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Can sustainable practices optimise fertiliser use and economic efficiency? A micro-panel analysisOriginal Paper

Faruque As Sunny, Juping Lan, Mohammad Ariful Islam

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(1):1-18 | DOI: 10.17221/473/2024-AGRICECON

The intensification of agricultural practices in Bangladesh has caused significant environmental challenges. This has also undermined farmers' economic sustainability, mainly due to the excessive use of subsidised chemical fertilisers. To address these issues and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bangladesh has prioritised the adoption of sustainable farming practices, including the recommended fertiliser application (RFA). However, whether the adoption of RFA ensures economic sustainability remains uncertain. This study evaluates how the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute's (BRRI) proposed RFA affects fertiliser use and cost-efficiency. Drawing on five years (2017–2021) of panel data from 2 025 households across three acidic soil regions in Dinajpur, the findings reveal that RFA adoption reduces fertiliser use by 12% while improving cost efficiency by 4.9–5.1%. These results highlight the potential of RFA to mitigate environmental degradation while enhancing economic outcomes, thereby supporting the SDG agenda. In light of these benefits, the study offers key insights for policymakers and development practitioners, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to accelerate RFA adoption and promote sustainable agriculture.

Bridging credit gaps for sustainable agriculture: The role of rural savings and credit cooperatives among smallholder farmersOriginal Paper

Gershom Endelani Mwalupaso, Shangao Wang, Xianhui Geng, Shadrack Kipkogei

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(5):254-272 | DOI: 10.17221/436/2024-AGRICECON

Despite the recognised benefits of climate smart agriculture (CSA) in enhancing farmers' adaptive capacity to climate risks, adoption rates remain low in Sub-Saharan Africa. This disparity can be attributed, in part, to the significant challenges smallholder farmers face in accessing credit from the formal financial sector. In response, Rural Saving and Credit Cooperatives (RUSACCOs) have emerged as crucial sources of funding for both household expenses and agricultural activities. However, despite their increasing importance in improving financial inclusion, little is known about whether participation in RUSACCOs can help alleviate existing credit constraints and promote the adoption of CSA among smallholder farmers. To address this knowledge gap, we employ a recursive bivariate probit (RBP) and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis using data from 400 randomly selected smallholder farmers in Zambia. The analysis controls for three main sources of endogeneity: program placement, endogenous covariates, and self-selection. Our findings indicate that participation in RUSACCOs has the potential to mitigate farmers' credit constraints by 42% and facilitate CSA adoption by 25%. Notably, the alleviation of existing credit constraints is associated with a 14% increase in CSA adoption. These results underscore the previously overlooked role of RUSACCOs in promoting agricultural sustainability. By effectively addressing financial inclusion barriers and providing access to practical agricultural knowledge, RUSACCOs can contribute to reducing the vulnerability of agriculture while fostering sustainable production. Our study suggests that repurposing RUSACCOs to emphasise financial inclusion and promote access to agricultural learning platforms can yield triple benefits: agricultural, environmental, and livelihood sustainability.

Shared knowledge and competitive advantages for economic diversification through olive oil tourismOriginal Paper

Edianny Carballo-Cruz, José Domingo Sánchez-Martínez

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(2):69-83 | DOI: 10.17221/344/2024-AGRICECON

The economic diversification of rural territories specialised in olive growing is key to the sustainability and resilience of these communities. In this context, olive oil tourism is presented as an innovative strategy to add value to the olive sector, attract visitors and promote public–private synergies. This study aims to determine the competitive advantages of olive oil tourism in the province of Jaén, Spain, using strategic analysis tools that align tourism resources with effective management strategies. Hence, in addition to a questionnaire completed by experts and a specialised literature review, we used the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) matrix, adapted to territorial analysis focused on tourism. This methodology correlates the territorial resources of olive oil tourism (TRs, the ‚what') with management specifications (MSs, the ‚how'). The analysis determines the relative importance of the TRs, the objective values and the technical importance of the MSs, and the direction of improvement. Furthermore, it includes an evaluation of competitiveness and estimates the technical-competitive positioning index. Nine TRs and eight MSs were identified and correlated, and Jaén's performance was compared to that of six other Spanish olive-growing provinces. Nine competitive advantages were identified, linked to five TRs (olive grove heritage landscape, tasting areas, exhibition centres, olive oil mills and greenways) and four MSs (olive mills, environmental education, diversification of supply and heritage promotion and innovation). This work proposes a useful tool to align resources and management, improve decision-making and move towards a more strategic governance in the olive oil tourism sector.

Agrarian change through sustainable agri-tech adoption in a challenging rice farming region: A panel data analysisOriginal Paper

Faruque As Sunny, Juping Lan, Mohammad Ariful Islam

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2024, 70(12):606-620 | DOI: 10.17221/79/2024-AGRICECON

To achieve the coveted objectives of sustainable development, the Bangladesh government has devised a comprehensive strategy to promote the adoption of innovative agricultural practices capable of addressing the critical challenges at the intersection of food, energy, water, and ecosystems (FEWE). This plan prioritises the increased uptake of solar irrigation and recommended fertiliser application (SIRFA) technologies to enhance sustainable food production while effectively managing energy and water resources, and fostering ecological balance. Thus, this study analysed seven years of panel data (2015–2021) to assess the long-term impact of SIRFA technology adoption on production costs (PC) and return on investment (ROI) among Bangladeshi farmers cultivating the BRRI-dhan29 rice variety in the water-scarce, acidic soils of Dinajpur. Utilising the generalised estimating equation (GEE) with a population-averaged model, we investigated the determinants of adoption. Additionally, we applied a two-stage residual inclusion (2SRI) method alongside six linear panel-data models to analyse the impact of SIRFA adoption. Our findings revealed that adopters experienced reduced production costs and enhanced ROI through SIRFA technology adoption. These results emphasised the urgent need for region-specific policy interventions to facilitate the broader adoption of SIRFA technologies.

Reducing the European Union's plant protein deficit: Options and impactsOriginal Paper

Hans Grinsted Jensen, Christian Elleby, Ignacio Pérez Domínguez

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2021, 67(10):391-398 | DOI: 10.17221/94/2021-AGRICECON

The EU has a historical deficit of plant protein and is heavily reliant on imports to sustain domestic livestock production. Using an economic model of global agricultural markets, this article investigates three policy drivers that could have an influence on the increased production of protein-rich crops in the EU, namely coupled payments for protein-rich crops, investment in research and development leading to higher yields, and phasing out of imported high indirect land-use change risk biofuel feedstocks. Results indicate that a one per cent annual increase in yields over the medium-term has a much larger effect on EU domestic protein production than additional coupled payments of EUR 75 per ha. Moreover, phasing out palm-based biodiesel only has a small impact on protein self-sufficiency. A significant unknown is how costly it will be to increase the yields on protein crops grown in the EU.

Agricultural production trends towards carbon neutrality in response to the EU 2030 Green Deal: Economic and environmental analysis in horticultureOriginal Paper

Alessandro Scuderi, Mariarita Cammarata, Ferdinando Branca, Giuseppe Timpanaro

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2021, 67(11):435-444 | DOI: 10.17221/145/2021-AGRICECON

The European Green Deal to tackle climate change sets emission reduction targets for 2050. Particular attention has been paid to the agricultural sector, where there is a strong need to reduce carbon emissions and re-establish the natural carbon cycles. The concept of carbon neutrality is emerging in a scenario where it is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from cultivation to near zero. The quantification of carbon emissions was carried out by the carbon footprint (CF) of conventional, organic and zero residue potato cultivation in Sicily. In order to provide farmers and consumers with answers regarding the most sustainable cultivation regime, the results showed that the organic and zero residue methods have the best results in terms of emissions; the latter instead revealed the positive results in economic terms. It becomes a new model to follow in the pursuit of sustainability as it is based on the reduction of synthesis inputs and is free from the constraints imposed by organic production standards.

The impact of the Russian import ban on EU agrarian exportsOriginal Paper

Lubo¹ Smutka, Josef Abrhám

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2022, 68(2):39-49 | DOI: 10.17221/351/2021-AGRICECON

The main goal of the paper is to evaluate the impact of the Russian import ban on the development of agricultural exports from EU member states. The study is based on a time-series analysis of empirical statistical indicators. The analysed period is between 2009 and 2019. The source of data for individual analyses is UN Comtrade (2021). The evaluation of export performance is extended by hierarchical cluster analysis. The study quantifies the effects of the import ban on the EU and individual member states through two scenarios. Scenario 1 is based on the cumulative loss of the value of exports. Scenario 2 assumes a continuous development of the value of agricultural exports. Based on the results, it is possible to confirm that the application of the Russian food import ban had a significant impact on EU countries. The impact of sanctions varies across EU countries. Four specific clusters could be identified in the period under investigation. In the period after the ban, the distribution of individual countries among individual clusters changed significantly. The applied ban could be understood not only as an attempt at counter-sanctions. Import restrictions also aim to reduce Russia's dependence on food imports and promote national food security.

Challenges and innovative approaches in the agricultural and food industry and changing consumer behaviour in the milk and milk products market: Case of SlovakiaOriginal Paper

Zuzana Kapsdorferova, Matej Èere¹, Veronika Zábojníková, Petronela ©vikruhová, Radka Kataniková

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2023, 69(6):246-254 | DOI: 10.17221/119/2023-AGRICECON


The negative consequences faced by the entire planet, the intensification of natural disasters, global warming, lowering the level of groundwater, deforestation, deterioration of corals and the underwater world, soil degradation, and the change of species diversity, testify to the necessity of introducing reforms in the agricultural-food complex. Fulfilling such a goal and creating added value of innovation potential can only be created in the conditions of functioning structures strengthened by system support, which requires reviewing and introducing change in food systems. The recent financial crisis, later the pandemic, and the current going military conflict in Ukraine, caused problems in supplier-customer relations, and made humanity feel how the issue of food security and self-sufficiency can be easily and quickly disrupted. If farmers and food producers are to be able to respond to challenges and at the same time ensure the EU’s strategic goals, it is necessary to have support in research and innovation. Agricultural research and innovation in the EU is characterised by a long-term strategic approach that focuses on creating value from the land through sustainable primary production and strengthening rural innovation. It is an important tool in the fight against challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. In view of the above, it is necessary to transform food systems, apply regenerative agriculture, introduce alternative land-saving farming systems, observe the principles of sowing procedures and greater diversification of crops in the sowing procedure, reduce the consumption of agrochemicals, naturally integrate plant and animal production into agricultural business entities in relation to the circular economy, use farm waste for bioenergy production, protect agricultural land, implement measures to retain water in the country and support regions

Modelling the circular bioeconomy in the palm oil industry: Emerging approaches to address cattle feed shortages in IndonesiaOriginal Paper

Atien Priyanti, Priyono, I Gusti Ayu Putu Mahendri, Dwi Yulistiani, Hotmatua Daulay, Yuhendra, Nasir Rofiq, Astu Unadi, Uning Budiharti, Adji Parikesit, Arsyadi Ali (email: ali_arsyadi

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(12):647-663 | DOI: 10.17221/231/2024-AGRICECON

Indonesia is presently ranked as the first crude palm oil producer in the world. However, the palm oil industry faces significant challenges, including extensive criticism related to environmental degradation and social impacts. The circular bioeconomy concept emphasises sustainable production and consumption through the repurposing, recycling, and regeneration of resources to address these challenges. Integrating palm and cattle farming represents a promising approach to enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability in agricultural systems. This study employs a system dynamics analysis to model the circular bioeconomy in the palm oil industry, with a specific focus on addressing cattle feed shortages. The results demonstrate that utilising oil palm biomass can yield a total of 21 204.52 tonnes of feed and generate a yearly revenue of USD 317 020.14. Key findings indicate that integrating palm by-products into cattle feed not only addresses feed shortages but also reduces waste and enhances overall farm productivity. The implications of this study suggest that adopting circular bioeconomy practices in the palm oil industry can promote more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

A longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of the distribution of Common Agricultural Policy aids in European countriesOriginal Paper

José-Luis Alfaro-Navarro, María-Encarnación Andrés-Martínez

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2021, 67(9):351-362 | DOI: 10.17221/87/2021-AGRICECON

The primary sector plays a key role in any country, from both economic and social perspectives, as has been underscored by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In Europe, this sector is highly dependent on the aid provided under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Therefore, the distribution of this aid among the various recipients is crucial to maintaining a strong primary sector throughout the European Union (EU). This is especially true in light of the new funding for the period from 2021 to 2027 and the United Kingdom's departure from the EU. In this sense, the 93.5% of the first pillar of CAP aid consists of direct aid to farmers. The related literature has shown its effect on aspects such as sustainability and farmers' income, among others, and its distribution in specific geographical areas. In this vein, the present paper conducts a longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of the distribution of aid across EU countries. The results show that the CAP reforms and the incorporation of countries into the EU influenced the distribution of aid. Moreover, there is a clear division between Eastern and Western EU countries, with a more equitable distribution of aid in the West.

Indebtedness of small and medium-sized wineries in SlovakiaOriginal Paper

Jana Ladvenicová, Dominika Èeryová, Iveta Ko¹ovská, Jozef Palkoviè, Matej Èere¹

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(1):27-45 | DOI: 10.17221/31/2024-AGRICECON

Many companies depend on debt sources; they use them to finance their needs. Bank loans are the main debt sources to which companies have access. However, financing only with this source is associated with many risks. The paper’s main goal is to assess and quantify the indebtedness of wineries in Slovakia for 2013–2021 through individual debt ratios. The influence of financial leverage on return on equity (ROE) was tested. The data were drawn from the Register of Financial Statements. From the point of view of the total debt ratio, wineries show values higher than 65%. The presence of short-term debts, especially short-term liabilities, prevailed. The average share of equity reached a very low value of 11%. The average share of bank loans on financing operating activities was very low at the level of 8.53%. The return on assets (ROA) was lower than the cost of debt in most wineries, which means that increasing indebtedness had a negative effect on ROE.

Does farm ownership structure matter? Distribution of CAP subsidies between primary and final beneficiaries in SlovakiaOriginal Paper

Jan Pokrivcak, Marian Toth, Pavel Ciaian, Mario Juliny

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(2):71-85 | DOI: 10.17221/186/2024-AGRICECON

This paper analyses the distribution of CAP subsidies between primary beneficiaries (farms) and final beneficiaries (farm owners) in Slovakia in 2021, using unique micro-level data. The results show a significant inequality in the distribution of CAP subsidies between primary and final beneficiaries in Slovakia. The majority of CAP payments (92% for primary beneficiaries and 89% for final beneficiaries) are concentrated among the top 20% of beneficiaries, with a higher concentration among primary beneficiaries than final beneficiaries. However, there is a reversal at the top stratum of beneficiaries. The top 1% of primary beneficiaries receive 26.2% of CAP subsidies, compared to 31.0% for final beneficiaries. For the remaining 99% of beneficiaries, the distribution of CAP subsidies is more concentrated at the level of primary beneficiaries than at the level of final beneficiaries. The analyses suggest that the implementation of the CAP in Slovakia has not been sufficient to address the unequal distribution of CAP subsidies.

Digital economy and rural household resilience: Evidence from ChinaOriginal Paper

Jianghong Xu, Chenguang Wang, Xukang Yin, Weixin Wang

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2024, 70(5):244-263


Enhancing the resilience of rural households against the impacts of risks and moulding their enduring strength despite modest scale holds paramount contemporary significance for a multitude of developing nations, including China. This study uses the microdata of the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS), systematically measures the rural household resilience index for the first time, analyses the impact of the digital economy on the resilience of rural households, and dissects the group differences and mechanism of action. We found that from 2012 to 2018, the Chinese rural household resilience index had significant differences in time and space, and village market, gentry assistance, economic organisation, and income from collective operation were the most important indicators affecting the rural household resilience index. The improvement of the digital economy index, to some extent, suppressed the improvement of the rural household resilience index. Meanwhile, heterogeneity analysis suggested that depending on family size and housing property rights, the impact of the digital economy on the resilience of rural households will be divided. Moreover, mechanism analysis showed that the digital economy further affected the resilience of rural households through the employment comprehensive effect, income structure effect and member security effect.

Rural e-commerce and agricultural total factor productivity: Evidence from ChinaOriginal Paper

Jialong Zheng, Xintong Liang, Junkai Ma, Guangsi Li

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(10):550-563 | DOI: 10.17221/289/2024-AGRICECON

Employing the Comprehensive Demonstration of E-commerce in Rural Areas (CDERA) policy as a quasi-natural experiment, this paper explores the impact of rural e-commerce development on agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) and its underlying mechanisms, using a difference-in-differences model. The analysis utilises panel data from 1 495 counties in China from 2001 to 2021. The findings indicate that the CDERA policy implementation enhanced ATFP in treated counties by approximately 1.6 percentage points compared to control counties, other factors being equal. Mechanism analysis further reveals that the CDERA policy enhances ATFP by improving agricultural technological efficiency and fostering agricultural industrial development. This study highlights the significant role of CDERA policy in enhancing agricultural productivity in China and offers policy insights for advancing rural e-commerce and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

From metrics to insights: Evaluating cereal farming sustainability in Catalonia using composite index approachOriginal Paper

Mahdieh Khezri Nezhad Gharaei, Bouali Guesmi, Jose Maria Gil Roig

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(11):592-603 | DOI: 10.17221/462/2024-AGRICECON

Assessing the agricultural sustainability of farms is challenging, since it involves various aspects that can change over time and differ by location. This paper develops a composite index to evaluate the sustainability of cereal farming in Catalonia, Spain. Using factor analysis, we integrate 21 indicators across economic, environmental, and social dimensions based on the Farm Accountancy Data Network (2016–2021). The results show sustainability scores ranging from 2 to 5, with larger economic s farms outperforming smaller ones by 0.4 points. Five key factors explain the variance in sustainability across farms, with profitability, benefit-cost ratio, and agri-footprint carrying the highest weights. In addition, our empirical findings indicate that subsidy dependence negatively affects the sustainability of farms, while modernisation and environmental management improvements enhance farm performance. This suggests a need for size-specific policy interventions focusing on smallholder management capacity and broader climate adaptation strategies. The methodology could offer a practical tool for monitoring sustainability progress in Mediterranean cereal production systems, and for identifying possible sources of improvements with regard to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Agricultural market information in developing countries: A literature reviewReview

Agus Dwi Nugroho

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2021, 67(11):468-477 | DOI: 10.17221/129/2021-AGRICECON

In most developing countries, the agricultural industry has the potential to alleviate poverty at a faster rate compared to other sectors. As such, many governments have initiated policies and programme to improve agricultural performance. However, some of these projects have not achieved success because the local agricultural markets are often controlled by a small group of stakeholders who tend to hide information in the market despite having huge market power. This paper aimed to determine the issues and impacts of the lack of market information in developing countries and to provide strategies for solving such problems. Results show that the presence of an oligopsonic market system, current information and communication technology (ICTs), the lack of market infrastructure and gender limitations are the main issues related to a lack of information. In turn, lack of information leads to an inefficient agricultural market, causes negative impacts on market participants, and ultimately leads to harmful socio-economic effects. Thus, to solve these problems, it is necessary to improve capacity building, increase access to ICTs and improve market infrastructure.

Understanding meat and fish consumption: Socio-demographic and value insights from five European countriesOriginal Paper

Diana Kme»ková, Milan ©èasný, Iva Zvìøinová, Vojtìch Máca

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(7):394-409 | DOI: 10.17221/348/2024-AGRICECON

Current dietary patterns in developed countries, characterised by high intakes of processed and animal-source foods, are linked to increased obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases, as well as environmental burdens. This paper investigates determinants of red meat, white meat, and fish consumption across five European countries, using representative survey data from over 10 000 individuals. Our findings reveal that men consume more red meat and fish than women, though, when adjusted for body weight, women consume significantly more white meat and fish. While vegetarians are mostly people younger than 35 years, meat eaters in the same age category tend to eat more red meat than older people. Cross-country differences highlight the need for localised policy approaches. Individual values also shape dietary choices. Security-oriented people prefer red meat, while altruistic individuals consume less of it. Biospheric values, while strongly associated with being vegetarian, show no significant association with meat or fish intake. To reduce red meat consumption, policies should highlight health benefits of eating less meat, with messages tailored to specific demographic groups. Additionally, enhancing meat alternatives' affordability, taste, and appearance is essential for promoting dietary shifts.

Perception of resilience and its determinants with a focus on farm size: The case of agricultural enterprises in the Czech RepublicOriginal Paper

Ilona Svobodová, Marie ©impachová Pechrová, Milan Takáè

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(8):458-474 | DOI: 10.17221/479/2024-AGRICECON

The aim of the paper is to examine the resilience of Czech agricultural enterprises through the perceptions of farm managers and to assess the areas where these businesses perceive themselves as resilient and where they feel vulnerable. The analysis is based on data from a survey conducted by the Institute of Agricultural Economics and Information (IAEI) in June 2022, involving 521 Czech agricultural managers. The study focuses on six key areas: climate change and its impacts, agricultural inputs, labour force, market outlets, land prices and availability, and changes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Across all areas, managers reported that businesses were more frequently vulnerable than resilient, particularly in relation to agricultural inputs and climate change. The results also highlight differences in the perception of resilience across enterprises of varying sizes, with significant variation noted in how changes to the CAP were viewed. Contrary to the common belief that larger enterprises are more resilient, the survey found that Czech medium-sized and large enterprises (with 200 hectares or more of agricultural land) were more frequently perceived as vulnerable.

Assessment of the difference in ecosystem services between ecologically and conventionally managed ponds: An empirical study from the South Bohemia region, Czech RepublicOriginal Paper

Jiøí Schneider, Gabriela Chmelíková

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(10):564-578 | DOI: 10.17221/497/2024-AGRICECON

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the difference in the production of ecosystem services depending on the management method using a selected sample of fishponds from the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic and subsequently monetarily to assess this difference. Using 16 fishponds over a 10-year period, the research evaluates key services such as biodiversity conservation, water purification, and fish production, employing the opportunity cost of foregone profits methodology. The results reveal that ecologically managed fishponds provide enhanced ecosystem services at a financial trade-off, with an average annual profit difference of EUR 142 per hectare compared to conventional management. This trade-off translates to a present value of EUR 1 288 per hectare over a decade, reflecting the additional societal value of ecosystem services from ecological management. The findings underscore the economic and ecological challenges faced by stakeholders, particularly fish farmers, in balancing conservation goals with economic viability.

Sustainable agricultural performance in the European Union in the context of ecological transition, economic fairness, and support policiesOriginal Paper

Valentin Marian Antohi, Jean Vasile Andrei, Costinela Fortea, Dumitru Nancu

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(7):435-460 | DOI: 10.17221/329/2025-AGRICECON

This paper investigates the structural determinants of sustainable agricultural performance across the 27 European Union member states over the period 2012–2023, focusing on the interplay between economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Employing a panel quantile regression approach, the study captures the heterogeneous effects of organic farming practices, public support for agricultural research and development, income inequality, and environmental emissions on multiple dimensions of agricultural performance.  The analysis underscores the importance of empirical evidence in designing integrated agricultural policies that enhance sustainability, competitiveness, and social cohesion, in alignment with key European strategies, including the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027, the European Green Deal, and the Farm to Fork strategy. The findings reveal that the influence of structural determinants varies significantly across the performance distribution, with stronger effects observed in lower-performing contexts. These results support increased public investment in agricultural research and innovation, the development of customised incentives for organic farming tailored to performance levels and farm structures, and the implementation of redistributive mechanisms to mitigate regional disparities in agricultural income. Higher agricultural income is consistently associated with greater value-added efficiency and lower ecological intensity, suggesting structural decoupling between economic growth and environmental pressure. Overall, the study highlights the need for targeted, data-driven policy interventions to foster innovation, resilience, and inclusive rural development across the European Union.

Evaluation of the environmental commitment of all large and medium-sized Spanish wineries based on objective information from their websitesCase Study

Asunción Agulló-Torres, Francisco-José Del Campo-Gomis, David-Bernardo López-Lluch, Irene Arias-Navarro

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(3):190-206 | DOI: 10.17221/41/2025-AGRICECON

In the contemporary era, organisations have embraced the internet as a platform through which they disseminate information about their economic activities and their corporate social responsibility, including their environmental responsibility. Consequently, the extent to which an organisation's actions are visible on its website can be taken as an indicator of its commitment to environmental issues. The present article proposes a model for evaluating the environmental commitment of agri-food companies through the visibility of objective information on their environmental actions on their websites. The information is presented in tabular form, consisting of 33 items, and the combination of these with a predetermined weight gives an index called the Environmental Commitment Web Index (ECWI). The model was applied to all large and medium-sized Spanish wineries in 2018 and 2024. The findings indicate an improvement in the environmental commitment of these wineries, as reflected by the doubling of the ECWI during this period from 9.8 points in 2018 to 20.2 points in 2024. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of these wineries were regarded as exhibiting a 'very poor' environmental commitment: 94.2% in 2018 and 81.4% in 2024. It is concluded that all large and medium-sized Spanish wineries should undertake sustained endeavours to disseminate environmental initiatives on their websites.

Assessing the links between climate change resiliency and food security in northwestern region of BangladeshOriginal Paper

Abhi Sarker, Salman Ibn Yasin, Bikash Chandra Ghosh, Gershom Endelani Mwalupaso, Asma Akter, Emmanuel Kiprop, Liu Zhenzhen, Farjana Eyasmin, Geng Xianhui

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(6):358-380 | DOI: 10.17221/218/2025-AGRICECON

Climate change is intensifying threats to food security across the developing countries, pushing vulnerable nations like Bangladesh towards a breaking point – where resilience is no longer an option but a survival imperative. Despite growing concerns, however limited empirical research exists on how climate resilience influences food security across rural and urban farming households. This study examines climate resilience in northwestern Bangladesh and its impact on farming households' food security. Using multistage random sampling, 498 households across 16 villages in extreme climate zones were surveyed. A climate resilience index (CRI) was developed to assess resilience, and a binary logistic model analysed its effect on food security; the findings indicate a positive association between them. Other key determinants of food security include household income, non-farm employment, crop diversity, education level of the household head and farm size. Also, urban households exhibit greater resilience than rural ones, with 38.7% and 32.8% classified as food secure, respectively. Enhancing climate resilience through adaptive strategies can improve food security, while off-farm activities provide critical financial support. Policy interventions, such as government or NGO-led agricultural financing, could further strengthen food security.

Optimisation of agricultural logistics: A systematic review of modelling techniques and economic potentialsReview

Nikolas Bublik, Sebastian Hess

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(4):253-271 | DOI: 10.17221/76/2025-AGRICECON

Agricultural logistics face unique challenges such as seasonal demand fluctuations, perishability, and geographic dispersion. The paper systematically analyses 63 peer-reviewed articles from 2013 to 2025, focusing on key optimisation techniques, including multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), vehicle routing problems (VRP), and path planning problems (PPP). The findings highlight how logistics optimisation can reduce operational costs, improve resource utilisation, and enhance supply chain resilience. Additionally, the study identifies gaps in inbound logistics research and emphasises the need for further integration of digital technologies. Future research should focus on comprehensive, technology-driven solutions to improve adaptability and transparency in agricultural supply chains. Key findings reveal that optimised logistics models can lead to cost reductions of up to 58%, emissions savings of over 60%, and significant improvements in delivery time, field efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The effect and dynamic transmission mechanism of African swine fever on pork prices in China: A study based on the staggered DID model and SVAR modelOriginal Paper

Yi Li, Yu Wang, Liling Zhu, Beining Yan

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2026, 72(5):314-339 | DOI: 10.17221/350/2024-AGRICECON

African swine fever (ASF) has spread rapidly, substantially disrupting the pork market. In this study, we treat the 2018 ASF outbreak in China as a quasi-natural experiment, using staggered difference-in-differences (DID) and spatial DID methods to assess its effect on pork prices. We use a structural vector autoregression model to identify the sources of price fluctuations. In the study, we also explore the mechanisms and heterogeneity in the effects of ASF on pork prices. The results show that (i) ASF significantly raises pork prices across various provinces; (ii) live pig prices are positively correlated with finishing pig feed prices, piglet prices and pork prices in the long term but negatively correlated with the ASF index; (iii) the key drivers of live pig price fluctuations include price inertia (59%), finishing pig feed prices (13%), piglet prices (11.5%), pork prices (10.8%) and the ASF index (5.6%); (iv) for pork prices, the largest driver is live pig prices (53.4%), followed by finishing pig feed prices (14%), piglet prices (13.6%), price inertia (13.4%) and the ASF index (5.6%); (v) mechanism analysis reveals that ASF affects pork price fluctuations through farming costs and wholesale-retail profits. The heterogeneity analysis results reveal that provinces with higher internet information levels, weaker agricultural development and those in the eastern region are more vulnerable to the effects of ASF. On the basis of these findings, we offer targeted policy recommendations.

Will the financialisation of agricultural products exacerbate food security risks? Empirical analysis from major grain-producing countries worldwideOriginal Paper

Yujie Chen, Jiangwei Tang

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2024, 70(4):178-186 | DOI: 10.17221/432/2023-AGRICECON

Based on data from 10 countries from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CBOT) wheat futures market for the period from 2000 to 2021, this study examines the impact of the financialisation of agricultural products on food security and its mechanism of action. We found that the higher the degree of financialisation of agricultural products, the stronger the negative effect on food security, which is more prominent after the financial crisis in 2008, and the effect on developing countries is more obvious than that on developed countries. The test results of the mediation effect model showed that the financialisation of agricultural products affects food security by increasing the volatility of futures prices. The test results of the moderating effect model showed that the rise of the US dollar index and loose monetary policy will exacerbate the impact of the financialisation of agricultural products on food security. Still, the increase of the self-sufficiency rate of food can effectively inhibit this impact. The study’s conclusions supported the government’s optimising macro policies and promoting food security.

Comparative analysis of European Union countries based on selected aspects of food securityOriginal Paper

Eva Matejková, Mária Májek, Artan Qineti, Zlata Sojková

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2024, 70(6):265-278 | DOI: 10.17221/16/2024-AGRICECON


This study assesses 24 European Union countries in terms of food security in 2021. In this paper, we develop a composite food security index considering various weights of indicators. The data were obtained from the FAOSTAT and Eurostat databases. The weights of 10 input indicators were estimated using a principal component analysis-based factor analysis model. The results showed that the harmonised index of consumer prices – food had the greatest impact on the food security index, while the impact of median equivalised net income and moderate or severe food insecurity had the lowest impact. Ireland achieved the highest ranking according to the Food Security Index. Bulgaria experienced the most unfavourable situation among EU countries. Slovakia ranked 22nd out of 24 countries due to its lowest protein supply, including animal-derived proteins. As part of the analysis, our research compared the food security index with the official Global Food Security Index. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of 0.84 indicated a robust correlation between the two indexes. Consequently, this newly developed Food Security Index is appropriate for assessing the food security status of European Union countries. Furthermore, it broadens the assessment of food security by including countries that are not in the commonly used Global Food Security Index (GFSI).

Can income growth and environmental improvements go hand in hand? An empirical study of Chinese agricultureOriginal Paper

Chenchen Su, Jinchuan Shen, Fei Wang

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2024, 70(7):321-333 | DOI: 10.17221/438/2023-AGRICECON

Advancing agricultural carbon emission efficiency and farmers’ income simultaneously is crucial for the sustainable progress of agriculture. Our study centered on 31 provinces and cities in China and investigated regional variances and the dynamic evolution aspects of coordinated development in farmers’ income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency, utilising panel data from 2005 to 2021. The analysis revealed the following trends: Firstly, China’s overall agricultural carbon emission efficiency was steadily increasing, mainly because of technological advancements. Secondly, the correlation between farmers’ income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in China had notably improved from 0.318 to 0.775. Throughout the observation period, disparities in the levels of coordinated development were observed in various provinces with a diminishing fluctuation, indicating regional disparities as the primary instigator. Thirdly, the level of coordinated development highlighted positive clustering attributes, demonstrating an ‘east high, west low’ pattern; the evolution of coordinated development levels exhibited stability in maintaining the current status. This study holds significant value for developing countries in enhancing farmers’ income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in a coordinated manner.

Predispositions and challenges of agriculture from areas particularly facing natural or other specific constraints in Poland in the context of providing environmental public goods under EU policyOriginal Paper

Marek Zieliñski, Jan Jadczyszyn, Jolanta Sobierajewska

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2023, 69(8):309-320 | DOI: 10.17221/184/2023-AGRICECON


The study’s main objective is to determine the predisposition and challenges of agriculture to provide environmental public goods to society in areas particularly facing natural or other specific constraints (ANCs) established within their current delimitation in Poland. Its organisational features, economic situation, and the degree of interest in measures specifically serving the protection of the natural environment under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) EU were indicated. Statistically significant factors determined farmers’ willingness to participate in these measures. It turned out that farms from ANCs communes with particularly difficult conditions significantly contribute to the total production potential of agriculture in Poland. However, compared to farms with better natural conditions, they are characterised by a lower income per 1 ha of utilised agriculture area (UAA) and a higher share of subsidies, including those for participation in environmental measures, which were implemented to a greater extent. Based on the logistic regression model, it was found that in ANCs communes with particularly difficult conditions, the most important factor of farmers’ greater willingness to implement environmental measures was their higher level of education. On the other hand, this inclination was negatively affected by the higher income adjusted for operating subsidies per 1 ha of UAA.

Indirect use value of improved soil health as natural capital that supports essential ecosystem services: A case study of cacao agroforestryCase Study

Yudha Kristanto, Suria Tarigan, Tania June, Bambang Sulistyantara, Pini Wijayanti

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2024, 70(3):137-154 | DOI: 10.17221/281/2023-AGRICECON

Multifunctional landscapes, such as agroforestry, that improve soil health are essential in sustaining terrestrial life by supporting various ecosystem services (ESs). However, decision-making often requires more attention to soil health because its parameters have no market value. In this study, we aim to evaluate soil health parameters in cacao agroforestry and monoculture and their degradation due to erosion and to estimate their indirect use value (IUV). We develop a soil health economic valuation approach bridged by ESs because the economic valuation of ESs tends to be better studied. We estimated the IUVs of the eight soil health parameters by using the direct proxy revealed prevalence valuation method on the basis of the valuation of the four ESs they support: water regulation, climate regulation, nutrient retention and biodiversity. The total IUVs for cacao agroforestry were USD 633 with Endoaquepts and USD 723 with Dystrudepts and for cacao monoculture were USD 415 with Endoaquepts and USD 575 with Dystrudepts. Soil carbon has the highest contribution to IUV, followed by soil nitrogen. Agroforestry not only increases IUV but also minimises its decrease due to erosion. Despite economic valuations being subject to uncertainty, these results encourage the internalisation of soil health values in sustainable land management design.

How does climate shock affect technology adoption in rice production?Original Paper

Thai Phan Nguyen, Duc Kien Nguyen, Quang Dung Truong

Agric. Econ. - Czech, 2025, 71(1):14-26 | DOI: 10.17221/296/2024-AGRICECON

The objective of the study is to determine the impact of shock from climate change, such as drought and flood, on various technology adoptions in rice production in Vietnam. This study utilised VARHS (The Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey) panel data from 2012 to 2018 and employed regression analysis following the application of propensity score matching (PSM) to address potential selection bias caused by drought and flood shocks. The findings indicated that households tend to adopt the improved variety of rice and organic fertilisers since households suffer the shock from the drought. Another finding showed that households used more chemical fertiliser and reduced the probability of using improved seeds in rice production since the household was affected by floods. Based on the findings, policies should prioritise promoting and implementing environmentally friendly farming methods that are customised to address specific climate-related difficulties.

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