Põllumajandusühistu

Põllumajandusühistu is an Estonian term that translates to agricultural cooperative. It is a voluntary association of farmers who come together to achieve common goals related to their agricultural activities. These cooperatives are established to pool resources, share risks, and enhance their collective bargaining power.

The primary purpose of a põllumajandusühistu is to improve the economic and social conditions of its members. This can be achieved through various activities such as joint purchasing of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, as well as collective marketing of their produce. By operating on a larger scale, members can often secure better prices and more favorable terms than they could individually.

Põllumajandusühistud can also provide services to their members, including processing of agricultural products, storage facilities, and technical support. They may also engage in lobbying efforts to represent the interests of farmers at local, regional, and national levels. The legal framework governing agricultural cooperatives in Estonia ensures democratic control, with members typically having voting rights based on their level of participation or shares. The concept of põllumajandusühistu is rooted in the cooperative movement and aims to foster collaboration and mutual support within the agricultural sector.