The impact of urban centers on the development of innovative integration connections of the agribusiness sector in times of crisis

Abstract

The aim of this study was an attempt to assess the impact of an urban center on the condition and development of integration processes of agriculture and the food industry. The issues raised were supported by the results of research conducted in 2022 among 450 randomly selected agricultural producers and representatives of 126 processing companies operating in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The influence of the urban center was shown, among others, through the local impact of existing processing plants, which constitute a valuable link in vertical integration links. It also shows the importance of horizontal forms of connections between farmers, which under certain conditions favor the development of vertical integration relationships. The conclusions were helpful in verifying the thesis that urban centers play an important role by influencing the integration processes taking place in agribusiness.