Social network analysis in encouraging role-players in the beef market to take breeding decisions: a methodological study

The aim of the research is to apply the social network analysis (SNA) to the Italian Romagnola beef meat market in order to better understand the interrelationships of the supply chain. Knowledge of the market exchange system is very important in order to be able to choose the most suitable breeding approach. The analysis was carried out using data concerning the heifers exchanged during the year 2008 within the framework of the activities of the Italian consortium of white bullock producers of the central Apennine region of Italy (Vitellone Bianco dell’Appennino Centrale). The social network analysis shows that very few of the possible links between the agents are used and that this leads to a lack of competitiveness. At the same time, the agents have shown themselves able to place themselves at the most important points along the supply chain. Furthermore, the results of the analysis show the need for a stronger farming phase with a greater emphasis on the farmers, given that, from an economic point of view, they are the most important role-players.