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Sustainable Agricultural Economy

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 February 2024) | Viewed by 24654

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Agroeconomy, Iaşi University of Life Sciences “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, 700490 Iaşi, Romania
Interests: economy; agricultural economy; sustainable agricultural economy; resilience; environmental economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Agroeconomy, Iaşi University of Life Sciences “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, 700490 Iaşi, Romania
Interests: marketing; consumer behavior; agrifood market research; sustainable rural development; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Agroeconomics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" Iasi, Avenue Mihail Sadoveanu, 700490 Iaşi, Romania
Interests: management; sustainable agricultural; regional and rural development; strategic management; information management; modeling and simulation in economics; management in agrotourism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural economy generally pertains to the agricultural environment, resources, risk and uncertainty, food and consumer economics, prices and incomes, market structures, trade and development,  technical change, and human capital. Food and fibre productivity have soared due to new technologies, mechanization, increased chemical use, specialization, and government policies that favour maximizing production and reducing food prices. 

At this moment, an important concern is related to sustainable agricultural economy. In a reductionist form, sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals: environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity.

However, are there any important differences between sustainable agriculture and the sustainability of agriculture? It seems that sustainable agriculture is founded in techniques, methods, processes, etc. On the other hand, it seems that the sustainability of agriculture is based on continuity and quality in relation to resources and the obtained results. Is it possible for the principles of economics to influence the concept of the sustainability of agriculture more than sustainable agriculture?

This might be an important question that needs a good answer. Furthermore, it is important to develop and emphasize the relationships between sustainable agriculture/the sustainability of agriculture and other modern research and practical directions, such as circular economy, rural economy, intelligent climate/climate-oriented agriculture, sustainable governance, proximity agriculture, social agriculture, cycling agricultural economy, knowledge economy, artificial intelligence, and digital economy. Resilience and adaptability might also be related to a sustainable agricultural economy.

All these mentioned uni- or bi-directional relationships can initiate or develop the principles of a sustainable agricultural economy.

Prof. Dr. Carmen Luiza Costuleanu
Dr. Mioara Mihăilă
Prof. Dr. George Ungureanu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • sustainable agricultural economy
  • agriculture economy
  • circular agricultural economy
  • cycling agricultural economy
  • proximity agriculture economy
  • social agriculture economy
  • climate-oriented agriculture economy
  • knowledge agriculture economy
  • digital agriculture economy

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 1345 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Rural Digital Economy on Agricultural Green Development and Its Mechanism: Empirical Evidence from China
by Zhenyu Qi and Yuezhou You
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3594; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093594 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 217
Abstract
Agricultural green development represents an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient agricultural model, and it is a key way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. With the rapid rise of the digital economy, its influence is gradually spreading from urban to rural areas, and it has [...] Read more.
Agricultural green development represents an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient agricultural model, and it is a key way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. With the rapid rise of the digital economy, its influence is gradually spreading from urban to rural areas, and it has played a significant and far-reaching role in promoting the green transformation of agriculture. This paper employs the entropy weight method to measure the level of digital economy and agricultural green development in rural areas in 30 provincial administrative regions in China from 2012 to 2021 and analyzes the relationship between the two and the mechanisms behind it. The research results show that (1) the rural digital economy significantly promotes agricultural green development. (2) With the enhancement of agricultural green development, the impact of the rural digital economy on it initially increases and then declines. (3) The rural digital economy fosters agricultural green development by advancing agricultural technology, easing credit constraints, and promoting agricultural industry agglomeration. (4) Environmental regulation intensifies the positive influence of the rural digital economy on agricultural green development. This research significantly enhances our understanding of the mechanism by which the rural digital economy facilitates agricultural green development. It offers empirical evidence and recommendations for the government to formulate and implement effective policies to advance agricultural green transformation in the context of digital economy trends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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31 pages, 1892 KiB  
Article
Relevant Skills for Employment and Entrepreneurship in the Agri-Food Sector
by Dan Bodescu, Alina Sîrghea, Roxana Nicoleta Raţu, Ciprian Chiruţă, Răzvan-Nicolae Mălăncuş, Dan Donosă and Alexandru-Dragoș Robu
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020787 - 16 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1014
Abstract
In the current social, economic, natural and geopolitical context, there is an acute need for research on professional and entrepreneurial skills in line with the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing global economy. The aim of this study was to determine the [...] Read more.
In the current social, economic, natural and geopolitical context, there is an acute need for research on professional and entrepreneurial skills in line with the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing global economy. The aim of this study was to determine the skills required by employees and entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector. This research study consisted of interviews, questionnaires and focus groups on a sample of 111 employers, 288 students and 139 teachers from the North-East Development Region of Romania. The most important skills needed by higher education graduates in the agri-food sector were communication, learning and social skills, with values of 90.5, 74.3 and 70.6 points, respectively. The least appreciated skills were cultural, linguistic and mathematical skills, with values of 17.5, 36.9 and 43.8 points. For developing and running an entrepreneurial activity, the subjects appreciated communication (91.0 points), as in the case of employment-related skills, followed by economic skills (81.4 points) and learning skills (75.4 points). Additional efforts are needed to increase the relevance of practical activities in correlation with the skills required by the market, and it is necessary to strengthen the current partnerships and create new partnerships between universities and the economic environment by employing public and research entities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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16 pages, 991 KiB  
Article
Grain Production in Turkey and Its Environmental Drivers Using ARDL in the Age of Climate Change
by Ismail Bulent Gurbuz and Irfan Kadioglu
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010264 - 27 Dec 2023
Viewed by 741
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the long-run and causality relationships between the annual grain production (kg per hectare) in Turkey, fertilizer used in agriculture, the number of tractors, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and grain production area from 1988 to 2018. The study’s data [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the long-run and causality relationships between the annual grain production (kg per hectare) in Turkey, fertilizer used in agriculture, the number of tractors, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and grain production area from 1988 to 2018. The study’s data for the years 1988–2018 were taken from the World Bank and Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat) databases. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds (ARDL) test was applied to estimate the cointegration between the variables. The cointegration test results confirmed a long-run relationship between the variables. The short-run estimation revealed that the error correction coefficient was negative and statistically significant. The result obtained for the error correction term estimated that the deviations from the short-run equilibrium would be corrected, and the system would converge to the long-run equilibrium within 1.05 years. Further, the long-run estimation showed that all variables included in the model had a statistically significant effect on the dependent variable. While this relationship was negative for grain production amount and carbon emission, it was positive for fertilizer use and the number of tractors. The grain areas estimated as the dependent variable in the ARDL model were in a feedback relationship with the current production and number of tractors variables, while the fertilizer and carbon emission variables were in a unidirectional causality relationship towards the grain production area. There is a negative relationship between grain production (kg per hectare) and grain production areas (hectares). A 1% increase in grain production leads to a decrease of approximately 0.30% in grain production areas. Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, another variable that stands out with its negative impact in ARDL long-run estimation results, indicate that product groups produced as an alternative to grain have a higher emission-generating power. The other long-run estimation results reveal that the tractor variable positively affects grain production areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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21 pages, 3046 KiB  
Article
Economic Sustainability of the Milk and Dairy Supply Chain: Evidence from Serbia
by Dragan Milić, Tihomir Novaković, Dragana Tekić, Bojan Matkovski, Danilo Đokić and Stanislav Zekić
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15234; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115234 - 24 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1017
Abstract
The sector of milk and dairy products in Serbia along the entire supply chain has been under significant challenges in recent years, especially in current crises. In this direction, this research looked at the supply chain of milk and dairy products by analyzing [...] Read more.
The sector of milk and dairy products in Serbia along the entire supply chain has been under significant challenges in recent years, especially in current crises. In this direction, this research looked at the supply chain of milk and dairy products by analyzing the primary production, the situation in the processing industry, and the international market’s competitiveness. Indicators of technical efficiency were used to analyze the situation on agricultural farms, while for the processing industry, the impact of various variables on profitability was evaluated using panel models. Furthermore, an examination of these products’ standings in the global market was conducted by assessing their revealed comparative advantages and integration index. The results of the research determined the level of technical efficiency of the producer, while the statistically significant influence of certain variables on profitability was determined within the processing industry. Additionally, the analysis showed modestly revealed comparative advantages in the international market but good integration with the international market. Finally, the sustainability of the milk and dairy products supply chain is highly questionable in crises, which will be a challenge for producers and policymakers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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14 pages, 1916 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Agricultural Credit on the Growth of the Agricultural Sector in Angola
by Mario Augusto Caetano Joao and Abreu Monteiro de Castro
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14704; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014704 - 10 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2030
Abstract
The ultimate goal of this paper was to examine the degree of elasticity between two variables, namely, agricultural credit and agricultural growth, in Angola in the period 2003–2022. Time series data were fitted into the ARDL test using various econometric techniques such as [...] Read more.
The ultimate goal of this paper was to examine the degree of elasticity between two variables, namely, agricultural credit and agricultural growth, in Angola in the period 2003–2022. Time series data were fitted into the ARDL test using various econometric techniques such as the ADF stationarity test, the Granger causality test, and the ordinary least squares method as well as a vector error correction model (VECM) to analyze the relationship between agricultural credit and agricultural economic growth, showing a causal relationship. Both the impacts through elasticities and the optimal point existing in this relationship were estimated. It was concluded that the impact of agricultural credit on agricultural GDP was 14.41%. The Granger causality test showed signs of a positive linkage between agricultural credit and agricultural GDP. However, there is a causal relationship between agricultural credit and agricultural GDP, in a unidirectional aspect. This result is consistent with most of the earlier studies reviewed in the literature, confirming that credit-oriented monetary policies can boost economic growth and, consequently, development in Angola. It is important for agricultural credit systems to be designed in a way that ensures equitable access, fair interest rates, and appropriate risk management mechanisms. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be in place to assess the environmental and social impacts of credit programs on agricultural sustainability. It is worth noting that this is a first-of-its-kind study on the matter of the Angolan credit experience, specifically for the agricultural sector. Angola is still searching for a sustainable credit model that could be used as a catalyzer to boost growth and contribute to economic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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27 pages, 3183 KiB  
Article
Agriculture’s Efficiency in the Context of Sustainable Agriculture—A Benchmarking Analysis of Financial Performance with Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Index
by Nicolae Bobitan, Diana Dumitrescu and Valentin Burca
Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12169; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612169 - 09 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1378
Abstract
Climate change, increased government efforts towards sustainable economic growth, and all types of resource constraint have raised concern among academics and practitioners about the path to follow for keeping firms’ competitive advantage in such a dynamic environment. The purpose of the paper is [...] Read more.
Climate change, increased government efforts towards sustainable economic growth, and all types of resource constraint have raised concern among academics and practitioners about the path to follow for keeping firms’ competitive advantage in such a dynamic environment. The purpose of the paper is to explore how firms operating in the agricultural sector have understood the need to identify and follow the best practitioners in the market, performing a benchmarking analysis aimed at providing insights on firms’ financial sustainability. As the literature has not sufficiently addressed the problem of firms’ financial sustainability operating in the Romanian Agriculture sector, we provide some empirical evidence related to the before and post-pandemic periods. The benchmarking analysis is developed using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method, which measures firms’ efficiency in terms of financial performance. Overall, the results suggest there is still much work to be done, and firms operating in the agricultural sector show high variation in terms of productivity from the perspective of financial indicators. The results are even more relevant in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, showing that only a part of the firms analyzed have developed their own dynamic capabilities that help them effectively find solutions to adjusting to the volatility of the market in a short timeframe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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20 pages, 1733 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Development between Demonstration Farm and Agricultural Labor Productivity: Evidence from Family Farms in the Mountainous Area of Western China
by Tingting Huang, Jiangfeng Hu and Qinghua Huang
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9560; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129560 - 14 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1308
Abstract
Agricultural labor productivity is an important indicator that reflects the sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas. Demonstration farms provide an important link between small-scale farmers and modern agriculture in mountainous area of western China, which is playing an important role in improving [...] Read more.
Agricultural labor productivity is an important indicator that reflects the sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas. Demonstration farms provide an important link between small-scale farmers and modern agriculture in mountainous area of western China, which is playing an important role in improving labor productivity. This paper focuses on using the PSM-logit model and sensitivity analysis to empirically test the causal relationship between demonstration farms and labor productivity, and a micro-large sample of 1823 family farms was adopted. The highlighted findings are as follows: the average labor productivity of the demonstration farm is 2.8 times higher than that of the non-demonstration farm. There is a significant positive correlation between demonstration farms and labor productivity. Utilizing demonstration farms, when all control variables are added, can remarkably promote farm income by CNY301458 on average. In the matched sample, and under scenarios controlling for other covariates, we saw that demonstration farms can significantly enhance the farm income of CNY285108, CNY288509, and CNY291077 on average, respectively, after taking the radius matching, the kernel matching, and the nearest neighbor matching. The research inspired us to enhance the demonstrative establishment of family farms and accelerate the rate at which comprehensive development benefits are derived from demonstration farms. The results of this research could provide a policy reference for the promotion of high-quality development and the sustainable development of family farms in China and serve as an experience reference for promoting sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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20 pages, 6195 KiB  
Article
Study of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Air Quality: A Case Study in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
by Ioan Aurel Chereches, Iulia Diana Arion, Iulia C. Muresan and Ferenc Gaspar
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2549; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032549 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
Many concerns are arising now regarding the effects of the pollution on inhabitants, especially in agglomerated areas. It is known that mobility is a major factor that generates threatening pollution that negatively affects the health and the comfort of residents. The present study [...] Read more.
Many concerns are arising now regarding the effects of the pollution on inhabitants, especially in agglomerated areas. It is known that mobility is a major factor that generates threatening pollution that negatively affects the health and the comfort of residents. The present study focuses on this sensitive subject by observing the impact of reducing mobility on air quality. There are various studies on this topic, but this analysis addresses a gap in the literature, by covering a very active area, in terms of development and attractiveness for new inhabitants. The research study was carried on Cluj-Napoca city (Romania), by measuring the concentration of SO2, NO2, O3, PM10, PM2.5 from five different air monitoring stations from Cluj County during 2019–2021. During the entire period, the concentrations of the measured pollutants regarding the air quality were far below the legally accepted limits, with some short time peaks generated by other human factors. Road vehicle traffic generates pollution, but they are not the only elements that have to be taken into consideration when the quality of life is regarded, so the lawmakers have a more complex task to comply when deliberating on this matter. It concludes that it is necessary to develop on the existing air quality measuring network stations, because it is necessary to increase the number and the quality of the measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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15 pages, 1252 KiB  
Article
Green Finance Assists Agricultural Sustainable Development: Evidence from China
by Yalin Mo, Dinghai Sun and Yu Zhang
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032056 - 21 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2602
Abstract
Whether green finance can promote agriculture to achieve carbon emission reduction is an important issue in agricultural sustainable development. Based on panel data on 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, this paper established a mediation effect framework and employed stepwise regression [...] Read more.
Whether green finance can promote agriculture to achieve carbon emission reduction is an important issue in agricultural sustainable development. Based on panel data on 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, this paper established a mediation effect framework and employed stepwise regression and bootstrapping to study whether and how green finance can promote carbon emission reduction in China’s agricultural sector. The empirical research results indicate that the development of green finance can significantly reduce China’s agricultural carbon emission intensity. Using instrumental variables for robustness regression tests, the empirical results were also found to be robust. Further research found that green finance can not only directly promote agricultural carbon emission reduction but also indirectly facilitate it by optimizing the agricultural industrial structure and guiding agricultural technological progress. Finally, this article puts forward a number of policy recommendations to actively develop green finance, optimize the structure of the agricultural industry, and promote the progress of agricultural technology with the overarching aim of promoting the sustainable development of China’s agriculture through green finance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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25 pages, 840 KiB  
Article
The Impacts of Climate Change, Carbon Dioxide Emissions (CO2) and Renewable Energy Consumption on Agricultural Economic Growth in South Africa: ARDL Approach
by Aluwani Tagwi
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16468; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416468 - 08 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2350
Abstract
One of the most affected economies by climate change is the agricultural sector. Climate change measured by temperature and precipitation has an impact on agricultural output, which in turn affects the economy of the sector. It is anticipated that using renewable energy will [...] Read more.
One of the most affected economies by climate change is the agricultural sector. Climate change measured by temperature and precipitation has an impact on agricultural output, which in turn affects the economy of the sector. It is anticipated that using renewable energy will lower carbon emissions that are directly related to climate change. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), renewable energy usage, and climate change on South Africa’s agricultural sector from 1972 to 2021. The nexus was estimated using an Auto Regressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds test econometric technique. In the short run, findings indicated that climate change reduces agricultural economic growth and carbon dioxide emissions increase as agricultural economic growth increases. The use of renewable energy was insignificant in the short and long run. Carbon dioxide emissions granger causes temperature and renewable energy unilateral. An ARDL analysis was performed to evaluate the short and long-term relationship between agricultural economic growth, climate change, carbon dioxide emissions and renew able energy usage. The study adds new knowledge on the effects of climate change and carbon emissions on the agricultural economy alongside the use of renewable energy which can be used to inform economic policy on climate change and the energy nexus in the agricultural sector. Study findings point to the prioritization of biomass commercialization, rural and commercial farming sector bioenergy regulations and socioeconomic imperatives research is crucial in order to promote inclusive participation in the production of renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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16 pages, 393 KiB  
Article
A Systematic Literature Review on European Food Quality Schemes in Romania
by Cristina Chifor, Iulia D. Arion, Vlad I. Isarie and Felix H. Arion
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316176 - 03 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1964
Abstract
Geographical indications (GI) are designated by a member’s region or regions within a designated area when the particular quality, reputation, or other characteristics of a product are related solely to its geographical origin and manufacturing process. Manufacturing methods are carried out according to [...] Read more.
Geographical indications (GI) are designated by a member’s region or regions within a designated area when the particular quality, reputation, or other characteristics of a product are related solely to its geographical origin and manufacturing process. Manufacturing methods are carried out according to an established Code of Good Practices. The aim of the study was to offer an overview of the current status of the literature related to geographical indications in Romania. A comprehensive and systematic literature review was conducted, and the search process was carried out using keywords such as ‘Romanian geographical indications’ and ‘Romanian food labels.’ These specific words must be found in the title, in the abstract of the papers, and also in the keywords section. Agricultural and food products with geographical indications (including wine and spirits) are included in the research. Products and food not related to the agricultural environment, along with services, were not included. It was discovered that, in order to improve the situation concerning geographical indications in Romania and raise consumers awareness, it would be necessary to introduce new national certification that could be more accessible to both producers and consumers, and that would promote regional taste and encourage the preservation of culinary traditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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32 pages, 44137 KiB  
Article
Research on the Use of Aerial Scanning and Gis in the Design of Sustainable Agricultural Production Extension Works in an Agritourist Farm in Romania
by Jenica Călina, Aurel Călina, Tiberiu Iancu and Gheorghe Marian Vangu
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14219; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114219 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1583
Abstract
The use of scanning technologies and digital photogrammetry with the help of drones in the field of agritourism activities in Romania is a topic of novelty, because all the data necessary for the implementation or development of such research can be collected very [...] Read more.
The use of scanning technologies and digital photogrammetry with the help of drones in the field of agritourism activities in Romania is a topic of novelty, because all the data necessary for the implementation or development of such research can be collected very quickly and with maximum efficiency. The classic methods are cumbersome and with a high consumption of inputs, and human and financial resources. The case study presents a practical method of applying this technology in the case of the agritourist farm REMMAR, from Vâlcea county, Romania, which wants to expand its agricultural production capacity with ecological products. Graphic support was obtained by scanning or digitizing existing maps in the physical/printed format and by acquiring data of interest in the digital format by photogrammetric methods and aerial field scanning of the studied area. The original elements of the topic are: how to obtain images by using photogrammetric methods; developing the methodology of the research and the actual development, from setting the basic objectives to obtaining and presenting the final results; elaboration of the methodology of the needs analysis and designing the specific data model; designing and the practical implementation of the geographic information system in terms of structure, methods, and means of software implementation. The successful implementation of the system was achieved only under the conditions of the existence of a data model specific to the field of action, and first realizing the conceptual foundation of the applicable data model, which would allow the registration, storage, extraction, processing, and effective analysis of the data of interest. From a theoretical and practical point of view, the research has a unique character in Romania, because it presents for the first time the development of a standard methodology for the design, expansion, and promotion of agritourism farms. The built geographic information system (GIS) is an effective tool for the management and control of the quality and efficiency of works specific to sustainable agricultural production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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25 pages, 1318 KiB  
Article
Selected Economic Determinants of Labor Profitability in Family Farms in Poland in Relation to Economic Size
by Bożena Kusz, Dariusz Kusz, Iwona Bąk, Maciej Oesterreich, Ludwik Wicki and Grzegorz Zimon
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13819; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113819 - 25 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1647
Abstract
Farms in Poland come in a wide variety of sizes, and the effect of farm size on the profitability of labor has not been sufficiently investigated. This paper takes a fresh look at the model for labor profitability determinants of family farms in [...] Read more.
Farms in Poland come in a wide variety of sizes, and the effect of farm size on the profitability of labor has not been sufficiently investigated. This paper takes a fresh look at the model for labor profitability determinants of family farms in Poland in relation to their economic size. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors that determine the labor profitability index in farms of various economic size classes (classes ES1–ES5). In the analysis of factors shaping the profitability of labor in family farms, a panel analysis was applied. Family farm income expressed per family labor unit was adopted as the dependent variable. The following variables were used as explanatory variables: (1) macroeconomic index of price relations (“price gap”); unemployment; average monthly gross wages and salaries; inflation; (2) technical-agricultural production efficiency index; (3) microeconomic ratio of total assets to agricultural land; technical equipment for work; land-to-labor ratio; debt ratio, subsidy ratio, and investment effort. A diversified influence of selected factors determining the level of profitability of labor in agriculture in particular groups of farms was found. The econometric models developed also indicate different strategies that are adopted by farmers on various farms. There is no single solution here; strategies for improving the profitability of work must take into account the specificity of a given entity. The models estimated indicate the necessity of using other mechanisms and tools of agricultural policy for farms of various economic sizes. It should be expected that, in the future, there will be a dichotomous development of farms. Medium-sized farms will become larger and economically effective, and smaller farms will perform residential functions, with the disappearing function of agricultural production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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20 pages, 6135 KiB  
Article
A Scientometric Analysis of Climate Change Adaptation Studies
by Tiberiu Iancu, Valentina Constanta Tudor, Eduard Alexandru Dumitru, Cristina Maria Sterie, Marius Mihai Micu, Dragos Smedescu, Liviu Marcuta, Elena Tonea, Paula Stoicea, Catalin Vintu, Andy Felix Jitareanu and Luiza Carmen Costuleanu
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12945; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912945 - 10 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3074
Abstract
In recent years, climate change has begun to put pressure on humanity and affect natural and human systems. The aim of this paper is to provide an improved understanding of the state of the literature on the impacts of climate change that can [...] Read more.
In recent years, climate change has begun to put pressure on humanity and affect natural and human systems. The aim of this paper is to provide an improved understanding of the state of the literature on the impacts of climate change that can be addressed through measures related to disaster risk reduction, sustainable agricultural practices, and the circular economy. This review also represents a valuable and fundamental reference for both researchers and practitioners in these fields. A total of 74,703 articles (climate change adaptation, 45,030; disaster risk reduction, 5920; sustainable agricultural practices, 7940; circular economy, 15,813) published between 1990 and 2022 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, and the links between these areas were mapped using VOSviewer. There has been an increase in the amount of published research on these four topics since 2007, indicating the increasing involvement of researchers to address these topics, influenced by the concerns of national and international bodies to address these changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Economy)
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