The roles of milk collection centers in milk distribution channels in Turkey: A case study of Antalya

The aim of this paper is to discuss the factors affecting the milk collection centers role in assuring safe distribution channel in Antalya, Turkey. The research was based on the original data obtained by face to face interviews in 2007 in Antalya province. Under random sampling method, 82 milk farms which sell milk to milk collection centers and 74 farms which do not sell to milk collection centers were selected. The empirical (Logit) model was used for evaluating the factors which affect milk selling decisions to milk collection centers. According to results of the research, milk selling decisions were significantly affected by income and demographic characteristics. Empirical findings also showed that milk producers who receive milk incentive premiums were affected by the price level of milk incentive support. In this paper, a special emphasis is given to milk production distribution and safe distribution channels in Turkey.