Research

12 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Exogenous Factors to Thailand Coffee Price Volatility: Using Multiple Exogenous Bayesian GARCH-X Model

by Yaovarate Chaovanapoonphol, Jittima Singvejsakul and Aree Wiboonpongse

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1973; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101973 - 10 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1258

Price volatility is a significant risk factor affecting the income of farmers in the agriculture sector, especially for international trade in products such as coffee in Thailand. This study proposes an alternative model to analyze the major factors in terms of internal and [...] Read more.

Price volatility is a significant risk factor affecting the income of farmers in the agriculture sector, especially for international trade in products such as coffee in Thailand. This study proposes an alternative model to analyze the major factors in terms of internal and external factors, which are expected to affect price volatility simultaneously, by applying multiple exogenous Bayesian GARCH-X models. The empirical results of the comparison between the multiple exogenous Bayesian GARCH-X model and the standard Bayesian GARCH-X model, which estimated the impact of individual exogenous variables separately, show that the standard error of the first model is the smallest compared to the others, which means the multiple exogenous Bayesian GARCH-X model is more fitted to the data than the others. The results indicate that the increase in demand for manufactories for coffee beans in Thailand (TDD) and coffee bean export volume in Indonesia (INEX) leads to an increase in the volatility of raw coffee prices. On the other hand, if coffee bean export volume in Brazil (BEX) increases, this will cause a decrease in the volatility of raw coffee bean prices. Therefore, the Thai government should carefully consider the changes in the production and marketing policies of those countries in the formulation of the coffee policy. The appropriate policy on coffee price volatility in Thailand should not concern only reduce the uncertainty in the coffee bean market but also consider the impact on the long-term income and livelihoods of coffee growers. Therefore, external factors of the competing countries should be taken into account in the coffee production policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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15 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Digital Economy, Green Technology Innovation, and Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity

by Yunsi Chen, Sumin Hu and Haoqiang Wu

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101961 - 08 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1285

Abstract

The digital economy is a key driver of greener agriculture and sustainable development. This paper focuses on the impact of the digital economy on green agricultural development and the mediating role of green technology innovation. Using provincial panel data from China from 2011 [...] Read more.

The digital economy is a key driver of greener agriculture and sustainable development. This paper focuses on the impact of the digital economy on green agricultural development and the mediating role of green technology innovation. Using provincial panel data from China from 2011 to 2020, we test hypotheses using fixed effects models. The results indicate that: (a) the digital economy boosts agricultural total factor productivity (AGTFP); (b) green technology innovation positively moderates the relationship between the digital economy and AGTFP; and (c) the positive impact of the digital economy on green agriculture varies across regions, favoring eastern areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

17 pages, 1052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Size Structure Transformation of Polish Agricultural Farms in 2010–2020 by Typological Groups of Voivodeships

by Elżbieta Badach, Janina Szewczyk, Sławomir Lisek and Jadwiga Bożek

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091789 - 09 Sep 2023

Viewed by 920

Abstract

Changes in the agrarian structure are among the indicators of Polish agriculture’s adaptation to competition with the EU agriculture and therefore require a thorough examination. The purpose of this paper is to determine the scale, direction and level of diversification of Polish agricultural [...] Read more.

Changes in the agrarian structure are among the indicators of Polish agriculture’s adaptation to competition with the EU agriculture and therefore require a thorough examination. The purpose of this paper is to determine the scale, direction and level of diversification of Polish agricultural farm size structures in 2010–2020 by typological groups of voivodeships. The research was carried out on the basis of Statistics Poland (GUS) data on the number of farms by size groups for the years 2010 and 2020. The following farm size groups were analysed: up to 2 ha of agricultural land (AL), 2–5 ha, 5–10 ha, 10–20 ha, 20–50 ha and over 50 ha. Based on fuzzy classification, four typological groups were distinguished, comprising voivodeships with similar farm size structure. Then, changes in the structure of the typological groups and changes in the number of farms in absolute terms were presented. The structure of the typological groups changed only marginally, while changes in the number of farms in absolute terms were very significant. In all groups, a decrease in the total number of farms was observed, notably farms of up to 10 ha in size, as well as an increase in the number of farms larger than 20 ha, with the rate and scale of those changes varying regionally. The largest decrease in the number of farms was recorded for voivodeships with the most fragmented agrarian structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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16 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Chinese Farmers Misuse Pesticide Intentionally or Not?

by Li Zhao, Changwei Wang, Haiying Gu and Chengyan Yue

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091749 - 03 Sep 2023

Viewed by 958

Abstract

Nonstandard pesticide-application behavior leads to excessive pesticide residue and even affects the quality and safety of agricultural products and agricultural sustainability. Based on 968 valid samples randomly selected in Jiangsu Province of China, it focuses on the impact of incident shock and yield [...] Read more.

Nonstandard pesticide-application behavior leads to excessive pesticide residue and even affects the quality and safety of agricultural products and agricultural sustainability. Based on 968 valid samples randomly selected in Jiangsu Province of China, it focuses on the impact of incident shock and yield fluctuation avoidance on the pesticide-application behavior of farmers. Then, it investigated the impact of intentional factors, such as insufficient cognition and lack of knowledge, on their improper pesticide-application behavior. This study shows that, besides the pursuit of improper income, inadequate awareness and preventive actions to avoid operational risks are also important factors in farmers’ nonstandard pesticide application. In addition, the study also shows that farmers who understand the responsibility unit of agricultural product quality and safety supervision are more inclined to choose standardized application of pesticides. The higher the education level of farmers, the higher the probability of standardized application of pesticides. Therefore, farmers’ nonstandard pesticide-application behavior is largely due to the farmers’ insufficient awareness of the harm of pesticide residues or the lack of trust in the efficacy of pesticides. Moreover, the study also shows that adverse selection phenomenon exists in pesticide-application training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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20 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of High-Standard Farmland Construction Policy on Grain Quality from the Perspectives of Technology Adoption and Cultivated Land Quality

by Yanling Gong, Yingliang Zhang and Yu Chen

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091702 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 993

Abstract

The shift from increasing grain production to improving grain quality is a key measure to adapt to the changing structure of residents’ food consumption demand. High-standard farmland construction is an important means to achieve high grain production and excellent quality. To estimate the [...] Read more.

The shift from increasing grain production to improving grain quality is a key measure to adapt to the changing structure of residents’ food consumption demand. High-standard farmland construction is an important means to achieve high grain production and excellent quality. To estimate the intervention effect of high-standard farmland construction policy, this paper analyzes it from the perspective of policy evaluation. The continuous DID model, moderating effect model, and the mediating effect model are used to systematically analyze the mechanism of high-standard farmland construction policy and its influence on grain quality. The findings are as follows: (1) The high-standard farmland construction policy has a significant promoting effect on grain quality, and the interaction coefficient of policy implementation is 0.074. is the results are still significant under the robustness test of lagging the explanatory variable by one period, replacing the core explanatory variable, changing the timing of policy implementation, and eliminating the interference of other relevant policies. (2) The adoption of environmentally friendly technology has played a positive moderating role in the process by which high-standard farmland construction policy promotes grain quality, with a moderating effect of 0.044. (3) The high-standard farmland construction policy can improve grain quality by improving cultivated land quality and adoption level of agricultural mechanization. (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that high-standard farmland construction policy in major grain-producing areas and also non-major grain-producing areas can increase grain quality; the implementation of the policy has a more obvious effect on improving grain quality in areas with low distribution of grain quality. Accordingly, it is suggested to continue to promote high-standard farmland construction and implement special actions for farmland protection, focus on key technologies, encourage farmers to adopt environment-friendly technologies, accelerate the cultivation of diversified agricultural machinery service entities, and enhance the abilities of agricultural mechanization operations. This study provides a new perspective for improving grain quality and proves that a high-standard farmland construction policy is an important strategy for increasing grain quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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15 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Eco-Scheme Support on Romanian Farms—A Gini Index Decomposition by Income Source at Farm Level

by Elena Toma, Paula Stoicea, Carina Dobre and Adina Iorga

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1656; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091656 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 798

Abstract

The Common Agricultural Policy 2021–2027 includes stronger environmental and climate targets to contribute to Green Deal objectives. By using direct payment funds for sustainable agricultural practices, the CAP aims to strengthen incomes, reduce climate impact, protect biodiversity, etc. However, there are many conditions [...] Read more.

The Common Agricultural Policy 2021–2027 includes stronger environmental and climate targets to contribute to Green Deal objectives. By using direct payment funds for sustainable agricultural practices, the CAP aims to strengthen incomes, reduce climate impact, protect biodiversity, etc. However, there are many conditions farmers must meet to access funds under eco-schemes, and there are many concerns about their impact on income and profitability. It is, therefore, important to understand the impact of subsidies on Romanian farms. This study analyses income inequality on three Romanian farms (with a cultivated area between 2400 and 2600 ha, 550 and 610 ha, and 40 and 66 ha during the 2019–2021 period), focusing on the impact of different income sources (production and subsidies). The study is based on data collected during the 2019–2021 period and uses Gini coefficients and concentration indicators. The results show the following: the inequality-reducing effect of subsidies depends on crop rotation and changes in income from agricultural production; the influence of subsidies on inequality at the farm level is very low; the dependence on direct payments can be overcome by good crop selection and management; farmers cannot survive without subsidies, especially in years with difficult conditions; the impact of subsidies was higher for the lowest-profit variants. These findings are important because eco-schemes are voluntary, and stakeholders are not expected to spend the money allocated to eco-schemes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

19 pages, 2030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporating Consumers’ Low-Carbon and Freshness Preferences in Dual-Channel Agri-Foods Supply Chains: An Analysis of Decision-Making Behavior

by Jing Xu, Shihao Xiong, Tingyu Cui, Dongmei Zhang and Zhibin Li

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091647 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 933

Abstract

The purchasing decisions of consumers increasingly incorporate considerations of freshness and the carbon footprint of agri-foods. This study aims to investigate the impact of consumer preferences on decision-making behavior within dual-channel supply chains. Specifically, it classifies the structure of the supply chain channels [...] Read more.

The purchasing decisions of consumers increasingly incorporate considerations of freshness and the carbon footprint of agri-foods. This study aims to investigate the impact of consumer preferences on decision-making behavior within dual-channel supply chains. Specifically, it classifies the structure of the supply chain channels into two types: producer-led and seller-led online channels, and examines two distinct decision-making scenarios: centralized and decentralized decision-making. The study applies the game theory modeling method to analyze the differences in the selling prices, freshness, low carbon levels, and profits of agri-foods in these scenarios. The findings indicate that as consumer preference for the online channel grows, it becomes more challenging to sell homogeneous agri-foods at higher prices through physical (entity) channels. Moreover, the introduction of online channels by sellers leads to higher selling prices for agri-foods in the supply chain under decentralized decision-making compared to centralized decision-making, and the freshness and low carbon level of agri-foods primarily depend on the cost structure of the supply chain. From the perspective of enhancing produce quality, promoting low carbon development, and attaining high-quality products at a reasonable price, centralized decision-making within the supply chain and seller-led online channels are more advantageous. However, it is important to note that pursuing these benefits may result in a certain amount of sacrifice in terms of supply chain profit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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17 pages, 1222 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the Establishment of the Mount Wuyi National Park on the Livelihood of Farmers

by Zhen Yang, Jinjie Ren and Dahong Zhang

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081619 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 798

Abstract

The construction of national parks has a profound impact on the production and life of surrounding farmers. Based on the survey data of 354 farmers around the Mount Wuyi National Park, this paper uses the method of constructing a difference-in-difference model to analyze [...] Read more.

The construction of national parks has a profound impact on the production and life of surrounding farmers. Based on the survey data of 354 farmers around the Mount Wuyi National Park, this paper uses the method of constructing a difference-in-difference model to analyze the impact of the Mount Wuyi National Park construction on the livelihood choices of surrounding farmers and the main income of families. In addition, this article analyzes the heterogeneity of surrounding farmers based on differences in tea planting area and farmers’ income levels. The results show the following: First, compared with pre-establishment, farmers around the Mount Wuyi National Park still prefer tea-based agricultural employment or part-time employment. Second, after the establishment of the Mount Wuyi National Park, the main income of surrounding farmers’ families is still agricultural income. Therefore, the authors of this article believe that it is necessary to further strengthen the protection of the livelihoods of surrounding farmers and moderately create more livelihood choices for surrounding farmers in order to achieve both ecological and economic benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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16 pages, 446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Informal Learning on Herders’ Operating Income: An Analysis Based on Human Capital Differences

by Shijia Cai, Bo Gao, Jie Zhou and Guanghua Qiao

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081550 - 03 Aug 2023

Viewed by 895

Abstract

Improving the operating income of farmers and herdsmen is an important starting point for achieving common prosperity. As a common form of learning and an important source of skills training, informal learning has a certain impact on the economy and income level of [...] Read more.

Improving the operating income of farmers and herdsmen is an important starting point for achieving common prosperity. As a common form of learning and an important source of skills training, informal learning has a certain impact on the economy and income level of farmers and herdsmen. This paper takes 439 herdsmen in three cities of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as the research object and tries to explore the comprehensive influence, subdivision difference, and mechanism of informal learning on the operating income of herdsmen on the theoretical and empirical levels. The results show that the impact of informal learning on the operating income of herdsmen is “inverted U-shaped”, and there is an informal learning balance point of 2.9776 h, which maximizes the effect of informal learning on the increased operating income of herdsmen. After using the instrumental variable method to deal with endogeneity and conducting robustness tests through winsorizing, quantile regression, and substitution variables, the research conclusions were still valid. Heterogeneity analysis found that informal learning has a significant impact on the increase in operating income of herdsmen in the low human capital group, reflecting the role of “sending charcoal in the snow”. However, it has no significant effect on the increase in operating income of herdsmen in the high human capital group, and the effect of “icing on the cake” is not obvious. In view of this result, government departments should speed up the planning of Internet infrastructure construction in pastoral areas, and accurately push the knowledge and skills needs of herdsmen to help increase the operating income of herdsmen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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0 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The State of Grain Trade between China and Russia: Analysis of Growth Effect and Its Influencing Factors

by Jing Fu and Guangji Tong

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071407 - 15 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1949 | Correction

Abstract

As two influential countries in the global grain production and marketing system, China and Russia have increasingly strengthened their agricultural, economic, and trade cooperation. There are few papers that have considered trade relations from the perspective of the growth effect of grain exports, [...] Read more.

As two influential countries in the global grain production and marketing system, China and Russia have increasingly strengthened their agricultural, economic, and trade cooperation. There are few papers that have considered trade relations from the perspective of the growth effect of grain exports, and it is necessary to fill this gap by systematically sorting the grain trade between the two countries and clarifying the growth effect and influencing factors in this paper. By comparing and analyzing the quantitative and structural characteristics of grain trade between China and Russia between 1996 and 2020, this study used the H–K marginal analysis method to explore the growth path and influencing factors of the export trade of grain products between China and Russia. The results show that the main driving force of the export growth of Russian and Chinese grain products is the price margin, which presents a growth pattern dominated by price and complemented by type and quantity. The empirical analysis of the gravity model shows that the size of the agricultural economy, grain productivity, trade cost, and economic shocks have significant impacts on bilateral trade. In view of this, the status of international agricultural cooperation between China and Russia will be further optimized if they can optimize trade policies to improve the quality of trade development, build cross-border cooperation parks to construct the layout of the whole industrial chain, strengthen infrastructure construction, and deepen and expand interconnectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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20 pages, 2170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Construction of China’s Provincial Food Security Evaluation System and Regional Performance—Based on the “Great Food View”

by Qijun Jiang, Zhijie Rong and Zhiwei Yuan

Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061240 - 14 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1184

Abstract

Based on the internationally recognized concept of food security and the scientific connotation of the “Great Food View”. This research constructs China’s provincial food security evaluation system under the “Great Food View” by comprehensively considering the regional food supply logic and dietary habits [...] Read more.

Based on the internationally recognized concept of food security and the scientific connotation of the “Great Food View”. This research constructs China’s provincial food security evaluation system under the “Great Food View” by comprehensively considering the regional food supply logic and dietary habits differences. Combining the improved entropy weight method and AHP to quantitatively evaluate the current situation and trend of food security in China’s provinces (except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) from 2009 to 2021 by using this system—on the basis of dividing China’s provinces into main food production provinces and non-main food production provinces. The results demonstrate that all provinces have entered the ranks of “security” and above food security, and the mismatch between “high vulnerability and low security” has been alleviated. Yet, the problem of “difficult growth” in the provinces with the lowest score of food security has emerged. The green and sustainability of the food security system in the main food production areas have been at a low level, and the food security in non-main food production areas has seen the “Matthew effect” of uneven development. Finally, policy implications are proposed from the aspects of diversified development of food sources, precision agriculture subsidy guide, optimization of farmland compensation and protection policies, and optimization of food storage and distribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

21 pages, 6836 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Bibliometric Analysis of Organic Farming and Voluntary Certifications

by Ioan Sebastian Brumă, Alexandra Raluca Jelea, Steliana Rodino, Patricea Elena Bertea, Alina Butu and Mihai Alexandru Chițea

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2107; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112107 - 07 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Organic farming, characterised by environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, has gained significant attention throughout the years due to its potential to address critical issues such as food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. Voluntary certification systems play a pivotal role in ensuring [...] Read more.

Organic farming, characterised by environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, has gained significant attention throughout the years due to its potential to address critical issues such as food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. Voluntary certification systems play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and quality of organic products in the market. Understanding the research landscape surrounding organic farming and voluntary certifications is of paramount importance for scholars, policy makers, farmers, and consumers. In this context, the present study utilizes a bibliometric approach to achieve a deeper understanding of the trends, key contributors, and key terms in these domains via a bibliometric analysis in order to contribute to the broader goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and informed consumer choices. The evolution of the field is traced, shedding light on seminal papers, influential authors, and prolific journals. The research type is quantitative, using Web of Science, VOSviewer, and bibliometric study as instruments. The results show that, for both terms “organic farming” and “voluntary certifications”, papers usually involve three or more authors and use other sources as the unit of analysis, leaving room for improvement and the filling of a gap in the specialty literature. This insight can guide future researchers and policymakers in focusing on critical areas within organic farming and certification systems, further advancing the field and addressing pressing issues related to sustainability, quality, and consumer awareness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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38 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessReview

Investigating and Quantifying Food Insecurity in Nigeria: A Systematic Review

by Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin, Ridwan Mukaila and Oluwaseun Aramide Otekunrin

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101873 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3305

Abstract

Given the recent increase in the number of Nigerians estimated to be at risk of food insecurity, it is crucial to explore the array of tools used to quantify food insecurity (FI). This exploration will help determine the prevalence and severity of FI [...] Read more.

Given the recent increase in the number of Nigerians estimated to be at risk of food insecurity, it is crucial to explore the array of tools used to quantify food insecurity (FI). This exploration will help determine the prevalence and severity of FI in Nigeria. This review explored the scope of FI research carried out in Nigeria to examine how the design was quantified. A systematic review was performed to compile the accessible Nigerian studies. Seventy-nine studies were reviewed. Eighteen used the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale module (HFIAS) to investigate FI status; thirteen used the recommended daily calorie requirement approach; twelve employed the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM); ten used the food insecurity index (through household per capita food expenditure); seven used the Food Insecurity Experienced Scale (FIES); two used the Food Consumption Score (FCS); and the others employed less standardized or thorough approaches. Different prevalence levels and gravities of FI in the Nigerian populations were documented. The prevalence of FI varied from 12% to 100%, based on the instrument and demography being studied. In accordance with the findings of this review, the authors propose standardization of the FI instrument and highlight the need for a measurement tool that would be appropriate for the Nigerian setting. This will enable researchers to attain a comprehensive knowledge of the occurrence rate of FI in Nigeria, leading to improved food- and nutrition-sensitive policy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Economics and Food Policy: New Perspectives in a Changing World)

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