Suchergebnisse

In this paper, we proposed a new approach to the sustainable intensification (SI) process in agriculture in the EU Member States. In contrast to previous studies, we measured SI on a sectoral level and emphasised its dynamic rather than static nature. On the basis of Eurostat data of 27 EU countries in the period of 2005–2018, we used the Malmquist–Luenberger index to evaluate improvement in environmentally and socially adjusted total factor productivity (TFP). In 42% of cases in our sample, we observed the SI process defined as TFP increase. Subsequently, we tested the impact of structural changes on the SI process. On the basis of the panel logit model, we conclude that, in the European Model of Agriculture, where basic environmental and social issues regarding agriculture are regulated, in order to become aligned with sustainable intensification, agricultural production should become concentrated in larger farms with less labour-intense production—units capable of investments in innovative, green technologies.

Prior studies on the relationships between economic, environmental, and social dimensions of activity on agricultural holdings has yielded inconclusive results. This study examines the interactions between these spheres, with the aim of determining what the relationships between them might be. The study was based on the results of surveys of 120 farms in the Wielkopolska region of Poland, using structural equation modeling. The results showed significant and positive relationships between the economic, social, and environmental dimensions that could create synergies between them. The strongest positive relationships existed between the economic and environmental dimensions. Thus, economic and environmental development can be stimulated simultaneously. Analyzed farms from the Wielkopolska region positively discount the existing support system in the EU to the complementarity between environmental and economic governance. Our research indicates the need for the EU to implement a strategy adjusted to the individual region's peculiarities in terms of environmental and social policies in rural areas. First published online 04 March 2022

Despite remaining the most important type of animal production, pig production in Poland and Hungary declined after their accession to the European Union (EU) in 2004. This paper investigated the evolution of the technical efficiency of the pork industry in both countries. We applied stochastic frontier analysis, which takes into account heterogeneity in the production environment and production functions in both countries—true random effects, and a metafrontier model. We employed farm-level data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network sample during the period 2004–2015. Results illustrate the differences in production function in both countries and technological decline throughout the period of analysis. Furthermore, farms in Hungary were more technologically developed as well as less efficient in relation to the country frontier ; however, the higher technological level resulted in generally greater efficiency in relation to the metafrontier. Our results suggest that different policy measures would be effective in the countries under analysis.