A survey on development of “Internet + farmer cooperative” in China

Abstract

As a new production mode, “Internet+” helps achieve innovative development and mutual benefits by providing online and information-based functions of traditional industries. In spite of the numerous explorations and practices of “Internet+” that have been made so far in China, for farmer cooperatives, it is still a new thing requiring much development. In this paper, current conditions of “Internet + farmer cooperative” business pattern in China are studied through field investigations and literature review. Four existing modes are summarized from the perspective of industrial chain. Also, issues and challenges confronted by farmer cooperatives during use of “Internet+” are analyzed on three levels: society, industry, and entity. Finally, corresponding policy recommendations are proposed with the intention of boosting development of “Internet + farmer cooperatives” in China.