Factors affecting farming entrepreneurs along the supply chain: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify factors, which could encourage or could impede farming entrepreneurs from moving down the supply chain toward the consumer. The entrepreneurship literature was analysed to identify factors that could affect the decision of farmers to move down the supply chain. A conceptual model was then developed which was used to guide the empirical phase of the research. Six farming entrepreneurs were studied. These farmers have become active in their off-farm business environment in recent years, and were at various stages along their supply chain. The findings of the study show that entrepreneurs near the production end of the supply chain had many barriers to the development of their ventures further along the chain, whereas entrepreneurs near the consumer end had overcome most of these barriers. Farmers in the middle of their supply chain had overcome some barriers, but still had further barriers to development of their business along the chain. The ability of these entrepreneurial farmers to develop their business along the supply chain seems to depend on their ability to overcome their individual barriers. These barriers vary for each individual. Their ability to move along their supply chain can also be substantially limited by the type of product they are producing.