Multi-Layer Distributions System of Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Hygienic Fruits & Vegetables: Current Situation

Abstract

This paper aims to study the structure of the multi-layer distribution system of agricultural entrepreneurs in hygienic fruits and vegetables in Phrao, Chiang Mai. 400 middlemen who act as entrepreneurs in buying fruits and vegetables from the 1st source were the samplings collected data using questionnaires, and the additional five major entrepreneurs of hygienic fruits and vegetables were interviewed. The results from qualitative research show that the structure of the multi-layer distribution system of hygienic fruit & vegetable from farmers to end consumers divided into 2 types; Domestics and International channels. Moreover, the results show that most the entrepreneurs were females aged over 50 years old, secondary school education, more than 10 years of experience with an annual income of less than 500,000 Thai baht. The t-test confirmed that entrepreneurs characteristics such as gender, age, education, experience, income influenced the structure of the distribution channel in hygienic fruits and vegetables. This paper would have benefited from a more detailed description of the terms of the other area of factors of distribution channel and behaviour of stakeholder in network structure. However, this paper expects that the evidence presented in this study will inspire future efforts to collect more data and verify the strength of the results.