Zagadnienia Ekonomiki Rolnej Feed

Optimizing Agricultural Water Productivity for Food Security Under Climate Change: Evidence from Algeria

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimAgricultural water productivity is a critical determinant of food security in arid and semi-arid countries such as Algeria, where climate change is intensifying water scarcity and pressure on irrigation-dependent agriculture. This study assesses the current state of agricultural water productivity in Algeria and examines its potential as a demand-management instrument to strengthen national food security under climate stress.Material and methodsThis study employs a quantitative and qualitative desk-research approach using secondary data for the period 2016–2022 from Arab Organization for Agricultural Development and Algerian national reports, complemented by demographic projections to 2050 (Population Reference Bureau) and national water-resource indicators (FAOSTAT, AQUASTAT). The analysis applies biophysical water productivity (BWP) metrics, and quantifies the water footprint (WF, m3/kg) by distinguishing blue and green components based on Mekonnen and Hoekstra’s datasets. It also estimates imported virtual water embodied in food imports to capture external water dependence, and benchmarks Algeria’s performance against global reference levels, supported by a policy-oriented interpretive assessment.ResultsWater productivity for major food products, especially cereals, remains overall below international benchmarks, indicating substantial scope for efficiency gains across commodities. Reliance on imported virtual water for strategic commodities increases exposure to external water resources through trade. Limited modern irrigation uptake, continued traditional surface irrigation, and persistent agronomic and farmer-training gaps constrain output and heighten vulnerability to climate-induced stress.ConclusionsImproving agricultural water productivity is essential for reinforcing Algeria’s long-term food security. A coordinated strategy integrating technological modernization, capacity building, and supportive policy reforms can reduce water-scarcity pressures and strengthen climate resilience by prioritizing “more crop per drop” as a national objective.

Trends in the Production and Foreign Trade of Plant-Based Agricultural Commodities in the Mercosur Countries in 1991–2023 and Development Projections Until 2030

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe aim of the study was to identify the directions of change in the production and foreign trade of plant-based agricultural commodities in MERCOSUR countries.Material and methodsThe study presents changes in the level and structure of agricultural land use, as well as changes in the cultivated area, output, yields, and exports of the main crop commodities, namely soybeans, maize, wheat, barley, sorghum, sugar cane, and sugar, over the period 1991–2023. Based on the identified trends, development projections up to 2030 were formulated.ResultsBetween 1991 and 2023, the MERCOSUR countries experienced a decline of the area of meadows and pastures, as well as permanent crops, accompanied by an expansion of arable land. The increase in arable land was the dominant factor behind the growing scale of cultivation, production, and exports. The area under soybean cultivation, soybean output, and soybean exports increased substantially, particularly in Brazil. Similar trends were observed for the cultivated area, production, and exports of maize, sugar cane, and sugar. Wheat production and exports also increased, with the most significant growth recorded in Argentina; a comparable pattern was observed for barley. Sorghum cultivation area and production expanded, whereas exports declined. The principal export destinations for plant-based agricultural commodities from the MERCOSUR countries were the markets of Asia and Africa.ConclusionsSoybeans and maize remain the key crops in the MERCOSUR countries in terms of cultivated area, production volume, and export performance, with further growth projected through 2030. The projections indicate an increasing concentration of production and exports within individual countries: Brazil in soybeans, maize, sugar cane, and sugar, and Argentina in wheat and barley. The growth in the production of most crops results both from the expansion of cultivated area and improvements in yields, although extensive factors remain predominant in the case of sugar cane. These trends strengthen the competitiveness of MERCOSUR agriculture while simultaneously intensifying challenges for the European Union agricultural sector in the context of trade liberalization.

Measuring Technical Efficiency and Farmers’ Narrative of Jute Cultivation in Bangladesh

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe objective of this study is to evaluate the technical efficiency of jute farmers in Bangladesh and to examine their socioeconomic challenges by developing a Farmers’ Narrative Index (FNI) that links production efficiency with farmers’ experiences.Material and methodsA quantitative field survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire informed by a literature review and reconnaissance survey. During March and April 2024, data were collected from 150 active jute farmers selected through convenience sampling across six upazilas in the Kushtia district, a central jute-producing region. Farmers were categorized by farm size. Technical efficiency was assessed using the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) method. The FNI was developed to evaluate socioeconomic challenges and identify disparities using district-level survey data.ResultsThe SFA results indicate that jute farmers exhibit a high average technical efficiency of 89%, reflecting nearly optimal utilization of existing technology. Fertilizer and irrigation significantly increased output, whereas higher seed costs were associated with reduced productivity. The FNI identified key regional disparities, highlighting primary challenges such as low market prices, water scarcity, and financial constraints. Favorable conditions, including good weather and NGO support, were also identified as factors enhancing yields.ConclusionThe findings show that although jute farmers are technically efficient, their productivity is heavily limited by socioeconomic barriers. Consequently, policies that focus on input affordability, irrigation infrastructure, and market mechanisms are crucial. The FNI provides policymakers with a practical tool to identify vulnerable regions and customize support programs effectively, ultimately improving the sustainability and productivity of jute farming in Bangladesh.

Income Effects on Self-Reported Household Food Waste in Hungary

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimMunicipal waste is a direct consequence of human activity. Consumer decisions, daily habits, and household waste management determine the number of resources used and waste generated. The study aims to examine whether there is a relationship between the socio-economic context, particularly income, and the amount of food waste.Material and methodsTo determine whether there is a relationship between social and economic contexts and the amount of food wasted in Hungary, questionnaire survey was conducted on people’s (consumers, households) attitudes towards food waste, Spearman’s correlation analysis and k-means cluster analysis on food waste and the income of consumers and households based on the survey data.ResultsAs a result of the questionnaire survey, a positive correlation was assumed between food waste and the income of consumers and households, i.e. consumers and households with higher incomes produce more food waste and waste more food. The hypothesis was partially confirmed – the result of the correlation analysis showed a positive, weak correlation.ConclusionsBased on the processed data, consumers/households can be classified into clusters, which can enable the differentiated identification of food waste behavior patterns. The segments thus formed can serve as a basis for determining at which social, economic or behavioral levels targeted interventions and action plans are justified in order to reduce food waste at the national level.

Slow Food and Sustainable Local Supply Chains in Piedmont: Building Trust Through Short Networks

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThis study explores consumer perceptions of slow food and sustainable local supply chains, using the event “Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto 2024” in Piedmont, Italy, as a case study. The objective was to identify motivational factors shaping consumer trust in short supply networks and to position the Piedmont configuration as a conceptual reference for future comparative research in Serbia and Southeast Europe, where traditional products strongly align with the principles of slow food.Material and methodsA structured questionnaire containing 32 Likert-scale items was distributed to 448 fair visitors. The measurement model, developed from the literature, was validated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using SEM–AMOS. Reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were assessed with CR, AVE, Fornell–Larcker, and HTMT criteria.ResultsFour latent constructs were supported – Health Quality, Price Premium, Green Responsibility, and Local Trust – with strong psychometric properties. Structural paths among domains were small and not statistically significant (≈ −0.04 to +0.02), indicating parallel rather than sequential causal relations. Local Trust did not mediate the other domains.ConclusionsFindings suggest that support for short supply chains stems from coexisting, independent motivations. Managerial implications should therefore target each domain separately (quality and traceability cues, fair-price narratives, visible environmental practices, producer identity and transparency). The Piedmont configuration serves as a conceptual reference whose potential transferability to Serbia and Southeast Europe represents a promising avenue for future comparative research.

The Role of Digital Marketing in Strengthening Rural Enterprises: A Comparative Analysis of the Western Balkans

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThis paper explores the impact of digital marketing on the business performance and market integration of rural households and enterprises in the Western Balkan countries, with focus on the application of digital tools and strategies to increase market participation and visibility of rural products and services.Material and MethodsA mixed-method approach was employed, combining a systematic review of relevant literature with an empirical analysis based on data collected through an online survey of 307 rural households from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The statistical analysis included descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses of digital marketing and enterprise-level rural performance variables, as well as cluster analysis of the observed countries in terms of the level of digital marketing tool adoption. Additionally, the study examined differences in key variables based on whether participants had received digital marketing training.ResultsThe findings indicate that digital marketing – particularly the use of social media, websites, and e-commerce – shows positive associations with enhancing market participation and visibility of rural households. However, notable regional disparities persist, highlighting the need for tailored policies and increased investments in digital infrastructure and education.ConclusionsDigital transformation has the potential to support rural enterprises in achieving sustainable business practices and market competitiveness. Successful implementation requires context-specific strategies that account for local conditions and challenges, along with ongoing institutional support and investments in building digital capacities, supported by institutional measures and continuous training in digital marketing.

Feeding A Nation: State Procurement Efficiency and India’s Food Security

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundThis study examines how state-level procurement performance shapes India’s food security outcomes by assessing the linkage between procurement efficiency, minimum support prices (MSPs), and Public Distribution System (PDS) offtake across major grain-producing states.Material and methodsUsing a panel dataset spanning 2005–2023 for rice and wheat across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, random- and fixed-effects panel regressions were estimated alongside diagnostic tests for heteroskedasticity, serial correlation, and multicollinearity. Procurement efficiency was quantified through the Procurement Efficiency Ratio (PER), Contribution Ratio (CR), and Gini coefficient to track inequality and concentration trends.ResultsPunjab and Haryana demonstrate strong MSP responsiveness, high efficiency, and disproportionately large contributions to national grain stocks. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh under-contributes despite its production dominance, reflecting institutional bottlenecks. The Gini coefficient increased from 0.48 to 0.63, indicating rising concentration and systemic risk. Panel regression results also show that procurement significantly drives national PDS distribution, with lagged effects.ConclusionsInstitutional capacity not production alone determines effective procurement. Strengthening procurement systems in lagging states, diversifying sourcing regions, and embedding efficiency monitoring mechanisms are critical for enhancing equity and resilience in India’s food security architecture.

Compensation Costs for Work Related Accidents in Polish Agriculture

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

GoalThe intent of this study is to discern the level and trend of compensation costs resulting from work related accidents in Poland’s agriculture sector.Materials and MethodsThe data base of Poland’s Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS) reflecting information regarding incidents and costs pertaining to lump-sum compensation for work related accidents and occupational diseases. The results are generated through ‘time trend analysis’ i.e. a data analysis method which intent is to expose incident nature represented by sequence observation of said events where time is a primary factor. The result of these applications allows, among several, to comprehend trend changes in compensation costs because of agricultural work accidents. The project reviews current literature with study material analysis. The study includes all lump-sum compensation payments registered with KRUS for a five-year study period i.e. 2020–2024, inclusive. Source material is based upon subject matter review and unpublished secondary data sourced from KRUS. Long term analysis categories may supplement study time voids in these areas.ResultsAgricultural accident compensation costs in Poland should be treated as a systemic barrier in economic and social development in rural areas. Schultz notes the restricted investment potential in human potential results from uncertainty of work risk in agriculture. Stiglitz and Pigou have confirmed that internalization leads to a lowered work value in agriculture. The average gain of compensation payments has risen by about 80% in the Śląskie voivodship. In the remaining voivodships, compensation gains have been lower, which may testify to the fact that farmers encounter fewer accidents, however, those accidents tend to be more severe.ConclusionsIn Poland’s agricultural sector, loss estimates caused by occupational accidents are varied. Occupational safety investments – automation, education, access to health safety, etc. – should be seen as human capital investments, not simply as financial cost.

The CAP's Transition to a Single Fund: Legal and Institutional Consequences

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundThe 2025 Commission package (COM[2025] 565 and COM[2025] 560) proposes a Single Fund (PNRF) for 2028–2034, merging CAP resources with other EU instruments and ending the traditional dual-pillar system. This raises fundamental questions on compliance with Articles 38–44 TFEU, the preservation of CAP's functional autonomy, and the resilience of budgetary safeguards.Material and methodsThe article adopts a legal-dogmatic and comparative approach. It analyses EU primary law, the 2023–2027 CAP framework (Regulations 2021/2115–2117), and the Commission's 2025 proposals (COM[2025] 565, 560, 550, 545). Parliamentary and Council materials, Member State positions, and stakeholders' documents (e.g. CEJA, Copa-Cogeca) are reviewed. Given the scarcity of post-2027 academic literature, this work provides one of the first systematic legal-institutional assessments of the Single Fund.ResultsThe analysis identifies tensions between simplification and integration, on the one hand, and the CAP's legal “speciality” on the other. Formal safeguards (ring-fenced agricultural envelopes, accounting separation, performance monitoring) exist, but doubts remain about their durability in times of budgetary stress. Some stakeholders see the PNRF as risking “silent renationalisation”, while others interpret it as subsidiarity in action, offering Member States flexibility to adapt interventions and overcome CAP's compartmentalisation.ConclusionsThe reform is not merely technical but constitutional in impact. Its success depends on balancing innovation with continuity: only robust safeguards can ensure that the Single Fund preserves the CAP's identity as a genuine common policy. Implemented with transparency and legal certainty, it could modernise agricultural governance; without such guarantees, it risks eroding the CAP's distinctiveness and weakening its role in food security and sustainable rural development.

Pathways to a Circular Economy in the Agriculture-Food System: Actor-Based Analysis of Digital Capacity, Institutional Alignment, and Collaboration Dynamics Using the EDDU-M Model

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundThis study addresses the transition to a circular economy (CE) in agri-food supply chains, focusing on how digitalization, institutional capacity, and collaboration shape CE practices. It highlights a research gap in existing literature, which often lacks multi-actor, multi-country perspectives. The paper introduces the EDDU-M model to analyze these dynamics in Türkiye and Italy – two countries with different digital and institutional maturity levels.Material and methodsA mixed-methods design was used, combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for hypothesis testing with fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) and thematic analysis. Data were collected from 412 businesses across seven supply chain actors (e.g., producers, processors, exporters) through surveys and interviews. The study measured digitalization, CE practices, institutional capacity, and collaboration structures, with country context as a moderating variable.ResultsDigitalization significantly boosts CE performance in both countries, but its effect varies across actors. In Türkiye, logistics and exporters benefit most, while in Italy, the impact is more evenly distributed. Collaboration and institutional capacity also strongly influence CE outcomes. fsQCA revealed that different combinations of digital tools and collaborative dynamics can lead to high CE performance, depending on the national and actor context.ConclusionsThe EDDU-M model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding CE transitions in agri-food systems. It shows that digital tools alone are not sufficient – contextual factors like cooperation quality and institutional support are equally vital. These insights offer practical guidance for policymakers aiming to promote sustainable transformation across diverse agricultural ecosystems.

Selected Determinants of Innovation Adoption in Polish Farms: Evidence from the Mazowieckie Voivodeship

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThis paper analyzes the relationships between the level of innovativeness and selected demographic factors among farm operators in the Mazowieckie voivodeship in Poland.Materials and MethodsThe data was collected through direct interviews, using a structured questionnaire conducted on a sample of 109 farmers. Innovativeness was measured by the number of implemented solutions: one or two innovations (basic level) and three or more innovations (advanced level).ResultsThe analysis revealed differences in the level of innovative activity depending on respondents’ age, gender, education level, and farm size; however, a statistically significant relationship was identified only in the case of farm size. Male farmers and younger generations were more likely to implement modern solutions. A higher number of implemented innovations was associated with better access to EU funds and a higher level of education. Farms with a designated successor and a larger utilised agricultural area more frequently implemented innovations. Most respondents perceived investments in innovation as economically viable and positively affecting production efficiency and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the young age of the farm owner and the presence of a successor may foster the implementation of innovations; however, these relationships were not unequivocally confirmed statistically.

The Moderating Role of ICT in Climate-Induced Food Insecurity: Evidence from Pakistan

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimMeteorological factors pose a significant threat to food security through disruptions in food availability, access, utilization, and stability. Extreme temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events adversely affect agricultural productivity, fisheries, and livestock, exacerbating inequalities in food access. This study examines the impact of meteorological factors on food security in Pakistan using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and investigates how household-level adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) mitigates these effects across different climatic zones.Material and methodsUsing district-level climatic data from NASA Power and household-level ICT adoption indicators sourced from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement 2019–2020 survey, the study examines the impact of climate factors on food security and examines the moderating effect of ICT. The estimation is done at the national and climatic zones utilizing linear (OLS) and quantile regression. Moreover, the direct and indirect effects of meteorological factors are calculated, and the moderating role of ICT is computed.ResultsThe findings reveal that all four meteorological variables negatively and significantly affect household food security. Among these, wind speed and precipitation exert the strongest adverse effects, particularly in tropical zones. The results also confirm regional heterogeneity, with the tropical zone being the most vulnerable. The quantile regression shows that the mitigation through ICT is most effective for households with a low level of food security.ConclusionsThe findings of the study emphasize the need for ICT-driven policy interventions tailored to regional climate dynamics, positioning digitalization as important but not the only climate-resilient strategy for food security.

The Ability of a Family Farm to Generate Income from Production Activities According to the Types of Farming in Selected EU Countries

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe aim of this article is to assess the capacity of family farms to generate household income from production activities using the operational self-sufficiency indicator, with particular attention to types of w, in EU countries with both high and low agricultural income levels.Material and methodsThe study draws on FADN data for the years 2018–2022. In order to avoid errors related to comparing farms of different types of farming and from different countries, the research was conducted based on the criterion of agricultural income in the country and the type of farming. Operational self-sufficiency is considered crucial not only for farm survival but also for ensuring national food security.ResultsThe findings confirm that, regardless of the type of farming and income level, a higher share of subsidies in income generation negatively affects operational self-sufficiency. In lower-income countries, subsidies played a relatively minor role in income generation, whereas in higher-income countries their impact was stronger and positive. Farms specialising in granivores, grazing livestock, and mixed production proved least capable of generating income from production activities, while crop-oriented farms displayed higher levels of self-sufficiency.ConclusionsThe dependence of farm profitability and its level on budget support is not directly due to low resource efficiency observed on farms, but rather depends on the systemic external economic conditions created for agriculture in the EU and applies to farms in both countries with higher and lower labour productivity. Farm income depends more on policy solutions and less on resource efficiency.

Formal Market Participation and Farm Performance: The Case of Cattle Producers in Central Asia*

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimPolicies promoting commercial farming and formal market integration often emphasize production scale expansion. However, formal market participation is influenced by factors beyond production scale.Material and methods:This study investigates the determinants of formal market participation among cattle producers in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan using a triple-hurdle model. We explore three sequential decisions: whether to commercialize cattle in live-weight, whether to choose formal over informal markets, and how much to sell.ResultsThe major findings indicate that production scale encourages commercialization, but formal market participation follows a non-linear relationship with herd size – small producers prefer informal channels, while medium and large producers are more likely to sell formally. Price dynamics strongly influence sales intensity, and institutional factors – such as credit access, labor availability, and animal health management – significantly shape farmers’ choices. Gender disparities also emerge: female farmers tend to sell more intensively in formal markets, while male farmers dominate informal sales.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need for policies that go beyond scale enhancement, targeting barriers such as limited access to infrastructure, labor, and veterinary services.

Advancing Agritourism Through Hospitality 4.0: Lessons from Werfenweng for the Western Balkans

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThis study explores stakeholder perceptions of readiness for Hospitality 4.0 across five Western Balkan countries – Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Albania – through a cross-national, comparative research design. Grounded in the hypothesis that the integration of Hospitality 4.0 technologies drives sustainable and competitive rural tourism, the study aims to assess current digital capabilities, identify structural drivers of transformation, and support informed policymaking. The central research question asks how prepared rural tourism stakeholders are to adopt Hospitality 4.0 technologies and how benchmarking can guide sustainable, innovative, and competitive development.Material and methodsUsing exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM), the research identifies key dimensions of digital transformation in rural tourism. Benchmarking is conducted using the example of Werfenweng, Austria – a model destination for sustainable tourism and soft mobility – to generate context-sensitive recommendations for the Western Balkans.ResultsThe research identifies three key dimensions: Invisible Innovation, Digital Readiness, and Empowered Transition. These dimensions are shown to be interrelated and collectively enhance sustainability, innovation capacity, and long-term competitiveness in the region's agritourism sector. The study tests several sub-hypotheses related to stakeholder empowerment and digital maturity.ConclusionsThe study concludes that tailored Hospitality 4.0 integration can support sustainable rural development. Context-sensitive strategies, inspired by best practices, should focus on infrastructure, education, and local empowerment to ensure that digitalization in agritourism is inclusive, effective, and future-oriented.

Digital Technologies in Logistics Services for the Agri-Food Sector: A Comparison of Poland and Lithuania

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe aim of this study is to assess and compare the degree of adoption of smart logistics technologies in companies servicing food supply chains in Poland and Lithuania.Material and MethodsThe analysis was based on data obtained through an online survey conducted between October and December 2024 addressed to logistics service providers in the agri-food sector (n = 60 in Poland, n = 44 in Lithuania). A Logistics Technology Adoption Index (LTAI; Cronbach’s α = 0.825) was developed based on seven binary indicators determining the implementation of selected smart logistics technologies. A company was classified as ‘high adopter’ if the index value was ≥ 0.50.ResultsThe overall level of technology adoption (LTAI) in Poland was significantly higher than in Lithuania (0.431 vs. 0.044; p < .001), indicating a clearly higher level of digitalization among Polish logistics companies. The analysis of the use of specific technologies confirmed that capital-intensive solutions, such as intelligent vehicle systems (χ2 = 38.47; p Ã .0001) and predictive analytics tools (χ2 = 29.10; p < .0001), were implemented much more frequently in Poland, and the differences in other areas were also statistically significant.ConclusionsThe Polish logistics market in the agri-food sector is characterized by a significantly higher level of digitalization than the Lithuanian market, particularly in terms of solutions requiring greater capital expenditure, such as smart vehicles and predictive analytics tools. Cost motivations clearly outweigh environmental motivations in both countries, and a stronger perception of barriers is associated with a lower propensity for implementation. In Poland, large enterprises achieve a significantly higher adoption level of smart logistics technology than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which is confirmed by the effect of scale. In the case of Lithuania, due to a small number of companies surveyed, the scale effect was not confirmed.

Exploratory Study of Beer Consumer Preferences in Slovakia: Craft or Industrial Beer?

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe aim of the research is to identify a typology of beer consumers in Slovakia based on their attitudes and preferences for industrial and craft beer.Material and MethodsThe study is based on primary data (n = 904 beer drinkers) obtained by conducting an online questionnaire survey between September 2022 and July 2023. Principal components analysis was applied to eight statements towards the consumption of industrial and craft beer. Afterwards, segmentation was performed using the k-means clustering method.ResultsThe results made it possible to identify three different segments of beer consumers, which were as follows: craft beer enthusiasts, conservative drinkers, and indifferent consumers. Clusters were characterized based on socio-demographic variables, beer preferences, consumption patterns, and purchasing behavior.ConclusionsThe identified segments of beer consumers support the development of consumer-oriented strategies aligned with current market trends. The research findings offer practical value for managerial decision-making in brewing companies. They provide a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences, which can then be effectively incorporated into strategic planning.

The Impact of Cash Conversion Cycle on Profitability: The Case of Dairy Cooperatives in Poland

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe primary aim of this article is to investigate the effect of the cash conversion cycle (CCC) on profitability within dairy cooperatives in Poland.Material and MethodsThe article employs a panel data approach to analyze the relationship between CCC and the profitability of 53 dairy cooperatives in Poland from 2018 to 2023. The financial data necessary for the empirical verification were collected from the Emerging Markets Information Service (EMIS) database. The study examines both linear and nonlinear relationships between CCC and the profitability of the entities under study.ResultsEmpirical evidence reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between working capital management as measured by the CCC and the profitability of dairy cooperatives. The findings indicate the existence of an optimal CCC level that maximizes the profitability of dairy cooperatives. This level ranges from approximately 21.5 to 23 days, depending on the model specifications. Furthermore, control variables such as leverage and sales growth exert a significant influence on profitability, exhibiting negative and positive effects, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings of this study corroborate the significance of effective working capital management for the profitability of dairy cooperatives in Poland. The financial managers of cooperatives, in their efforts to maximize profit, are advised to calibrate the duration of CCC around its optimal level. This article makes a substantial contribution to the extant literature on working capital management by offering a novel perspective on its relationship with the outcomes of dairy cooperatives. The findings are significant in theoretical and practical contexts.

Transformation of the FADN into the FSDN: A Process Driven By Needs for Improved Agricultural Policy Evaluation

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimAfter 60 years of existence the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) was transformed into the Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) to enhance data collection on sustainability practices in agriculture.Material and MethodsThis process has been driven by policy needs regarding effective implementation of farm to fork and biodiversity strategies and related environmental and climate targets for the EU farming sector. In this concise review article key elements of the FADN’s methodology and operational solutions as well policy rationale for converting it into the FSDN are highlighted.ResultsThe aim of the article is to provide an insight into the conceptualization of the additional set of information to be collected on farms participating in the FSDN. Based on analysis of the new farm-level indicators potential use of that type data to facilitate policy evaluations is discussed considering some methodological constraints of the data collection system.ConclusionsIn this context contribution to modification of the FADN and elaboration of final structure of the FSDN made by liaison agencies is described.

Legal Regulations Regarding GMOs in the EU Agriculture. Poland’s Standing

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe first half of 2025 coincides with a crucial stage of the European Union’s reform on new genomic techniques (NGTs). The adoption of the draft regulation introducing a legal distinction between NGT1 and NGT2 plants marks a departure from the precautionary framework established by Directive 2001/18/EC. The paper assesses the legal regulations regarding GMOs in EU agriculture, using Poland as an example of a country where these solutions have been implemented.Material and MethodsThe study applies comparative legal analysis of EU legislation, case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, reports by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Commission, and national legal documents. The example of Poland is used to expose regulatory gaps and contradictions.ResultsThe findings indicate systemic inconsistencies between EU and national GMO regulations, creating a fragmented and incoherent regulatory landscape.ConclusionsThe results reveal a fragmented and incoherent system that undermines efforts to establish a unified agricultural policy. The article argues for legal harmonization and underscores the potential of domestic protein sources (such as legumes and non-GM soybeans) to reduce dependency on GMO imports and strengthen the EU’s protein autonomy.