Entrepreneurial Orientation of Family Farms in the Republic of Serbia – Analysis and Detection of Directions for Support

Abstract

Family farms in the Republic of Serbia are mostly small agricultural producers with arable land of small and medium size and with a low degree of process mechanization, where family members work mostly, and farm management is assigned to one family member. Such farms are often in a subordinate position, with weak bargaining power compared to large agricultural producers and large enterprises engaged in agricultural production. Nevertheless, the chance of further development of such farms lies in their positive entrepreneurial orientation and readiness for innovation and change. This paper presents research on the entrepreneurial orientation of family farms in the Republic of Serbia. The survey sample consisted of 72 farms from different locations in the Republic of Serbia. Entrepreneurial orientation was observed through the following elements: readiness of farms to join efforts, participation in large supply chains, readiness to standardize products and processes, readiness to export, readiness for changes and delegation of management processes, as well as readiness for farm development by improving knowledge about agriculture, management, and entrepreneurship. The results presented in the paper provide a clear insight to the support creators about the potential for improving the position of small farms in the Republic of Serbia.