농산물 유통단계 축소에 관한 연구 -농산물 물류센터를 중심으로-

Distribution of farm produce in Korea is known to be inefficient due to the numerous stages that exist in the distribution channel. This has resulted in dissatisfaction for both farmer and consuers; farmers sell their produce at low prices to middlemen while consumers pay high prices for them because of price increases that occur in the distribution chain. We apply Spengler's theory of double marginalization to show that price increases are inevitable as the length of the farm distribution chain increases. We then show that the negative effects of double marginalization can be contained by setting up a physical distribution center. The physical distribution center effectively reduces the stages in the distribution from 5 or 6 stages to 3 or 4 stages. We also lay out the design and major characteristics of the distribution center, as well as the expected cost savings.