Technical efficiency in agribusiness cooperatives: insights into Brazilian organizations

Purpose This study aims to measure the performance of agribusiness cooperatives and investigate the determinants of their performance differentials. Design/methodology/approach Microdata obtained from a sample of 230 Brazilian agribusiness cooperatives in the year 2022 were analyzed. We combined cluster analysis, data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression models. Findings Cooperatives in the sample presented low technical efficiency (TE) scores, with average efficiency levels of 21.85%, 35.96 and 63.93% for clusters 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Thus, these firms could considerably increase the production value with the same endowment of inputs (labor and capital) and production technology. It was also observed that larger cooperatives tend to be more technically efficient than small ones. Board members' education level and the proportion of women in the workforce have positive and statistically significant effects on TE of cooperatives. Originality/value Studies on TE in agricultural cooperatives in the context of Brazil considering microdata are scarce. Relevant managerial propositions are presented.