large-scale commercial agricultural households and

Rural World 1 households and enterprises engaged in high-value, export-oriented
agriculture, make up a very small minority of rural households and firms in the developing
world. In addition to their land and other holdings, producers and firms in this category
have direct access to finance, risk management instruments, information and
infrastructure necessary to remain competitive in their business operations. Most have an
influential voice in national policies and institutions affecting their enterprises and,
perhaps even more important, close ties to buyer-driven value chains associated with
global agriculture. Rural World 1 producers and firms are considered to be important
sources of employment because they depend on inexpensive labour and reliable contract
farming agreements to ensure a timely supply of quality produce.
The economic power of this group enables them to influence the political affairs of
their countries. They often use this influence to shape public policies that favour their
interests and to steer public expenditures to investment priorities that meet their needs.
They are well positioned to meet the strict new regulations imposed by importing nations
and by retail buyers expanding operations in regional and national markets.