Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(8):493-512 | DOI: 10.17221/270/2025-AGRICECON

Cognition, adoption intensity, and environmental efficiency of the planting and breeding circular model: Evidence from Northeast ChinaOriginal Paper

Zhe Zhao1, You Xu1, Yi Zhang2
1 School of Economics, Liaoning University, Shenyang, P.R. China
2 School of Economics, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China

Based on 1 051 survey observations from 83 villages in Northeast China and the conceptual framework of 'model cognition – whether to adopt – adoption intensity – adoption benefits', this study empirically analyses how farmers' cognition of the circular model of planting and breeding (CMPB) affects adoption decisions and adoption intensity, as well as the impact of adopting the CMPB on environmental efficiency. The results indicate that perceived economic benefits and perceived ease of use significantly increase farmers' adoption intensity. Moreover, adopting the CMPB has a significant positive effect on environmental efficiency; higher adoption intensity is associated with greater improvements in environmental efficiency. Additionally, internal circulation achieves higher environmental efficiency than external circulation. Therefore, the smallholder-based CMPB deserves greater attention. On this basis, the study suggests that farmers' adoption of the CMPB is driven by its perceived ease of use and economic benefits. At the same time, promoting and applying the CMPB in rural areas aligns with the macro-level policy objective of green agricultural development.

Keywords: combination of planting and breeding; economic benefits; environmental benefits; perceived ease of use

Received: June 25, 2025; Revised: March 16, 2026; Accepted: March 23, 2026; Published: August 28, 2026  Show citation

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Zhao Z, Xu Y, Zhang Y. Cognition, adoption intensity, and environmental efficiency of the planting and breeding circular model: Evidence from Northeast China. Agricultural Economics. 2026;72(8):493-512. doi: 10.17221/270/2025-AGRICECON.
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