EXAMPLES OF INTEGRATED FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCERS

The aid of this article was to present the forms of cooperation established by groups / organizations of fruit and vegetable producers. On the basis of the literature and market observation, it was noted that groups /organizations of fruit and vegetable producers cooperate with each other to form associations, consortia or clusters. Cooperative activities are undertaken to increase the competitiveness of fruit and vegetable producer groups / organizations on a more demanding market. Some of them are supported by the policy of EU and national agendas. There were also not only horizontal but also vertical links between producers on the market. If they want to use their raw material to a greater extent and increase the range of products offered, the groups / organizations of fruit and vegetable growers expand their activity by cooperating with processors. Considering the change in shopping habits of consumers, it can be stated that this is one of the ways of development for the sector.