University —Entrepreneur Networking: Case study activities

Networking Of Dairies in Denmark

The Danish EU-India group is collaborating with the dairy cooperative sector in Denmark to study models of dairy enterprise and dairy industry in Denmark and their importance in Danish economy. The networking of dairies is driven by 45 organic dairy farmers, producing 25 different products with well-established brands of milk and cheese.

The possible inputs to WP3 were suggested like the dissemination input, input for practitioners and scientific input. Wrapping the discussion, Dr. Garibaldo lamented that the industrial atmosphere is a mix of cultural, social and economic issues and this exemplifies the informal network.

Status and Strategy for organisation of Dairy Sector on an Agro-Industry in Punjab (India)

The EU-Indian group of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is collaborating with both formal and informal dairy sectors in Punjab to study the models of enterprise and innovation in this sector. The Punjab Dairy Cooperative Structure is a three - tier system: i) village level Cooperative societies, ii) district level Milk unions and iii) state level Milk federation. The Network is concerned with the investigation of the functioning of the cooperative dairy and its benefits to farmers and their families, especially women and to society at large. This includes strengths and weaknesses of the Punjab dairy sector within the global perspective. The study focuses on the existing Knowledge Networks, Regulatory Network and Marketing Network. The newly created marketing channels by the cooperative for milk distribution to final consumer are being elaborated.

Role of Women in Dairy Milk Cooperatives and its Impact on women

The objective of the study is to learn the pattern of functioning of dairy milk cooperative, role played by women, its impact on women and to capture the practising knowledge and adoption of new technology by women folk. The study focuses on the status of women in the dairy cooperative movement at the national level and the plans of the government for its promotion. Our collaboration with a women dairy cooperative from a Punjab village illustrates that women play a decisive role in decision making in the evolution, functioning and future direction of village cooperative. Through their active participation in diary cooperative, women are able create and promote possibilities of women empowerment. These possibilities of empowerment relate to confidence and capability building process as an integral part of the village family culture. The dairy action research group consisting researchers from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and NISTADS (Delhi)

A story telling framework is being used to involve members of women milk cooperative to explore the relationships between the milk production, hygiene, health, environment

Case Study of "Gujrat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation" popularly known as AMUL.

The study is concerned with the development of a Gujarat model of innovation arising from the Dairy sector enterprise in Gujarat. The starting point of this case study work is the emergence and establishment of AMUL brand as a common brand for all fifteen district cooperative milk unions in the Gujarat State. The pioneering work of dairy sector enterprise was undertaken by the local leaders and Mr. V.Kurien, a dairy expert, leading to the establishment of National Dairy Development Board as a catalyst for the dairy cooperatives. As an integral part of technology and society strategy developed by AMUL also formed the basis of the establishment of Institute of Rural Management (IRMA) offering Post-graduate Management in Agriculture, as a part of Dairy movement in Gujarat. This of AMUL model has been replicated in many other states in India. On eof the hallmarks of the AMUL model is the incorporation of women networks and essence of clustering in networking in its development framework.

Italian case Study — Granarolo s.p.a

Granarolo s.p.a is the leader in the Italian fresh milk market; the second largest group in dairy industry which has achieved this position by acquisition of several dairies in the region, including the milk plants of Milano and Vicenza. The focus of Granarolo s.p. is on continuous improvement and innovation process, incorporating system values of entrepreneurial vision and mission such as the customer satisfaction, code of ethics of work, positive work climate, professional improvement, creativity etc. The evolution of the Granarolo mission is achieved through active employees’ participation, which is sustained by the development of the competence of the employees through vocational training activities and through information technology.

Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese System

The objective of this study is to study the working career of cheese makers, the economic performance and technological problems of Parmigiano - Reggiano cheese system. Social control among the farmers to remain organic and to follow organic practices. It is observed that the Ripening firms and the supermarkets do not have the same commitment with the values of the Parmigiano brand image and followed by the dairies and the farmers.

A special feature of the Parmigiano model is that it is a family based operation and based is on apprenticeship. It is found that the average working life of cheese maker is 24 years out of which 16 years are spent as a cheese maker and 8 years as an apprentice. In 76.8% of cases, single client buys the cheese, 13.4% for 2 clients, 4.5% for 3 clients and 5.4% for more than 3 clients. Generally one firm is contacted to sign the contract. On an average 2,608 tons of milk is processed every year.

Caseificio Santa Rita - Organic Dairy, Serramazzoni Barbona, Modena

The organic cooperative dairy has been in operation since. The main features of this cooperative dairy are that organic agriculture milk is produced by 10 farmers as members of the cooperative. The Dairy cooperative produces, seasons and markets directly Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The Dairy is built with material and techniques of ecological architecture, all the dairy processes enjoys high standards of cleanliness and quality. Although the Dairy is partially mechanised from the health and safety point of view, it relies on the high level of artisans’ skills. The cooperative has a clearly developed strategy for using local artisans for the manufacturing and maintenance of the dairy equipment. The organic Dairy "Caseificio Santa Rita" is a stimulating example of action research which focuses on problems within local settings, bringing continuous improvement in procuring, processing and marketing strategy, as well as, bringing improvement in cheese making through sharing of experiences and training interventions. This local entrepreneurial and cultural experience of dairy cooperative provides a model for creating organic dairy farming in other regions in Europe and India, as well as a basis for cross cultural collaboration in organic farming between small agricultural enterprises in Europe and India.