The use of ICT in agroalimentary cooperatives management. The case of the province of Lleida

Abstract

New technologies in information and communication are significantly affecting traditional business models, showing how the relationship between the company and its corresponding value chain is changing in recent years due to the new possibilities they offer. The aim of this paper is to analyze the current situation of Internet usage and electronic commerce in agri-food cooperatives in the province of Lleida, Spain. To this end, a questionnaire has been completed by olive oil and sweet fruit cooperatives during 2010, addressing the following aspects: computer equipment, Internet connection and presence, and finally, the level of electronic commerce. The results provide information on aspects to consider for ensuring that agricultural cooperatives take full advantage of the opportunities offered by new technologies, thus being a useful tool for the managers of these organisations as well as for policy makers concerned with encouraging and promoting the social economy