Call for papers: Effective forest and farm producer organisations

What makes forest and farm producer organisations more effective, what hurdles have they overcome, and what is still holding them back?
 
These are the key questions to be answered by this edition of ETFRN News. And these will not be tackled by general descriptions of what an FFPO does, but by delving deeper into the problems, solutions, challenges and reasons for successes. Also, answering one question is likely to throw up others. For example, how do FFPOs gain access to land or resources to increase production, prevent overproduction that depresses prices and avoid overexploitation? How do they obtain higher prices, ward off competitors or middlemen, and ensure high product quality? How do they deal with government officials, international customers, market monopolies and corruption? How do they ensure transparency and accountability, and deal with internal leadership and power? How do other actors look upon and interact with FFPOs, what are their visions and perspectives, and do they really represent the interests of smallholders? What would really make a difference to improving the day-to-day effectiveness of FFPOs? Especially important are stories of any unexpected benefits and pitfalls resulting from a decision, action or inaction.