Sustainability

Research

15 pages, 574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Price of Organic Foods as a Limiting Factor of the European Green Deal: The Case of Tomatoes in Spain

by Rodolfo Bernabéu, Margarita Brugarolas, Laura Martínez-Carrasco, Roberto Nieto-Villegas and Adrián Rabadán

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3238; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043238 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1973

Abstract

The consumption of organic food in the EU remains very low, mainly as a result of the higher price of such food compared to conventional products. To determine consumer preferences, 415 consumer surveys were conducted in Madrid (Spain), using tomatoes as the reference [...] Read more.

The consumption of organic food in the EU remains very low, mainly as a result of the higher price of such food compared to conventional products. To determine consumer preferences, 415 consumer surveys were conducted in Madrid (Spain), using tomatoes as the reference for analysis given their significant market recognition in terms of price, types, origin, and production systems. The data analysis was carried out using conjoint analysis and consumer segmentation techniques, maximum willingness to pay, and market share simulations using the maximum utility method. In addition, to better characterize the consumers, their attitudes towards the environment and their lifestyle indicators were defined. Consequently, 25.2% of consumers were found to be the most willing to pay a higher price to consume organic food. The simulation verified that price is the main problem as regards consuming organic food, with a preference for local markets being identified. In general, it is observed that these consumers have a more positive attitude towards the environment and healthier lifestyles. The implementation of the European Green Deal may have the impact of an additional increase in prices owing to higher production costs. To reduce this impact, it would be advisable to stimulate the economic activity of local markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Management Behavior of Farmland Shelterbelt of Farmers in Ecologically Fragile Areas: Empirical Evidence from Xinjiang, China

by Pengfei Cheng, Jie Li, Hongli Zhang and Guanghua Cheng

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032011 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

The farmland shelterbelt is an important artificial ecological project for improving farmland microclimates, ensuring agricultural production, and promoting sustainable development in China’s ecologically fragile areas. Due to the quasi-public attribute, farmland shelterbelts were mainly constructed and managed by the government in the past. [...] Read more.

The farmland shelterbelt is an important artificial ecological project for improving farmland microclimates, ensuring agricultural production, and promoting sustainable development in China’s ecologically fragile areas. Due to the quasi-public attribute, farmland shelterbelts were mainly constructed and managed by the government in the past. In recent years, the reform of the separation of three rights in collective forestland and the mechanism of “private supply of public goods” have prompted farmers to participate in the modern forest management system. However, there is a lack of consistency between farmers’ management intentions and actual contract operation and management behaviors, resulting in weakened management and protection in many places, which seriously restricts the construction efficiency of farmland shelterbelts. Therefore, based on the survey data and planning behavior theory (TPB) of 1106 farmers in 16 major agricultural production areas (counties) in Xinjiang, this study aims to explore the key factors affecting farmers ‘forestry management and production decision making and to verify the transformation mechanism of farmers’ behavior through path analysis. The results show that the management decisions of farmers in ecologically fragile areas follow the path form of “cognitive → intention → behavior”, in which the multi-dimensional cognition of farmers has a significant impact on farmers’ behavioral intention, while the effect on behavioral response is relatively small, which currently depends on the promotion of ecological compensation and government behavior. Finally, this study puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for continuously stimulating the farmers’ forest operation behavior and provides policy reference for promoting the sustainable development of farmland shelterbelts in ecologically fragile areas put forward countermeasures and suggestions for continuously stimulating farmers’ forestry behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of New Rural Pension Insurance on Farmers’ Agricultural Mechanization Service Inputs

by Qilin Liu and Qianqian Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021131 - 6 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

The rural social security system is a crucial guarantee for the purpose of transforming agricultural production methods. This research assesses how the new rural pension insurance (NRPI) alters the farmers’ agricultural mechanization service (AMS) inputs. Using the 2016 and 2018 waves of the [...] Read more.

The rural social security system is a crucial guarantee for the purpose of transforming agricultural production methods. This research assesses how the new rural pension insurance (NRPI) alters the farmers’ agricultural mechanization service (AMS) inputs. Using the 2016 and 2018 waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), the study observed that NRPI significantly increased farmers’ AMS inputs. Participation in the NRPI could increase AMS inputs by 18.6% and 13.2% for households with and without elderly farmers, respectively. Both grandchild care and labor off-farm transfer were significant in mediating the relationship between NRPI and AMS inputs with elderly farmers, accounting for 13.72% and 9.13% of inputs, respectively. Furthermore, for families without elderly farmers, the mechanism tests suggest that the crowding-out effect of labor off-farm transfer was a fundamental transmission mechanism for the NRPI to contribute to the increase in AMS inputs, with a proportion value of 15.41%. Additionally, the heterogeneity analysis demonstrated that for households with elderly farmers, the NRPI had a more evident effect on the AMS inputs of the farmers with grandchild care, as well as a low proportion of non-agricultural labor transfer and a high level of agricultural income. For households without elderly farmers, the NRPI’s promotion effect on the investment in AMS inputs was more significant when there was a low proportion of non-agricultural labor transfer and for farmers with low levels of agricultural income. The conclusion provides references for improving NRPI and promoting the promotion of AMS and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 2105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Convergence Analysis of the Overall Benefits of Returning Farmland into Forest in the Upper Yangtze River Basin, China

by Yingjuan Li, Qiong Lin, Jianyu Zhang, Liuhua Fang, Yi Li, Lianjun Zhang and Chuanhao Wen

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021100 - 6 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1440

Abstract

Returning farmland to the forest (RFTF) in the upper Yangtze River basin is a strategic measure to promote the sustainable development of ecological protection. The convergence analysis of the overall benefits of the upper Yangtze River basin provides a basis for a scientific [...] Read more.

Returning farmland to the forest (RFTF) in the upper Yangtze River basin is a strategic measure to promote the sustainable development of ecological protection. The convergence analysis of the overall benefits of the upper Yangtze River basin provides a basis for a scientific and reasonable understanding of the improvement in the comprehensive benefits of RFTF in the basin. It provides policy suggestions for basin governance and sustainable development. Therefore, the convergence analysis and its spatial effect decomposition are carried out based on the entropy weight method to calculate the overall benefits of RFTF in the upper Yangtze River basin. The results indicate that there is no σ convergence in the overall benefits of RFTF in the upper Yangtze River basin, but there is significant absolute β convergence and significant conditional β convergence, and the overall development trend is stable. After thoroughly considering certain economic and social factors, especially the traffic infrastructure and the intensity of economic activities, the convergence rate of the overall benefits of RFTF in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River is accelerated. From the perspective of the spacing effect, the overall benefits of RFTF in this region and surrounding areas in the previous period significantly affected this region. As a result, sustainable development of the upper Yangtze River basin needs to include coordinated regional action to ensure ecological benefits, to improve transportation infrastructure, to scientifically recognize economic activities, and to guard against food security risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 2421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Farmland Transfer Lead to Non-Grain Production in Agriculture?—An Empirical Analysis Based on the Differentiation of Farmland Renting-In Objects

by Guangsheng Liu, Lesong Zhao, Huiying Chen, Yuting Zhou, Hanbing Lin, Cunyue Wang, Haojuan Huang, Xiting Li and Zhongyou Yuan

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010379 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

The study aims to estimate different land leasing entities’ intentions and drivers to grow non-grain crops. In 2021, following a multistage sampling technique based on non-grain farmland, 264 farmers from the Zengcheng District of China were interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire based on [...] Read more.

The study aims to estimate different land leasing entities’ intentions and drivers to grow non-grain crops. In 2021, following a multistage sampling technique based on non-grain farmland, 264 farmers from the Zengcheng District of China were interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior and transaction cost. The structural equation model was used to quantitatively reveal the influence mechanism of the non-grain use of the transferred farmland. The difference in the non-grain use of the transferred farmland was analyzed from the perspective of the differentiation of the renting entities. The results showed that the profit margin of non-grain and food crops, and the follow-up behavior of business entities, all promote the non-grain utilization of transferred farmland; however, the transaction costs of non-grain utilization and the endowment constraints of agricultural businesses inhibit the non-grain utilization of farmland. The non-grain crops in the suburbs are more profitable, and the transaction costs of the farmland leasing entities are low, so they tend to be grain-free; the rents of the farmland in the outer suburbs are low and can be operated on a large scale, and the leasing entities tend to be grain-oriented. Large-scale leasing entities tend to grow grain, while small-scale leasing entities tend to grow non-grain crops. In general, large-scale leasing entities in the outer suburbs have high transaction costs and low land rents and tend to be grain-oriented. The small-scale leasing entities in the suburbs are close to the market, the transaction costs are low, the rental price of farmland is high, and they are more inclined to grow non-grain crops. The non-grain utilization of the leased farmland should be treated separately, the supervision of the grain production capacity of the leased farmland should be carried out, and the rotation of grain and non-grain crops should be encouraged; the moderate scale operation in outer suburbs should be encouraged, and the construction of high-standard basic farmland for grain-growing farmland should be promoted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 2313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Mechanization Promote Green Agricultural Production? An Empirical Analysis of Maize Production in China

by Yakun Wang, Jingli Jiang, Dongqing Wang and Xinshang You

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010001 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 2148

Abstract

This study systematically analyzes the impact of China’s maize Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) and mechanization on GTFP, providing a reference for reasonably playing the role of mechanization and improving China’s agricultural GTFP. Based on the difference in crop types and regional applicability [...] Read more.

This study systematically analyzes the impact of China’s maize Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) and mechanization on GTFP, providing a reference for reasonably playing the role of mechanization and improving China’s agricultural GTFP. Based on the difference in crop types and regional applicability of agricultural mechanization, this study selects maize as the research crop to analyze the impact of agricultural mechanization level on GTFP. In this study, the SBM-ML model is used to measure China’s maize GTFP, reveal the temporal and regional change characteristics of maize GTFP, and clarify the optimization direction of maize GTFP from the perspective of regional differences and resource endowment differences. This study uses the threshold regression model to systematically analyze the impact of agricultural mechanization on GTFP and its mechanism. Results are given as follows: (1) The growth of China’s maize production GTFP fluctuates greatly in each year, and the growth of maize GTFP depends on the alternate promotion of technical efficiency and technical progress. Greenhouse gas emissions have a significant impact on GTFP. Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers is the biggest obstacle to the improvement of maize GTFP. (2) There are also specific regional differences in the factors that affect the improvement of maize GTFP efficiency in different regions. The impact of mechanization on agricultural GTFP varies among regions. (3) The development level of agricultural mechanization at different stages has different promotion effects on maize GTFP. Agricultural mechanization has a two-way effect on maize GTFP. The factors of land type and land area will not limit the promotion of agricultural mechanization to maize GTFP. (4) Agricultural financial investment, environmental pollution control efforts, agricultural science and technology expenditure and other factors play a positive role in improving GTFP. (5) In future production, we should pay attention to the combination of agricultural mechanization and regional production characteristics, optimize the allocation of agricultural machinery, and strengthen the coordination between agricultural mechanization and moderate scale operation. The findings of our study provide useful policy implications for the promotion and development of agriculture in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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11 pages, 473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Sustainability Index of Rural Properties in the Federal District, Brazil

by Ravana Marques Souza, Humberto Angelo, Alexandre Nascimento de Almeida, Ricardo de Oliveira Gaspar and Maristela Franchetti de Paula

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16738; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416738 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1523

Abstract

The objective of this work was to build and apply environmental indicators to verify the environmental performance and diagnose the sustainability levels of the rural properties from Federal District, Brazil. Data analysis was performed based on the information required and declared to public [...] Read more.

The objective of this work was to build and apply environmental indicators to verify the environmental performance and diagnose the sustainability levels of the rural properties from Federal District, Brazil. Data analysis was performed based on the information required and declared to public administration. Exploratory sampling was applied, obtaining a sample population of 169 properties. It was decided to use the factor analysis methodology in order to verify the environmental performance and diagnose the sustainability levels of the rural properties. The results achieved allow us to state that most of the properties (91.49%) are in a state of severe unsustainability. The results also show that the remnants of native vegetation, when they exist, are not in sufficient proportion to the total size of the property according to what the legislation requires. The proposed model and the environmental indicators built from the environmental legislation proved to be an efficient, practical and low-cost tool for a satisfactory diagnosis about the measurement of the sustainability of Brazilian rural properties and in the identification of positive management situations in relation to the suitability for environmental laws. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Pattern and Driving Factors of Carbon Emission Intensity of Main Crops in Henan Province

by Zhi Li, Tingting Cao and Zhongye Sun

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16569; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416569 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1275

Abstract

Agriculture is the national economy’s primary industry, and its carbon emissions (CE) are one of the most significant factors influencing the environment. As a large agrarian province, reducing the carbon emission intensity (CEI) of agricultural is of great practical significance to the sustainable [...] Read more.

Agriculture is the national economy’s primary industry, and its carbon emissions (CE) are one of the most significant factors influencing the environment. As a large agrarian province, reducing the carbon emission intensity (CEI) of agricultural is of great practical significance to the sustainable development of agriculture in Henan province. In this paper, the CEI of rice, maize, and wheat from 2001 to 2020 in 18 prefecture-level cities in Henan province was calculated, and its spatial-temporal evolution patterns were analyzed. The Spatial Dubin model was used to study the impact mechanism and spatial spillover effect of the main crops’ CEI. As a result, the following was determined: (1) The CEI of main crops in 18 cities of Henan province showed an inverted “V” shape, whereas the geographical distribution showed an oblique “T” shape mainly in the north and west. (2) The CEI of main crops was significantly different under different factors. Technical efficiency, agricultural openness, urbanization level, agriculture production agglomeration, and agriculture fiscal expenditure negatively impact the main crops’ CEI. The structure of the food industry and the cost of water for agriculture and forestry positively affect the CEI of main crops. (3) The spatial spillover effects of agricultural openness, production technology efficiency, environmental protection, and fiscal expenditure spread to the surrounding areas through factor flow, technology spillover, and policy spread. The efficiency of production technology and fiscal expenditure on environmental protection have a demonstrative effect, and the degree of agricultural openness has a siphon effect. Based on the research results, we should strengthen agriculture technology extension and investment and gradually improve technical efficiency. Agriculture should be financially supported by the government. We will actively promote the optimization of the structure of the grain industry by promoting orderly urbanization, strengthening the sharing of factors among regions, and reducing the CEI of main crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Convergence Characteristics of Agricultural Eco-Efficiency in China from a Low-Carbon Perspective

by Chunbin Zhang, Rong Zhou, Jundong Hou and Mengtong Feng

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416509 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1701

Abstract

While agriculture plays an essential role in food security, it is also one of the largest emitters of carbon emissions. China’s carbon neutrality and carbon peaking goals mean that China’s agriculture is also going through a low-carbon transition. To analyze the spatiotemporal heterogeneity [...] Read more.

While agriculture plays an essential role in food security, it is also one of the largest emitters of carbon emissions. China’s carbon neutrality and carbon peaking goals mean that China’s agriculture is also going through a low-carbon transition. To analyze the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and convergence of China’s agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE), this study used a combined super-efficient slacks-based measure (SBM), global Malmquist–Luenberger index (GML), kernel density estimation, Moran index, and convergence model on panel data from 2005 to 2020 and from 31 Chinese provinces. An innovative eco-efficiency index evaluation system was constructed from a low-carbon perspective that integrated agricultural carbon sinks and carbon emissions. The results revealed that the average AEE movement was U-shaped, but there were significant differences across regions and periods. The AEE demonstrated a gradual decreasing pattern of “northeast > eastern > western > central”, a declining trend during 2005–2010 and increasing trends during 2011–2020. The main reason for AEE growth was technological progress; however, technical efficiency only played a role in several provinces. The AEE in Chinese provinces was also found to have spatial autocorrelation characteristics dominated by high-high, low-low, and high-low clustering. A “catching-up effect” existed in the lagging AEE regions. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the integration of regional strategies and low-carbon development, build a low-carbon technology support system, and construct a national agricultural carbon trading center to facilitate agricultural low-carbon transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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13 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Factors Influencing the Efficiency of Rural Agriculture Financial Support in China

by Bo Song, Jing Zhao and Panpan Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14954; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214954 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

The development of rural finance has an important impact on agricultural development. This study is to quantitatively evaluate the efficiency of rural agriculture financial support in China and empirically analyze its influencing factors. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China [...] Read more.

The development of rural finance has an important impact on agricultural development. This study is to quantitatively evaluate the efficiency of rural agriculture financial support in China and empirically analyze its influencing factors. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2014 to 2018, this study uses the DEA model to quantitatively evaluate the efficiency of rural agriculture financial support and uses the panel Tobit model to form an empirical analysis of its influencing factors. The results show that: (1) The efficiency of rural agriculture financial support in the eastern region is significantly higher than that in the central and western regions; (2) The efficiency of rural agriculture financial support in Beijing, Zhejiang, and Guangdong are on the production frontier over the years, while other provinces have a large space to improve efficiency; (3) The strength of rural financial support as well as the level of regional economic development has a significant positive impact on the efficiency of rural agriculture financial support, while the intensity of rural financial services, as well as the scale of agricultural production and operation, has a significant negative impact. Finally, this study puts forward policy recommendations on rural financial support for the development of “agriculture, rural areas and farmers”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

14 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Sustenance of Small Farm Holders: A Study of Income Inequality among Farm Households in Indian Punjab

by Rohit Saini, Manjeet Kaur, Randeep Singh, Kashish Arora, Gurlal Singh, Gurleen Kaur, Sukhdeep Singh, Arshdeep Singh and Dalbeer Singh

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13438; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013438 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2640

Abstract

The sustenance of marginal and small farm households is a pertinent question given that their number is on the rise in South-Asia. The study aims to assess their present socio-economic profile and the challenges faced in order to draw a roadmap of development [...] Read more.

The sustenance of marginal and small farm households is a pertinent question given that their number is on the rise in South-Asia. The study aims to assess their present socio-economic profile and the challenges faced in order to draw a roadmap of development for these underprivileged households. The study pertains to Indian Punjab and data from the Situation Assessment Survey of the 70th Round of NSSO are used. The concepts of economic surplus, occupational diversity, farm productivity and vertical and horizontal inequalities are used to achieve the objectives. This study reveals that marginal farm households faced food insecurity as they failed to meet consumption expenditure from the income earned. In fact, small farm households are left with an annual economic surplus of Rs 8890 per capita only, after meeting consumption needs. Income is unevenly distributed among farm households with a Gini coefficient of 0.48. The majority of the marginal and small farm households fall in lower-income quintiles and are occupationally more diversified than their larger counterparts. Horizontal inequalities are lower between the farm-size categories (0.14) than within farm-size categories (0.27). The Gini coefficient within each farm-size category is the highest among marginal farm households (0.50), followed by small farm households (0.45), highlighting their economic stress and tug-of-war survival. Further, the farm households belonging to socially lower castes falls only in the marginal farm-size category and represent the lowest income. Development must be sustainable and inclusive, hence, policies to develop marginal farmers’ centric farming systems and high value crops such as potato, cotton, sugarcane and oilseeds, providing high yielding livestock breeds, value addition through farmer-producer organizations, non-farm employment through MGNREGA, provision of institutional credit at subsidised rate of interest and quality health and education facilities in the public sector are recommended to uplift the affected households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cohesion of Agricultural Crowdfunding Risk Prevention under Sustainable Development Based on Gray–Rough Set and FAHP-TOPSIS

by Ye Xue and Ying Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12709; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912709 - 6 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1519

Abstract

Agricultural crowdfunding has promoted the development of China’s agriculture and rural economy. Ensuring the sustainable development of agricultural crowdfunding is a key issue that needs attention against the current background. The concept of cohesion is introduced into the study of agricultural crowdfunding risk [...] Read more.

Agricultural crowdfunding has promoted the development of China’s agriculture and rural economy. Ensuring the sustainable development of agricultural crowdfunding is a key issue that needs attention against the current background. The concept of cohesion is introduced into the study of agricultural crowdfunding risk prevention, and the cohesion evaluation index system is determined with the help of the gray-rough set method, weights of which are determined by using triangular fuzzy hierarchy analysis. The TOPSIS method is used to evaluate it, four crowdfunding projects are selected for case studies, and the models are compared and analyzed. Finally, the influencing factors are comprehensively analyzed. The results show that: (1) The case evaluation results are consistent with its actual situation, and the comparison with the model presents the accuracy of the selected model, both of which verify the feasibility of the evaluation model. (2) Collaboration, organizational leadership, and the degree of assurance of the quantity and quality of agricultural products are important factors affecting the improvement of the cohesion in agricultural crowdfunding risk prevention. (3) The most significant factors in enhancing the cohesiveness of agricultural crowdfunding risk prevention are “responsiveness” and “safety of agricultural products”. Finally, the targeted countermeasures and suggestions are expected to provide the decision-making basis for the risk management of agricultural crowdfunding and realize the sustainable development of agricultural crowdfunding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fertilizer Use, Value, and Knowledge Capital: A Case of Indian Farming

by Bino Paul, Unmesh Patnaik, Subash Sasidharan, Kamal Kumar Murari and Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12491; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912491 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2226

Abstract

Using the recently released microdata covering input use in Indian agriculture, this study analyzes the relation between value and fertilizer consumption along with four layers of explanation. These layers include factors of production, knowledge capital, social identity, and human capital for both agricultural [...] Read more.

Using the recently released microdata covering input use in Indian agriculture, this study analyzes the relation between value and fertilizer consumption along with four layers of explanation. These layers include factors of production, knowledge capital, social identity, and human capital for both agricultural seasons. Subsequently, the study also examines the propensity to use diverse channels of information. This study uses both regression and machine learning methods for analysis. The main finding of the study is that fertilizer use is directly associated with the value of production. However, the propensity to use fertilizer is the highest for the lowest quantile. Moreover, fertilizer use is a positive covariant of select information sources. Further, similar to tangible resources, the study observes that information plays a crucial role in fertilizer use. Information channels such as extension services have a pivotal role in promoting sustainable farming, especially among marginal farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 3928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agriculture from Areas Facing Natural or Other Specific Constraints (ANCs) in Poland, Its Characteristics, Directions of Changes and Challenges in the Context of the European Green Deal

by Marek Zieliński, Piotr Koza and Artur Łopatka

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 11828; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141911828 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2656

Abstract

Increasing the European Union’s (EU) current efforts to protect the natural environment, especially in the context of protecting agricultural soils, is one of its basic challenges. The European Commission (EC) is now ready and willing to strongly strengthen protection of the natural environment. [...] Read more.

Increasing the European Union’s (EU) current efforts to protect the natural environment, especially in the context of protecting agricultural soils, is one of its basic challenges. The European Commission (EC) is now ready and willing to strongly strengthen protection of the natural environment. Activities are primarily supported by the European Green Deal (EGD) strategy from 2019 and its thematic strategies, as well as the currently revised Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023–2027. Further direct support for farms from Areas facing Natural or other Specific constraints (ANCs support), compensating for them at least some of the additional costs and lost income related to the difficulties for agricultural production, will be one of the most important actions of the future CAP in the context of the protection of agricultural soils. It should be added that, in recent years, all EU Member States, including Poland (in 2019), have carried out a mandatory new delimitation of ANCs according to the same rules established by the EC Joint Research Center (EC JRC) under the CAP 2014–2020. The aim of the study is to characterize the organizational situation of Polish agriculture, to indicate the direction and strength of the changes taking place in it, as well as the main determinants of its further functioning in areas (communes) with a particularly high saturation of current ANCs, as compared to other areas, with and without ANCs. It is also important to present the economic consequences and development opportunities for farms conducting agricultural production in these areas. The results of the study show the condition of Polish agriculture and changes taking place in this sector in areas with different saturation and specificity of ANCs related to challenges for environmental protection included in the EGD strategy and the current and future CAP. The research results will also provide an important basis for policymakers in undertaking effective agricultural support in ANCs and for the scientific community to develop agricultural research that can meet the most pressing challenges faced in the areas. It should be noted that the study emphasizes the significance of the new institutional economics, the postulates of which can provide solid support for the actions taken to better protect ANCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 1226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Assessment of the Horticulture Sector in Northern Australia to Inform Future Development

by Kamaljit K. Sangha, Ronju Ahammad, Muhammed Sohail Mazahar, Matt Hall, Greg Owens, Leanne Kruss, Gordon Verrall, Jo Moro and Geoff Dickinson

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11647; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811647 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2324

Abstract

The horticulture sector in northern Australia, covering north of Western Australia (WA), Northern Territory (NT), and north Queensland (QLD), contributes $1.6 billion/year to the Australian economy by supplying diverse food commodities to meet domestic and international demand. To date, the Australian Government has [...] Read more.

The horticulture sector in northern Australia, covering north of Western Australia (WA), Northern Territory (NT), and north Queensland (QLD), contributes $1.6 billion/year to the Australian economy by supplying diverse food commodities to meet domestic and international demand. To date, the Australian Government has funded several studies on developing the north’s agriculture sector, but these primarily focused on land and water resources and omitted an integrated, on-ground feasibility analysis for including farmers’/growers’ perspectives. This study is the first of its kind in the north for offering a detailed integrated assessment, highlighting farmers’ perspectives on the current state of the north’s horticulture sector, and related challenges and opportunities. For this, we applied a bottom-up approach to inform future agriculture development in the region, involving a detailed literature review and conducting several focus group workshops with growers and experts from government organisations, growers’ associations, and regional development agencies. We identified several key local issues pertaining to crop production, availability of, and secure access to, land and water resources, and workforce and marketing arrangements (i.e., transport or processing facilities, export opportunities, biosecurity protocols, and the role of the retailers/supermarkets) that affect the economic viability and future expansion of the sector across the region. For example, the availability of the workforce (skilled and general) has been a challenge across the north since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Similarly, long-distance travel for farm produce due to a lack of processing and export facilities in the north restricts future farm developments. Any major investment should be aligned with growers’ interests. This research highlights the importance of understanding and incorporating local growers’ and researchers’ perspectives, applying a bottom-up approach, when planning policies and programs for future development, especially for the horticulture sector in northern Australia and other similar regions across the globe where policy makers’ perspectives may differ from farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 3853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactions between Geomorphology and Production Chain of High-Quality Coffee in Costa Rica

by Adolfo Quesada-Román, Lilliam Quirós-Arias and Juan Carlos Zamora-Pereira

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5265; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095265 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2378

Abstract

High-altitude coffee has an international reputation due to its high quality, especially in countries with a long production history, such as Costa Rica. Specific geographical characteristics determine the regions where high-altitude coffee can be cultivated. Over the last two decades, new production conditions [...] Read more.

High-altitude coffee has an international reputation due to its high quality, especially in countries with a long production history, such as Costa Rica. Specific geographical characteristics determine the regions where high-altitude coffee can be cultivated. Over the last two decades, new production conditions have promoted the growth of smallholder coffee farms in the Upper Buenavista Catchment (UBC) in the South of Costa Rica. To understand this phenomenon’s process, we initially performed a detailed geomorphological mapping of the high-elevation production sites in the UBC. Then, we used remote sensing to determine the coffee land cover (2005, 2012, and 2018) to compare their landforms. Furthermore, we analyzed the production–processing–market chain that has promoted coffee plantations since 2005. Our results show that coffee farmers chose more unstable and erosive areas with short-term production prospects to cultivate premium-priced coffee. Moreover, farmers have changed their role in the coffee sector, evolving from small producers to entrepreneurs with specialized knowledge. These actions may reduce economic risks and improve the household incomes of smallholder coffee producers. However, limited research has been conducted along the tropics about the relationships between landforms, socioeconomic drivers, and high-altitude coffee yield. Therefore, our results are essential to present geomorphology and applied geography as baselines in land-use planning for agricultural landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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16 pages, 1649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Impact of Agrophotovoltaic Power Plants on the Amenity Value of Agricultural Landscape: The Case of the Republic of Korea

by Tae-Hwa Kim, Ki-Suk Chun and Seung-Ryong Yang

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11325; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011325 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2772

Abstract

Recently, in Korea, there have been some disturbing events forcing a trade-off between the expansion of agrophotovoltaic (APV) power plants and the agricultural policy to enhance the public benefit function of agriculture. Under this context, this study attempts to examine the public perception [...] Read more.

Recently, in Korea, there have been some disturbing events forcing a trade-off between the expansion of agrophotovoltaic (APV) power plants and the agricultural policy to enhance the public benefit function of agriculture. Under this context, this study attempts to examine the public perception of agricultural landscape and the APV power plants and to analyze the impact of APV power plants on the amenity value of the agricultural landscape. The results of the analysis based on the choice experiment method shows that the marginal willingness-to-pay for a rural tourism accommodation with a ‘agricultural landscape view’ is USD 64.37 higher compared to ‘agrophotovoltaics panel view.’ This implies that the value of the agricultural landscape decreases when solar panels are installed on farmland, signifying the detrimental impact of the APV power plants on the multi-functionality of agriculture. If the installation of APVs is expanded to farmlands nationwide, the amenity value of agricultural landscape is estimated to decrease by USD 1.70 billion or 55.0% of the total estimated amenity value in Korea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 1646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Sustainability of Extensive Livestock Farms on the Common Grasslands of the Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema

by Cipriano Díaz-Gaona, Manuel Sánchez-Rodríguez and Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041818 - 8 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2166

Abstract

The communal pastures of the Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema are grazed by a total of 23 extensive herds, of which 75% are certified as organic, although only 39% are subsidized for being organic. In a previous research work, these farms were characterized [...] Read more.

The communal pastures of the Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema are grazed by a total of 23 extensive herds, of which 75% are certified as organic, although only 39% are subsidized for being organic. In a previous research work, these farms were characterized and classified into four typologies: group 1 (farms of intermediate size and without sheep), group 2 (large and very extensive farms), group 3 (farms with sheep suitable for both meat and milk) and group 4 (farms with dairy goat milk and without cattle). In this article, the sustainability of these farms is evaluated and compared based on their organic orientation (whether they are organic or conventional) and their typology (the four typologies indicated), as a tool for decision-making in the management of this natural protected area. To do so, 49 sustainability indexes have been generated, grouped into five attributes: adaptability, self-management, equity, stability, and productivity. The results indicate that, at the global level, there are no significant differences in sustainability between the organic and conventional farms studied. In contrast, depending on the typologies, the results indicate that group 3 is the most sustainable, followed by groups 1 and 4, with group 2 being the one with the lowest level of sustainability. Taking into account that there are a reduced number of herds grazing in this natural park, it is essential to solve the weaknesses of these farms in order to guarantee that they continue to maintain environmental equilibrium in the grasslands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Environment and Rural Economy, Policy and Sustainable Development)

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