues, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and market competition were seen as significant roadblocks. It is essential to tackle these difficulties via governance adjustments, economic resilience approaches, and policy advocacy to strengthen the role of cooperatives in climate change mitigation and food security.

Suggested Citation

  • Myrto Paraschou & Panagiota Sergaki & Nikos Kalogeras & Stefanos A. Nastis & Christos Staboulis, 2025. "Agricultural Cooperatives: Roadblocks to Achieving Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:8012-:d:1743313
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