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Significant progress has been made in cereal production in Bangladesh due to an agricultural policy environment that prioritizes the productivity of staple crops over fruit and vegetables (F&V). However, many smallholder farmers remain poorly connected to markets, which may lead to a limited supply response of F&V that can reduce opportunities for sufficient intake in neglected, consumer-facing, smaller retail markets. To address this issue, aggregation schemes have been conceived that collect and transport F&Vs on behalf of multiple farmers. Given the volume of horticultural produce produced and the reliance on developed transport infrastructure, aggregation schemes tend to supply wholesale and urban markets rather than underdeveloped rural and isolated markets. To this end, we investigated how a particular aggregation intervention ('Loop') could potentially improve the distribution of F&V to smaller markets whilst improving farmer benefits. We used an innovative system dynamics modeling approach based on Loop's aggregation services in Jashore, Bangladesh, and to identify the potential trade-offs between consumer outcomes in retail markets and farmer benefits. We find that combining aggregation with a quota at the smaller market, transport subsidy, and current price growth does not result in trade-offs between consumer purchases and farmers'benefits. However, combining aggregation with current price growth can increase demand without losing farmers'benefits. The findings emphasize that standalone and multiple market-oriented interventions generate broader win-win benefits to promote inclusive food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamics of neoliberal agrarian restructuring within the Turkish sugar industry, focusing on the 2018 privatization of the Alpullu Sugar Factory. The analysis examines the transformative impact of market dependence and land commodification on relationship of farmers with the agricultural sector. Specifically, it focuses on two significant neoliberal shifts that have altered the dynamics of farming. First, the withdrawal of state support in agricultural markets prompted farmers to diversify their income streams, leading to a transition from sugar beet cultivation to alternative crops and contemplation of urban migration. Second, in the 2000s, farmers, grappling with declining agricultural revenues, increasingly relied on private bank credits as a means of financial security. This shift was propelled by changes in agricultural policy regulations and the dissolution of state‐sponsored credit systems. Employing a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study elucidated these complex transformations and their profound impact on agrarian livelihoods, land ownership shifts, production strategies and market relationships. The research revealed the complex interplay of social, economic and historical dynamics steering the trajectory of the Turkish sugar industry, providing valuable insights into neoliberal restructuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book "Distress in the fields: Indian agriculture after economic liberalization" provides an extensive review of agricultural policy in India following the country's economic liberalization in 1991. The book examines various aspects of agriculture, including land and agrarian relations, investment and expenditure, agricultural trade, costs, profits, and incomes, credit and insurance, and agricultural marketing and food security. The authors argue that while capitalist development in agriculture has occurred, economic liberalization has led to agrarian distress and entrenched inequality. The book also highlights the limitations of the economic ideology that underpins agricultural policy in India. [Extracted from the article]

The 2023 International African Swine Fever Workshop (IASFW) took place in Beijing, China, on 18–20 September 2023. It was jointly organized by the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health (USCCAH) at Kansas State University (KSU) and the Chinese Veterinary Drug Association (CVDA) and sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, and Zoetis Inc. The objective of this workshop was to provide a platform for ASF researchers around the world to unite and share their knowledge and expertise on ASF control and prevention. A total of 24 outstanding ASF research scientists and experts from 10 countries attended this meeting. The workshop included presentations on current ASF research, opportunities for scientific collaboration, and discussions of lessons and experiences learned from China/Asia, Africa, and Europe. This article summarizes the meeting highlights and presents some critical issues that need to be addressed for ASF control and prevention in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous published literature on the impacts of agriculture on water quality, knowledge gaps persist regarding which farming systems are of most concern for their impact on water quality, which would allow water resource planners to better target water management efforts. Seeking to understand how these relationships vary across different farming systems, we used data on water quality status in watersheds of an agricultural region in southern Portugal and overlaid it with a map of farming systems for the same region provided by a previous study. By intersecting both data layers, we characterized the areal shares of the farming systems in each watershed and inspected how these shares relate to water quality status using logistic regression. The results show that the impact of agriculture on water quality is primarily related to specific farming systems. We believe this type of information can be of significant interest to agricultural planners and policymakers interested in meeting water quality standards, and we conclude this study by suggesting innovative policy options based on payments to farmers operating selected farming systems as a cost-effective way to reconcile agricultural and environmental policy objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Analyze the variables of supply, demand, consumption, imports, and exports of yellow corn in Mexico. Methodology: Review of scientific articles published in different areas. Results: In the period 2012-2013 Mexico imported 5,076 tons of yellow maize and in the period 2021-2022, 16,290 tons, in a decade increased 320% imports, while consumption of the livestock industry in the same period 2012-2013 required 5,026 tons and for the year 2021-2022 it needed 15,584 tons, in a decade increased 310% its demand. Imports have increased due to the requirements of yellow maize for this sector. Limitations: This project did not cover the price, it is recommended in a future research work on yellow maize to consider the national price of production and marketing, as well as the import price. Conclusions: Mexico needs to be self-sufficient in the production of yellow corn,. it is necessary to generate agricultural policies to strengthen national production, carrying out an analysis by regions within the Mexican Republic, attending to their needs that may be similar or different, this will represent an axis in the security and food sovereignty of Mexico with respect to yellow corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to analyze whether the average income of the rural worker followed the evolution of the gross production value (GPV) between the years 2010 and 2021. Linear regressions were estimated for the Immediate Geographical Regions of Paraná using data from the average income of Annual Social Information Report (RAIS) and GPV provided by the Department of Rural Economics of the Secretariat of State for Agriculture and Supply (DERAL), according to the type of employment contract (fixed-term and indefinite-term). It was found that, in the case of indefinite-term contracts, GPV had a significant influence on the average income of rural workers in all regions. On the other hand, for fixed-term contracts, the results were heterogeneous, with no significant influence of GPV on the average income of rural workers. Subsequently, elasticities between GPV and the average income of rural workers were calculated, and the results indicated greater homogeneity for indefinite-term contracts as opposed to fixed-term contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book "La révolution agro-écologique" written by Matthieu Calame. The author presents the need for an agroecological revolution due to the dependence of Western countries on imported agricultural products and production factors such as fuel and fertilizers. Calame argues that the agro-industrial model is exhausted and proposes a union between agriculture and ecology. The article analyzes the change in perspective in agricultural policies towards agroecology due to factors such as the increase in oil prices, the financial crisis, and climate change. The initiative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to promote more resilient practices in the face of global warming is highlighted. However, despite changes in legislation, public policies continue to favor industrial agriculture. The growing demand from citizens for more sustainable agriculture and the need for a broader vision that includes health, food, energy, and rural development are mentioned. In addition, the interest of urban residents in the countryside and the emergence of a movement towards territorialization are highlighted. The article titled "Review of La révolution agro-écologique" analyzes the key concepts and principles of an agro-ecological policy within the framework of ecological societies. Topics such as the multifunctionality of territories, the architecture of agro-ecological policies, and the need to address financial, political, and geopolitical issues to carry out an agro-ecological revolution are addressed. The author emphasizes the importance of establishing common standards instead of relying solely on bilateral transactions. In summary, the article promotes the idea of an agro-ecological revolution within a new ecological order. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Thrips parvispinus (Karny) is an invasive and polyphagous pest that attacks a wide range of plants, including ornamentals, vegetables, and fruits. Since its detection in Florida in 2020, T. parvispinus has emerged as a serious threat to agriculture in the United States, and it is currently a regulated pest in Florida. Immediate efforts are needed to develop strategies that can effectively safeguard crops from the detrimental impacts of this pest. With that in mind, we identified efficacious conventional and biorational insecticides that can control T. parvispinus infestations rapidly in ornamental plants. Larvae and adults were exposed to each insecticide either directly or through residue toxicity routes. For the direct assays, each product was applied on larvae and adults using a Potter Spray Tower. For the residue toxicity assays, each product was applied on bean plants. Larvae and adults were released after the plant tissue dried. From the 21 conventional insecticides tested against T. parvispinus, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, and spinosad caused the highest mortality and leaf-feeding damage across all stages in both assays. Among the 11 biorational insecticides tested, mineral oil (3%) and sesame oil caused the highest mortality and lowest leaf-feeding damage. We recommend implementing a rotation program that integrates these products, considering their various modes of action. In 2020, the invasive Thrips parvispinus (Karny) was first detected in Florida, United States. In response to the implemented regulatory restrictions, we conducted laboratory experiments under containment conditions. Thrips larvae and adults were exposed to 32 products (conventional and biorational insecticides) either directly or indirectly. Direct exposure was performed using a Spray Potter Tower, while indirect exposure was conducted by evaluating residue toxicity against the thrips. Water served as a control. We assessed mortality and leaf-feeding damage 48 h post-treatment. Among the conventional insecticides, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, and spinosad caused high mortality across all stages in both direct and residue toxicity assays. Pyridalyl, acetamiprid, tolfenpyrad, cyclaniliprole-flonicamid, acephate, novaluron, abamectin, cyantraniliprole, imidacloprid, cyclaniliprole, spirotetramat, and carbaryl displayed moderate toxicity, affecting at least two stages in either exposure route. Additionally, chlorfenapyr, spinosad, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, pyridalyl, acetamiprid, cyclaniliprole, cyclaniliprole-flonicamid, abamectin, and acephate inhibited larvae and adult's leaf-feeding damage in both direct and residue toxicity assays. Regarding biorational insecticides, mineral oil (3%) and sesame oil caused the highest mortality and lowest leaf-feeding damage. Greenhouse evaluations of spinosad, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, and pyridalyl are recommended. Also, a rotation program incorporating these products, while considering different modes of action, is advised for ornamental growers to avoid resistance and to comply with regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dairy goat farming in Andalusia is diverse and predominantly family-based and presents particularities in terms of its economic strategies that require a specific approach. For this reason, in the context of climatic and energy crises that have a decisive influence on the activity, it has been considered relevant to deepen the knowledge of the economic and energy profiles of the different goat production systems, filling an information gap that existed. For this purpose, twenty-one farms, representatives of the dairy goat system diversity in Andalusia, were monitored for one year, obtaining technical-economic information that allowed the calculation of different energy and economic indicators. The results of this work demonstrate that, from an energetic point of view, goat farms that base their feeding strategies on grazing and make optimal use of natural resources are more efficient than models based on permanent stabling. This greater environmental sustainability derived from extensification is penalized by the markets, which give priority to intensive models with greater milk production and less food autonomy. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that extensification strategies are capable of remunerating family labor and can, therefore, be economically viable, provided that support from the Common Agricultural Policy is included in the analyses. The family-owned dairy goat sector in Andalusia presents great diversity. Taking into account the particularities of their economic strategies, which are focused on generating net value added and a stable long-term remuneration for family labor, this work aims to expand the scarce existing knowledge on the energetic and economic profiles of the different caprine management systems in a context of climate and energy crisis. For this purpose, twenty-one farms, representatives of the four typologies of the Andalusian dairy goat system, were monitored for one year: pastoral systems, grazing systems with high feed supply, indoor systems with associated crops, and indoor systems without associated crops. Technical-economic information was obtained that allowed the calculation of energy and economic indicators. In terms of socialized output, the differences found were due to the energy derived from milk sales, which was clearly lower in pastoral systems. The higher proportion of energy output obtained from manure with respect to edible products (milk and meat) highlights the importance of the former in energetic terms. High values for external inputs are found in the intensive group (111.22 GJ LSU−1), while the lowest results correspond to the pastoral group (36.96 GJ LSU−1). The main external input is the energy proceeding from purchased feed, which accounts for over 79% of the total external energy input in all four groups. The highest energy efficiency corresponds to the pastoral group, which is also the most efficient one in the use of non-renewable energy to produce milk and meat. Additionally, the level of eco-efficiency is higher in pastoral systems. Common Agricultural Policy funds contribute to increasing the remuneration of family work in pastoral systems, assimilating it to the rest of the systems. Therefore, intensification does not imply an absolute monetary advantage in all cases, while extensification can be remunerative for family-owned dairy farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting future temperature and precipitation patterns holds paramount importance for any country, particularly for devising effective agricultural adaptation strategies. This study has a twofold aim: first, to project future temperature and precipitation trends and simulate potential drought scenarios in the northern and southwestern regions of Bangladesh. Second, it seeks to underscore the significance of incorporating climate change projections into the nation's agricultural policies. By utilizing CMIP5 data and RCP4.5 scenarios, this study projected temperature and precipitation for the years 2030, 2040, 2050, and 2060, relative to the baseline period (1995 to 2014). Notably, the results indicated substantial variations between pre- and post-monsoon temperatures, with projected maximum, minimum, and mean temperature differences of > 5°C, < 3°C, and < 4°C, respectively. The drought projection portrayed that numerous districts in the northwestern region (Natore, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Naogaon, Nawabganj, and Rajshahi) will potentially face moderate to severe drought conditions. Additionally, a few districts in the southwestern region (Jessore and Chuadanga) are also projected to encounter similar conditions. Finally, our analysis underscores the necessity for aligning the country's agricultural policies with projected climate change scenarios to safeguard food production, thereby mitigating climate-induced environmental and societal vulnerabilities. Such an approach would enhance the nation's capacity to combat hunger and contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Food insecurity may reduce diet quality, but the relationship between food insecurity severity and diet quality is under-researched. This study aimed to examine the relationship between diet quality and severity of household food insecurity. Design: A cross-sectional, online survey used the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Six-item Short Form to classify respondents as food secure or marginally, moderately or severely food insecure. The Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS; scored 0–73) determined diet quality (ARFS total and sub-scale scores). Survey-weighted linear regression (adjusted for age, sex, income, education, location and household composition) was conducted. Setting: Tasmania, Australia. Participants: Community-dwelling adults (aged 18 years and over). Results: The mean ARFS total for the sample (n 804, 53 % female, 29 % aged > 65 years) was 32·4 (sd = 9·8). As the severity of household food insecurity increased, ARFS total decreased. Marginally food-insecure respondents reported a mean ARFS score three points lower than food-secure adults (B = –2·7; 95 % CI (–5·11, –0·34); P = 0·03) and reduced by six points for moderately (B = –5·6; 95 % CI (–7·26, –3·90); P < 0·001) and twelve points for severely food-insecure respondents (B = –11·5; 95 % CI (–13·21, –9·78); P < 0·001). Marginally food-insecure respondents had significantly lower vegetable sub-scale scores, moderately food-insecure respondents had significantly lower sub-scale scores for all food groups except dairy and severely food-insecure respondents had significantly lower scores for all sub-scale scores. Conclusions: Poorer diet quality is evident in marginally, moderately and severely food-insecure adults. Interventions to reduce food insecurity and increase diet quality are required to prevent poorer nutrition-related health outcomes in food-insecure populations in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the increasing place of tourism exports, the rural sector and its agricultural production remain important contributors to Fijiʼs economy. But their contribution is compromised by policies and institutions that distort the farm sectorʼs resource use, with too many resources employed by sugar and livestock producers at the expense of other farmers and producers of non‐farm products. Subsidies to the sugar industry could be used instead to boost investment in rural public goods such as infrastructure and agricultural research. That would benefit a much larger proportion of rural people, many of whom are below the poverty line. So too would a lowering of tariffs on imports of meat and milk products. And by thereby lowering food prices in urban areas, such re‐purposing of support would benefit their poorest households most. It would also lower the prices of high‐protein livestock products and nutrient‐rich fruits and vegetables, which could well improve nutrition and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has had a major impact on agricultural land use changes in Europe. While grassland abandonment in mountain areas is well-documented, there is a gap in research regarding lowland regions. We investigated how changes in CAP regulations between two periods (2007-2013 and 2014-2020) influenced the pattern of semi-natural grassland (SNG) abandonment in boreonemoral Europe. We used 25 km² grid cells as the basic research unit. The relationship between agricultural land management variables and SNG abandonment was analyzed by regression methodology and non-linear relationships were detected. We observed a decrease in the overall rate of SNG abandonment during the second CAP period (2014-2020), suggesting that recent CAP modifications have had some positive impact on grassland conservation. However, the impact of CAP on SNG abandonment varied between the two regions differing in land capability for agriculture and between productive and unproductive SNG types. The study highlights the importance of understanding the complex processes that influence abandonment in strongly non-linear ways. It underscores the importance of tailored conservation strategies and the role of the CAP in shaping SNG management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how US farm sector performed in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. There were significant supply and demand shocks due to the pandemic. Furthermore, there was significant fluctuation in commodity prices and record high government payments in 2020. This study aims to examine the performance and position of US farm sector (financially) to system (and global economy) wide shocks. Design/methodology/approach: The authors examine 2020 values for farm sector financial ratios before and after the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic using the data from the United States Department of Agriculture to understand the financial position and performance of the US farm sector. Findings: The authors find solvency ratios (which are indicators of the sector's ability to repay financial liabilities via the sale of assets) worsened in 2020 relative to pre-pandemic expectations. Efficiency ratios (which evaluate the conversion of assets into production and revenue) and liquidity ratios (which are indicators of the availability of cash to cover debt payments) showed mixed outcomes for the realized results in 2020 relative to the pre-pandemic forecasts. Four profitability ratios were stronger in 2020 relative to pre-pandemic expectations. All solvency, liquidity and profitability ratios plus 2 out of 5 efficiency ratios for 2020 were weaker than their respective average ratios obtained from 2000 to 2019 data. Originality/value: This research is one of the first papers to use financial ratios to examine how the US farm sector performed in 2020 compared to expectations prior to the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper investigates the effects of the total abolition of all forms of agricultural subsidies to producers and border tariffs on the prices of staple cereals. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use the GTAP global economy-wide model and focus on 27 countries and 8 regions. The GTAP database that is used contains information on budgetary transfers to producers and market price support such as domestic price support, tariffs, export subsidies, quotas on exports or imports and other border measures. Findings: The removal of subsidies is estimated to significantly increase the prices of wheat and other cereal grains in Japan, paddy rice in Malaysia and Indonesia, processed rice in Malaysia and Indonesia and wheat in Brazil and India. When border tariffs are removed, cereal prices are projected to fall in several countries, but the decline is more pronounced for wheat in Kenya and Japan, other cereal grains in South Korea and all staples in Nepal. Research limitations/implications: The alternative scenarios on the removal of agricultural subsidies in all agricultural sectors and the elimination of border tariffs are purely speculative as the analysis ignores important political economy considerations of agricultural and food policy reforms. Practical implications: The findings from this study point to the importance of implementing additional policy measures to mitigate the possible negative effect of repurposing the support to agriculture and ensure the food security and welfare of those categories of buyers who heavily depend on the price of staple food for their livelihoods. Social implications: This study's findings confirm that the elimination of agricultural subsidies would impact global food security directly by making staple food less affordable to the poorest and indirectly by decreasing the available household budget for other presumably more nutritious food groups. Consequently, it is expected that these price increases could make segments of the world population poorer, particularly the net-food buyers due to a decline in their real income. Originality/value: The authors assess the impact of removing the subsidies on the economy in a comprehensive way, particularly given the recent policy focus on net zero emissions and Sustainable Development Goals that include healthy foods. The authors also consider the counter effects of tariff reduction on this, which is price-reducing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2007 has brought new dynamic changes to the business environment where this primary Bulgarian industry functions. Getting financial incentives to support income as well as incentives to comply with other European policies distorts the business environment in Bulgaria. The land reform has been a key element of the agricultural transformation during the long-term transition in Bulgaria, which aims to create favourable conditions for the establishment of market economy by decentralizing the process and restoring the right of ownership to all owners and their heirs. The problems related to the study of land relations are of eternal relevance and significance. The importance of land relations is much more essential for the sustainable development of the viable rural regions in Bulgaria, having in mind the favourable natural conditions and the traditions inextricably interwoven with the agricultural sector in the country. The comprehensive research of land relations is a key condition for studying their impact on the socio-economic processes and relations, thus focusing on certain synergistic opportunities for the agricultural sector in Bulgaria. The purpose of this article is to describe, present and analyze the role and challenges of land relations, as well as the related issues that are fundamental for the state of agriculture and the place of the sector in Bulgarian economy as a whole. The study also has a narrow focus on achieving the key goal of intensifying the links between education, business and public authorities in general. For the research analysis we will apply the scientific approach as well as the following methodological framework such as complex and structural analysis. The study focuses on the challenges and problems in the development of land relations in Bulgaria, as well as the range of land relations related to the social, economic, management and legal environment in Bulgaria. The institutional environment in Bulgarian agriculture is a complex system of symbiotic relationships, dynamically changing under the influence of national and sectoral legislation. The challenges and issues of land relations are an extremely complex social phenomenon. The economic, social and environmental influences involved in it has a two-way impact on the agricultural sector. The harmonization and improvement of institutional framework in compliance with the requirements of the EU - development of sectoral legislation, re-structuring of agricultural farms, as well as various aspects of the implementation of the CAP, competitiveness and development of rural regions, are part of the issues and challenges related to the sustainable development of land relations and the agricultural sector in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of hops, a traditional activity in the area of Transylvania, where the plants also meet good conditions for development, experienced a pronounced decline after 1990. The lack of funds for the establishment of crops and maintenance in the first years of vegetation, the special plant support system, the old varieties, the effects of climate change and the lack of an irrigation infrastructure have negatively influenced the development of hop farms. Despite the fact that processors have increased the demand for this crop, as a result of its multiple uses, in 2022 in Romania 165 ha were cultivated and a production of 191 tons was obtained, in only three counties in the heart of Transylvania, Alba, Mureș and Sibiu. Mureș County owned 75% of the areas cultivated with hops and 44% of the harvest obtained. At the same time, in the context of the decrease in local beer production, the quantitative and value imports of Romanian hop products also decreased. In order to revitalize this sector, the Common Agricultural Policy, through Strategic Plan 2023-2027 for Romania, has introduced a special Field of Intervention for hops and table grape growers (DR-17) which joins other interventions necessary for processing, for the establishment of producer groups, farmer training and consulting. Added to this is the support granted by Pillar I of the Common Agricultural Policy: Coupled income support (PD - 15), Eco-schemes (PD - 06) and Transitional National Aid (ANT - 5), which will represent an important support for farmers and will contribute to the increase of the surfaces and the production obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agriculture, the geography of specific crops can successfully support productivity monitoring and farming practices management. Vineyards particularly have a key role in modeling and protecting Mediterranean landscapes, representing a fundamental asset in the economies of inner areas. In this paper, we mapped the 2017 coverage of vineyards of the Vulture-Melfese, a specialized agricultural district of Basilicata (Southern Italy) renowned for hosting the Aglianico grapevine variety. To achieve this objective, we combined information extracted from free-accessible multisource data by leveraging the traditional photo-interpretation technique. Then, we characterized the mapped vineyards based on simple geo-environmental variables (size, elevation, climate). This detailed inventory can help public bodies and land managers to shape more specific local agricultural policies to strengthen the profitability of the agricultural sector, preserve agrobiodiversity and face climate change effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the case of interference, when a unit's treatment also affects other units' outcome. When interference is at work, policy evaluation mostly relies on the use of randomized experiments under cluster interference and binary treatment. Instead, we consider a non-experimental setting under continuous treatment and network interference. In particular, we define spillover effects by specifying the exposure to network treatment as a weighted average of the treatment received by units connected through physical, social or economic interactions. Building on Forastiere et al. (2021), we provide a generalized propensity score-based estimator to estimate both direct and spillover effects of a continuous treatment. Our estimator also allows to consider asymmetric network connections characterized by heterogeneous intensities. To showcase this methodology, we investigate whether and how spillover effects shape the optimal level of policy interventions in agricultural markets. Our results show that, in this context, neglecting interference may underestimate the degree of policy effectiveness. • Policy interventions may spill over across units and generate indirect effects. • Spillover effects are formalized considering agents' exposure to a network. • A weighted directed network is used to consider different degrees of exposure. • The potential outcomes framework is used to quantify direct and spillover effects. • An application to policy effectiveness in agricultural markets is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Common agricultural policy (CAP) is the most integrated policy that offers an opportunity for the agricultural sector to respond to society's demands in terms of food security, safety, quality and sustainability as well as environmental care. New agriculture challenges in the framework of EU political priorities and greening of the sector are related to the implementation of three key objectives based on encouragement of a smart and sustainable agricultural sector; improving environmental care and climate change action; improving socio-economic role of rural areas. The study aims to research the farmers' attitudes implementation of ecological practices on farms using conjoint analysis, correlation analysis, SWOT analysis and descriptive analysis. The conjoint analysis answers a fundamental research question - would farmers carry out ecological practices without CAP support? In addition, we analyzed farmers' attitudes toward implementing mandatory and voluntary ecological practices in farms with or without CAP financial support. The study results confirm the research hypothesis that CAP greening is carried out at the cost of CAP payments. It was found that farmers would not carry out ecological practices without the CAP financial support during the 2023-2027 programming period in both the Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil regions in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Fomento Social is the property of ETEA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This Note advocates for the elimination or amendment of the current Dutch Nitrogen Policy. The objective is to provide Dutch farmers with more realistic goals and an extended timeframe to effectively reduce nitrogen emissions on their farms, fostering land improvement and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In the event of government resistance to these changes, this Note also presents alternative proposals aimed at assisting both farmers and the government in addressing the issue of excess manure and ammonia. These proposals involve repurposing excess manure and ammonia for the use in generating alternative green energy, which can enhance self-sufficiency on farms, produce electricity, and serve as a potential fuel source for future vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In line with the needs of the Green Deal, Europa's Common Agricultural Policy follows the strategy for sustainable agriculture. The biostimulators, which are gaining increasing popularity, are an essential tool for ensuring an integrated approach of all agricultural raw materials. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of the biostimulators Speedb® and Amino Expert® Impuls, as well as of the foliar fertilizer and immunomodulator Acramet Ultra® on the elements of productivity, yield of fresh inflorescences, essential oil content and composition of Salvia sclarea. The experiment was arranged according to the randomized block method in four replications with plot size of 15 m2. The used products affected positively the productivity, as the treatment with Speedb® led to highest increase in the yield of fresh flower spikes with 25% when comparing with the control. Only the treatment with both biostimulators increased the essential oil content, as the highest values were obtained when using Amino Expert® Impuls. Based on the results, the products could be recommended and successfully used depending on the production direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Realidad Economica is the property of Realidad Economica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

State aid to certain economic sectors in the European Union was an acceptable model until the establishment of the single market in 1992. The EC acknowledge that the allowance is imputable to the MS and that it constitutes State aid. In the light of the foregoing, the Commission concludes that the measures at issue in the present case constitute State aid (Article 107(1) TFEU). "Special rules on provision of state aids were created as secondary law rules by the EU Council and EU Commission". State aid to promote the economic development of the agricultural sector is part of the wider framework of the "Common Agricultural Policy" ("CAP"). This paper analyzes EU state aid regulation in the agriculture sector, with special focus on the provisions of the "Agriculture Block Exemption Regulation" -- ABER. The paper also analyzes agricultural aid, which must be notified to the EC as being authorized under the "Agriculture Guidelines". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of European Integration History is the property of Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of European Integration History is the property of Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article examines the impact of Agriculture Commissioner Sicco Mansholt's reform proposals on European agriculture, focusing on the March 1971 protest against the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform. It discusses the controversial reforms aimed at modernizing agriculture, the widespread farmer opposition mobilized through transnational protests, and the lasting socio-economic and political implications of the protest for European agricultural policy.

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nowadays, general agricultural policies are moving towards sustainable agriculture, and this is despite the fact that countries suffer from a big problem called drought and climate change, especially in the field of this important economic sector. Accordingly, the correct understanding of the comprehensive conditions for growing an agricultural product is one of the significant principles of sustainable agriculture, and in this regard, general policies should be changed from cultivating water-intensive crops to less water-consuming ones. Therefore, according to the current programs, one of the policies considered for the region studied in this research, Lanjan County, located in the southwest of Isfahan province, was the change of cultivation from rice to beans, this research aimed at studying the feasibility of changing from rice to beans. The statistical population of the research included experts from the Agricultural Jihad Organization, experts from the farmers' trade union system (N=50) and rice farmers of Lanjan County (N=270). The sample size was determined by applying Cochran's formula based on which 40 experts and 130 farmers were selected randomly for the study. Data were collected by a questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS software. The results of the single-sample t-test showed that from the farmers' point of view, the average of production factors (3.33), management (3.35) and attitude (3.44) and from the experts' point of view, the average of most factors including relative advantage (3.37), timing (3.56), production (3.60), attitude (3.74), management (3.46) and background (3.44), obtained significantly higher than the average (3) and therefore higher than optimal. In this regard, the conditions for changing cultivation from rice to beans were evaluated as favorable. Therefore, based on the findings of the research, from the respondents' point of view, it is possible to change cultivation from rice to beans. Finally, some suggestions such as the guaranteed purchase of bean products by the government to provide the market and reduce the price fluctuation of bean products were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to test the overshooting effects of monetary expansion on prices of agricultural products at farm production, processing and circulation stages in China, and to investigate the heterogeneity of the overshooting mechanisms in these three links. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical results are obtained through the vector error correction model and the overshooting framework proposed by Saghaian et al. (2002b). Specifically, we first apply the Dickey–Fuller generalized least squares (DF-GLS) method to test the stationarity of the key variables, and then use the Johansen's (1991) method to conduct the cointegration test. Finally, the vector error correction model is employed to examine the overshooting hypotheses in the three stages of China's agricultural sector. Findings: Empirical results indicate that overshooting of prices relative to monetary expansion in China's agricultural sector is a common phenomenon, but with significant heterogeneity. Firstly, at the stage of agricultural production, the overshooting degree and restoration rate of material price are greater than those of agricultural products price. Secondly, at the processing stage of agricultural products, both the purchase price of agricultural products and industrial producer price have an overshooting effect, but the overshooting effect of the former is more significant than the latter. Thirdly, at the circulation stage of agricultural products, the overshooting coefficient of the wholesale price index of agricultural products is the most significant, while that of the retail and purchase price of agricultural products is not significant. Originality/value: The paper contributes to proposing a comprehensive framework on testing the overshooting effects for three main stages of agricultural sector in China and empirically investigating the heterogeneity of the overshooting mechanisms in different stages with time series methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting a demand-driven approach in an ever-evolving agricultural domain is imperative for the effectiveness of agricultural extension services, particularly in the state of Rajasthan, India. The paper comprehensively analyses the vast dataset comprising over four million farmer query calls to the Kisan Call Center in Rajasthan from January 2009 to August 2023. These meticulously preprocessed call records serve as a crucial bridge between the agricultural community and support services, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and needs of Rajasthan's farmers. Our analysis examines temporal trends in farmer query calls, revealing year-wise and month-to-month insights, including peak call activity periods. The district-wise analysis aids targeted interventions. Understanding call distribution across diverse landscapes. Categorising calls by crop and query type offers insights into distinct farmer challenges, informing tailored policies and support programs. In conclusion, this research underscores the paramount importance of harnessing datadriven insights to enhance agricultural support systems in Rajasthan. By doing so, we can ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the farming community, thus contributing to the overall well-being of the state's agriculture sector. The research is useful for informing evidence-based policy decisions and tailored support services to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Rajasthan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern civilization relies on a complex, globally interconnected industrial agriculture system to produce food. Its unprecedented yields hinge on external inputs like machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides, rendering it vulnerable to disruptions in production and international trade. Such a disruption could be caused by large‐scale damage to the electrical grid. Solar storms, nuclear detonations in the upper atmosphere, pandemics, or cyber‐attacks, could cause this severe damage to electrical infrastructure. To assess the impact of such a global catastrophic infrastructure loss on major food crops (corn, rice, soybean, wheat), we employ a generalized linear model. The predictions show a crop‐specific yield reduction between 15% and 37% in phase 1, the year after the catastrophe, assuming rationed use of fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel stocks. In phase 2, when all stocks are depleted, yields decrease by 35%–48%. Soybean is less affected in phase 1, while all crops experience strong declines in phase 2. Europe, North and South America, and parts of India, China, and Indonesia face major yield reductions, potentially up to 75%, while most African countries are less affected. These findings underscore the necessity for preparation by highlighting the vulnerability of the food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We apply a systems framework for analyzing the overall sustainability impacts of interventions to a case of the rice‐wheat cropping system of Punjab (India), where agricultural practices lead to air pollution‐related health impacts, over‐exploitation of groundwater, over‐use of fertilizers and reduced local crop diversity. We use this case to quantify how varying degrees of change in interventions result in sustainability impacts using an inclusive wealth‐based approach. We show that either improving the existing cropping system or inducing fundamental changes in the cropping system, can lead to substantial and wide‐ranging sustainability benefits. We also show that interventions that improve human health show the largest quantitative benefit due to the assumed high marginal value of human life. Accurate localized estimates of marginal values of stocks are needed for estimating overall sustainability impacts. Plain Language Summary: We use a systems‐based approach for studying air pollution as a challenge embedded in a broader network of sustainability issues, and analyze the cross‐sectoral impacts of policy interventions. We use the rice‐wheat cropping system in Punjab, India, as a case study, since agricultural practices in this system are associated with a number of inter‐linked sustainability challenges such as air pollution‐related health impacts, over‐exploitation of groundwater, over‐use of fertilizers and reduced local crop diversity. We analyze the sustainability impacts of varying degrees of policy‐induced change in this system and show that both incremental and fundamental changes can lead to wide‐ranging sustainability benefits. Key Points: We apply a systems framework for analyzing policy interventions to the rice‐wheat cropping system of Punjab (India)We quantify the sustainability impacts of interventions involving varying degrees of change in the system using an inclusive wealth‐based approachWe show how policy‐induced changes can lead to substantial and wide‐ranging sustainability benefits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to identify the functional form that best represents the production of rainfed white corn in Mexico. Two variants of the constant elasticity of substitution function and the Cobb-Douglas function were tested using a cross-sectional sample of 10 924 corn farmers obtained from the ‘questionnaire to collect the 2008 baseline: SAGARPA programs’. The analysis was performed at national and regional levels using fourteen factors of production. The results show that the Cobb-Douglas model provides better fits and estimators consistent with theoretical principles. Similarly, it is shown that the use and effect of each production factor on the yield of rainfed white corn is different between the regions of the country, so it was shown that public policy actions should be differentiated based on the needs and particularities of each region. An analysis of the effect of each input at the regional level and a discussion of the possible effects of some support programs for the agricultural sector focused on a particular input are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-districts are a specific form of aggregation which are particularly effective in implementing a multi-stakeholder, environmentally conscious, and place-based approach to food system sustainability. Bio-districts may facilitate the agroecological transition of the local food systems. The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations on how to promote the adoption of the agroecological approach through biodistricts, by analysing farmers’ propensity towards agroecology, framing the level of attainement in the transition pathway, and shedding light on the barriers to the broader diffusion of agroecology. A qualitative comparative case study approach has been developed in two bio-districts in Italy. Based on the findings, farmers show a propensity to adopt the agroecological approach, However, a series of barriers have prevented reaching the top level of agroecological transition, especially the need for the adaptation of machinery, a shortage of skilled advisors for knowledge transfer, and poor community awareness. The findings suggest that there is urgent need to face policy, governance-related, and market-related challenges. This study lays the groundwork for the integration of the agroecological approach in the implementation of key policy instruments such as the Italian Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan and the European Union Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing and reversing soil degradation is essential to maintaining the ecosystem services provided by soils and guaranteeing food security. In addition to the scientific community, it is critical to engage multiple stakeholders to assess the degree of soil degradation and mitigation strategies' impact and meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, European Union's Common Agricultural Policy, and other national and international goals. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed across countries participating in the EU Horizon-2020 "Transforming Unsustainable management of soils in key agricultural systems in E.U. and China. Developing an integrated platform of alternatives to reverse soil degradation (TUdi)." Using farmers' associations and educational institutions as an intermediate to distribute the questionnaires was an effective strategy for gathering a high number of responses. Results from 456 responses to the questionnaire showed that farm country, size, type of agriculture, and educational level of farm managers were significantly associated with the farmers' perception of soil degradation issues. Farm size and type of agriculture were also correlated with applying a nutrient management plan. The implications of the results for soil conservation measures are discussed. Additionally, we highlight the potential of projects such as TUdi for creating collaboration networks to drive widespread adoption by farmers of technologies to reverse the degradation of agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia is the property of Wydawnictwo SGGW and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia is the property of Wydawnictwo SGGW and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In most developing countries, agricultural policies and programs are designed to promote productivity growth with modern inputs and technologies, and the success of these policies is measured primarily along the dimensions of technology adoption, with limited reference to the ancillary impacts on behavioural outcomes that may be a prerequisite to adoption. We test whether grassroots programs can additionally relax behavioural constraints, potentially enhancing the adoption of diversified production systems. In Odisha, India, using a series of laboratory‐in‐field experiments and survey instruments to elicit farmers' preferences for risk, agency and aspirations for themselves and their children, we find that respondents in villages where grassroots interventions were promoted showed significantly lower levels of risk aversion and higher aspirations for themselves and their children, along with improvements in production and consumption diversity. However, we do not find a mediating role of reduced risk aversion in improving direct program outcomes. Our results show that grassroots approaches are effective in inducing a shift towards changing production systems, and relaxing behavioural constraints, that can be leveraged over time to strengthen impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing the best policy to reduce water consumption concerning social, economic, and environmental dimensions is a major challenge for policymakers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate agricultural sustainability and cropping pattern changes due to Water Resources Consumption Reduction Policies based on different scenarios. For this purpose, a study area in northern Iran with three different climates was selected. The required information including documentary and field data obtained from the farmers' questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with 492 farmers in 2019–2020. To achieve the objectives, Positive Mathematical Programming (PMP) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were applied. The results showed that quota policies can be considered as the best policy, and pricing policies only increase the farmers' costs. Also, WRCRP will lead to changes in cropping patterns and the amount of water consumed in all climates. Most discrepancies among the effects of WRCRP on sustainability are related to the importance of each economic, social and environmental aspect. In fact, selecting each scenario by government is dependent on the status of the region on that specific time. It is necessary for the policymakers to evaluate their considered policies before implementation to reduce the negative economic, social and environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przeglad Prawa Rolnego is the property of Adam Mickiewicz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An important but understudied factor influencing strategic decisions of farmers is policy uncertainty. Increased policy uncertainty may expedite the timing of investments in expansion, a phenomenon that has been observed in the Dutch dairy sector in recent years. Using a participatory Bayesian network, we aimed to identify and assess the farm, farmer, and environmental characteristics that explain and predict investment strategies. The variable policy uncertainty is modeled as a multidimensional concept that is a function of objective and subjective variables. We found that the most important variables influencing investment timing are succession, risk attitude, perceived policy uncertainty, and earning capacity. The insights derived from this study are useful for policy advisors, finance providers, farm advisors, and also farmers themselves to enhance their understanding of why and when farm investments are likely to occur despite the high level of policy uncertainty. [EconLit Citations: Q180 Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy G410 Behavioral Finance: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tragic rise of farmer suicides in India brought to light some of the high social and ecological costs associated with globalization and unsustainable agriculture. The study analyzes the impact of globalization and MNCs on farmer suicides and suggests strategies and policies. The crucial findings show regressive agricultural policies, output declines, insufficient credit support, private parties' intervention, land fragmentation, and the high cost of cultivation due to the privatization of the seed sector that led to worst debt traps among other factors as major contributors to this turmoil. This research underlines the ongoing efforts in understanding and tackling these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agroecological transition promoted worldwide is supported by the European Union Common Agricultural Policy towards different strategies and policy tools. The agri-environmental schemes, offering farmers the possibility to adopt environment-friendly practices (thus mitigating negative externalities/providing positive ones) represent a straightforward example. However, there is dissatisfaction about their effectiveness and efficiency, while their improvement is envisaged through a flexible mix of new instruments: novel contract solutions fostering result-based payments, collective implementation, involving value chains and land tenure systems coupled to environmental conditionality. This paper investigates how farmers from Emilia-Romagna (Italy) perceive these innovative contract solutions as "easy to understand", "applicable", "economic beneficial", and their willingness to enroll. The applied ordered logistic regression models include socio-demographic characteristics, structural features of the holdings, and the farmers' preference(s) for 13 individual contract features. Farmers' perceptions are driven by the previous experience acquired from similar measures, key socio-demographic characteristics/holding structural features, and peculiar contractual elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agri-environment-climate measures and organic farming support have been the main contractual instruments promoting environment-friendly agricultural practices in the European Union since the 90s. They are insufficient in reaching significant environmental improvements, partly because underfunded. Using French panel data from the farm accountancy data network, we evaluate the impact of a budget transfer from income support to environmental incentives on contract uptake. We apply a generalised Tobit model to estimate the adoption probability and the acceptable farmlevel payment triggering this adoption and simulate a transfer from direct payments to organic farming support and agri-environment-climate measures budget. Results suggest this mechanism increases adoption. Decreasing direct payments affects participation probabilities and acceptable farm-level payments, differently depending on the type of environmental contract, the type of direct payment and the farm technical orientation. We evaluate several transfer scenarios and provide ex-ante elements on how it could help reaching the Green Deal organic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agroalimentaria is the property of Alejandro Antonio Gutierrez Socorro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)