Summary

Cooperation within the “Symbiotic Model” between the Top Farms Group as a leading entity and partner family farms generates synergy effects and is an example of co-operation in the integrated value chain.

So far cooperation is limited to cultivation of selected crops (mainly cereals and vegetables). Resources of the leading farm can be used in partner farms allowing to increase profitability and production efficiency. An access to know-how, technology, machinery services and the supply chain of the leading company gives a chance to
optimize production costs and increase incomes.
In the economic dimension, the leading farm – the Top Farms Group, contracts specific crops on partner farms, provides means of production (costs might be settled after the harvests), guarantees purchase prices and certainty of commercial transactions, ensures
collection and storage of crops, etc.
In terms of the technology, the leading farm provides desired varieties of crops as well as agronomic advises that support implementation of good agricultural practices including methods increasing soil fertility based on and the foundations of regenerative agriculture in particular. Top Farms, which is the largest producer of nonGMO soybean in Poland is actively promoting cultivation of this valuable crop. Depending on the needs, specialized services using state-of-the-art equipment might be provided.
In the social sphere, the leading farm supports local development. Different actions undertaken improve the quality of life of local residents and benefit natural environment. Building water reservoirs which, apart from their retention and recreational functions, are a habitat for many species of animals, may serve as an example. The leading farm cultivates the culture and traditions of agriculture, among others enlarging the system of windbreaks in the area of the Dezydery Chłapowski Park through planting new and caring for the existing strips of trees and shrubs that protect the fields from wind erosion.
Cooperation in the social dimension also means support and education of local children and adolescents – the creation of a training center, apprenticeships for students, an educational program for children, subsidies for local agricultural schools, which are used by the families of the hosts cooperating with Top Farms.
The leading farm also invests in infrastructure so that local partner farms can more effectively carry out the tasks entrusted to them. An additional aspect is the support of local cultural, sports and rehabilitation institutions, local administration units as well as places of worship.

Public Goods

Summary

This type of contract compensates farmers for external activities to their farm production.The contract type has changed over time. However, the structure remained constant, and it includes two main parts: a) a fixed amount (payment) per farm for monitoring a water basin, b) a variable amount to reduce flood risk (and other risks like for example, erosion). The payment is incrementally based on the risk and the action taken to prevent it.
The investigated contract solution is the second one, which was redesigned in accordance with farmers involved and the University of Pisa. The second contract solution reduced drastically the fixed components (previously 6000€) due to the shortage in the budget to compensate direct interventions in case of urgent actions required. The main novelties were the requirement of a monthly report containing the results of monitoring and indicating the most problematic area. In addition, after a weather alert, the farmers could signal the threat to water bodies using a dedicated Web App (IDRAMAP).

Public Goods

Summary

The collective AECM Hamster_01 was introduced in 2014 in the territorial Agri- Environment-Climatic Plan (PAEC) “Great Hamster of Alsace” (“Grand Hamster d’Alsace”) to protect the European Hamster in Alsace. Hence, the contract solution aims at encouraging the provision of a public good (remarkable biodiversity) for which the supply is limited to a specific geographical area. Since its implementation, ten territories spread among 3 eligible static protected zones contracted the measure. It represents about 140 farmers and 3000 ha. In addition to farmers, this scheme also involves various key stakeholders: the association AFSAL acting as an intermediary and regulator and in charge of allocating the public financial support among farmers; the Chamber of Agriculture of Alsace; the French Agency for Biodiversity (OFB); the Departmental Directorates of Territories (DDT) of the Bas Rhin and Haut Rhin Departments. The collective payment is conditioned to the implementation of crops and agricultural practices in favour of the survival of the European hamster on at least the targeted percent of the agricultural land of the territory. The individual “burrow premium” is conditioned to the identification of at least one hamster burrow on the agricultural plot.

Public Goods