The growing role of contract farming in agri-food systems development: drivers, theory and practice, by Carlos A. B. da Silva (530kb) reviews changes in agri-food systems that are leading to tighter coordination of supply chains and discusses the theoretical basis for contract farming as a chain governance strategy.

Contract farming - partnerships for growth by Charles Eaton and Andrew W. Shepherd (645kb) aims to provide advice to management of existing contract farming companies on how to improve their operations, to companies that are considering starting such ventures on the preconditions and management actions necessary for success and, last but not least, to government officials seeking to promote new contract farming operations or monitor existing operations. Contract farming - partnerships for growth (AGS Bulletin No. 145) is available from FAO's Publications Section at a price of US$16.00 plus postage and packing. A discount of 35 percent is applied to orders from developing countries.

FAO has developed a web site to promote knowledge sharing on contract farming issues. Click to access our Contract Farming Resource Centre.