Does Service Utilization Improve Members’ Welfare? Evidence from Citrus Cooperatives in China

Farmers’ professional cooperatives (hereinafter referred to as “cooperatives”) are an important carrier for small farmers organically connect the big market. Under background of frequent phenomena such generalization cooperatives, cooperative alienation, empty shelled and involution in China, whether can improve members’ welfare has attracted attention all walks life. Service is essential attribute key functioning services utilization by members “service utilization”). Therefore, examining impact service on theoretical practical significance, which helps scientifically evaluate current value China then objectively respond questions about development cooperatives. Thus, this study takes micro-survey data 74 citrus 524 Citrus County, Sichuan Province, examples, uses endogenous switching model empirically analyze welfare. The results show that level not high, only half use services. However, significantly Specifically, average treatment effect yields, net returns household income respectively 285.446 kg/mu, 1290 yuan/mu 4980 yuan/person. Simultaneously, increase 13.49%, 18.32% 17.99% average. Finally, some countermeasures suggestions put forward, actively publicizing cooperative’s services, guiding improving standardization strengthening policy support