The Role of Social Capital in Nascent Agri-Food Industries: A Case Study of Michigan Chestnut Growers, Inc.

Despite early financial and organizational struggles, Chestnut Growers Inc. continues to play a central role in the industry and membership has increased. The purpose of this study is to explore this apparent paradox. We apply concepts from management and organizational theory to provide a greater understanding of dynamics of new ventures in emerging agri-food industries. In particular, we suggest that organizational identity and social capital may play an important role in explaining the underperformance, and yet sustainability of collective action strategies used to organization new ventures. Chestnut Growers, Inc. is used as a case study for this analysis.