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Understanding firm networks in global agricultural value chains

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  • Beck, Anne
  • Lim, Sunghun
  • Taglioni, Daria

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution and resilience of global value chains (GVCs) in the agrifood sector, which intensified since the 1994 Uruguay Round Agreement. Using unique data from the FactSet database, along with Fortune 500 lists, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of approximately 17,500 agribusiness companies worldwide, examining over 150,000 supplier and customer connections from 2014 to 2022. Our findings reveal that large corporations, acting as central nodes, have increased their network centrality in GVCs, particularly through geographic diversification and a concentrated supply strategy. The study also indicates a correlation between the complexity and depth of firm-to-firm linkages and increased resilience, suggesting that firms with greater connectivity are less likely to exit the industry. This analysis not only contributes new insights into the structure and dynamics of agribusiness networks but also highlights the role of firm linkages in navigating recent disruptive global events such as the US-China Trade War, COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather episodes, and geopolitical tensions.

Suggested Citation

  • Beck, Anne & Lim, Sunghun & Taglioni, Daria, 2024. "Understanding firm networks in global agricultural value chains," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:127:y:2024:i:c:s0306919224001003
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2024.102689
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    Cited by:

    1. Awokuse, Titus & Lim, Sunghun & Santeramo, Fabio & Steinbach, Sandro, 2024. "Robust policy frameworks for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of agri-food global value chains," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Global value chains; Agricultural supply chains; Firm network; Agribusiness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • Q13 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Markets and Marketing; Cooperatives; Agribusiness
    • Q17 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agriculture in International Trade

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