Networks, Power and Dependency in the Agrifood Industry

Abstract

We review research on power, dependency and the concentration of agrifood industries and report updated concentration figures for selected agrifood sectors. We then utilize network exchange theory to identify principles of dependency and network relations and describe network relationships within the broiler, beef and commodity crop sectors. We argue that this study demonstrates that network analysis can inform on the nature, source and extent of differential dependencies and asymmetric power relationships within the agrifood sector.

Keywords: Network exchange theory, power, dependency, agrifood industry

JEL Classification: Q13, L66