Efekty współpracy producentów owoców i warzyw w obszarze kosztów i uzyskiwanych cen

The aim of the paper was to analyze producers' groups capabilities in terms of production and transaction costs reduction and receiving higher prices comparing to individual farmers. Using data from empirical researches main areas of costs reduction were identified. Level of prices received by producer groups and individual farmers was analyzed. Analysis of fruit and vegetable group marketing in terms of performed costs and prices is crucial to assess costs and benefits of producer group’s membership. Producers groups performed lower costs of using sorting and packing equipment, buying production materials, implementing quality systems and cooperative storing than individual farmers. Reduction of transaction costs was also substantial, especially in terms of time spent on negotiations sale conditions, risk of getting the lowest prices, costs of finding buyers. Selling produce via producers. groups also enabled producers-members to receive higher prices.