Study on agricultural interbranch organisations in the EU : executive summary

The study provides a comprehensive inventory of existing recognised interbranch organisations (IBOs) across all 28 Member States and the rules applicable to them under EU and national law. The study further examines the impact of IBOs on the markets where they operate with respect to its objectives and the benefits for producers stemming from the participation in the IBO. It also illustrates the conditions which enable a good functioning of the IBO. The study is based on evidence gathered from existing literature, interviews with senior policy officials within the European Commission and national competent authorities, interviews with IBOs representatives, a survey of all recognised IBOs, and five case studies. The analysis shows that 19 Member States have adopted national rules on the recognition and functioning of IBOs. In June 2016, 123 recognised IBOs, four of them solely recognised only under national rules, are active in eight different Member States but their total number is growing. Of all factors considered, internal organisation of the IBO appears less important for its proper functioning. The working principles (such as dialogue and consensus) within the IBO and the relations between the IBOs and other actors of the supply chain (private stakeholders or public authorities) are the main pillars underpinning a good governance of such organisations.