Search

Introduction: The potato holds the distinction of being the world's largest non-cereal food crop and ensuring its sustainable production is imperative for global food security. Notably, China leads in both the planting area and output of potatoes globally, cementing its crucial role in the nation's agricultural economy. A scientific assessment of the effectiveness of organic fertilizers on potato cultivation can significantly contribute to the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Methods: This study utilizes a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model and introduces a novel cost-efficiency approach to analyze and evaluate the production efficiency and economic impact of organic fertilizer application among 546 potato growers in Shandong. Results: The research findings reveal the following: Firstly, compared to the control group without organic fertilizer application, it is evident that the use of organic fertilizers enhances production technology efficiency, labor productivity, land productivity, and net profit per unit by 3.6%, 1588.47 kg/ person, 16346.77 kg/ha, and 16135.32 yuan/ha, respectively. Secondly, an examination of cost efficiency among growers with different production scales indicates that those with a planting scale of 0.667-1.333 hectares demonstrate relatively high production efficiency across multiple factors. Additionally, there is an observable inverted U-shaped trend in the relationship between planting scale and production efficiency. Thirdly, the continuous application of organic fertilizers proves advantageous in mitigating inefficiencies in investment techniques, leading to cost savings and efficiency improvements in potato cultivation. Discussion: Consequently, it is recommended that the government and relevant departments enhance technical support, elevate professional training programs, and optimize the allocation of input factors. These measures aim to encourage farmers to adopt organic fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The herbicide glyphosate is the most widely used active ingredient in pesticides globally. Residues have been found in people, livestock, food and animal feed, and in the environment, but little is known about glyphosate residue in manure-based fertilizer. We describe a feed-feces-fertilizer route of glyphosate contamination with negative impacts for horticultural production. This exposure can harm sensitive plants, such as tomato, and pose a risk to effective waste disposal and nutrient cycling along principles of the circular economy. We review the use and history of glyphosate and present a mixed methods research based on a real-world case from Finland where glyphosate residue in poultry manure fertilizer was suspected of inhibiting commercial organic tomato production. To test the fertilizer, we grew 72 'Encore' variety tomato plants for 14 weeks in a climate-controlled greenhouse according to the practices of the commercial grower. To ascertain awareness and potential contamination mitigation measures, we contacted five fertilizer companies with sales of biogenic fertilizer in Finland, two farming organizations, a feed company, and two government organizations working on nutrient cycling and agricultural circular economy. Results: The total harvest of tomatoes grown with fertilizer with the higher content of glyphosate residue was 35% smaller and the yield of first-class tomatoes 37% lower than that of the control, with lower glyphosate concentration. Two of the five fertilizer companies identified poultry manure as a source of glyphosate contamination. Companies with awareness of pesticide residues reported interest in establishing parameters for pesticide residues. Conclusions: The extent of glyphosate contamination of recycled fertilizers is unknown, but this study shows that such contamination occurs with negative impacts on crop production. Lack of testing and regulation to ensure that recycled fertilizers are free from harmful levels of glyphosate or other pesticides creates risks for agricultural producers. The issue is particularly acute for certified organic producers dependent on these products, but also for sustainable transitions away from mineral fertilizers in conventional farming. The example from Finland shows that a model of co-production between fertilizer producers and state regulatory agencies to establish safe limits can benefit both fertilizer producers and their customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to draw a research agenda for unveiling the underlying bottlenecks and possibilities for improving the agricultural total factor productivity in the European Union (EU). To this aim, the paper first surveys the key challenges for the modern agricultural economy. Then, the case of the EU is discussed by looking at the convergence in the partial productivity indicators (including the GHG emission) and growth efficiency that relate to the gap in the total factor productivity growth. The results suggest that the EU member states exhibited growth inefficiency (i.e., a gap in the total factor productivity growth) of 5–9% on average during 2004–2021. The paper also discusses the possibilities to utilize the production theory for assessing the pathways towards improvements in the productivity and sustainability of the EU agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to promptly and accurately allocate resources, scientifically guide grain distribution, and enhance the precision of crop yield prediction (CYP), particularly for corn, along with ensuring application stability. The digital camera is selected to capture the digital image of a 60 m × 10 m experimental cornfield. Subsequently, the obtained data on corn yield and statistical growth serve as inputs for the multi-source information fusion (MSIF). The study proposes an MSIF-based CYP Random Forest model by amalgamating the fluctuating corn yield dataset. In relation to the spatial variability of the experimental cornfield, the fitting degree and prediction ability of the proposed MSIF-based CYP Random Forest are analyzed, with statistics collected from 1-hectare, 10-hectare, 20-hectare, 30-hectare, and 50-hectare experimental cornfields. Results indicate that the proposed MSIF-based CYP Random Forest model outperforms control models such as support vector machine (SVM) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), achieving the highest prediction accuracy of 89.30%, surpassing SVM and LSTM by approximately 13.44%. Meanwhile, as the experimental field size increases, the proposed model demonstrates higher prediction accuracy, reaching a maximum of 98.71%. This study is anticipated to offer early warnings of potential factors affecting crop yields and to further advocate for the adoption of MSIF-based CYP. These findings hold significant research implications for personnel involved in Agricultural and Forestry Economic Management within the context of developing agricultural economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the many benefits of greenhouses, it is challenging to meet their heating demand, as greenhouses belong to the most energy‐intensive production systems in the agriculture sector. Industrial symbiosis can bring an effective solution by utilizing waste heat from other industries to meet the greenhouse heat demand. This study proposes an optimization framework by which optimum symbiotic relationships can be identified. For this aim, the spatial analysis is integrated into an optimization model, in which geographical, technical, and economic parameters are considered simultaneously to identify the optimal location for developing new agricultural greenhouses. The objective function is to minimize the heating costs, that is, the investment cost of piping and electricity cost for pumping heat‐carrying fluid from supplier to demand. The model is applied to the case study of Switzerland, and currently existing municipal solid waste incinerators, cement production plants, and biogas plants are considered potential waste heat sources. Results show that the import of tomato, cucumber, and lettuce to Switzerland can theoretically be replaced by vegetable production in new waste‐heat supplied greenhouses (zero import scenarios). Accounting for the economy of scale for pipeline investment costs leads to selecting large‐scale greenhouses with a cost reduction of 37%. The optimization results suggest that 10% of the greenhouses needed to satisfy the total domestic demand for lettuce, tomato, and cucumber could be placed on a suitable land plot in the direct vicinity of a waste heat source, with low costs of waste heat supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For millennia, food systems worldwide have employed practices befitting a circular economy: recycling of agricultural and food waste or byproducts, environmentally sustainable production methods, and food preservation to reduce waste. Many modern-day agricultural practices may also contribute to a circular economy through the reuse of waste products and/or reducing agricultural inputs. There are, however, food safety impacts. This paper describes two sustainable agricultural practices that have unintended positive and negative impacts on food safety: alternative rice cultivation practices and no-till agriculture. We highlight how alternative rice cultivation practices have intended benefits of water conservation and economic savings, yet also unintended effects on food safety by reducing foodborne arsenic levels while increasing cadmium levels. No-till agriculture reduces soil erosion and repurposes crop residues, but can lead to increased foodborne mycotoxin levels. Trade-offs, future research, and policy recommendations are discussed as we explore the duality of sustainable agricultural practices and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In global agricultural markets, farmers often face profit squeezes due to low bargaining power, which affects the sustainability of agriculture and the livelihoods of farmers. Cooperative intervention is seen as a key solution to improve bargaining power and optimize profit distribution in the agricultural supply chain. In this study, a two-stage dynamic game model is adopted to focus on bargaining power and compare the effects of linear pricing versus a double charging system under cooperative intervention. It is found that the cooperative is better when it has full bargaining power or when it faces downstream sellers with comparable bargaining power, and the dual-charging system is more favorable. When cooperatives bargain with sellers, the degree of differentiation of agricultural products affects the cooperatives' profitability and cooperatives tend to maintain the two-part tariff when the bargaining power is less than a threshold condition containing the degree of differentiation of agricultural products; when discounts exceed the threshold, cooperatives shift to linear pricing to safeguard their profitability. Numerical analysis validates the theory and reveals the changing pattern of cooperative profits under market forces. This study not only provides theoretical support for the study of supply chain pricing strategies under the condition of considering the bargaining power of producers (farmers) but also provides management insights for the stability and sustainable development of agricultural supply chains. Its novel dynamic game framework is cross-culturally applicable to help farmers' cooperatives cope with the challenge of profit distribution in a global context and emphasizes the importance of differentiation strategies to enhance bargaining power and promote fairness and efficiency in global agricultural supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the challenges faced by farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in South India and proposes strategies to improve their long-term viability. FPOs are voluntary associations of farmers aimed at improving agricultural production and achieving sustainable development. The challenges include a lack of managerial competency, limited ongoing support from promoting institutions, and inadequate technical infrastructure. The article suggests that consistent capacity-building programs for FPO members and improved support from promoting institutions can enhance the longevity and performance of FPOs. Additionally, a document of references and citations related to FPOs in India is provided, which can be useful for library patrons conducting research on this topic. [Extracted from the article]

Introducing beneficial productivity and nutritional traits into food, feed and forage crops utilising the tools of biotechnology can lead to improvements via genetic modification that cannot be achieved by traditional plant breeding. The timelines and costs are significant, and the regulatory hurdles can lead to some promising traits failing to be commercialised. These challenges mean that large commodity crops are the primary beneficiaries of biotechnology. New Zealand being primarily a grazing pastoral agricultural market and small in international terms, faces greater challenges. The species used in pastoral agriculture have relatively small seed markets and therefore limited investment for genetic improvement. The nutritional quality of feed and forages both in composition and in energy density per ha has a major influence on animal productivity and the environmental impacts of agriculture. Through government and private industry support, AgResearch has developed novel approaches to improve plant photosynthesis, energy density, and nutritional quality that has applications in crops globally. This review discusses the different challenges and solutions to improving plant nutrient density and outlines the benefits of these novel biotechnology traits in animal forage and feed crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most significant fibre and cash crops and plays an important role in Indian industrial and agricultural economies. However, over the years quantity and quality have been hampered by the pest leafhopper. Leafhopper alone has been shown to cause yield losses of up to 40%. In this study, screening and evaluation were performed to identify and categorize 100 cotton genotypes along with 5 checks as resistant, moderately resistant, sensitive and highly sensitive to leafhoppers. Results: A total of hundred genotypes were evaluated along with five checks for leafhopper resistance. Based on the screening results, a total of 19 genotypes were resistant to leafhoppers, which was on par with the findings of the check KC 3. The contents of total soluble sugar, total soluble protein, and total free amino acids were significantly positively correlated with the mean grade, whereas total phenols content and trichome density were significantly negatively correlated with the susceptibility grade. However, based on screening and biochemical analysis, the genotypes KC 2, JR-23, Samaru-26-T, D 4, TCH 1728, RS 253, and B-61-1862 exhibited high resistance to leafhopper. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, choosing genotypes with high total phenolics content together with high trichome density and low contents of total soluble sugar, total soluble protein, and free amino acids may aid in the development of resistant genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural diesel engines can be operated continuously under complex and variable conditions for extended periods. The higher requirements are posed on the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration and reliability. This study aims to enhance the safe and efficient performance of DPF regeneration, emissions, and fuel economy of agricultural diesel engines. An intelligent multi-objective optimization was also proposed to enhance multiple cyclic training. Taking the agricultural engines as the research object, the sample data of the bench test was obtained after experimental design. A prediction model was then constructed in the conditions of DPF regeneration using a Back Propagation neural network (BPNN). According to the Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA), the Adaptive Memory Seagull Optimization (AMSO) was proposed to optimize the structure parameters of the BPNN model, in order to meet the requirements of precision. The targets of optimization included T4, T5, O2 concentration, Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC), NOx, and smoke opacity. In the specific conditions of agricultural diesel engines, multi-objective optimization of injection and intake control parameters was realized under regeneration mode using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA)-III. The AMSO-BP prediction model was used to evaluate the fitness of the Pareto optimal solutions, in order to validate the NSGA-III optimal dataset. The optimized MAP values were written into the Engine Control Unit (ECU) after bench tests. Steady-state and World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC) experiments were carried out to verify the multi-objective optimization of the model. The results indicate that the AMSO significantly outperformed the SOA in the optimization of the BPNN prediction model. The AMSO-BPNN prediction model more accurately utilized experimental data to predict the T4, T5, O2 concentration, BSFC, NOx, and smoke opacity, with the R² values of 0.97, 0.99, 0.95, 0.99, 0.98, and 0.95, respectively, on the validation set. Furthermore, the Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) on the validation set were reduced by 0.1%, 0.33%, 0.8%, 0.04%, 0.08%, and 4.2%, respectively, compared with the SOA-BP model. The steady-state tests before and after optimization showed that T4 and T5 increased by an average of 3.14%, where the concentration of exhaust oxygen increased by 2.07% and 10.79%, respectively. Simultaneously, the average reductions in the NOx, smoke opacity, and BSFC were 8.68%, 12.07%, and 1.03%, respectively. Efficient and safe DPF regeneration was achieved to significantly reduce the emissions of diesel engines. There was particularly notable optimization under the operation of agricultural diesel engines, which were often working at low speeds and high loads, fully meeting the usage requirements of these engines. The WHTC transient test also showed that the effectiveness of the optimization was achieved in the T4, T5, and O2 concentrations, which increased by 31%, 2.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. Additionally, NOx and soot emissions decreased by 10.4% and 0.8%, and BSFC was reduced by 3.5%. These findings demonstrate that better performance was obtained under the complex and variable conditions of agricultural diesel engines. In conclusion, the safe and efficient DPF regeneration can be expected to reduce the emissions and operational costs for agricultural diesel engines. The specific requirements of agricultural diesel engines can also be fully met to enhance the system reliability in the engineering application. This research can offer practical guidance to optimize the control parameters under the regeneration mode of diesel engines, particularly for more sustainable and efficient agricultural machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking six representative futures in the international energy and agricultural markets as the research objects, we use multifractal analysis methods to study the fluctuation characteristics, market risks and cross-correlations within and between these markets before and after the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in this paper. The empirical results show that both the auto-correlations and cross-correlations have obvious multifractal features. It is confirmed that the multifractal strength and market risks of the international energy markets have weakened, while those of the international agricultural markets have enhanced after the Russia–Ukraine conflict broke out. In addition, the Russia–Ukraine conflict has intensified the strength of the multifractality and the degree of fluctuation complexity between these two classes of international markets. Further, the intrinsic multifractal natures of cross-correlations are tested, and the apparent and intrinsic multifractality before and after the conflict are revealed. Finally, some policy suggestions are put forward based on the empirical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the institutional reforms in agricultural commodity markets in India and examines their implications for spatial efficiency in supply chains of the markets. In order to remove inefficiencies in the traditional supply chain, the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act was revised, and a Model APMC Act 2003 was introduced with the provisions for establishing private markets/yards, direct purchase centres, farmers markets for direct sale, contract farming and promotion of public–private partnership in the management and development of agricultural markets. Initiative has been taken to set up a National Agricultural Market as an all-India electronic trading portal to develop a 'common national market' for agricultural commodities. The institutional reforms in agricultural marketing system since the early 1990s appear to have contributed towards improving the spatial efficiency in rice and wheat markets. The finding of an increase in the extent of spatial integration of markets after the reforms and the tendency of the prices to move towards a common stochastic trend lend support to the idea of setting up a 'common national market' for agricultural commodities. Further reforms in the marketing system with better infrastructure facilities would strengthen market integration and improve efficiency in the supply chains. JEL classification: O13, Q13, Q18. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: New defense elicitor peptides have been identified which control Xylella fastidiosa infections in almond. Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogenic bacterium that has been introduced in the European Union (EU), threatening the agricultural economy of relevant Mediterranean crops such as almond (Prunus dulcis). Plant defense elicitor peptides would be promising to manage diseases such as almond leaf scorch, but their effect on the host has not been fully studied. In this work, the response of almond plants to the defense elicitor peptide flg22-NH2 was studied in depth using RNA-seq, confirming the activation of the salicylic acid and abscisic acid pathways. Marker genes related to the response triggered by flg22-NH2 were used to study the effect of the application strategy of the peptide on almond plants and to depict its time course. The application of flg22-NH2 by endotherapy triggered the highest number of upregulated genes, especially at 6 h after the treatment. A library of peptides that includes BP100-flg15, HpaG23, FV7, RIJK2, PIP-1, Pep13, BP16-Pep13, flg15-BP100 and BP16 triggered a stronger defense response in almond plants than flg22-NH2. The best candidate, FV7, when applied by endotherapy on almond plants inoculated with X. fastidiosa, significantly reduced levels of the pathogen and decreased disease symptoms. Therefore, these novel plant defense elicitors are suitable candidates to manage diseases caused by X. fastidiosa, in particular almond leaf scorch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an essential commodity for global food security and the agricultural economy, particularly in regions such as San Martin, Peru. This study investigated the plant growth-promoting characteristics of native rhizobacteria isolated from maize crops in the San Martin region of Peru with the aim of identifying microorganisms with biotechnological potential. Soil and root samples were collected from maize plants in four productive zones in the region: Lamas, El Dorado, Picota, and Bellavista. The potential of twelve bacterial isolates was evaluated through traits, such as biological nitrogen fixation, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore production, and a completely randomized design was used for these assays. A completely randomized block design was employed to assess the effects of bacterial strains and nitrogen doses on maize seedlings. The B3, B5, and NSM3 strains, as well as maize seeds of the yellow hard 'Advanta 9139' variety, were used in this experiment. Two of these isolates, B5 and NSM3, exhibited outstanding characteristics as plant growth promoters; these strains were capable of nitrogen fixation, IAA production (35.65 and 26.94 µg mL−1, respectively), phosphate solubilization (233.91 and 193.31 µg mL−1, respectively), and siderophore production (34.05 and 89.19%, respectively). Furthermore, molecular sequencing identified the NSM3 isolate as belonging to Sporosarcina sp. NSM3 OP861656, while the B5 isolate was identified as Peribacillus sp. B5 OP861655. These strains show promising potential for future use as biofertilizers, which could promote more sustainable agricultural practices in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a historical analysis of American interwar agricultural economists and their interest in information. Believing that the main problem facing farmers was a lack of information, agricultural economists designed an information policy aiming to produce, format, and disseminate information. Using administrative archives, the article analyzes the motivations of these economists and the implementation of this policy. As the article shows, the policy was a prerequisite for theoretical discussions about information, and it established institutional tools that are still used today, such as the USDA market news service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central China Normal University is the property of Huazhong Normal 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.)

Brazilian agriculture is characterized by the prevalence of small farms and regions with a high degree of rurality and dominance of the agricultural sector in the economy. These two characteristics affect the diversity of agricultural production in the country. Specifically, the article aims to analyze the effects of size farm and farmland use on agricultural diversification and the effects of demand and technology adopted by farmers. The database encompasses 4298 Brazilian municipalities from 1996 to 2017 (the last three agricultural censuses). Empirically, we consider spillover effects by estimating spatial models at the municipal level using panel data, highlighting the importance of location and neighborhood. The study's findings indicate a tendency toward local concentration of agricultural production in the country, despite the balance between municipalities with diversified and concentrated production. The results showed a significant effect of small farms and the municipalities' rurality degree on the agricultural output diversification. The study provides insights into the discussion on measures to strengthen support for small properties and regions that diversify crops to ensure economic efficiency and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the use of land ballots by the Queensland Government in the mid-20th century as a policy tool to promote agriculture and address population growth. The study focuses on central Queensland and includes personal accounts from individuals who won land through ballots. While the article highlights the success stories of these new farmers, it also acknowledges the challenges they faced, such as limited infrastructure and low commodity prices. Despite these difficulties, many balloters were able to establish thriving agricultural enterprises, leading to increased local population, regional development, and improved infrastructure. The article provides a balanced perspective on the benefits and costs associated with land ballots and offers historical references for further research. [Extracted from the article]

Despite low productivity in Lebanon's agricultural economy, neglected for finance and service sectors, land and labor potential are very high. Literature on agrarian and food crises in Lebanon remains sparse in agrarian studies journals and retains a neoliberal developmentalist emphasis on food security rather than food sovereignty. Using the framework of food regime analysis, we analyze the historical developmental trajectory of the West-Beqaa village of Machgara, and how Lebanese family farmers are impacted by adverse incorporation into global capitalism. Placing farmer testimonies in the context of greater macro-historical chronologies, we see how reflections highlight patterns of commodification of land, labor and food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates how some small-scale palm oil growers in northeast Colombia have managed to exercise partial autonomy from global markets while still participating in them. By comparing the varied experiences of these farmers, I find that, state-led land access and multiscale organizational support for small-scale farming have enabled these farmers to selectively engage with global markets and carve-out space for autonomous decision-making on their farms. By examining the risks and possibilities associated with farmers' engagement in global value chains, this study illuminates the potential for agricultural transitions and small-scale farming within the context of global agricultural markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts in corn future price forecasting and early warning play a vital role in guiding the high‐quality development of the agricultural economy. However, recent years have witnessed significant fluctuations in global corn future prices due to the impact of COVID‐19 and the escalating risks associated with geopolitical conflicts. Therefore, there is an urgent need for accurate and efficient methods to forecast corn future prices. To address this challenge, a novel and comprehensive framework for explainable corn future price forecasting is designed. This framework takes into account multiple factors contributing to corn price volatility, including supply and demand dynamics, policy adjustments, international market shocks, global geopolitical risks, and investor concerns within the corn market. During the data processing stage, complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) is utilized to thoroughly explore the volatility characteristics of historical corn future prices. Additionally, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is employed to extract essential forecasting information from corn news data. To enhance interpretability, a novel JADE–TFT interpretable corn future price prediction model is proposed. This model combines adaptive differential evolution with optional external archiving (JADE) to intelligently and efficiently optimize the parameters of the temporal fusion transformers (TFTs). Furthermore, in the empirical study, the introduction of a global geopolitical risk coefficient, Baidu indices such as "corn" and "corn price," and quantized corn news text features is shown to improve the accuracy of corn future price predictions. The proposed corn future price prediction framework contributes to the healthy development of the global grain futures market, thereby fostering the growth and well‐being of enterprises involved in the grain industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family farms are central to the American agricultural economy and vital inputs to the prosperity and sustainably of rural communities. Yet, the resiliency of these farms is threatened by uncertainties associated with intergenerational leadership succession. The current study used a set of theoretical constructs from Rogers's (2003) Innovation Diffusion Model (centralization, formalization, interconnectedness, organizational slack, size) to guide a qualitative exploration of the implications of intergenerational leadership dynamics on the organizational innovativeness of six family farms in California's San Joaquin Valley. Three themes emerged across all six farms that bring nuance and complexity to the understanding of organizational innovativeness and intergenerational leadership dynamics within family farms. The themes together reveal the importance of routine ingenuity, the honoring of legacy, and conservative innovation on the longer-term resiliency of intergenerational family farms and the community systems in which they are positioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric price transmission has been the subject of many studies in agricultural economics, but few has been said on Quebec grain market. This study uses threshold cointegration models to examine the dynamic relationship between Quebec spot and futures prices. Estimation results with daily, weekly, and monthly data from September 1994 to May 2022 are three‐fold. First, the main point to keep from cointegration tests is that futures prices and Quebec local grain prices are integrated but estimations with daily data are consistent to highlight a nonlinear long‐run relationship. Second, results indicate overall positive asymmetric for daily and weekly prices transmissions from futures to spot market. Third, the positive asymmetric prices transmissions shed light on the oligopoly structure of Quebec grain market and inefficiencies in the pricing mechanism which favor local grain sellers. Results with different data frequencies show that aggregated monthly prices data compared to more disaggregated data such as daily and weekly prices may lead to different results. Results imply that policymakers and market stakeholders could facilitate increased grain market competition. Grain users like Quebec hog producers need to better understand additional tools for their management of price risk like futures market and real time prices movement monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callosobruchus maculatus is one of the most competitive stored grain pests, which causes a great loss to agricultural economy. However, due to an inadequacy of high-quality reference genome, the molecular mechanisms for olfactory and hypoxic adaptations to stored environments are unknown and require to be revealed urgently, which will contribute to the detection and prevention of the invasive pests C. maculatus. Here, we presented a high-quality chromosome-level genome of C. maculatus based on Illumina, Nanopore and Hi-C sequencing data. The total size was 1.2 Gb, and 65.17% (797.47 Mb) of it was identified to be repeat sequences. Among assembled chromosomes, chromosome 10 was considered the X chromosome according to the evidence of reads coverage and homologous genes among species. The current version of high-quality genome provides preferable data resources for the adaptive evolution research of C. maculatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has become a new trend for the future development of Chinese agriculture to accelerate the transformation from increasing production to improving quality and realizing green growth. This paper uses the sequential DEA to measure the agricultural green total factor productivity (GTFP) of 306 Chinese cities from 1996 to 2017, then tests its convergence. The results show that the average growth rate of Chinese agricultural GTFP is 0.58%; the main driving force coming from technical progress. The convergence of agricultural GTFP has dual characteristics of stages and regions, and the significant σ convergence only exists in the central region during 1996–2003. There is significant β convergence at the national level, in the eastern and central regions, and neither convergence nor divergence in the western region. However, during 2004–2017, only the eastern region had β convergence. Finally, the conditional convergence speed is higher than the absolute convergence, and the eastern region is higher than the central. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most important plant-parasitic nematodes and causes tremendous losses to the agricultural economy. Light is an important living factor for plants and pathogenic organisms, and sufficient light promotes root-knot nematode infection, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Results: Expression level and genetic analyses revealed that the photoreceptor genes PHY, CRY, and PHOT have a negative impact on nematode infection. Interestingly, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), a downstream gene involved in the regulation of light signaling, is associated with photoreceptor-mediated negative regulation of root-knot nematode resistance. ChIP and yeast one-hybrid assays supported that HY5 participates in plant-to-root-knot nematode responses by directly binding to the SWEET negative regulatory factors involved in root-knot nematode resistance. Conclusions: This study elucidates the important role of light signaling pathways in plant resistance to nematodes, providing a new perspective for RKN resistance research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetable sector is a vital pillar of society and an indispensable part of the national economic structure. As a significant segment of the agricultural market, accurately forecasting vegetable prices holds significant importance. Vegetable market pricing is subject to a myriad of complex influences, resulting in nonlinear patterns that conventional time series methodologies often struggle to decode. In this paper, we exploit the average daily price data of six distinct types of vegetables sourced from seven key wholesale markets in Beijing, spanning from 2009 to 2023. Upon training an LSTM model, we discovered that it exhibited exceptional performance on the test dataset. Demonstrating robust predictive performance across various vegetable categories, the LSTM model shows commendable generalization abilities. Moreover, LSTM model has a higher accuracy compared to several machine learning methods, including CNN-based time series forecasting approaches. With R2 score of 0.958 and MAE of 0.143, our LSTM model registers an enhancement of over 5% in forecast accuracy relative to conventional machine learning counterparts. Therefore, by predicting vegetable prices for the upcoming week, we envision this LSTM model application in real-world settings to aid growers, consumers, and policymakers in facilitating informed decision-making. The insights derived from this forecasting research could augment market transparency and optimize supply chain management. Furthermore, it contributes to the market stability and the balance of supply and demand, offering a valuable reference for the sustainable development of the vegetable industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are primary producers of subsistence food and significant contributors to the agricultural economy. Gender Based Violence (GBV) adversely impacts their capacity to contribute and sustain their families and undermines social, economic, and human capital. Addressing GBV, therefore, is critical to creating safe and inclusive environments for women as primary producers to participate fully in rural communities. The aim of this scoping review is to explore the existing evidence on GBV in the context of women primary producers in LMICs to inform research gaps and priorities. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Ebscohost and Google Scholar using keywords related to GBV and women producers in LMICs. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between January 2012 and June 2022 were included in the review. Duplicates were removed, titles and abstracts were screened, and characteristics and main results of included studies were recorded in a data charting form. A total of 579 records were identified, of which 49 studies were eligible for inclusion in this study. Results: Five major themes were identified from our analysis: (1) extent and nature of GBV, (2) the impact of GBV on agricultural/primary production livelihood activities, (3) sociocultural beliefs, practices, and attitudes, (4) aggravating or protective factors, and (5) GBV interventions. Addressing GBV in agriculture requires inclusive research approaches and targeted interventions to empower women producers, promote gender equality, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to broader societal development. Despite attempts by researchers to delve into this issue, the pervasive under-reporting of GBV remains a challenge. The true extent and nature of GBV perpetrated against women is far from fully understood in this context. Conclusion: Despite the significant challenges posed by GBV to the health, economy and livelihoods of women primary producers in LMICs, there is a paucity in the current state of knowledge. To make meaningful progress, more research is required to understand the relationship between GBV and agricultural settings, and to gain nuanced insight into the nature and impact of GBV on women primary producers in different regions and contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of climate change on organic honey production in Artvin, Turkey, a region renowned for its intense organic honey production. The analysis encompasses data on organic honey production performance from 2004 to 2023, spanning a period of 20 years, and six different climate variables (12 variables in total, depending on daytime and nighttime). This study identified 4 critical climatic variables – humidity, precipitation, temperature, and wind – as significant factors affecting the efficiency of organic honey production. The findings demonstrate the profound impact of climate change on organic honey production and, by extension, on the agricultural economy. The study emphasises the importance of understanding and adapting to the consequences of climate change to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production and the protection of the agricultural economy. Additionally, this study can inform the development of long-term strategies to enhance honey production efficiency in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the contestation of indigeneity in colonial Cuba, focusing on the dismissal of Indigenous communities by Spanish officials and the challenges faced by these communities in asserting their heritage. It explores the process of deracination and diaspora that shaped indigeneity in Cuba, as well as the formation of Indigenous pueblos and the difficulties they encountered in establishing new roots. The text also highlights the persistence of Indigenous populations in colonial Cuba and their role in the economy, despite attempts to limit their labor. It discusses the historical context of two Cuban towns, Guanabacoa and Jiguaní, and their experiences with colonial encroachment and dispossession of Indigenous lands. While Guanabacoa lost its Indigenous jurisdiction and population due to the crown's support of colonists, Jiguaní successfully defended its rights through legal advocacy and the establishment of its own Indigenous cabildo. The article emphasizes the importance of legal knowledge and the power of location in Indigenous resistance to colonization in the Caribbean. [Extracted from the article]

The use of agroforestry biomass provides several advantages, both from an environmental point of view, in terms of the mitigation of global warming, and in terms of a circular economy for agricultural or agroforestry companies that reuse pruning residues as a source of energy. However, even if the use of energy pellets resulting from the pruning residues of various agroforestry species has excellent potential for the valorization of agricultural by-products, the physicochemical characteristics of these pellets have been scarcely studied by the scientific community. In this context, this study aims to assess the valorization potential of various lignocellulosic material residues produced during agroforestry activities. The objectives of the study include evaluating the chemical and physical characteristics of pellets produced with different mixtures of agroforestry biomass (olive, citrus, black locust, poplar, paulownia, etc.) in order to determine the optimal pellet blend from an energy and physicochemical perspective. The results of this study demonstrate that this comprehensive analysis provides valuable information on the optimization of biomass mixtures for better energy valorization, addressing both compositional and combustion-related challenges. In fact, it is observed that the addition of citrus and olive biomass to the various mixtures increases their energy potential. Furthermore, all of the pellets analyzed are found to possess an adequate and useful durability index (PDI) for their handling during storage and transport operations. This study demonstrates that olive and citrus pruning residues can be used to improve biomasses that have poor suitability in energetic, physical, and chemical terms. Further studies could be useful to understand which specific interaction mechanisms have an influence on emissions in order to optimize mixtures using different biomass sources for sustainable energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus flavus and its carcinogenic secondary metabolites, aflatoxins, not only cause serious losses in the agricultural economy, but also endanger human health. Rhein, a compound extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Rheum palmatum L. (Dahuang), exhibits good anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidative effects. However, its effect and underlying mechanisms against Aspergillus flavus have not yet been fully illustrated. In this study, we characterized the inhibition effect of rhein on A. flavus mycelial growth, sporulation, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) biosynthesis and the potential mechanism using RNA-seq analysis. The results indicate that A. flavus mycelial growth and AFB1 biosynthesis were significantly inhibited by 50 μM rhein, with a 43.83% reduction in colony diameter and 87.2% reduction in AFB1 production. The RNA-seq findings demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes primarily participated in processes such as spore formation and development, the maintenance of cell wall and membrane integrity, management of oxidative stress, the regulation of the citric acid cycle, and the biosynthesis of aflatoxin. Biochemical verification experiments further confirmed that 50 μM rhein effectively disrupted cell wall and membrane integrity and caused mitochondrial dysfunction through disrupting energy metabolism pathways, leading to decreased ATP synthesis and ROS accumulation, resulting in impaired aflatoxin biosynthesis. In addition, a pathogenicity test showed that 50 μM rhein inhibited A. flavus spore growth in peanut and maize seeds by 34.1% and 90.4%, while AFB1 biosynthesis was inhibited by 60.52% and 99.43%, respectively. In conclusion, this research expands the knowledge regarding the antifungal activity of rhein and provides a new strategy to mitigate A. flavus contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant pathogens with their abundance are harmful and cause huge damage to different agricultural crops and economy of a country as well as lead towards the shortage of food for humans. For their management, the utilization of entomopathogenic fungi is an eco-friendly technique, sustainable to the environment, safe for humans and has promising effect over chemical-based pesticides. This process requires a biochemical mechanism, including the production of enzymes, toxins, and other metabolites that facilitate host infection and invasion. Essential enzymes such as chitinase, proteinase, and lipase play a direct role in breaking down the host cuticle, the primary barrier to EPF (Entomopathogenic Fungi) infection. Additionally, secondary metabolites such as destruxins in Metarhizium, beauvericin in Beauveria, hirsutellides in Hirsutella, isarolides in Isaria, cordyols in Cordyceps, and vertihemipterins in Verticillium, among others, act both directly and indirectly to disable the defense mechanisms of insect hosts, thereby accelerating the EPF infection process. The chemical composition of these secondary metabolites varies, ranging from simple non-peptide pigments such as oosporine to highly complex piperazine derivatives such as vertihemiptellides. The biocontrol efficacy of EPF is extensively studied, with numerous fungal strains commercially available on a large scale for managing arthropod pests. This review emphasizes the role of proteins and enzymes against crop pathogens, detailing their mode of action, and describing the metabolites from entomopathogenic fungi and their biological activities. In doing so, these findings contribute to establishing a symbiotic equilibrium between agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the determinants of transition in economic growth among inclusive growth (IG) and non-inclusive growth (NIG) in farming households in Nigeria using secondary data from General Household Surveys for 2010, 2013 and 2016. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) and Markov chain. The result shows that mean age of the rural households were 41.8, 43.7, and 46.9 years for 2010, 2013 and 2016 respectively. Majority (65.0%, 65.4% and 65.5%) were male while 64.3%, 63.1% and 63.4% were married in 2010, 2013 and 2016 respectively. Markov probability transition matrix revealed that rural households (29.9%) remained in NIG in both periods 2010-2013 and 2013-2016 while 70.1% with NIG in period 2010-2013 moved out in 2013-2016. Rural households (46.6%) that are inclusive in period 2010-2013 transitioned into NIG in period 2013-2016. In the long run, rural households (40.2%) remained in NIG while 59.8% exited. It was concluded that with equitable resources, rural households have the probability to be inclusive and reduced non-inclusive growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a large number of carbonised plant remains recovered from the Early Bronze Age levels of the Yenibademli Höyük site, which is situated on Gökçeada (Imbros), north-western Turkey (Anatolia), in the north-east Aegean Sea, are examined to shed light on the plant-based agricultural economy. The archaeobotanical assemblage is predominantly composed of domesticated cereals and legumes and includes clover, grapevine, flax, Bupleurum and weedy species. Potential uses of the crop plants by the inhabitants, about 5000 years ago, are evaluated, based on archaeobotanical, ethnographic, ethnobotanical and historical data sources. The present study pays particular attention to finds of pure flax and Bupleurum seeds, recorded in abundance in recent excavations on the site. The flax seeds were discovered in container-related contexts, close to and within vessels. They are considered as stored products, probably for various purposes; potentially for cultivation to produce textile fibres and/or for use as food, medicine, animal feed supplement, or oil extraction. Many weaving tools recovered from the settlement are also considered to be for fabric production, potentially including linen textiles. Regarding Bupleurum, in the light of ancient Greek texts and ethnopharmacological information, it is hypothesised that its seeds found in a jug may represent storage for growing the plant to obtain its aerial and root parts, possibly for herbal medicine preparation or food and beverage preparation, or both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores various challenges faced by domestic and international security, including climate change, loss of democratic governments, reproductive rights, and mass shootings. It highlights the efforts of individuals and organizations in America's heartland to address these issues. The article also discusses the rise of populist movements globally and emphasizes the importance of engagement with the rest of the world. Specific initiatives mentioned include the development of zero-emission infrastructure along the Interstate 80 Midwest corridor and the use of renewable natural gas by Cummins Inc. and Purdue University. The article emphasizes the need for local action, innovation, and collaboration to tackle these challenges. The federal government has recognized the potential of hydrogen to transform transportation and has provided funding to MachH2. The Midwest Hydrogen Hub, located in a key industrial and transportation corridor, plans to use hydrogen in various sectors such as steel and glass production, power generation, and transportation. The hub aims to create jobs and produce hydrogen using renewable energy, natural gas, and low-cost nuclear energy. Indiana is also promoting electric vehicle adoption through incentives and the installation of EV charging stations. The state is attracting foreign car manufacturers like Subaru, which is considering expanding its EV manufacturing capacity in Indiana. Indiana is also investing in renewable energy projects such as the Mammoth Solar farm and the Fowler Ridge Wind farms, driven by financial incentives and the need to transition away from coal and reduce carbon emissions. [Extracted from the article]

The development of the border area actually has the aim that the border area is developed and prosperous. For this reason, the government launched five infrastructure development programs, namely road infrastructure, markets infrastructure, agriculture infrastructure, health infrastructure and education infrastructure. In fact, the five programs aimed at border areas do not all have a positive impact on economic performance in the region, but instead have a positive impact for the economic performance of non-border regions. This research was conducted in provinces that have borders with neighboring countries, then divided into border and non-border areas, including the Kalimantan corridor, East Nusa Tenggara corridor and Papua corridor. The study covers the year is 2015-2022, the year when the government launched Nawacita as the basis for development in the border area. This study employed Panel Data Regression. The results show that only agricultural and education infrastructure have a positive impact on GDP per capita and HDI in border areas, but poverty reduction has not been achieved. Health infrastructure, which is actually aimed at the disputed area, in fact has a positive influence on non-border areas. The study found evidence of spillover effects from border to non-border areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora meadii is a fungal species which causes Fruit Rot Disease (FRD) in Areca catechu affects the quality and yield which is main threat for agricultural economy. Traditional methods include chemical fungicides like bordeaux mixture, Fosetyl-al, metalaxyl, mancozeb, copper oxychloride, cymoxalin, copper sulfate, etc in treatment of FRD, which can lead to environmental and health issues. In this study, an in silico approach was employed to identify potential bioactive compounds that could serve as effective agents against the pathogens responsible for FRD in Areca catechu. Utilizing a combination of molecular docking and virtual screening, we screened a comprehensive library of natural compounds for their ability to inhibit key enzymes and proteins associated with FRD pathogens. The molecular docking analysis focused on identifying compounds with high binding affinities to target proteins, suggesting their potential efficacy in disrupting pathogen activity. Among the screened compounds, several compounds have shown strong binding affinities indicating their potential as bioactive agents against FRD pathogens. These findings provide a promising foundation for the development of natural, environmentally-friendly treatments for FRD in Areca catechu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We employed a non-parametric causality test based on Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) and used the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and Information Share Model (IS) to measure the relationship between the futures and spot prices for seven major agricultural commodities in China from 2009 to 2017. We found that the agricultural futures market has potential leading information in price discovery. The results of an Impulse Response Function (IRF) analysis also showed that the spot prices react to shocks from the future market and have a lasting impact. This confirms our findings reported for the causality test and information share analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the essential components of a circular economy (CE) in relation to the agricultural sector. The bioeconomy and circular economy are crucial for sustainable global industrial growth, focusing on closed-loop systems. The sustainability debate centers on intergenerational equity and natural capital. The CE requires new environmental technologies and global coordination in order to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. In addition, efficient food production and waste reduction are essential due to population growth. However, biomass is vital for a bio-based economy, impacting food waste and climate change. Grasslands support sustainable dairy production and carbon sequestration. Thus, effective waste and wastewater management are critical, with biomass energy providing renewable alternatives. Nonetheless, biofuels remain key for sustainability, focusing on pollution control and Green Chemistry. It is well known that sustainable transportation relies on bioenergy, with ongoing research improving processes and discovering new fuels. One notable challenge is managing heavy metals in biofuel production, and this underscores the need for eco-friendly energy solutions. The main purpose for this review paper is to create a connection between circular economy aspects and the agricultural system, with focus on the following: bioeconomy research, biomass utilities, and biofuel production. Extensive research was performed on the specialized literature by putting in common the main problems. Key subjects in this paper include the use of biomass in agriculture, the problems of plastic recycling, and the function of the CE in mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss. Efficient food production and waste minimization are highlighted due to their relevance in a growing population. The study's detailed research and discussion aim to give important insights into how these practices might promote economic development and sustainability. Furthermore, the study covers important waste management issues such as food waste, plant composting, and chemical waste neutralization. These topics are critical to understanding the circular economy's broader implications for minimizing environmental damage and implementing sustainable waste management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural e-commerce is rapidly expanding in rural China, profoundly affecting the agricultural and rural development of China. This paper focuses on the impact of farmers' e-commerce adoption on land transfer, aiming to reveal the role of farmers' e-commerce adoption in promoting rural transformation. Based on the 2020 Comprehensive Survey of Rural Revitalization in China conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, this study employs the method of least squares and propensity score matching to evaluate the impact of farmers' e-commerce adoption on land-transfer behaviors in China. The results indicate that farmers' e-commerce adoption promotes farmers' participation in land transfer, significantly facilitating farmers' land transfer in and increasing the area of land acquired. Additionally, farmers' e-commerce adoption also promotes the trend of standardization and contractualization in land transfer, significantly increasing the probability of farmers signing formal agreements, clarifying lease terms, and renting land to strangers when acquiring land. This study can provide some theoretical inputs for policies to promote the development of agricultural land markets in developing countries and for policy formulation to promote e-commerce development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive understanding of the impact of land fragmentation on collective action is essential for rural governance in developing countries. Prior publications have argued that land fragmentation impedes the sustainable development of agricultural economies and rural societies, while the connection between humans and nature has not been considered comprehensively. Therefore, the conclusion that the impact of land fragmentation on collective action is purely negative may be one-sided. To examine this conclusion, this paper re-evaluates the relationship between land fragmentation and rural collective action from a multidisciplinary perspective. Based on a rural field survey using stratified random sampling, Oprobit regression was employed to conduct an econometric analysis on data from 798 rural households across 14 cities in the border region of Guangxi, China. The following research findings were obtained: (1) When the human–nature connection is considered, the relationship between land fragmentation and collective action follows an inverted U-shaped curve. Specifically, moderate initial increases in land fragmentation can lead to improvements in collective action; however, when the degree of land fragmentation exceeds a certain threshold, further increases in land fragmentation will decrease the collective action capacity. (2) This nonlinear relationship between land fragmentation and collective action may be realized through three pathways: agricultural production, land use patterns, and the ecological environment. Under the context of collective action, this study shows that a moderate level of land fragmentation objectively exists in reality. This insight provides a new impetus for developing countries to shift policy perspectives to increase their land use efficiency. Additionally, this paper integrates relevant findings from both social sciences and natural sciences. Thereby, it not only expands the existing understanding of key factors influencing rural household collective action but also emphasizes the potential for cross-disciplinary integration between social sciences and natural sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the effect and mechanism of the digital economy's influence on the binary margin of agricultural exports. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the theoretical analysis of the mechanism of the digital economy's influence on the binary margin of agricultural exports, this study empirically examines the effect and mechanism of the digital economy's influence on the binary margin of agricultural exports based on China's customs export data from 2011 to 2016. Findings: The relevant findings are threefold. (1) The digital economy significantly improves the binary margin of agricultural exports, and its effect on the intensive margin is stronger than that on the expansive margin. After the expansive margin is subdivided, the effects on the three sub-variables of the expansive margin are in the following order: old products exported to new markets > new products exported to old markets > new products exported to new markets. (2) The heterogeneity analysis reveals that the digital economy has a stronger role in promoting the binary margin of exports for enterprises in the eastern region, high-income countries as the destination of exports and state-owned enterprises. (3) Mechanism analysis shows that the digital economy promotes the binary margin of agricultural exports by reducing trade costs and intensifying market competition. Originality/value: First, in terms of research perspective, although there are some studies on the impact of the digital economy on export trade in existing literature, the research objects mainly focus on manufacturing enterprises. In fact, agricultural trade is susceptible to natural conditions and seasonal factors, and countries may impose more SPS measures and TBT measures on agricultural trade due to risk considerations. The relationship between the digital economy and agricultural trade also has its own characteristics, but there are few research studies in this area. At present, only Liu and Gao (2022), based on the data of total imports and exports of different agricultural products from 2004 to 2018, have established a vector auto-regressive model to empirically analyse the heterogeneous dynamic impact of the digital economy on the trade volume of agricultural products. In addition, Ma and Guo (2023) conducted an empirical test on the total effect, regional heterogeneity and threshold effect of the digital economy on agricultural export trade based on China's provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020. Therefore, under the new circumstances of continuous integration of digital technology and agriculture, this study interprets the impact effect and mechanism of the digital economy on the binary margin of agricultural exports from the perspective of the digital economy, providing new research perspectives and approaches for promoting the growth of agricultural exports. Second, in terms of theoretical analysis, the above studies have not been fully analysed in terms of the specific mechanism of the impact of the digital economy on agricultural exports. Based on the positive and negative characteristics of agricultural trade, this study introduces two kinds of roles into the theoretical analysis framework to comprehensively determine the trade impact effect of the digital economy. Third, in terms of research design, this study empirically examines the impact of the digital economy on the binary margin of agricultural products, passing a series of robustness tests and investigating the mediating roles of trade cost and market competition effects, producing an empirical basis for China to leverage the digital economy to promote the binary margin of agricultural exports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the volatility connectedness and dynamic time–frequency relationship between Bitcoin (BTC) and 15 major agricultural commodity markets during the COVID‐19 and 2022 Russia–Ukraine war periods. We employ the TVP‐VAR‐based extended joint connectedness method, minimum connectedness investment portfolio, and wavelet coherence (WC) method. The results indicate that the sudden outbreaks of the two crises brought about increased volatility connectedness between BTC and agricultural commodity markets. Throughout the entire sample period, BTC remained a net transmitter of volatility. Moreover, in terms of the total connectedness index (TCI), the overall volatility correlation surged rapidly after the outbreak of COVID‐19 and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war. The portfolio results demonstrated that BTC exhibited a low correlation with the agricultural commodity markets, suggesting diversification potential. Additionally, only Feeder Cattle served as an effective hedging asset for BTC throughout all periods. The WC analysis confirmed that during the COVID‐19 period and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war, most of the linkages were primarily concentrated at medium‐ to long‐term frequencies. Our analysis will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interconnection between these markets, enabling market participants to consider risk mitigation measures and support portfolio diversification when formulating policies and regulations involving relevant markets in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We argue that it is both possible and timely to relax the assumption of anthropocentrism in agricultural and resource economics. We advocate for the incorporation of sentientist principles by including the welfare of sentient animals within the social welfare function. To exemplify this non‐anthropocentric stance, we build on our recent works that incorporate the intrinsic value of farmed animals into food production and consumption. By recognising the externalities affecting animals, we justify the implementation of specific policies, such as a meat tax, which redistributes welfare from consumers and producers to farmed animals. Furthermore, we delve into the quantitative assessment of animal welfare and demonstrate its application to food policy, revealing the substantial economic and welfare impacts at stake. Expanding on our earlier model, we also emphasize the importance of introducing a 'sentience premium' within species conservation policies. This additional consideration ensures that the conservation efforts appropriately account for the intrinsic value of sentient beings living in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

California is the largest agricultural economy in the United States; however, its current and projected climate risks pose significant challenges. Farmers will need to adapt to climate change in their farming practices. The goal of this needs assessment was to understand farmers' perceptions and experiences with climate change exposures; the risk management practices they currently use; and what tools and resources would assist them in making strategic decisions. A statewide survey was conducted through Qualtrics with farmers (n = 341). Results showed that 67% of the farmers agree (agree + strongly agree) that climate change is happening, and 53.1% agreed that actions are required. Moreover, historically underrepresented farmers were very concerned about climate change-related impacts related to water, temperatures, and natural disasters. Farmers are currently implementing adaptation practices related to water management, soil health, and renewable energy and are also seeking insurance and government assistance programs to increase agricultural resilience. They also expressed interest and a high need for information on those adaptation practices to acquire skills and knowledge to manage various challenges of farming in variable climates. Also, the assessment established that farmers (47.5%) use decision-support tools, mostly weather stations (22.4%); and 51.9% indicated their interest in using online tools designed to translate climate information into forms that support production decision-making. Farmers (60.8%) responded that they would or may attend workshops to learn about adaptation practices. The findings of this needs assessment will inform the development of extension education programs on climate-smart agriculture for farmers in California and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)