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Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of free-riding in the Ezemvelo
Farmers’ Organization (EFO), a group of certified organic crop growers in South Africa,
using data gathered in a census survey of its 151 partially and fully certified members. The
computed free-riding index scores suggested that free-riding posed a serious threat to the
group’s collective marketing efforts. Regression analysis showed that members who were
male, poorly educated, aware of loopholes in the grading system, and who did not trust the
buyer, were more likely to free-ride. In the longer term, the EFO should address
institutionalized free-riding by issuing tradable ownership rights. In the short term, it must
engage with the packhouse (buyer) to remove flaws in the grading process that conceal the
origin of low quality produce. Transparent and mediated negotiations leading to an incentive
compliant contract with the buyer may also help to build trust and reduce free-riding within
the EFO.