Food Quality Standards and Participation of Farmers in Modern Supply Chains in the Western Balkans

This paper is based on a survey conducted in the Western Balkan and Turkey between June and November 2019. The survey focused on sectors deemed suitable for participation in the modern supply chain (MSC) and covers 1-3 sectors for each country. Based on data retrieved from national statistical offices and census data, a cross-sectional sample of farmers was created for each country and sector. The final dataset contains responses from 2,227 farmers. The report examines i) the level of vertical coordination between farmers and buyers; ii) farmer characteristics in participation in the modern supply chain; iii) constraints faced by farmers in accessing modern value chains; iv) types of contractual relationships between farmers and their main buyers, v) and the importance and control of quality and safety attributes