Acknowledgements

The idea of this study came some years ago, and realization of it became possible thanks to a special J. William Fulbright Foundation grant. The interest of this authoritative foundation in the problem of restructuring in Ukrainian agriculture was, for me, both a great honor and big responsibility. I also must state that without the understanding, goodwill, and support of the different people which I was lucky to meet in United States, this publication would remain only a dream.

My deepest obligation is to thank Dr. David W. Cobia, whose professional guidance, sincere sharing of tremendous cooperative experience, and personal belief in fundamental changes in Ukraine greatly contributed the achievement of the study goal. The kindness of he and his marvelous wife, Patricia, made my and my family's stay in their country both pleasant and fruitful.

I also owe thanks to Dr. William C. Nelson, Dr. William W. Wilson, Dr. David L. Watt, and Dr. David M. Saxowsky from the Department of Agricultural Economics of North Dakota State University for their consultations and important editorial suggestions.

I am deeply grateful to Professor Mykola I. Nyzhniy (Kiev, Ukraine) who taught me how important economic incentives are and how great the cost of their absence, and Professor Jerker Nilsson (Uppsala Sweden) who made me a staunch supporter of the cooperative idea.

Special thanks to Mr. Chandice M. Johnson, Jr., Director of the Center for Writers (North Dakota State University) for his stylistic advice, and Ms. Shelly Swandal and Mr. Bruce Dahl who provided computer assistance in formatting the paper.

I am also obliged to my students and colleagues from the Department of Management and Agribusiness at the State Academy of Agriculture and Ecology of Ukraine (Zhytomyr, Ukraine) who consented to my absence during a whole academic year.

And finally (unfortunately as always), I take a pleasure to thank my dear wife and colleague Nataly, who was an important consultant, the first reader and a severe critic; and son Rostislav who was patiently waiting for his father during long Dakota winter evenings.

Vitaly V. Zinovchuk Visiting Fulbright Scholar

April 23, 1995 Fargo, North Dakota, United States of America