gazdaszövetkezet

A gazdaszövetkezet, often translated as economic cooperative or agricultural cooperative, is a form of business organization rooted in cooperative principles. These entities are typically formed by individuals or businesses with a common economic interest, most frequently in agriculture, to achieve shared goals that might be difficult to attain independently. The core idea is mutual aid and collective action for the benefit of all members.

Gazdaszövetkezetek operate on the principles of voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. Members contribute capital and participate in the management of the cooperative, with each member usually having one vote regardless of their capital contribution. Profits are often distributed among members based on their patronage or shared use of the cooperative's services.

These cooperatives can engage in a wide range of activities, including the procurement and sale of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and feed, the collective marketing and processing of agricultural products, providing machinery and equipment sharing services, offering financial services, or even managing land. The primary aim is to improve the economic and social well-being of their members through joint ventures and shared resources, thereby increasing their competitiveness and bargaining power in the market. They play a significant role in rural economies, supporting smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.