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Keywords = Rural Development Program (RDP)

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20 pages, 1252 KB  
Article
Differences in Outcomes of the “Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings” Measure Across Polish Regions
by Patrycja Hanna Beba and Ewa Kiryluk-Dryjska
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8202; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188202 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 440
Abstract
Since the Polish accession to the EU, a substantial amount of financial support has been allocated to the agricultural sector, thereby underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and ramifications of the implemented agricultural policy. One such instrument was the [...] Read more.
Since the Polish accession to the EU, a substantial amount of financial support has been allocated to the agricultural sector, thereby underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and ramifications of the implemented agricultural policy. One such instrument was the “Modernisation of agricultural holdings” which was implemented under the 2007–2013 Rural Development Program (RDP) and continued, in a slightly modified form, in subsequent programs. The primary objective of this paper was to assess whether the implementation of the “Modernisation of agricultural holdings” has contributed to the improvement of agricultural development indicators in areas with a high number of modernization projects implemented, compared to areas with similar farming conditions but with low interest among farmers in this measure. Additionally, the analysis sought to determine whether the initial level of agricultural development was a determining factor in any observed differences in the improvement of these indicators. We compared the indicators of agricultural development calculated over two periods: 2010 and 2020 in Polish regions with similar farming conditions and similar characteristics (climatic conditions, farm size, crop structure, production direction, etc.), but different in their activity in applying for investment funds from the Modernization measure. The results demonstrate that in regions where agricultural conditions are more favorable, agricultural potential is higher, and agricultural structures are more developed, the impact of Modernization funds is negligible. Farms invariably evolve in a similar manner, irrespective of whether they have sought external support. The role of support for investment financing is significantly more pronounced in areas characterized by substantial agricultural fragmentation and predominance of small farms. In the regions of Poland where agricultural output was below the national average, the disparities in agricultural development between municipalities that received substantial Modernization funds and those that received less support were more highlighted. Thus, our findings reveal that to encourage investment in agricultural holdings, the funds should be allocated to regions with lower production potential and more fragmented agriculture, where the impact of the support is more evident. Full article
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30 pages, 4702 KB  
Article
Evaluating Farmer Satisfaction from Rural Development Plan Measures: A Case of Young Farmers in Greece
by Natalia Panagiota Dimitriadi, Christina Moulogianni and Thomas Bournaris
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051843 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
The measure for the establishment of young farmers of the Rural Development Plans in the European Union aims to face the problem of the aging of the rural population across Europe. With this measure an opportunity is given to young farmers to pursue [...] Read more.
The measure for the establishment of young farmers of the Rural Development Plans in the European Union aims to face the problem of the aging of the rural population across Europe. With this measure an opportunity is given to young farmers to pursue farming, contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The main objective of the present research is to ascertain the level of satisfaction among young farmers participating in Sub-Measure “Establishment of Young Farmers” of the RDP 2014–2020. The research was conducted using the Multi-Criteria Satisfaction Analysis (MUSA) method with a sample of 89 young farmers who lived in the region of Central Macedonia in Greece and had successfully completed the program. The results show that the young farmers are mainly satisfied with their participation in the measure but there are many processes and procedures during the implementation of the program that can be improved. The Action and Improvement Diagrams of the MUSA methods show which parts of the processes need attention from the policy makers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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19 pages, 13910 KB  
Article
From Farms to Forests: An Exploration of Afforestation Efforts in Poland Under the Rural Development Programme (2007–2020)
by Anna M. Klepacka, Andrzej A. Romaniuk, Janusz Gajda and Ewa E. Chećko
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031027 - 27 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1888
Abstract
Forests are important in mitigating climate change and addressing biodiversity loss. In Poland, where forest cover has steadily increased since World War II, afforestation of agricultural land has emerged as a key strategy supported by both EU and national policies. This study evaluates [...] Read more.
Forests are important in mitigating climate change and addressing biodiversity loss. In Poland, where forest cover has steadily increased since World War II, afforestation of agricultural land has emerged as a key strategy supported by both EU and national policies. This study evaluates the implementation of Poland’s afforestation programs under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) for the periods of 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 using data provided by the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARMA) and focusing on the financial incentives offered to private landowners and regional variations in their uptake. Results show that afforestation under the RDP aligned with the EU climate neutrality goals, with a total of 37,721 hectares afforested and PLN 243.5 million handed as financial support, predominantly (81%) over the first studied period. The largest afforestation efforts were observed in the Mazowieckie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodeships, with Warszawa, Poland’s capital, achieving the highest municipal afforestation area across both periods. Financial considerations influenced farmer participation, but rising land prices and historical land use patterns were contributing factors. Urban afforestation and increasing demand for woody biomass further highlight the benefits of afforestation. However, conifer-dominated stands, prevalent on low-quality land, can present challenges to ecosystem stability under future climate scenarios, necessitating diversification towards deciduous species. Additionally, low uptake during the 2014–2020 period showcases the need for improved incentives to bolster participation. Still, afforestation presents significant economic and environmental opportunities, advancing long-term policy objectives while addressing critical challenges in climate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Forestry)
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18 pages, 1503 KB  
Article
Spatial Differentiation in the Use of Rural Development Programme Funds for the Environment in Poland for the Periods 2007–2013 and 2014–2020
by Agnieszka Baer-Nawrocka, Arkadiusz Sadowski and Marek Wigier
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7881; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187881 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1184
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to assess the changes in agricultural producers’ use of funds allocated for environmental measures under the 2007–2013 RDP (Rural Development Program) and 2014–2020 RDP in Poland. The extent to which environmental CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) funds are [...] Read more.
The purpose of this paper is to assess the changes in agricultural producers’ use of funds allocated for environmental measures under the 2007–2013 RDP (Rural Development Program) and 2014–2020 RDP in Poland. The extent to which environmental CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) funds are used was examined on a geographic basis, so as to take account of socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of districts. Correlation analysis and a cartographic method were used. The study found growing differences in how the funds are used between territorial units. The analysis of correlation provided grounds for concluding that a relationship exists between the share of environmental funds used in total RDP payments and environmental conditions, mostly including the share of permanent pasture in the structure of agricultural land (0.515 in 2014–2020). Conversely, no relationship was discovered between the level of wealth and the local agrarian structure (0.249 and 0.327 in 2014–2020). The analysis of differences between territorial units revealed that in some geographic areas that had the potential for being granted environmental funds, the farmers decided not to apply for them. Based on the above, it was concluded that the potential beneficiaries’ activity in that respect is largely impacted not only by their environmental awareness and attitude but also by historical events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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27 pages, 867 KB  
Review
Strengthening AKIS for Sustainable Agricultural Features: Insights and Innovations from the European Union: A Literature Review
by Georgios Kountios, Spyridon Kanakaris, Christina Moulogianni and Thomas Bournaris
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7068; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167068 - 17 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4676
Abstract
The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) and the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) are important elements of the current Programming Period of the Common Agricultural Policy (2023–2027), as it is now deemed necessary to transition the European agricultural model to more sustainable forms, [...] Read more.
The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) and the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) are important elements of the current Programming Period of the Common Agricultural Policy (2023–2027), as it is now deemed necessary to transition the European agricultural model to more sustainable forms, through the dissemination of agricultural knowledge, while simultaneously promoting innovative methods. An Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System must be able to propose and develop ideas for the transmission of agricultural knowledge, promoting innovation and the exchange of ideas. The present study includes a significant number of investigations on the effectiveness of the implementation of the AKIS and the FAS so that the conclusions are representative of the scope of the work. The object in question is now the cornerstone of the modernization of agricultural production and an important way out towards more competitive models of agriculture. The purpose of this paper is to give an extensive overview of the degree of implementation of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems in the countries of the European Union (including the United Kingdom until 2019) from 2014 until today, essentially during the implementation of the second period of Common Agricultural Policy. In the context of this article, the main results of the research carried out in the EU countries during the period under study and the proposed improvements by the researchers, where they are mentioned, are recorded epigrammatically. Finally, the countries are categorized according to the degree of implementation of the AKIS and the contribution of the Agricultural Advisory System to more sustainable forms of agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture Development: Challenges and Oppotunities)
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22 pages, 10448 KB  
Article
Changes in Forest Cover of Municipalities in Poland in 1990–2018
by Dagmara Kociuba, Leszek Gawrysiak and Waldemar Kociuba
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3954; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103954 - 9 May 2024
Viewed by 3319
Abstract
The study is part of the trend of searching for research methods to demonstrate changes in forest cover at the level of basic units of public administration with greater precision and accuracy. The purpose of the article is to present, for the first [...] Read more.
The study is part of the trend of searching for research methods to demonstrate changes in forest cover at the level of basic units of public administration with greater precision and accuracy. The purpose of the article is to present, for the first time, changes in forest cover of municipalities in Poland from 1990 to 2018 using CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data. The contributions of this study are threefold. Firstly, using GIS and CLC data (3.1. Forests), multivariate analyses of forest cover changes were carried out for 2481 municipalities for the CLC data collection years (1990, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018), which showed the temporal and spatial dynamics of changes, with a predominance of deforestation in 1990–2000 and 2012–2018, and afforestation in 2000–2006 and 2006–2012. Secondly, the formal, legal and financial rationale for these changes was indicated. The increase in afforestation was a result of financial incentives under the National Program for Increasing Forest Cover and the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (under Rural Development Programs—RDPs). Deforestation was related to a decrease in the supply of land for afforestation, the competitiveness of subsidies implemented under RDPs, and statutory liberalization of logging. Thirdly, the main discrepancies between the data obtained from CLC and from the public data collected by Statistics Poland (GUS) and the State Forests were indicated, which ranged from −32 kha to +310 kha, corresponding to percentage differences of 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively. This was mainly influenced by the differences in the complexity and updating of data collected for state and private forests, as well as delays in introducing changes to the land register by the public administration. This work contributes significantly to our understanding of the dynamics of forest cover changes in relation to the actual degree of forestation and deforestation, and the determinants of forest transformation in Polish municipalities, as well as demonstrating the new applicability of CLC data and their limitations related mainly to the generalization of forest cover area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Forestry)
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15 pages, 759 KB  
Article
The Tuscany Integrated Supply Chain Projects 2014–2022: A New Path to Support the Agri-Food Industry
by Federica Cisilino, Antonio Giampaolo, Francesco Licciardo, Matteo Orlando and Serena Tarangioli
Land 2023, 12(6), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061230 - 14 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2266
Abstract
The Integrated Supply Chain Projects (ISCP) are promoted under the framework of Rural Development Programs (RDPs). Considering the scarce literature on ISCP, the case of Tuscany, one of the Italian regions that has implemented ISCPs most aggressively, was analyzed. The aim of this [...] Read more.
The Integrated Supply Chain Projects (ISCP) are promoted under the framework of Rural Development Programs (RDPs). Considering the scarce literature on ISCP, the case of Tuscany, one of the Italian regions that has implemented ISCPs most aggressively, was analyzed. The aim of this work is to give evidence of the potential positive effects of ISCPs for the agricultural sector by considering the differences between ISCP beneficiaries (treated) and non-ISCP farms (non-treated). The materials used for the analysis are twofold: the Italian Rural Network database and the Italian Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) dataset. The analysis is based on a three-year period (2018–2020). The sample consists of 1693 farms, outliers excluded. The treated farms included in the FADN sample total 134. The variables used are both structural and economic. The statistical analysis carried out compares treated and non-treated farms using the Welch-t-test. The results show that some key variables are significant (area; labour; revenues and costs). In general, the treated farms are more likely to improve their production process through EU funding and through new investments. In conclusion, the ISCP could be a good opportunity to support the sector. This work suggests that beneficiaries could achieve higher economic performance, especially when carrying out diversified activities. Full article
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23 pages, 4054 KB  
Article
Ecosystem Services Valuation for the Sustainable Land Use Management by Nature-Based Solution (NbS) in the Common Agricultural Policy Actions: A Case Study on the Foglia River Basin (Marche Region, Italy)
by Elisa Morri and Riccardo Santolini
Land 2022, 11(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11010057 - 31 Dec 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5939
Abstract
Agricultural land is a very important ecosystem that provides a range of services like food, maintenance of soil structure, and hydrological services with high ecological value to human wellbeing Ecosystem Services (ESs). Understanding the contribution of different agricultural practices to supply ESs would [...] Read more.
Agricultural land is a very important ecosystem that provides a range of services like food, maintenance of soil structure, and hydrological services with high ecological value to human wellbeing Ecosystem Services (ESs). Understanding the contribution of different agricultural practices to supply ESs would help inform choices about the most beneficial land use management. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are defined by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems, which address societal challenges (e.g., climate change, food and water security, or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits. Some actions farmers can implement in the new Rural Development Programs (RDP 2021–2022 and 2023–2027) can be considered as NbS and could affect the quantity, quality, and time of some ESs related to water regulation and supply, N adsorption and erosion protection. This study aims to evaluate these ESs in different scenarios in the upper Foglia river basin (Italy) and at a local scale (farming), and to highlight the issue to compensate farmers for the production of public goods which benefit the whole society (ESs) by the implementation of RDP’s actions. These scenarios highlight how actions have positive effects on ecosystem services and their economic value related to land use management, on maintaining agricultural practices by integrating Water Frame Directive (2000/60/EC), Directive 2007/60/EC on the management of flood risks and highlighting the potential role of farmers in a high diversity landscape. This study highlights a new way to evaluate the processes of natural capital in the production of public goods, which benefits the whole society (ESs), by emphasizing the economic and environmental role of farmers in producing them and putting on the table data to trigger a PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) mechanism. To facilitate decision making, robust decision support tools are needed, underpinned by comprehensive cost-benefit analyses and spatially modeling in which agriculture can be a strategic sector to optimize food production and environmental protection in harmony with the Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision)
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17 pages, 5293 KB  
Article
Rural Landscape Changes in the Piedmont Region (Italy). A Method for the Interpretation of Possible Effects of CAP
by Enrico Gottero
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13062; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313062 - 25 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2676
Abstract
As a result of various regulatory reforms, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has gradually achieved value and environmental awareness. However, the most recent studies carried out in the fields of environmental assessment and spatial planning seem to indicate that agricultural policies have not [...] Read more.
As a result of various regulatory reforms, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has gradually achieved value and environmental awareness. However, the most recent studies carried out in the fields of environmental assessment and spatial planning seem to indicate that agricultural policies have not been very effective in achieving landscape aims. Understanding how the CAP affects the landscape can help us to improve its effectiveness and foster a more efficient territorial and targeted approach. This paper aims to show a replicable method for evaluating rural landscape changes and understanding the possible role of CAP as one of the main driving forces. The analysis was conducted in the Piedmont Region (Italy) at the supra-local and local scales by observing land use changes and landscape changes. The main results show that the CAP seems quite effective in maintaining the territorial presence on rural landscapes and in preventing the spread of forests. However, it seems less effective in limiting urban and peri-urban sprawl. The research also shows that in areas with high CAP support, factors that produce negative effects on landscape have increased. In conclusion, the author shows a possible way for the CAP to achieve the landscape purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Landscape: Study, Planning, and Design)
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13 pages, 1434 KB  
Article
Assessing the Impacts of Rural Development Plan Measures on the Sustainability of Agricultural Holdings Using a PMP Model
by Christina Moulogianni and Thomas Bournaris
Land 2021, 10(5), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10050446 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3374
Abstract
Rural Development Plan (RDP) measures support farmers in improving the sustainability of their agricultural holdings. The implementation of these policies has economic, social, and environmental impacts, which are monitored either ex-ante, ongoing, or ex-post, as required from the European Commission impact assessment guidelines. [...] Read more.
Rural Development Plan (RDP) measures support farmers in improving the sustainability of their agricultural holdings. The implementation of these policies has economic, social, and environmental impacts, which are monitored either ex-ante, ongoing, or ex-post, as required from the European Commission impact assessment guidelines. In this frame, this paper aims to assess the impacts of RDP measures on the sustainability of agricultural holdings. For this reason, a positive mathematical programming (PMP) model was developed and implemented in combination with a set of economic, social, and environmental indicators. The model was used to assess the ex-post impacts of the measure titled ‘Modernization of agricultural holdings’ of the Greek RDP 2007–2013. This research was conducted on a sample of 219 agricultural holdings in a region of northern Greece. The impacts were measured through the changes of the crop plan in the agricultural land. The results show that the measure has positive economic impacts, negative social impacts, and negative impacts on most of the environmental indicators. The results also underline the significant role of the impact assessment process in supporting policymakers in understanding the impacts of their policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Support Tools for Land Management)
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26 pages, 3251 KB  
Article
The Impact of RDP Measures on the Diversification of Agriculture and Rural Development—Seeking Additional Livelihoods: The Case of Poland
by Mirosław Biczkowski, Aleksandra Jezierska-Thöle and Roman Rudnicki
Agriculture 2021, 11(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11030253 - 17 Mar 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5872
Abstract
The paper’s main aim is to assess the measures implemented within the Rural Development Program (RDP) 2007–2013 in Poland. This programme is dedicated to the diversification of business activities in rural areas and rural livelihood and, thus, the improvement of the multifunctionality of [...] Read more.
The paper’s main aim is to assess the measures implemented within the Rural Development Program (RDP) 2007–2013 in Poland. This programme is dedicated to the diversification of business activities in rural areas and rural livelihood and, thus, the improvement of the multifunctionality of rural areas. The analysis covered two measures from Axis 3, Improvement of the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of rural economy: M311, diversification into non-agricultural activities; and M312, Establishment and development of micro-enterprise. The study and the discussion are presented from a geographical perspective and, in a broader context, take into account several conditions (natural, urban, agricultural and historical) and the spatial diversity of the allocation of European Union (EU) funds. Models of a policy of multifunctional rural development, implemented after accession to the EU, are presented. The research’s spatial scope covers Poland’s territory on two spatial scales: the system of regions (16 NUTS2 units) and poviats (314 LAU level 1 units). The analysis covers all the projects implemented in Poland under the two measures of Axis 3 of the RDP 2007–2013. A set of conditions was prepared for all LAU1 units, forming the background for assessing the impact of the EU funds on the development of non-agricultural activities. To determine the relationship between the RDP measures and the selected groups of conditions, a synthetic index and a correlation index are used. They are also used to determine the mutual relations between the two analyzed activities in terms of the spatial scales used. Access to the EU funds (RDP) has considerably enlarged the opportunities for accelerating agricultural modernisation and restructuration towards multifunctional development, as well as the opportunities for implementing new development and work methods in the countryside in Poland. The attractiveness of the two studied RDP measures varied across regions. The beneficiaries’ activity depended on the local potential (resources), culture and tradition of the region, and size and potential of the farm. In the areas where agriculture is deeply rooted, beneficiaries were more willing to engage in ventures tapping into the resources available in their farms. Thus, they create additional livelihood of income and workplaces for household members. In turn, the beneficiaries from the areas where farms are smaller and economically weaker often undertake activities related to setting up a new business (outside farming). Full article
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19 pages, 3023 KB  
Article
The Agri-Environment-Climate Measure as an Element of the Bioeconomy in Poland—A Spatial Study
by Aleksandra Jezierska-Thöle, Roman Rudnicki, Łukasz Wiśniewski, Marta Gwiaździńska-Goraj and Mirosław Biczkowski
Agriculture 2021, 11(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11020110 - 1 Feb 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3882
Abstract
The Polish agricultural economy has a chance to dynamically develop and influence the innovation policy in the EU model of bioeconomy. The research aims to assess the spatial diversification of the level and structure of spending funds for two Rural Development Program (RDP) [...] Read more.
The Polish agricultural economy has a chance to dynamically develop and influence the innovation policy in the EU model of bioeconomy. The research aims to assess the spatial diversification of the level and structure of spending funds for two Rural Development Program (RDP) measures: agri-environment-climate measures (AECM) and organic farming scheme (OFS) aimed at supporting proenvironmental forms of agricultural management in the context of bioeconomy development. The EU financial perspective determined the time range for 2014–2020. The study was conducted on the example of Poland in two spatial scales: regional (province) and local (community). The analysis was based on partial indicators, which were then subjected to the standardisation procedure and included in the total as a synthetic indicator of the utilisation of RDP 2014–2020 funds aimed at supporting proenvironmental forms of farming. The following information was included in the evaluation: the number of farms, the size of utilised agricultural area (UAA) covered by support and the amounts of payments made under the two analysed RDP measures. In the research, the size and distribution of farms benefiting from AECM and OFS were determined. Besides, the relationship between funds absorption and socioeconomic development, as well as natural and non-natural conditions, were identified. The synthetic indicator of AECM/OFS usage showed a strong spatial differentiation, determined by the impact of several conditions: the level of socioeconomic development, the level of agriculture development, natural conditions of agriculture, land with significant natural and ecological values, and proenvironmental forms of land use on farms. Spatial diversification is more often the result of the impact of proenvironmental or natural-ecological factors than of socioeconomic conditions, or the level of agricultural development. Full article
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16 pages, 1330 KB  
Article
Results of Implementing Less-Favoured Area Subsidies in the 2014–2020 Time Frame: Are the Measures of Environmental Concern Complementary?
by Jana Poláková and Josef Soukup
Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10534; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410534 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
This article collated and interpreted data on land-based measures and capital investments support in Central Europe. Data collection is essential, due to more EU funds being distributed after 2020. Most evaluations focus on outcomes of agri-environmental measures within the most populous Member States. [...] Read more.
This article collated and interpreted data on land-based measures and capital investments support in Central Europe. Data collection is essential, due to more EU funds being distributed after 2020. Most evaluations focus on outcomes of agri-environmental measures within the most populous Member States. Unlike previous work, empirical data was hereby assessed on the public support of three measures of environmental concern to farmers (less favored area measure, capital investments, and agri-environmental measures). The study examined whether public goods are complementary. A prevailing focus was on spending for the farms in less favored areas, now renamed Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC). Cluster analysis was employed for seven countries out of 105 rural development programs (RDPs). The Countries include Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The average share of the wider ANC measures was 0.31 of the total public funds. Within Central Europe, Hungary sets aside the smallest share (0.17), whereas the Czech Republic and Austria introduced a slightly larger share (0.51). All RDPs identified Capital Investments in physical assets as one of the significant measures. The study found that public goods for biodiversity and landscapes were entailed in the ANC measures, although the extent of measure complementarity across all regions will require further investigation. Finally, unresolved questions about expenditure are highlighted. Full article
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19 pages, 684 KB  
Article
Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture: Case Study of Lis Valley Irrigation District, Portugal
by Maria de Fátima Oliveira, Francisco Gomes da Silva, Susana Ferreira, Margarida Teixeira, Henrique Damásio, António Dinis Ferreira and José Manuel Gonçalves
Sustainability 2019, 11(2), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020331 - 10 Jan 2019
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 13200
Abstract
The innovation of agricultural systems management is a determinant factor that guarantees adaptation to a new paradigm of global economy, environmental protection, and social requirements. The conventional concepts of innovation, applicable to new products and processes, do not consider many characteristics of the [...] Read more.
The innovation of agricultural systems management is a determinant factor that guarantees adaptation to a new paradigm of global economy, environmental protection, and social requirements. The conventional concepts of innovation, applicable to new products and processes, do not consider many characteristics of the agricultural sector, such as social innovation and innovation resulting from new or renewed processes. Nevertheless, the overall impact of innovation on yields, competitiveness, and value can be hampered by the limited understanding or misinterpretation of Agriculture Innovation paradigms. For instance, the Rural Development Program (RDP) applies a restrict concept of innovation, being unable to embrace the full range of activities intended to implement new practices within the framework of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). Stimulating innovation in agriculture demands a change in policy innovation of RDP in order to preserve natural resources and combine agricultural priorities and the rural environment with the concepts of innovation. This paper focuses on the different views of the concept of innovation within the Program of Operational Groups (OGs) of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI), analyzing the Portuguese case study of the Lis Valley Irrigation District whose main innovation objective was to achieve and implement new processes of water management aiming at the conservation of natural resources as well as sustainable social and economic agricultural development. The Portuguese experience highlights why the application of innovation in agriculture may not reach the desirable outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Ecosystem Services via Sustainable Agro-Food Chains)
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22 pages, 8448 KB  
Article
BiodiverSO: A Case Study of Integrated Project to Preserve the Biodiversity of Vegetable Crops in Puglia (Southern Italy)
by Massimiliano Renna, Francesco F. Montesano, Angelo Signore, Maria Gonnella and Pietro Santamaria
Agriculture 2018, 8(8), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8080128 - 18 Aug 2018
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8772
Abstract
Puglia region is particularly rich in agro-biodiversity, representing an example of how local vegetables varieties can still strongly interact with modern horticulture. Unfortunately, the genetic diversity of vegetable crops in this region has been eroded, due to several factors such as abandonment of [...] Read more.
Puglia region is particularly rich in agro-biodiversity, representing an example of how local vegetables varieties can still strongly interact with modern horticulture. Unfortunately, the genetic diversity of vegetable crops in this region has been eroded, due to several factors such as abandonment of rural areas, ageing of the farming population, and failure to pass information down the generations. This article summarizes the objectives, methodological approach and results of the project “Biodiversity of the Puglia’s vegetable crops (BiodiverSO)”, an integrated project funded by Puglia Region Administration under the 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 Rural Development Program (RDP). Results were reported for each of the eight activities of the project. Moreover, the Polignano carrot (a local variety of Daucus carota L.) was described as a case study, since several tasks have been performed within all eight project activities with the aim of verifying the effectiveness of these actions in terms of safeguarding for this genetic resource strongly linked with local traditions. BiodiverSO is an example of protection and recovery of vegetables at risk of genetic erosion that could help to identify and valorize much of the Puglia’s plant germplasm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity of Vegetable Crops, A Living Heritage)
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