Suchergebnisse

The dissertation investigates issues related with the assessment of impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector in absence of theoretical foundation for addressing the practical problem of matching between private economic and public policy interests. The aim of the research is to create and approve the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector. The area of application of the prepared methodology and the developed model is simulations of agricultural policy. The prepared model may also be used as a practical and methodical tool. The dissertation addresses the following key objectives: having analysed the scientific literature, to pursue the most appropriate methods for the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures, to create the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental, based on neoclassical theories of microeconomics and economy of ecosystems mathematical programming model, and validate it empirically under the conditions of Lithuania, to carry out sensitivity analysis by using different scenarios, to prepare recommendations for the improvement of agri-environmental measures aimed at contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Lithuania. The dissertation consists of the introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, references and the list of scientific publications on the topic of the dissertation. The introduction presents the problem, relevance of the topic, describes the object, formulates the aim and objectives of the re-search, describes the research methodology, highlights the scientific novelty, practical value, significance of the results and statements to be defended. Scientific publications of the author and presentations at conferences on the topic of the dissertation, and the structure of the thesis are presented at the end of the introduction. The first chapter reveals the matter of agri-environmental measures, theoretical assumptions of their introduction, historical and political developments in the European Union and Lithuania, discussing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, and impact assessment methods. The second chapter offers the methodology of impact assessment of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, highlights problems, evaluates the effectiveness of compensatory payments and the benefit for the public interest. Describes the developed mathematical programming model, presents its structure, modeling assumptions, verification and modeled scenarios. The third chapter presents the analysis and evaluation of the modeled scenarios. The author has published one scientific study and three scientific articles on the topic of the dissertation, made three presentations at scientific conferences in Lithuania and one presentation abroad.

The dissertation investigates issues related with the assessment of impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector in absence of theoretical foundation for addressing the practical problem of matching between private economic and public policy interests. The aim of the research is to create and approve the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector. The area of application of the prepared methodology and the developed model is simulations of agricultural policy. The prepared model may also be used as a practical and methodical tool. The dissertation addresses the following key objectives: having analysed the scientific literature, to pursue the most appropriate methods for the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures, to create the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental, based on neoclassical theories of microeconomics and economy of ecosystems mathematical programming model, and validate it empirically under the conditions of Lithuania, to carry out sensitivity analysis by using different scenarios, to prepare recommendations for the improvement of agri-environmental measures aimed at contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Lithuania. The dissertation consists of the introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, references and the list of scientific publications on the topic of the dissertation. The introduction presents the problem, relevance of the topic, describes the object, formulates the aim and objectives of the re-search, describes the research methodology, highlights the scientific novelty, practical value, significance of the results and statements to be defended. Scientific publications of the author and presentations at conferences on the topic of the dissertation, and the structure of the thesis are presented at the end of the introduction. The first chapter reveals the matter of agri-environmental measures, theoretical assumptions of their introduction, historical and political developments in the European Union and Lithuania, discussing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, and impact assessment methods. The second chapter offers the methodology of impact assessment of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, highlights problems, evaluates the effectiveness of compensatory payments and the benefit for the public interest. Describes the developed mathematical programming model, presents its structure, modeling assumptions, verification and modeled scenarios. The third chapter presents the analysis and evaluation of the modeled scenarios. The author has published one scientific study and three scientific articles on the topic of the dissertation, made three presentations at scientific conferences in Lithuania and one presentation abroad.

The dissertation investigates issues related with the assessment of impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector in absence of theoretical foundation for addressing the practical problem of matching between private economic and public policy interests. The aim of the research is to create and approve the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector. The area of application of the prepared methodology and the developed model is simulations of agricultural policy. The prepared model may also be used as a practical and methodical tool. The dissertation addresses the following key objectives: having analysed the scientific literature, to pursue the most appropriate methods for the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures, to create the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental, based on neoclassical theories of microeconomics and economy of ecosystems mathematical programming model, and validate it empirically under the conditions of Lithuania, to carry out sensitivity analysis by using different scenarios, to prepare recommendations for the improvement of agri-environmental measures aimed at contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Lithuania. The dissertation consists of the introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, references and the list of scientific publications on the topic of the dissertation. The introduction presents the problem, relevance of the topic, describes the object, formulates the aim and objectives of the re-search, describes the research methodology, highlights the scientific novelty, practical value, significance of the results and statements to be defended. Scientific publications of the author and presentations at conferences on the topic of the dissertation, and the structure of the thesis are presented at the end of the introduction. The first chapter reveals the matter of agri-environmental measures, theoretical assumptions of their introduction, historical and political developments in the European Union and Lithuania, discussing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, and impact assessment methods. The second chapter offers the methodology of impact assessment of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, highlights problems, evaluates the effectiveness of compensatory payments and the benefit for the public interest. Describes the developed mathematical programming model, presents its structure, modeling assumptions, verification and modeled scenarios. The third chapter presents the analysis and evaluation of the modeled scenarios. The author has published one scientific study and three scientific articles on the topic of the dissertation, made three presentations at scientific conferences in Lithuania and one presentation abroad.

The dissertation investigates issues related with the assessment of impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector in absence of theoretical foundation for addressing the practical problem of matching between private economic and public policy interests. The aim of the research is to create and approve the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector. The area of application of the prepared methodology and the developed model is simulations of agricultural policy. The prepared model may also be used as a practical and methodical tool. The dissertation addresses the following key objectives: having analysed the scientific literature, to pursue the most appropriate methods for the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental measures, to create the methodology for assessing the impact of agri-environmental, based on neoclassical theories of microeconomics and economy of ecosystems mathematical programming model, and validate it empirically under the conditions of Lithuania, to carry out sensitivity analysis by using different scenarios, to prepare recommendations for the improvement of agri-environmental measures aimed at contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Lithuania. The dissertation consists of the introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, references and the list of scientific publications on the topic of the dissertation. The introduction presents the problem, relevance of the topic, describes the object, formulates the aim and objectives of the re-search, describes the research methodology, highlights the scientific novelty, practical value, significance of the results and statements to be defended. Scientific publications of the author and presentations at conferences on the topic of the dissertation, and the structure of the thesis are presented at the end of the introduction. The first chapter reveals the matter of agri-environmental measures, theoretical assumptions of their introduction, historical and political developments in the European Union and Lithuania, discussing the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, and impact assessment methods. The second chapter offers the methodology of impact assessment of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector, highlights problems, evaluates the effectiveness of compensatory payments and the benefit for the public interest. Describes the developed mathematical programming model, presents its structure, modeling assumptions, verification and modeled scenarios. The third chapter presents the analysis and evaluation of the modeled scenarios. The author has published one scientific study and three scientific articles on the topic of the dissertation, made three presentations at scientific conferences in Lithuania and one presentation abroad.

Sustainable farming and usage of natural resources is vital for food security and quality of life of current and future generations. A positive effect of agri-environmental measures on the environment is obvious, consequently their development is planned in the future. The research is relevant, because EU Member States are obliged to monitor and assess environmental and socio-economic impacts of the agri-environmental measures implemented. The currently used Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework is criticized by the scientists, while it does not include relevant indicators for the implementation of agri-environmental measures evaluation and, insufficiently disclose the impact of those measures. This leads to the problem of the lack of methodology, enabling quantitatively assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Topicality of the research is also confirmed by the relatively high and constantly increasing financial resources, allocated for their implementation. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. The study presents the essence of agri-environmental measures, historical and political retrospective, and the impact ssessmentof those measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Results. In order to contribute to the scientific debates on the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector and support policy decisions, the impact assessment methodology, based on qualitative and quantitative methods, and enabling a comprehensive impact assessment of all agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector, was prepared. It also may provide agri-environmental policy priorities that allocated funds are not fragmented and inefficient. The key element of the developed methodology is linear mathematical programming model, by which the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector was quantitatively assessed, as well as relevant scenario analysis was carried out. The results provide policy makers with objective, scientifically based knowledge on the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. In addition, it helps to perceive how the realization of agri-environmental objectives of the CAP indirectly affects the economic behaviour of farmers. The prepared mathematical programming model of the quantitative assessment can be used in the academic community as a methodical training subject. The impact of compensatory payments to the willingness of participation in the agri-environmental measures is also estimated. The proposals for the agricultural policy within the field of agri-environment improvement are provided.

Sustainable farming and usage of natural resources is vital for food security and quality of life of current and future generations. A positive effect of agri-environmental measures on the environment is obvious, consequently their development is planned in the future. The research is relevant, because EU Member States are obliged to monitor and assess environmental and socio-economic impacts of the agri-environmental measures implemented. The currently used Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework is criticized by the scientists, while it does not include relevant indicators for the implementation of agri-environmental measures evaluation and, insufficiently disclose the impact of those measures. This leads to the problem of the lack of methodology, enabling quantitatively assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Topicality of the research is also confirmed by the relatively high and constantly increasing financial resources, allocated for their implementation. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. The study presents the essence of agri-environmental measures, historical and political retrospective, and the impact ssessmentof those measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Results. In order to contribute to the scientific debates on the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector and support policy decisions, the impact assessment methodology, based on qualitative and quantitative methods, and enabling a comprehensive impact assessment of all agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector, was prepared. It also may provide agri-environmental policy priorities that allocated funds are not fragmented and inefficient. The key element of the developed methodology is linear mathematical programming model, by which the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector was quantitatively assessed, as well as relevant scenario analysis was carried out. The results provide policy makers with objective, scientifically based knowledge on the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. In addition, it helps to perceive how the realization of agri-environmental objectives of the CAP indirectly affects the economic behaviour of farmers. The prepared mathematical programming model of the quantitative assessment can be used in the academic community as a methodical training subject. The impact of compensatory payments to the willingness of participation in the agri-environmental measures is also estimated. The proposals for the agricultural policy within the field of agri-environment improvement are provided.

Sustainable farming and usage of natural resources is vital for food security and quality of life of current and future generations. A positive effect of agri-environmental measures on the environment is obvious, consequently their development is planned in the future. The research is relevant, because EU Member States are obliged to monitor and assess environmental and socio-economic impacts of the agri-environmental measures implemented. The currently used Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework is criticized by the scientists, while it does not include relevant indicators for the implementation of agri-environmental measures evaluation and, insufficiently disclose the impact of those measures. This leads to the problem of the lack of methodology, enabling quantitatively assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Topicality of the research is also confirmed by the relatively high and constantly increasing financial resources, allocated for their implementation. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. The study presents the essence of agri-environmental measures, historical and political retrospective, and the impact ssessmentof those measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Results. In order to contribute to the scientific debates on the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector and support policy decisions, the impact assessment methodology, based on qualitative and quantitative methods, and enabling a comprehensive impact assessment of all agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector, was prepared. It also may provide agri-environmental policy priorities that allocated funds are not fragmented and inefficient. The key element of the developed methodology is linear mathematical programming model, by which the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector was quantitatively assessed, as well as relevant scenario analysis was carried out. The results provide policy makers with objective, scientifically based knowledge on the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. In addition, it helps to perceive how the realization of agri-environmental objectives of the CAP indirectly affects the economic behaviour of farmers. The prepared mathematical programming model of the quantitative assessment can be used in the academic community as a methodical training subject. The impact of compensatory payments to the willingness of participation in the agri-environmental measures is also estimated. The proposals for the agricultural policy within the field of agri-environment improvement are provided.

Sustainable farming and usage of natural resources is vital for food security and quality of life of current and future generations. A positive effect of agri-environmental measures on the environment is obvious, consequently their development is planned in the future. The research is relevant, because EU Member States are obliged to monitor and assess environmental and socio-economic impacts of the agri-environmental measures implemented. The currently used Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework is criticized by the scientists, while it does not include relevant indicators for the implementation of agri-environmental measures evaluation and, insufficiently disclose the impact of those measures. This leads to the problem of the lack of methodology, enabling quantitatively assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Topicality of the research is also confirmed by the relatively high and constantly increasing financial resources, allocated for their implementation. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. The study presents the essence of agri-environmental measures, historical and political retrospective, and the impact ssessmentof those measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector. Results. In order to contribute to the scientific debates on the impact of agri-environmental measures on agricultural sector and support policy decisions, the impact assessment methodology, based on qualitative and quantitative methods, and enabling a comprehensive impact assessment of all agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector, was prepared. It also may provide agri-environmental policy priorities that allocated funds are not fragmented and inefficient. The key element of the developed methodology is linear mathematical programming model, by which the impact of agri-environmental measures on the technical, economic and social indicators in agricultural sector was quantitatively assessed, as well as relevant scenario analysis was carried out. The results provide policy makers with objective, scientifically based knowledge on the impact of agri-environmental measures on Lithuanian agricultural sector. In addition, it helps to perceive how the realization of agri-environmental objectives of the CAP indirectly affects the economic behaviour of farmers. The prepared mathematical programming model of the quantitative assessment can be used in the academic community as a methodical training subject. The impact of compensatory payments to the willingness of participation in the agri-environmental measures is also estimated. The proposals for the agricultural policy within the field of agri-environment improvement are provided.

A new United Nations sustainable development Agenda underlines the relevance of Organic farming development. In the same line the Government of the Republic of Lithuania seeks to create economically efficient and competitive agriculture, based on low environmental impact farming, to develop organic farming and high quality certified agricultural and food production, conserve natural resources. Transition to the sustainable agricultural development faces the main difficulty, which is formulated as a scientific problem: how to reconcile the economic and political interests? This research is carried out by the purpose to offer alternative possibilities for organic farming development. The research was carried out using mathematical programming model and scenario analysis. Model is formulated as a linear mathematical programming optimization model, consisting of objective function, constraints, expressed as inequalities and fulfilling non-negative values conditions. The model includes existing and results provide the maximum gross value added ensuring crop production structure, taking in to account farming practices applied in Lithuania: conventional, organic, organic in conversion and integrated. The analysis of three scenarios has shown that the majority of compensatory payments and prices of organic production (2013) are insufficient to increase organic crop area to the extent of 10 percent of total agricultural land in Lithuania by 2020: only by one third (31 percent) higher organic production prices, lead to reached 10.5 percent of organic crop area from the total agricultural land. The research results provide scientifically based knowledge to the policy makers about the impact of the policy measure "Organic farming" on the development of organic farming.

A new United Nations sustainable development Agenda underlines the relevance of Organic farming development. In the same line the Government of the Republic of Lithuania seeks to create economically efficient and competitive agriculture, based on low environmental impact farming, to develop organic farming and high quality certified agricultural and food production, conserve natural resources. Transition to the sustainable agricultural development faces the main difficulty, which is formulated as a scientific problem: how to reconcile the economic and political interests? This research is carried out by the purpose to offer alternative possibilities for organic farming development. The research was carried out using mathematical programming model and scenario analysis. Model is formulated as a linear mathematical programming optimization model, consisting of objective function, constraints, expressed as inequalities and fulfilling non-negative values conditions. The model includes existing and results provide the maximum gross value added ensuring crop production structure, taking in to account farming practices applied in Lithuania: conventional, organic, organic in conversion and integrated. The analysis of three scenarios has shown that the majority of compensatory payments and prices of organic production (2013) are insufficient to increase organic crop area to the extent of 10 percent of total agricultural land in Lithuania by 2020: only by one third (31 percent) higher organic production prices, lead to reached 10.5 percent of organic crop area from the total agricultural land. The research results provide scientifically based knowledge to the policy makers about the impact of the policy measure "Organic farming" on the development of organic farming.

The article is aimed at revealing the factors, which influence the retail food prices the most. Not only the main 10 factors influencing retail food prices have been distinguished, but also governments' capacities to influence food prices have been researched. It has been found that although government can directly influence three (retailer's concentration level, purchasing power of consumers, state support for growing particular food products) and can partially influence two (production costs and tax burden) of the ten most important factors, influencing retail food prices, its influence on retail prices is quite considerable, as the free market principles are still prevailing in food prices. Therefore, governments' intentions to make food more affordable to its citizens have only limited potential for success.

The article is aimed at revealing the factors, which influence the retail food prices the most. Not only the main 10 factors influencing retail food prices have been distinguished, but also governments' capacities to influence food prices have been researched. It has been found that although government can directly influence three (retailer's concentration level, purchasing power of consumers, state support for growing particular food products) and can partially influence two (production costs and tax burden) of the ten most important factors, influencing retail food prices, its influence on retail prices is quite considerable, as the free market principles are still prevailing in food prices. Therefore, governments' intentions to make food more affordable to its citizens have only limited potential for success.

This paper presents a methodology for flood risk mapping as envisaged by the Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risks [European Parliament 2007]. Specifically, we aimed at identifying the types of flood damage that can be estimated given data availability in Lithuania. Furthermore, we present the main sources of data for and the associated cost functions. The methodology covers the following main types of flood damage: risk to inhabitants, risk to economic activity, and social risk. A multi-criteria framework for aggregation of different risks is proposed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of flood risk. On the basis of the proposed research, flood risk maps have been prepared for Lithuania. These maps are available for each type of flood risk (i. e. inhabitants, economic losses, social risk) as well as for aggregate risk. The results indicate that flood risk management is crucial for western and central Lithuania, whereas other parts of the country are not likely to suffer from significant losses due to flooding.

This paper presents a methodology for flood risk mapping as envisaged by the Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risks [European Parliament 2007]. Specifically, we aimed at identifying the types of flood damage that can be estimated given data availability in Lithuania. Furthermore, we present the main sources of data for and the associated cost functions. The methodology covers the following main types of flood damage: risk to inhabitants, risk to economic activity, and social risk. A multi-criteria framework for aggregation of different risks is proposed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of flood risk. On the basis of the proposed research, flood risk maps have been prepared for Lithuania. These maps are available for each type of flood risk (i. e. inhabitants, economic losses, social risk) as well as for aggregate risk. The results indicate that flood risk management is crucial for western and central Lithuania, whereas other parts of the country are not likely to suffer from significant losses due to flooding.