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Purpose: This paper aims to analyse the main variables and causal relationships in the system structure of the diversification of non-agricultural activities on agricultural holdings using system dynamics (SD) modelling. The SD model aims to simulate depictions of the behaviour of the real system while testing the effects of alternative decisions over time. Design/methodology/approach: An SD methodology was chosen to model diversification in farm tourism. Findings: A system approach increases the authors' understanding of the transition of agricultural holdings to farm tourism. The results indicate that the transition to farm tourism depends on the level of tourism development in a certain area. The system is influenced by subsidies allocated by authorities to expand primary agricultural activities. The model describes a situation in which the tourism and agricultural industries have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research limitations/implications: The research is limited by the small set of available data due to the limited number of farms in Slovenia. One major problem is the difference in statistical data on the same activity collected from different institutions in Slovenia. Practical implications: The paper includes implications for understanding the transition process to farm tourism, allowing policymakers to experiment with subsidies and promotion to explore the efficacy and efficiency of proposed policies. Originality/value: This study provides a structured, systemic view of the diversification of non-agricultural activities on agricultural holdings, where the simulation results are a reliable reflection of the behaviour of the actual system being modelled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant protection laboratory undertakes research work on horticultural pest species diversity, extent of damage, their biology and ecology . Relatively new emerging pests and diseases are thoroughly investigated under changing agroclimatic conditions. Integrated pest management systems for horticulture are being established and implemented. A network of meteorological stations equipped with pest and disease forecasting tools was established since 2007. Pest and disease forecasting models are being validated and adapted to local conditions as well as implemented in horticultural sector by the research workers of Plant protection laboratory in order to ensure optimal use of plant protection products. Since 2001 efficacy trials of plat protection products are being performed according to requirements of Good Experimental Practice (GEP certificate), thus ensuring high quality of trials and recognition of results in other member states of European Union. Most recent challenge in plant protection is to ensure optimal needs for pesticides in Lithuanian fruit and vegetable production sector based on phytosanitary state of gardens and efficacy of plant protection products in use, in the context of sustainable use of pesticides according to EU directive 2009/128/EB. In current paper most important results of studies performed in 2008-2012 are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]