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23 pages, 626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of High-Standard Farmland Construction (HSFC) Policy on Green Agricultural Development (GAD): Evidence from China

by Huawei Zheng, Ziqi Yuan, Yuan Li and Yanqiang Du

Agriculture 2025, 15(3), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15030252 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 799

Abstract

Studying the policy effectiveness and impact process of the high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) on the green agricultural development (GAD) provides reference for sustainable development of agriculture. Based on the quasi experimental conditions for the sub regional promotion of China’ s HSFC policy and [...] Read more.

Studying the policy effectiveness and impact process of the high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) on the green agricultural development (GAD) provides reference for sustainable development of agriculture. Based on the quasi experimental conditions for the sub regional promotion of China’ s HSFC policy and making use of the balanced panel data from 2004 to 2022 in China, this article diagnoses the level and evolution characteristics of GAD in China, empirically tests the effects of the China’s HSFC policy on the GAD level by the continuous difference-in-differences (DID) model, and then further analyzes the mediating roles of horizontal agricultural production division and land management scale efficiency. The research results indicate that (1) the GAD level of China continues to improve form 2004 to 2022; (2) the HSFC policy has been positively influencing the GAD level, and has gone through a significance level test of 0.01; (3) further study reveals that the HSFC policy promotes the GAD level primarily through the agricultural green technology progress (AGTP) and the agricultural green efficiency change (AGEC), with the AGTP being the main contributor; and (4) the HSFC policy positively influences the GAD level by enhancing horizontal agricultural production division and land management scale efficiency. To improve the level of GAD, it is essential to continuously optimize policy for the HSFC, promote the AGTP and the improvement of the AGEC, and effectively improve the horizontal agricultural production division level and land management scale efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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25 pages, 1587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of Policies for the Resource Utilization of Livestock Manure in China

by Haoyu Lin, Hongchao Jiao, Hai Lin and Xuanguo Xu

Agriculture 2025, 15(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15020153 - 12 Jan 2025

Viewed by 973

Abstract

With the continuous development of animal husbandry, the harmless handling and resource utilization of livestock manure has gradually become a bottleneck problem in sustainable agriculture and livestock production in China. This study evaluates the policies related to manure handling and utilization in different [...] Read more.

With the continuous development of animal husbandry, the harmless handling and resource utilization of livestock manure has gradually become a bottleneck problem in sustainable agriculture and livestock production in China. This study evaluates the policies related to manure handling and utilization in different economic development periods in China. The decreased pollutant discharge from livestock manure indicates the effectiveness of the strategy aiming to encourage the construction of manure treatment facilities and resource utilization in cropland and to establish a sound legal system for pollutant discharge. New policies and measures should be introduced to promote the coupling of intensive livestock breeding and crop planting, with the direction of nutrient management planning and the incorporation of a service platform for the resource utilization of manure. Technological innovation in green livestock breeding should be supported by policies to achieve source reduction in pollutants in breeding waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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18 pages, 1817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model-Based Valuation of Ecosystem Services Using Bio-Economic Farm Models: Insights for Designing Green Tax Policies and Payment for Ecosystem Services

by Seyed-Ali Hosseini-Yekani, Stefan Tomaczewski and Peter Zander

Agriculture 2025, 15(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15010060 - 29 Dec 2024

Viewed by 847

Abstract

The integration of ecosystem services (ESs) valuation into agricultural policy frameworks is critical for fostering sustainable land management practices. This study leverages the redesigned version of the bio-economic farm model MODAM (Multi-Objective Decision Support Tool for Agro-Ecosystem Management) to estimate the shadow prices [...] Read more.

The integration of ecosystem services (ESs) valuation into agricultural policy frameworks is critical for fostering sustainable land management practices. This study leverages the redesigned version of the bio-economic farm model MODAM (Multi-Objective Decision Support Tool for Agro-Ecosystem Management) to estimate the shadow prices of ESs, enabling the derivation of demand and supply curves for nitrate leaching and soil erosion control, respectively. Two hypothetical farms in Brandenburg, Germany—a smaller, arable farm in Märkisch-Oderland and a larger, diversified farm with livestock in Oder-Spree—are analyzed to explore the heterogeneity in shadow prices and corresponding cropping patterns. The results reveal that larger farms exhibit greater elasticity in response to green taxes on nitrate use and lower costs for supplying erosion control compared to smaller farms. This study highlights the utility of shadow prices as proxies for setting green taxes and payments for ecosystem services (PESs), while emphasizing the need for differentiated policy designs to address disparities between farm types. This research underscores the potential of model-based ESs valuation to provide robust economic measures for policy design, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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22 pages, 1110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Relationship Quality and Loyalty Between Farmers and Agribusiness Companies in the Rice Industry: Using Multi-Group Analysis

by Le Thi Dieu Hien and Jonghwa Kim

Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122197 - 1 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Rice is an important agricultural product in Vietnam; however, the rice industry faces several challenges, particularly weak linkages between farmers and enterprises. The Vietnamese government has introduced the Large Field Model (LFM) program to improve cooperation between farmers and agribusiness companies. Despite these [...] Read more.

Rice is an important agricultural product in Vietnam; however, the rice industry faces several challenges, particularly weak linkages between farmers and enterprises. The Vietnamese government has introduced the Large Field Model (LFM) program to improve cooperation between farmers and agribusiness companies. Despite these efforts, its implementation remains limited, and contract violations are common. This study investigated the factors affecting relationship quality (RQ) and loyalty (LO) between farmers and agricultural companies in the LFM, focusing on comparing cooperative and non-cooperative participating farmers. Using the Partial Least Squares–Multi-Group Analysis (PLS-MGA) method, this study assessed the different effects of factors such as price satisfaction (PS), payment terms (PTs), and support policies (SPs) on RQ and LO among two groups. The findings indicated that RQ has a stronger influence on LO in farmers with cooperative participation than those who exhibit non-cooperative participation. PS was the most significant factor influencing RQ in both groups, whereas PT was influential only for cooperative participating farmers. SP did not significantly affect RQ in either group. Finally, agricultural companies and policymakers should strengthen partnership management in agricultural supply chains by addressing gaps in support policies, developing appropriate pricing strategies, being flexible in negotiating payment terms, and improving the legal framework related to contract enforcement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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19 pages, 596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Digital Capabilities on Peasants’ Wage Growth: Evidence from Chinese Farmer Entrepreneurs

by Shanhu Zhang, Jinxiu Yang, Yun Shen and Zhuoli Li

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101765 - 6 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1116

Abstract

The gradual integration of digital technology into traditional Chinese villages has triggered a shift in income distribution from labor to capital, posing challenges to the wage growth of employed peasants. Based on the theory of empowerment, this paper explores the mechanisms of credit [...] Read more.

The gradual integration of digital technology into traditional Chinese villages has triggered a shift in income distribution from labor to capital, posing challenges to the wage growth of employed peasants. Based on the theory of empowerment, this paper explores the mechanisms of credit availability and talent loss in the interplay between digital capabilities and wage augmentation among employed peasants. This study empirically examines or validates the mechanism of digital capabilities on wage growth for employed peasants through the entropy weight method, the OLS linear model, the mediation effect model, and propensity score matching while using survey data from 490 farmer entrepreneurs as samples. The findings are as follows. (1) The digital capabilities of farmer entrepreneurs have a significant positive impact on the wage growth of employed peasants, and this result remains robust after a series of robustness checks. In terms of hierarchical effects, digital foundational capabilities > digital application capabilities > digital innovation capabilities. (2) Credit availability and talent loss mediate the relationship between digital capabilities and wage growth for employed peasants. (3) The digital capabilities of farmer entrepreneurs who are young, highly educated, and have a low family-dependency ratio exert a more pronounced influence on the wage growth of employed peasants. Additionally, lower policy uncertainty enhances the effect of digital capabilities on wage growth for employed peasants. The study uncovers the empowerment mechanism of digital advancements embedded during the entrepreneurial journey, enriches research on digital capabilities and common prosperity, and provides a feasible path for governments to formulate reasonable entrepreneurship and digital promotion policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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21 pages, 5688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Symbiosis: Innovatively Unveiling the Interplay between the Cold Chain Logistics of Fresh Agricultural Products and the Ecological Environment

by Yingdan Zhang, Xuemei Fan, Yingying Cao and Jiahui Xue

Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040609 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2621

Abstract

Cold chain logistics are crucial for reducing agricultural product loss, yet the environmental impact of energy and packaging consumption, among others, demands attention, making the search for eco-friendly development modes essential. Based on data from 30 provinces in China from 2015 to 2021, [...] Read more.

Cold chain logistics are crucial for reducing agricultural product loss, yet the environmental impact of energy and packaging consumption, among others, demands attention, making the search for eco-friendly development modes essential. Based on data from 30 provinces in China from 2015 to 2021, this study analyzes the basic correlation between the development of cold chain logistics of fresh agricultural products (CCLFAP) and the ecological environment (EE) by using a random forest regression model in comparison with the XGBoost model. Correlation heatmaps were used to analyze the relationships between the cold chain logistics of fresh agricultural products and various factors of the ecological environment. The generalized additive model was then used to establish the connection between cold chain logistics and the ecological environment, identifying significant factors impacting EE. The results demonstrate that a higher development level of cold chain logistics corresponds to a better development trend of EE. The economic efficiency and technical aspects of cold chain logistics for fresh agricultural products are closely related to ecological pressures and responses. The number of employees in the logistics industry, the trading volume of fresh agricultural products, the number of refrigerated vehicles, and the capacity of the cold room have significant positive correlations with the ecological environment, while the per capita consumption of fresh agricultural products, the number of cold chain logistics patent applications, and the road density had significant negative correlations with the ecological environment. The effects of the number of cold chain logistics enterprises and the freight turnover of agricultural products transported by the cold chain on the ecological environment fluctuated. These findings contribute to reducing climate and environmental emergencies throughout the life cycle, offering sustainable development solutions for the fresh agricultural product cold chain logistics industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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16 pages, 611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Club Convergence and Driving Factors of China’s Green Agricultural Development Levels

by Silin Chen and Xiangyu Guo

Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040553 - 31 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1468

Abstract

Green agricultural development opens up a feasible way for China to construct sustainable communities and promote rural revitalization strategies. However, a clear gap on the subject sets apart various regions in China, resulting in off-balance development. This paper, based on the panel data [...] Read more.

Green agricultural development opens up a feasible way for China to construct sustainable communities and promote rural revitalization strategies. However, a clear gap on the subject sets apart various regions in China, resulting in off-balance development. This paper, based on the panel data from 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2013 to 2020, established an evaluation index system for China’s green agricultural development levels, measured the green agricultural development in different regions, and applied the log(t) model, the Ordered Probit model, and the Ordered Logit model to identify convergence trends and causes of China’s green agricultural development level club convergence, respectively. Our research found the following: (1) The green agricultural development levels in various regions in China are on the rise, and regional gaps are still significant. The output of green agricultural products is the focus of various regions in promoting green agricultural development. (2) The green agricultural development levels in China’s 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) have converged to four clubs. China is gradually forming a convergence pattern of green agricultural development levels, with the main agricultural production areas as the core. (3) The regional gap at the level of environmental regulation for green agricultural development first narrows, then expands, and then narrows. The intensity of environmental regulation in most areas is in the first stage. This indicates that China should continue to maintain the current intensity and promote green agricultural development levels to converge towards high-level clubs. In addition, the GDP, grain production area, fiscal support for agriculture, and rural human capital can narrow the gaps in green agricultural development levels between regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

26 pages, 28640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Dynamic Evolution and Driving Factors of Low-Carbon Utilization Efficiency of Cultivated Land in China

by Yuan Tian and Xiuyi Shi

Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040526 - 26 Mar 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1791

Abstract

In order to cope with global climate warming, measurement of the low-carbon utilization efficiency (LCUE) of cultivated land, considering carbon sink and carbon emission effects, is proposed. To address this, based on the data of 30 provinces in China, this study conducts a [...] Read more.

In order to cope with global climate warming, measurement of the low-carbon utilization efficiency (LCUE) of cultivated land, considering carbon sink and carbon emission effects, is proposed. To address this, based on the data of 30 provinces in China, this study conducts a LCUE evaluation system by the MinDS-U-M productivity index model in order to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of LCUE with the geographic detector model and GTWR model. The results show the following: (1) Over the past 20 years, the average LCUE value exhibits a slow increasing trend from 2001 to 2021, which ranges from 0.9864 to 1.0272. Provinces with mid-level LCUE ranging from 1.0000 to 1.0990 account for the highest proportion in each period. (2) The annual growth rate of LCUE in the central region is the highest, where the promotion of green technology and farmland protection policies have played important roles. (3) According to the Geodetector analysis, urbanization rate (UR), irrigation index (IR), grain output value (GOV), precipitation (PR), arable land area (ALA), and environmental pollution control (EPC) are important drivers of the spatial difference of LCUE. (4) The GTWR model shows that the positive effects of ALA and SRT have always been concentrated in the main grain-producing areas over time. UR and PR have strong explanatory power for the space/time differentiation of LCUE, especially in eastern coastal regions. IR has an increasing effect on LCUE in the Western region, and the positive effect of EPC on the LCUE is concentrated in the central region. In order to coordinate regional LCUE contradictions, it is suggested to be wary of land resource damage caused by economic development, warn about the impacts of climate change, and strengthen the supervision of land remediation projects in order to achieve sustainable land management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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16 pages, 2632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Developing Green Agriculture Affect Poverty? Evidence from China’s Prefecture-Level Cities

by Xingling Jiang, Yong Sun, Mou Shen and Lixia Tang

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030402 - 1 Mar 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2584

Abstract

Eradicating poverty and improving human well-being are pivotal objectives for achieving global sustainable development. Sustainable agriculture, as a key domain, plays a crucial role in addressing poverty. However, to date, there remains insufficient research on the specific impact of agricultural green development on [...] Read more.

Eradicating poverty and improving human well-being are pivotal objectives for achieving global sustainable development. Sustainable agriculture, as a key domain, plays a crucial role in addressing poverty. However, to date, there remains insufficient research on the specific impact of agricultural green development on poverty. To bridge this gap, we utilize panel data from 273 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2022 to explore how agricultural green development affects poverty based on constructing a regional multidimensional poverty index and an index of green agriculture. Our study reveals that agricultural green development effectively reduces poverty, particularly in regions of deep poverty and the eastern part of China. Further mediating analysis indicates the alleviation of poverty by agricultural green development through the infrastructure, the industrial structure, and the green technology innovation effect. Our findings offer valuable insights for informing policies on agricultural green development and poverty reduction, as well as for improving government resource allocation and strengthening resilience in impoverished areas. By deepening our understanding of the link between green agriculture and poverty, this research significantly contributes to global agricultural sustainability and expedites poverty eradication worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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19 pages, 1455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Acts: Unveiling the Dynamics of Revitalization Policies in China’s Old Revolutionary Areas of Gannan

by Wenmei Liao, Ruolan Yuan, Xu Zhang, Na Li and Hailan Qiu

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030354 - 23 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1421

Abstract

A series of revitalization policies (RPs) have been implemented in China’s Old Revolutionary Areas (ORAs). Evaluating the impact of these RPs is of paramount importance for refining policy design and achieving the goal of common prosperity. This study focuses on the ORAs in [...] Read more.

A series of revitalization policies (RPs) have been implemented in China’s Old Revolutionary Areas (ORAs). Evaluating the impact of these RPs is of paramount importance for refining policy design and achieving the goal of common prosperity. This study focuses on the ORAs in Gannan (ORAG) and employs the Propensity Score Matching Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) method to assess the effects of the RPs from two perspectives: stimulating economic growth and increasing farmers’ income, utilizing county-level data spanning from 2006 to 2019. The findings of this study reveal that while the RP restrains the growth of per capita GDP in ORAG, it significantly promotes the growth of farmers’ income. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in reducing the income gap between ORAG and Jiangxi Province, thus promoting the common prosperity of farmers in ORAG. A detailed examination using quantile regression shows that the RP has a significant and consistent negative impact on GDP per capita GDP at different quantile points. At the same time, it has a significant positive effect on increasing farmers’ income at the 25% quantile point, effectively reducing income inequality among farmers at all quantile levels. The mechanism analysis shows that the RP has stimulated increased government investment in ORAG, leading to an increase in farmers’ incomes and a reduction in income disparities. However, the study also highlights the existence of a “policy trap” that has hindered the RP’s effectiveness in ORAG. Drawing upon these findings, this paper offers policy recommendations to enhance the impact of RP in ORAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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16 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Hog Futures in Stabilizing Hog Production

by Chunlei Li, Gangyi Wang, Yuzhuo Shen and Anani Amètépé Nathanaël Beauclair

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030335 - 20 Feb 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2354

Abstract

China’s large-scale hog farmers are playing an increasingly important role in promoting the stable development of the hog industry. Taking large-scale hog enterprises as samples, based on hog sales data from January 2019 to July 2022, this paper adopts a two-way fixed-effects model [...] Read more.

China’s large-scale hog farmers are playing an increasingly important role in promoting the stable development of the hog industry. Taking large-scale hog enterprises as samples, based on hog sales data from January 2019 to July 2022, this paper adopts a two-way fixed-effects model to test the impact, mechanism, and heterogeneity of hog futures on the production stability of large-scale hog farmers. The study found that hog futures help promote stable production of large-scale farmers. This finding still holds after a series of robustness tests. The mechanism analysis found that, first, hog futures help large-scale farmers expand their risk management factor inputs. Second, hog futures help reduce the impact of hog price risk on production. Finally, hog futures help stabilize farmers’ production expectations. The moderating effects analysis found that the stabilizing effect of hog futures will enhance as farmers’ share of hog farming operations increases. Heterogeneity analysis found that when hog prices fluctuate negatively, hog futures help promote the stable production of large-scale farmers. When hog prices fluctuate positively, the production stabilization effect of hog futures is not obvious. Therefore, hog enterprises should be encouraged to participate in hog futures hedging transactions to promote stable hog production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

25 pages, 610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Capital Endowment on Farmers’ Choices in Fertilizer-Reduction and Efficiency-Increasing Technologies (Preferences, Influences, and Mechanisms): A Case Study of Apple Farmers in the Provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu, China

by Yihan Chen, Wen Xiang and Minjuan Zhao

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010147 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

On the basis of data collected from 1208 apple farmers in the provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu, this study utilizes the weighted-frequency method to investigate the priority sequence of farmers’ preferences in choosing fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies. Subsequently, ordered-probit models, a mediating-effect model, [...] Read more.

On the basis of data collected from 1208 apple farmers in the provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu, this study utilizes the weighted-frequency method to investigate the priority sequence of farmers’ preferences in choosing fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies. Subsequently, ordered-probit models, a mediating-effect model, and a moderating-effect model are employed to empirically analyze the influence of capital endowment on farmers’ choices related to fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies and their underlying mechanisms. The study further examines how agricultural-technology extension moderates these mechanisms. The main findings are: (1) The priority sequence of farmers’ choices concerning fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies is as follows: organic fertilizer substitution, new efficient fertilizers, soil testing and formula fertilization, green manure cultivation, straw mulching, fertilizer-reduction application, and deep mechanical application. (2) Capital endowment significantly enhances farmers’ choices in fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies. (3) The mechanism analyses indicate that capital endowment can promote farmers’ choices in fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies by improving their information-acquisition capabilities. (4) Moderation effects reveal that agricultural-technology extension methods, such as technical training, financial subsidies, and government publicity, significantly and positively moderate the relationship between information-acquisition capabilities and farmers’ choices in fertilizer-reduction and efficiency-increasing technologies. The moderating effects of educational attainment and generational differences on different agricultural-technology extension methods are heterogeneous. Technical training, financial subsidies, and government publicity can effectively enhance the positive impact of information-acquisition capabilities on farmers with a higher educational attainment. Financial subsidies can effectively strengthen the positive impact of information-acquisition capabilities on the older generation of farmers. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize the accumulation of farmers’ capital endowment, improve their information-acquisition capabilities, and intensify agricultural-technology extension efforts, especially taking into account farmers’ educational attainment and generational differences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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17 pages, 848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Agricultural Cooperatives on Farmers’ Collective Action: A Study Based on the Socio-Ecological System Framework

by Xiaoyan Zhu and Guangyao Wang

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010096 - 4 Jan 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7901

Abstract

Agricultural cooperatives greatly influence agricultural and rural modernization in China. Based on 381 farmer samples in the arid Tarim River Basin, this empirical study aimed to construct an index system for the exploration of the relationship between cooperatives and farmers’ collective action by [...] Read more.

Agricultural cooperatives greatly influence agricultural and rural modernization in China. Based on 381 farmer samples in the arid Tarim River Basin, this empirical study aimed to construct an index system for the exploration of the relationship between cooperatives and farmers’ collective action by using the Socio-Ecological System framework. The results showed that agricultural cooperatives helped to empower farmers to act collectively. Agricultural cooperatives, with the mechanisms of collective decision making, institutional constraints, and internal supervision, could realize the integration of resources required for farmers’ collective action and promote the sharing of risks and benefits. By providing financing support and a platform for resource integration, cooperatives could reduce constrains induced by economic difference among farmers; enhance village leadership, organization, and coordination; and promote the accumulation of social capital and villagers’ sense of identity with the village. Particularly, cooperatives could support farmers to adopt water-saving irrigation technologies and reduce their over-dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, thus promoting farmers’ collective action. Therefore, the development of agricultural cooperatives will help enhance farmers’ collective action, promote the modernization of rural governance, and realize rural revitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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16 pages, 1689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Digital Technology Use on Farmers’ Land Transfer-In: Empirical Evidence from Jiangsu, China

by Hengyuan Zeng, Jingru Chen and Qiang Gao

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010089 - 1 Jan 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3739

Abstract

In China, characterized by its vast population and limited land, expanding the scale of agricultural operations through the transfer of land management rights is a crucial pathway to achieving agricultural modernization. Using data from the China Land Economic Survey (CLES), we empirically explored [...] Read more.

In China, characterized by its vast population and limited land, expanding the scale of agricultural operations through the transfer of land management rights is a crucial pathway to achieving agricultural modernization. Using data from the China Land Economic Survey (CLES), we empirically explored the influence of digital technology use on land transfer-in by farmers. Employing the Probit model and the KHB method, this study examined the mechanisms underlying this relationship and addressed the issue of endogeneity through the Conditional Mixed Process (CMP) model, grounded in the instrumental variable method. Key findings include: (1) both the accessibility and the depth of digital technology use significantly facilitated land transfer-in by farmers. For every one-unit increase in digital technology accessibility, the likelihood of land transfer-in escalated by 6.2%; similarly, a one-unit rise in the depth of digital technology use increased this probability by 2.6%. (2) An analysis of the mechanisms indicates that social networks and credit availability played partial mediating roles in the impact of digital technology accessibility and depth on land transfer-in, with social networks exhibiting a stronger mediation effect. (3) Heterogeneity analysis suggests that the impact of digital technology use on land transfer-in was more pronounced in peri-urban villages and among farmers with higher literacy levels. In light of these findings, we proposed policy recommendations to accelerate the development of rural digital infrastructure, enhance digital skill training for farm households, and vigorously promote rural digital inclusive finance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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16 pages, 1616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural E-Commerce and Agricultural Carbon Emission Reduction: A Quasi-Natural Experiment from China’s Rural E-Commerce Demonstration County Program Based on 355 Cities in Ten Years

by Kaiwen Ji, Qiaoyun Hou, Yi Yu and Dan Pan

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010075 - 30 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

Reducing carbon emissions is of paramount importance to the accomplishment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The effect of rural e-commerce on agricultural carbon emissions (ACEs) is controversial, and particularly the mechanism behind the effect is unknown. To identify the impact of rural [...] Read more.

Reducing carbon emissions is of paramount importance to the accomplishment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The effect of rural e-commerce on agricultural carbon emissions (ACEs) is controversial, and particularly the mechanism behind the effect is unknown. To identify the impact of rural e-commerce on agricultural carbon emissions and its mechanisms, we take advantage of China’s Rural E-Commerce Demonstration County Program (REDCP) as a quasi-natural experiment and use the multi-period difference-in-difference (DID) model to investigate the relationship between rural e-commerce and agricultural carbon emissions. Our data are based on panel data of 355 prefecture-level cities from 2010 to 2019 in China. We identify that rural e-commerce can reduce agricultural carbon emissions by an average of 14.4%, but this effect is not long-lasting. Mechanism analyses suggest that the reduction effect of rural e-commerce on agricultural carbon emissions is mainly due to fostering agricultural economic growth, increasing the share of low-carbon industry, and improving agricultural total factor productivity (TFP). Further heterogeneity analyses demonstrate that rural e-commerce has better carbon emissions reduction performance in eastern cities as well as in non-major grain-producing cities in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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18 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Outsourcing Service Reduce the Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilizers in Rural China? The Moderating Effects of Farm Size and Plot Size

by Bowei Li, Yanjun Qian and Fanbin Kong

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101869 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2214

Abstract

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers (OCF) is one of China’s main sources of agricultural nonpoint source pollution. It is debatable whether outsourcing service adoption (FOS) reduces OCF. This article argues that farm size and plot size can moderate the effectiveness of FOS [...] Read more.

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers (OCF) is one of China’s main sources of agricultural nonpoint source pollution. It is debatable whether outsourcing service adoption (FOS) reduces OCF. This article argues that farm size and plot size can moderate the effectiveness of FOS in reducing OCF. Particularly, organizations earn more profits when they provide outsourcing services to large-sized farms and plots, thereby preventing their opportunistic behavior and reducing the OCF. Based on the survey data of wheat growers from six major grain-producing counties in Anhui Province, China, the Cobb–Douglas production function is used to measure the OCF, and ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation is used as a benchmark. In addition, propensity score matching (PSM) is used to eliminate the selection bias, and two-stage least squares estimation (IV-2sls) is used to eliminate endogeneity. The results indicate that approximately 90% of the sampled households used excessive fertilizers, signifying that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in China’s agricultural production remains a serious problem. FOS reduces the OCF on large farms and plots. However, the effectiveness of FOS in reducing OCF disappeared when it was provided to small farms and plots. Extending FOS and organizing efficient land transfers should receive equal consideration from policymakers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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20 pages, 644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Rural Industrial Integration on Agricultural Green Productivity Based on the Contract Choice Perspective of Farmers

by Han Zhang and Dongli Wu

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091851 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

Promoting farmers’ participation in rural industrial integration and driving farmers’ agricultural production with cooperatives and agribusinesses are conducive to realizing cost saving, efficiency, and green production and guaranteeing food security and sustainable agricultural development. Based on the microsurvey data of 1039 grain farmers [...] Read more.

Promoting farmers’ participation in rural industrial integration and driving farmers’ agricultural production with cooperatives and agribusinesses are conducive to realizing cost saving, efficiency, and green production and guaranteeing food security and sustainable agricultural development. Based on the microsurvey data of 1039 grain farmers in Henan Province, China in 2022, this paper examined the impact of contractual choices of farmers’ participation in rural industrial integration on agricultural green productivity while analyzing the mechanism of action by using OLS regression, a causal mediation analysis of instrumental variables, propensity score matching, and two-stage least squares (2SLS). The study found that: (1) farmers’ participation in a contract, driven by cooperatives or agribusinesses to carry out agricultural production, is conducive to improving their agricultural green productivity, but the effect of each main body to drive farmers varies; (2) farmers’ participation in a contract, through cooperatives or agribusinesses to obtain all kinds of agricultural production services—such as agricultural machinery services, agricultural supply services, and technical guidance services—improves the use of agricultural machinery, the standardization of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural materials’ use, increases technical guidance, and improves agricultural green productivity. The findings of this paper suggest policy and practical implications for safeguarding food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, as well as enriching research on agricultural productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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Mapping the Research into Mental Health in the Farming Environment: A Bibliometric Review from Scopus and WoS Databases

by Manel Díaz Llobet, Manel Plana-Farran, Micaela L. Riethmuller, Victor Rodríguez Lizano, Silvia Solé Cases and Mercè Teixidó

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010088 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2777

Abstract

A significant part of the world economy is devoted to agriculture. The sector accounts for 27% of global employment and 4% of global GDP. Approximately 28.5 million farms are located in Europe and Latin America. In this sector, many uncertainties negatively impact farmers’ [...] Read more.

A significant part of the world economy is devoted to agriculture. The sector accounts for 27% of global employment and 4% of global GDP. Approximately 28.5 million farms are located in Europe and Latin America. In this sector, many uncertainties negatively impact farmers’ mental and emotional well-being. Many factors contribute to increased stress and a worsening of farmers’ mental health, including health problems resulting from the conducting their profession, economic uncertainty, the effects of climate change, and technological changes in the agricultural sector. Despite the existence of literature review studies related to mental health in agriculture, no bibliometric review study has been conducted. This article presents the first in-depth bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on mental health in agriculture and operates based on Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results are presented as tables and explanatory diagrams describing the findings. The findings show the exponential increase in research in the last ten years and the evolution towards more social and health-related topics across the previous five years. The most common keywords are “suicide”, “stress”, and “depression”. No topic has been found where the current scientific production was significantly larger than the rest, indicating the wide variety of research sub-topics in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Policies toward Sustainable Farm Development)

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