Factors influencing contractual choice and sustainable relationships in European agri-food supply chains

The role of inter-enterprise relationships in European pig meat, beef and cereals chains is analysed. Using survey data from 1,442 farmers, processors and retailers in six countries, the empirical relevance of several factors potentially influencing the choice of contract types and the sustainability of relationships is tested. In particular, the significance of quality orientation and the use of traceability schemes are explored. Market, industry and enterprise-specific characteristics are found to influence contract type choice while dyadic, firm-level factors appear to affect relationship sustainability. The results carry implications for agribusiness management, particularly regarding food safety standards, as well as policy support. Oxford University Press and Foundation for the European Review of Agricultural Economics 2010; all rights reserved. For permissions, please email journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.