Institutional Change in Germany’s Farmers Associations: Impacts of the Dairy Conflict

Abstract

The paper deals with the conflict between the German Farmers’ Association (DBV) and the Federal Dairy Farmers Association (BDM) based on the two milk delivery strikes as culmination points in the so called dairy conflict. The analysis focusses on the main causes of the conflict and the different stages of escalation in the dairy industry. The objectives are to outline the process of change in Germany’s farmers associations, and the opportunities and risks regarding a long-term institutional differentiation. The main data collection methods are in-depth interviews and qualitative document analysis.