Second, fundamental middlemen comprise mercantile middlemen and facilitating middlemen. Middlemen by any other name would still perform “middlemen” functions. In the case of rice, fruits, vegetables and fisheries marketing, middlemen are crucial in many ways. Under the umbrella of cooperatives, small farmers can gather strength through a bigger voice to bargain with big-time dealers or millers. Middlemen cannot be eliminated, but the supply chain can be shortened through forward integrated cooperatives among the small farmers for higher income and sustainability.

Source: The Edge Markets January 24, 2020 03:22 UTC