Purpose: This paper identifies, evaluates and structures research that focuses on “collaboration” (C), “trust” (T) and “performance” (P) in the agri-food supply chain (AFSC) and reveals its intellectual foundation. It aims to synthesize research published over a period of 18 years (from 2003 to the beginning of 2020) and provide a platform for practitioners and researchers in their efforts to identify the existing state of work, gaps in current research and future directions in the area of collaboration–trust–performance (CTP) in the AFSC.Design/methodology/approach: Prior to carrying out a bibliometric analysis (BA), literature search was performed, identifying 69 related papers focused on CTP in the AFSC. The content of the papers was further analysed in a systematic literature review (SLR) with regard to the subject area, theoretical lenses, research methodology, supply chain (SC) category and other relevant categories.Findings: CTP in the AFSC are based on a relationship marketing and operations management fundament but show specific particularities. AFSCM is a multi-dimensional design task, and collaboration is considered a necessity, whereas trust significantly affects the AFSC effectiveness. The paper also develops a conceptual CTP model, which shows the interrelations between all identified construct variables, where the authors were able to see also bi-directional relations. Furthermore, the paper presents viable future research opportunities, e.g. focus on organic food chains or multi-actor analysis.Research limitations/implications: Results of the conducted BA refer to the CTP discussion within a preselected number of peer-reviewed academic articles, which are provided by the WoS CC (Web of Science Core Collection) database.Practical implications: CTP measurements within the AFSC context are a relevant subject with increasing academic interest in the area of agricultural economics as well as operations and supply chain management (SCM). Therefore, further studies are necessary to develop the related theory and ascertain the practical implications of collaboration, trust and performance among members in the consistently complex AFSC.Originality/value: CTP have been recognized as important factors for designing a sustainable SCM strategy, particularly in the case of the AFSC. However, although previous studies have addressed the AFSC, there is insufficient knowledge regarding all three pillars (CTP) and how they enable successful AFSCM. The originality of this paper lies in systematically mapping the intellectual base of CTP research and providing path forward for research in AFSCM.

Due to insufficient research on the relationships in the supply chain (SC) of agri-food products, and especially organic food products, the main goal of this study was to examine the perceptions of organic food producers about the importance of collaboration and trust to their performance in the organic food SC. An analysis of previous research has concluded that the important categories of relationship quality (RQ) are the following: appropriate inter-organisational collaboration, effective communication, mutual exchange of information, resource sharing (physical, financial, human, and organisational), willingness to share risks, transparency between partners, relationship quality and commitment, and the presence of trust between partners in the SC. An empirical study based on in-depth interviews was conducted on a sample of six organic food producers in Croatia. The results indicated that the producers’ perceptions of the impact of collaboration and trust on overall performance differs depending on the length of the collaboration with retailers, the types of products, and the percentage of overall sales they sell through retailers. The results of this research can serve as an information base for all stakeholders in the SCs of organic products by encouraging them to participate in activities that will strengthen trust and collaboration as a prerequisite for increasing SC organic food performance.

Organic market in the EU is growing faster than the area of production and is facing many problems and challenges. In order to obtain more information of the structure and organizational features of the organic farms in the Republic of Croatia, as well as perceptions of organic food producers about barriers that disable faster development of organic food market, empirical research was conducted on the sample of 66 organic food producers. Research findings suggest that the largest number of organic farms are small farms up to 5 hectares (ha). Organic food producers are the most prominent in the field of fruit production, and key motives for engagement in organic agriculture are their personal beliefs, health reasons and environmental care. Regarding the distribution of the organic food products, most producers sell their organic food products directly to the final consumer, mostly on family farms and local fairs. Regarding indirect distribution, specialized stores are dominant retail format, followed by wholesale. The paper gives valuable contribution, as it lists the producers' proposals for further development of organic food products market in Croatia.