Attitude of Flemish Farmers Towards Alternative Business Governance Structures

The Flemish agriculture is characterised by family farms in sole ownership. Alternative business governance structures occur in only 7 % of the cases, although they have advantages on fiscal, family and property grounds. The reason why partnerships don't work in Flemish agriculture are mainly situated at the knowledge and perception level of the farmers. The knowledge of the different structures exists only in a limited group of farmers. The subjective perception of governance structures enhances the limitation of transition to alternative business governance structures. Partnerships will be adapted by farmers who have a higher knowledge of alternative business governance structures and accept that the higher administration is compensated by a lower risk.