臺灣農民如何擺脫弱勢──集體議價能力之應用

How to Conquer the Imbalance Bargaining Power Between Farmers and Processors–the Application of Collective Bargaining

臺灣農民多屬小規模耕種者，缺乏通路及議價能力。相關農民團體組織，其目的雖是以組織力量發揮產銷功能、提高產品價值、提昇農民生活品質，然長期以來農民仍未擺脫弱勢條件。本文以理論模型分析，強調開創「經濟誘因」為突破此類合作事業發展瓶頸之解方。結論為：個別農民當面對獨買或競爭市場，惟藉由集體議價，增強其市場議價力，才可能提高農民利潤。反之，個別農民將面對最低的市場價格。因此，當農民組成團體時，應以契作方式與買方訂定契約、發展契作生產，進而促使市場價格與數量更為合理，穩定農民收入，保障自身權益。

The agricultural cooperatives in Taiwan now are facing huge challenges more than ever due to low production efficiency and low market competition compared to the international agricultural markets. To conquer the current difficulties, the general perspective is the necessity of reforming the agricultural cooperatives. In this research, we propose some workable and effective tool to strengthen the function and organization of the agricultural cooperatives: collective bargaining. In theory, collective bargaining through cooperatives enables farmers to capture margins from the marketplace, which otherwise would go to processors. Hence, collective bargaining by farmers constitutes an institutional response to an imbalance in farmer-processor bargaining power. Economic reality, though, is forcing farmers to manage their industry and earn more profits from the marketplace. Without a skillful representative and basic information, rational and accurate marketing decisions may not be made. The economic analysis in this research will help farmers to understand what they can realistically accomplish when they join a cooperative. Also, we will clarify the economic conditions, such as equilibrium price, equilibrium quantity, and welfare effect, which may favor the success of collective bargaining. After the problems are answered, both the agricultural cooperatives and the farmers gain better control of their own economic destiny. Also, the government can direct an effective way for farmers through cooperatives down the market channel.