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on Agricultural Economics |
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Issue of 2021‒03‒08
37 papers chosen by |
| By: | Bartolomeo Toffano (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari); M. Bruna Zolin (Department of Economics, University Of Venice Cà Foscari) |
| Abstract: | The paper aims to analyse the literature on ecosystem services and on payments for ecological services focusing on the pollination case study by highlighting the economic approaches most used in the evaluation of tangible and intangible environmental services. Agriculture guarantees food security and, to some extent, energy security, often at the expense of other ecosystem services. Remedying the negative consequences of intensive agriculture requires the identification of products and services deriving from eco-sustainable land management and their financial value (the so-called Payments for ecological systems). The literature agrees in recognizing a value to ecological services produced by sustainable agricultural management systems; however, different methods are applied. |
| Keywords: | Ecosystem services, payments, agriculture, pollinators, sustainability |
| JEL: | Q57 Q24 Q18 R14 Q58 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ven:wpaper:2021:07&r=all |
| By: | Holleman, C.; Rembold, F.; Crespo, O.; Conti, V. |
| Abstract: | Global climate studies show that not only temperatures are increasing and precipitation levels are becoming more varied, all projections indicate these trends will continue. It is therefore imperative that we understand changes in climate over agricultural areas and their impacts on agriculture production and food security. This study presents new analysis on the impact of changing climate on agriculture and food security, by examining the evidence on recent climate variability and extremes over agricultural areas and the impact of these on agriculture and food security. It shows that more countries are exposed to increasing climate variability and extremes and the frequency (the number of years exposed in a five-year period) and intensity (the number of types of climate extremes in a five-year period) of exposure over agricultural areas have increased. The findings of this study are compelling and bring urgency to the fact that climate variability and extremes are proliferating and intensifying and are contributing to a rise in global hunger. The world’s 2.5 billion small-scale farmers, herders, fishers, and forest-dependent people, who derive their food and income from renewable natural resources, are most at risk and affected. Actions to strengthen the resilience of livelihoods and food systems to climate variability and extremes urgently need to be scaled up and accelerated. This publication was developed as a background study for "The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2018" (available at http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/I 9553EN). |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2020–12–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:faoets:309365&r=all |
| By: | Braulio Britos (University of Minnesota); Manuel Alejandro Hernandez (International Food Policy Research Institute); Luis Miguel Robles (Universidad del Pacífico); Danilo Trupkin (Instituto Interdisciplinario de Economía Política de Buenos Aires - UBA - CONICET) |
| Abstract: | Farm size and land allocation are important factors in explaining lagging agricultural productivity in developing countries. This paper examines the effect of land market imperfections on land allocation across farmers and aggregate agricultural productivity. We develop a theoretical framework to model the optimal size distribution of farms and assess to what extent market imperfections can explain non-optimal landallocation and output inefficiency. We measure these distortions for the case of Guatemala using agricultural census microdata. We find thatdue to land market imperfections aggregate output is 19% below its efficient level for both maize and beans and 31% below for coffee, whichare three major crops produced nationwide. The regions with higher distortions show a higher dispersion in land prices and less active rentalmarkets. We also find that the degree of land market distortions across locations co-variate with road accessibility and ethnicity and, in a lowerextent, with education. |
| Keywords: | Land Market Distortions, Output Inefficiency, Agricultural Productivity, Guatemala |
| JEL: | O13 Q15 O40 |
| Date: | 2020–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ake:iiepdt:202055&r=all |
| By: | Toader, George; Chiurciu, Viorica; Nistor, Mrierean; Sevciuc, Petru; Filip, Valentina; Burnichi, Floarea; Trifan, Daniela; Rasnoveanu, Luxita; Enea, Catalin Ionut; Toader, Elena Violeta; Ilie, Leonard |
| Abstract: | The ecological, genetic, biological approach proposed by agricultural specialists in order to protect plants and crops has a role in reducing the impact of pests through the process of selection and improvement of genetic resources in the processes of planting, development and introduction of biological means to combat pests in agricultural ecosystems. The strategies proposed by the specialists in the agricultural field aim not at the total extermination of the pests from the agricultural crops but at keeping the pest populations at the optimal damage threshold. The most important advantages of these biological processes are those of the evolutionary stability of the crop systems, the ecological stabilization of the pest and crop populations as well as the assurance of a superior quality of the resulting agricultural products.The present paper aims to present the main advantages of using bacterial biopreparations in agricultural ecosystems (research conducted in agricultural research stations in Romania), reducing soil pollution, environmental crops, use of alternative fertilization and cultivation technologies as well as obtaining additional, ecological productions.The aim of this paper is to present the economic advantages of using bacterial biopreparations in agricultural research and development stations, reducing costs in agriculture and the processes that these bacterial biopreparations have on the agricultural ecosystem, the environment and humans and animals. |
| Keywords: | bacterial biopreparations, bioinsecticide, green fertilization technologies, economic advantages |
| JEL: | Q12 Q56 Q57 |
| Date: | 2020–11–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:106306&r=all |
| By: | Eveillé, F.; Schiettecatte, L.-S.; Toudert, A. |
| Abstract: | The present technical study provides the results and a summary of the most important lessons learned from implementation of a series of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in the rice supply chains of Gagnoa in Côte d’Ivoire. The aim of the CSA practices was to enhance the adaptive capacity of the rice sector against climate change, as erratic rainfall patterns and droughts events have, historically, significantly impacted production. This study relies on data collected at farm and processing levels during two field missions to two pilot sites in August 2017 and September 2018 under the project “Contribution à l’atteinte des objectifs liés au changement climatique et à la sécurité alimentaire via l’agriculture intelligente face au climat en Côte d’Ivoire – cas de la filière riz”. This project is a technical cooperation project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from 2016 and 2018. The study provides a series of recommendations for policymakers, including incentives for the development of a modern bioenergy sector in Côte d’Ivoire which are still nascent. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Farm Management |
| Date: | 2020–09–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:faoets:309367&r=all |
| By: | Lin, Biing-Hwan |
| Abstract: | A better understanding of commodity consumption will help government and businesses to address the Nation’s deficiency in meeting Federal dietary guidelines and the effectiveness of commodity promotion and educational efforts. The data on commodity consumption by food source can be used to gauge adverse impacts on the agricultural commodity sectors when access to commercial eating places is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. To this end, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2007-08 Food Intakes Converted to Retail Commodities Database (FICRCD) is supplemented with imputed values for new foods and applied to 2013-16 What We Eat in America (WWEIA) survey data to convert food consumption into commodity consumption. The data then is broken down into two broad categories—food at home and food away from home. Food away from home is further divided into four sources—a restaurant with waiter service (restaurant), fast food establishment (fast food), school cafeteria and daycare center (school), and other away-from-home places (others). While this approximation meets immediate data needs, developing FICRCD for 2013-16 is recommended as the statistically preferred approach to convert food consumption data into commodity consumption by source. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Health Economics and Policy, Public Economics |
| Date: | 2020–12–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:usdami:309612&r=all |
| By: | Navarro, Matthew L.; Langlois, Tim J.; Murphy, Jeff; Ochwada-Doyle, Faith A. |
| Abstract: | To effectively manage recreational fisheries, managers require an understanding of the drivers of recreational fisher behaviour. In this preliminary study, we explore drivers of recreational fishing site choice in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. In contrast to previous site choice studies, we investigate whether cues of fishing quality (e.g., depth and rugosity), as opposed to catch expectations can be used to explain site choices. We find that recreational fishers in NSW were more likely to visit sites with lower travel cost, greater water depths, and with fish aggregation devices (FADs). Unsurprisingly, the effect of FADs was particularly pronounced on trips targeting pelagic species. This working paper provides some preliminary evidence that cues of fishing quality could be used to explain site choices, but further research is needed particularly involving higher resolution data on habitats that are likely to be important site quality cues. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2021–01–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uwauwp:309191&r=all |
| By: | Sánchez, M.V.; Cicowiez, M.; Ramírez, J. |
| Abstract: | In the face of the economic downturn that Nicaragua experienced in 2018 and the need for a recovery, the study provides a comparative analysis of how investments in productive infrastructure in different agri-food sectors would impact on growth and poverty. The analysis is based on scenarios generated through an economy-wide model representing the Nicaraguan economy and its sectors. The model includes financing constraints and the study explores different financing options for the new investments. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Security and Poverty, Public Economics |
| Date: | 2020–09–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:faoets:309368&r=all |
| By: | Herforth, A.; Bai, Y.; Venkat, A.; Mahrt, K.; Ebel, A.; Masters, W.A. |
| Abstract: | Background paper for The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020 – Price and affordability are key barriers to accessing sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. In this study, the least-cost items available in local markets are identified to estimate the cost of three diet types: energy sufficient, nutrient adequate, and healthy (meeting food-based dietary guidelines). For price and availability the World Bank’s International Comparison Program (ICP) dataset is used, which provides food prices in local currency units (LCU) for 680 foods and non-alcoholic beverages in 170 countries in 2017. In addition, country case studies are developed with national food price datasets in United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana and Myanmar. The findings reveal that healthy diets by any definition are far more expensive than the entire international poverty line of USD 1.90, let alone the upper bound portion of the poverty line that can credibly be reserved for food of USD 1.20. The cost of healthy diets exceeds food expenditures in most countries in the Global South. The findings suggest that nutrition education and behaviour change alone will not substantially improve dietary consumption where nutrient adequate and healthy diets, even in their cheapest form, are unaffordable for the majority of the poor. To make healthy diets cheaper, agricultural policies, research, and development need to shift toward a diversity of nutritious foods. This publication was developed as a background study for "The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020" (available at https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9692en). |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety |
| Date: | 2020–12–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:faoets:309369&r=all |
| By: | Khadjavi, Menusch; Sipangule, Kacana; Thiele, Rainer |
| Abstract: | Following the 2007–8 global food crisis, agricultural producers have invested in large tracts of land in developing countries. We investigate how the arrival of large-scale farms changes inter-personal trust and reciprocity, important components of social capital, in traditional villages. We elicit trust and reciprocal behaviour in villages that lie near large-scale farms and compare them with villages at a distance. Our data reveal greater trust in villages close to large-scale farms. Reciprocity is more frequent after farm employment. These results are likely driven by communal coping and reputation building. A natural field measure shows that trust correlates with public good sharing. |
| Keywords: | social capital,market exposure,cooperation,large-scale agricultural investments,field experiment,smallholder agriculture,Zambia |
| JEL: | C93 O10 O13 P14 Q12 Q15 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifwkie:230937&r=all |
| By: | Boussios, David; Skoriansky, Sharon Raszap; MacLachlan, Matthew |
| Abstract: | This report examines the potential for statistical forecast models to improve the performance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) long-term agricultural baseline projections for harvested area for U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat. After-the-fact analysis for years 1997 to 2017 reveals the baseline projections have, historically, consistently overestimated the harvested area of wheat and underestimated soybean area. The baseline projections also tend to underestimate the corn area, though to a lesser degree. Part of the difference between the projections and realized values is likely attributable to policy, program, weather, and other unforeseen changes when USDA developed the projections. Still, the results of quantitative forecast models show there may be substantial potential for improvement on the existing methodology. Forecasts generated using 3 econometric time-series models did not improve performance relative to the current baseline approach for nearer forecast horizons but improved performance for projection horizon lengths of 8-10, 2-10, and 4-10 years for harvested area of corn, soybeans, and wheat, respectively, when using 1 of our statistical measures. The forecasts generated using the econometric models produce predictions with an average absolute forecasting error 10 years out that is between 26 percent to 60 percent smaller than those provided by baseline projections. The results suggest that econometric models offer the potential to improve the performance of forecasting long-term trends in agricultural markets. As of 2020, USDA begun using statistical forecast models such as these when developing its long-term agricultural projections as complements to the existing process. USDA is also in the process of testing these models for additional commodities to improve the long-term projections for all commodities. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use |
| Date: | 2021–02–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:usdami:309619&r=all |
| By: | Julie Thomas (BETA - Bureau d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - UL - Université de Lorraine - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Marielle Brunette (BETA - Bureau d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - UL - Université de Lorraine - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Antoine Leblois (CEE-M - Centre d'Economie de l'Environnement - Montpellier - UMR 5211 - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | Climate change seriously impacts forest ecosystems. In order to maintain forest cover, adaptation strategies should be implemented. In France, adaptation decisions are mainly in the hands of private forest owners. However, little is known about the way they perceive climate change or about their decisions related to adaptation. The aim of this article is precisely to obtain such information through a survey conducted among more than 900 French private forest owners. We identified determinants to the adoption of adaptation (gender, area, profession, having a management document, perception of climate change impact). More importantly, we show that the decision of adaptation should not be thought of in general but strategy-by-strategy because we identified strategy-dependent drivers. The article concludes with a discussion about the public policy implications of the results. |
| Keywords: | adaptation,forest,survey,French private forest owners |
| Date: | 2021–02–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-03142772&r=all |
| By: | Bannor, Frank; Dikgang, Johane; Gelo, Dambala |
| Abstract: | Despite continuous reforms and increased spending in the agricultural sector, Africa remains a net food importer. Previous research has argued that agricultural productivity is lower in Africa than in all other parts of the world due to challenging ecological conditions – soil fertility challenges and extreme climate. Increasing the region’s food supply requires significant increases in agricultural productivity, which in turn depends on investment in research and development (R&D). This study examines how climate variability (proxied by rainfall variability) affects agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) of maize in 14 sub-Saharan African countries (SSA). Maize farming in Africa – due to its significance in regional food production, evident climate variability, and the need to significantly increase efficiency – is an ideal region of investigation for climate impacts on maize production. We apply a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) on the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) to decompose productivity growth into technical efficiency and technological progress. In addition, a single-stage maximum-likelihood estimation of a true fixed effect was used to investigate how climate variability affects maize productivity through technical efficiency. The results show that climate variability has a negative effect on technical efficiency in the agricultural production of maize. Furthermore, increased spending on R&D is required to enhance technical efficiency and productivity. |
| Keywords: | climate change,data envelopment analysis,maize,total factor productivity,research and development,technical efficiency |
| JEL: | Q1 Q5 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:231310&r=all |
| By: | Mads Greaker (Oslo Business School - OsloMet) |
| Abstract: | Sustainable yield from a natural resource áuctuates in response to both natural conditions and harvesting practices. On the one hand, research and development (R&D) may reduce the áuctuations through more knowledge of ecosystem functioning. On the other hand, R&D may also increase the fluctuations if it results in more efficient harvesting operations with increased impact on the environment. We analyze the incentives for innovation in a natural resource based industry. The direction of technical change can either be towards profitability enhancing innovations or environmental hazard reducing innovations. We then pose the following research questions: Is the marketís ranking of profitability enhancing and environmental hazard reducing innovation projects in line with the ranking of the social planner? In order to investigate our research question, we develop a theoretical model of innovation in a natural resource based industry, which we also calibrate to the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Two key results emerge; first, the government should subsidize the adoption of environmental hazard reducing technology. Second, the private incentive for profitability enhancing innovation is likely to outperform the private incentives for environmental hazard reducing innovation. In fact, the optimal R&D subsidy to to the former type of R&D is negative, while the optimal R&D subsidy to the latter type of R&D is positive and larger the more serious the environmental hazard. |
| Keywords: | Renewable natural resources, innovation, environmental policy, aquaculture |
| Date: | 2020–10–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oml:wpaper:202004&r=all |
| By: | Armenak Antinyan (Wenlan School of Business, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, China); Luca Corazzini (Department of Economics and VERA, University Of Venice Cà Foscari) |
| Abstract: | Little is known about the impact of policy interventions other than taxes and bans to reduce the demand for single use plastic bags. More specifically, the influence of environmental nudges and financial bonuses to curb the single use plastic bag purchase and consumption is largely understudied. To fill this gap, we run an RCT with loyalty card holders of one of the biggest supermarket chains in Yerevan (Armenia) to test and compare interventions based on environmental nudges and financial bonuses. We manipulate the type of the intervention – either a financial bonus or a nudge –, the presence of a reusable bag – either provided for free or not provided –, and the size of the bag – either small or big. Compared with the baseline setting with no intervention, both the financial bonus and the environmental nudge serve as effective policy instruments to reduce disposable plastic bag purchase. Moreover, reusable bags in combination with the environmental nudge or the financial bonus are more effective than the environmental nudge or the financial bonus alone. Finally, the financial bonus is substantially more effective than the environmental nudge, irrespective of the absence/presence of reusable bags. |
| Keywords: | Pro-environmental behavior, nudge, financial bonus, reusable plastic bag, randomized controlled trial |
| JEL: | C93 D12 D91 H23 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ven:wpaper:2021:08&r=all |
| By: | Gary Charness (University of California, Santa Barbara); Ramón Cobo-Reyes (American University of Sharjah); Erik Eyster (University of California, Santa Barbara); Gabriel Katz (University of Exeter and Universidad Catolica des Uruguay); Ángela Sánchez (NYU Abu Dhabi); Matthias Sutter (Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods, University of Cologne, University of Innsbruck, IZA, and CESifo) |
| Abstract: | We present a field experiment to study the effects of non-monetary incentives on healthy food choices of 282 children in elementary schools. Previous interventions have typically paid participants for healthy eating, but this often may not be feasible. We introduce a system where food items are graded based on their nutritional value, involving parents or classmates as change agents by providing them with information regarding the food choices of their children or friends. We find parents’ involvement in the decision process to be particularly beneficial in boosting healthy food choices, with very strong results that persist months after the intervention. |
| Keywords: | Healthy eating, children, parents, non-monetary incentives, field experiment |
| JEL: | C93 I12 |
| Date: | 2020–12–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mpg:wpaper:2021_01&r=all |
| By: | Lina Moros; Maria Alejandra Vélez; Alexander Pfaff; Daniela Quintero |
| Abstract: | We implemented a decision experiment in the field with rural peasants in Colombia to test the effects of introducing then partially or totally removing Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). We consider individual and collective payments and different rules for removal. We find that there is clearly no behavioral ‘crowding-out’ when a PES is created then ended. Even a simple pre-versus-post-PES comparison finds ‘crowding in’, if anything, with contributions higher after PES was removed than before PES was introduced. Comparing to a control, without PES, strengthens that conclusion. We discuss four possible mechanisms explaining these findings: recognition or gratitude; lack of negative emotions; pre-existing and persistent intrinsic motivations, and evocation of pro-environmental behavior. |
| Keywords: | lab in the field experiment, pro-environmental behavior, payment for ecosystem services, incentives, Colombia. |
| JEL: | Q Q Q57 Q |
| Date: | 2020–12–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:col:000089:018590&r=all |
| By: | Chang Liu (Nanjing Forestry University); Tor Eriksson (Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University); Fujin Yi (Nanjing Agricultural University) |
| Abstract: | Improvements in nutritional status is a principal pathway to good health. This study examines the effect of migration of adult children on the nutrient intake of left-behind older adults in rural China. We use data from four waves (2004–2011) of the China Health and Nutrition Survey and utilize individual fixed effects methods to panel data. Results show that the migration of offspring is associated with significantly higher nutritional status of their left-behind parents, especially higher intake of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins B1–B3, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, selenium, and copper. The intake of some of these nutrients is below recommended levels. The magnitude of the estimated effects vary between 4% and 24%. Older adults who live with their grandchildren in rural households or have a low income benefit more from having adult child migrants in the household. The improvement of nutrition outcomes of left-behind older adults is mainly due to increased consumption of cereals, meat, eggs, and fish. |
| Keywords: | Offspring migration, Nutrient intake, Food composition, Left-behind older adults |
| JEL: | J61 I15 O12 |
| Date: | 2021–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aah:aarhec:2021-03&r=all |
| By: | Boussios, David; Skorbiansky, Sharon Raszap; Maclachlan, Matthew |
| Abstract: | This report examines the potential for statistical forecast models to improve the performance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) long-term agricultural baseline projections for the harvested area for U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat. After-the-fact analysis for years 1997 to 2017 reveals the baseline projections have, historically, consistently overestimated the harvested area of wheat and underestimated soybean area. The baseline projections also tend to underestimate the corn area, though to a lesser degree. Part of the difference between the projections and realized values is likely attributable to policy, program, weather, and other unforeseen changes when USDA developed the projections. Still, the results of quantitative forecast models show there may be substantial potential for improvement on the existing methodology. Forecasts generated using 3 econometric time-series models did not improve performance relative to the current baseline approach for nearer forecast horizons but improved performance for projection horizon lengths of 8-10, 2-10, and 4-10 years for harvested area of corn, soybeans, and wheat, respectively, when using 1 of our statistical measures. The forecasts generated using the econometric models produce predictions with an average absolute forecasting error 10 years out that is between 26 percent to 60 percent smaller than those provided by baseline projections. The results suggest that econometric models offer the potential to improve the performance of forecasting long-term trends in agricultural markets. As of 2020, USDA begun using statistical forecast models such as these when developing its long-term agricultural projections as complements to the existing process. USDA is also in the process of testing these models for additional commodities to improve the long-term projections for all commodities. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural Finance, Crop Production/Industries, Demand and Price Analysis, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use |
| Date: | 2021–02–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:usdami:309616&r=all |
| By: | Monia El Akkari (ECOSYS - Ecologie fonctionnelle et écotoxicologie des agroécosystèmes - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Fabien Ferchaud (Université de Liège, INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Loïc Strullu (Université de Liège, INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Ian Shield (Rothamsted Research); Aurélie Perrin (ESA - Ecole supérieure d'Agricultures d'Angers); Jean Louis Drouet (ECOSYS - Ecologie fonctionnelle et écotoxicologie des agroécosystèmes - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Pierre Alain Jayet (ECO-PUB - Economie Publique - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE AgroParisTech, UMR Economie Publique, France); Benoit Gabrielle (ECOSYS - Ecologie fonctionnelle et écotoxicologie des agroécosystèmes - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | Crop yields are important items in the economic performance and the environmental impacts of second-generation biofuels. Since they strongly depend on crop management and pedoclimatic conditions, it is important to compare candidate feedstocks to select the most appropriate crops in a given context. Agro-ecosystem models offer a prime route to benchmark crops, but have been little tested from this perspective thus far. Here, we tested whether an agro-ecosystem model (CERES-EGC) was specific enough to capture the differences between miscanthus and switchgrass in northern Europe. The model was compared to field observations obtained in seven long-term trials in France and the UK, involving different fertilizer input rates and harvesting dates. At the calibration site (Estrées-Mons), the mean deviations between simulated and observed crop biomass yields for miscanthus varied between −0.3 t DM ha −1 and 4.2 t DM ha −1. For switchgrass, simulated yields were within 1.0 t DM ha −1 of the experimental data. Observed miscanthus yields were higher than switchgrass yields in most sites and for all treatments, with one exception. Overall, the model captured the differences between both crops adequately, with a mean deviation of 0.46 t DM ha −1 , and could be used to guide feedstock selections over larger biomass supply areas. |
| Keywords: | second generation biofuels,lignocellulosic species,crop modeling,modélisation des cultures,espèce lignocellulosique,biocarburant de seconde génération |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02975335&r=all |
| By: | Zamani, Omid; Pelikan, Janine; Schott, Johanna |
| Abstract: | The present report provides the results of the first work package of the IMMPEX project which aims to investigate the impact of German and European livestock product exports on agri-food sectors in selected African countries. Based on various criteria like trade statistics and a literature review, we identified the poultry and dairy sectors in Senegal and Ghana for further analysis in the course of the project. In this report, we provide an overview of the poultry and dairy product trade flows from Germany, the EU, and from the rest of the world to West Africa. We also show how imports, domestic production, and consumption of poultry and dairy products have developed over time. Our analysis reveals an upward trend of dairy and poultry products imports in both countries. Apart from the 28 EU countries, Brazil and the US are the main exporters of poultry to Ghana. However, the share of the EU increased since 2011. Senegal’s domestic production has considerably expanded under the import ban on uncooked poultry meat in 2006. Nevertheless, compared with poultry production growth rates in Ghana, Senegal still has lower growth rates. With regard to dairy, intra-African trade plays an important role in this sector, however, there is evidence that intra-African trade flows might be related to re-exports. The EU and New Zealand are the main competitors in the dairy markets of Ghana and Senegal. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, International Relations/Trade |
| Date: | 2021–03–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:jhimwp:309676&r=all |
| By: | Lucasenco, Eugenia; Ceban, Alexandru |
| Abstract: | The paper aims to assess the competitiveness of Moldovan agri-food products at the regional level, with an emphasis on neighbouring countries. Taking into account the latest trends in export of agri-food products, it is becoming necessary to analyze what are the most competitive Moldovan products on the regional EU market. In order to carry out the proposed assessment, the Revealed Comparative Advantage index has been used. This index helps calculating the relative advantage or disadvantage of a specific country in a certain class of goods as evidenced by trade flows. As a result, products with a significant comparative advantage have been identified, meaning the existence of the competitive potential at the regional level. At the same time, several proposals have been formulated in order to increase the competitiveness’ level of selected Moldovan agri-food products. |
| Keywords: | trade, Revealed Comparative Advantage index (RCA), Republic of Moldova, agri-food products. |
| JEL: | Q17 |
| Date: | 2020–11–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:106308&r=all |
| By: | Graskemper, Viktoria; Feil, Jan-Henning |
| Abstract: | Against the background of fundamentally changing political and social requirements of agricultural production, the requirement profile of farmers has changed. The future of agriculture is widely discussed. To prepare a ground for future debates and policy programme design, it is essential to get an understanding of which values underlie farmers' behaviour. This paper applies SCHWARTZ' value theory to a large quantitative survey (N = 787) of German farmers. Next to the overall value portrait, different value portraits within the sample of farmers are analysed. Farmers of the sample first and foremost prioritise self-transcendence values followed by openness to change. Conservation and self-enhancement are ranked to be less important within farmers' value priorities. Furthermore, three different value portraits are identifiable within the sample. These groups differ significantly among other things in their risk attitude and involvement in structural diversification. Implications for agricultural policy design and agricultural management are derived from the results. |
| Keywords: | farmer values,PVQ,agricultural values,entrepreneurship |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:daredp:2101&r=all |
| By: | Lence, Sergio H.; Plastina, Alejandro |
| Abstract: | Total factor productivity (TFP) has long been recognized as a major engine of growth for U.S. agriculture in the post-war period, despite the methodological differences in the approaches used to calculate it.1 Furthermore, TFP growth in the farm sector compares very favorably to similar measures of productivity growth in other sectors of the U.S. economy (Kendrick and Grossman 1980; Jorgenson, Gollop, and Fraumeni 1987; Jorgenson and Schreyer 2013; Jorgenson, Ho, and Samuels 2014; Garner and others 2019). In particular, Jorgenson, Ho, and Samuels (2014) find that although the farm sector ranked 15th out of 65 industries in its contribution to national value-added from 1947 to 2010, it ranked fifth in its contribution to national productivity growth, accounting for 7.5 percent of total U.S. TFP growth over the same period. Using a different data set, Garner and others (2019) find that the farm sector ranked fourth in TFP growth across 63 industries in the United States from 1987 to 2016. |
| Date: | 2020–01–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:isu:genstf:202001010800001066&r=all |
| By: | Amarendra Sahoo (European Commission - JRC); Ignacio Perez Dominguez (European Commission - JRC); Sarah Mubareka (European Commission - JRC); Giulia Fiorese (European Commission - JRC); Giacomo Grassi (European Commission - JRC); Roberto Pilli (European Commission - JRC); Mihaly Himics (European Commission - JRC); Viorel Blujdea (European Commission - JRC); Marco Follador (European Commission - JRC); Frederik Neuwahl (European Commission - JRC); Raffaele Salvucci (European Commission - JRC); Mate Rozsai (European Commission - JRC); Peter Witzke (EuroCare GmbH, Bonn (Germany)); Monika Kesting (EuroCare GmbH, Bonn (Germany)) |
| Abstract: | This report is an attempt to develop a modelling framework integrating different sectoral stand-alone models used at the JRC for policy impact assessment in the fields of agriculture, forestry, land use change and energy. The proposed quantitative framework should improve the capability of assessing greenhouse gas emissions and removals resulting from complex interactions between the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sectors, and facilitate the analysis of policy scenarios relevant for a sustainable and carbon-neutral European economy. Four models are considered, for which a revised model specification and harmonization of relevant databases and model parameters is needed. The Common Agricultural Policy Regionalized Impact (CAPRI) Modelling System is a widely used large-scale multi-commodity agricultural economic model. The Land Use-based Integrated Sustainability Assessment modelling platform for BioEconomy and Ecosystem Services (LUISA-BEES) is primarily used for the ex-ante evaluation of European policies that have a direct or indirect territorial impact on the agricultural and forestry sectors. The Carbon Budget Model (CBM) is a stand-alone forestry model that simulates forest carbon dynamics. The Policy Oriented Tool for Energy and Climate Change Impact Assessment (POTEnCIA) model depicts a detailed EU energy system combining both techno-economic modules. As a 'proof of integration', this report describes the improvement of the CAPRI land use function and harmonization of related database such as to be linked to the output from the LUISA-BEES model. Moreover, forestry area projections and related carbon removals in CAPRI are improved by using direct information from the CBM model. Last but not least, the POTEnCIA model is improved by parameterizing a first generation biofuel supply curve based on CAPRI simulations. In order to test the proposed modelling framework, the report proposes a set of exploratory policy scenarios based on each model’s capabilities: reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, expansion of biofuel mandates and carbon pricing (CAPRI); implementation of spatially explicit sustainability criteria for the plantation of energy crops and afforestation (LUISA-BEES), different levels of forest harvesting (CBM) and strong decarbonisation policies (POTEnCIA). |
| Keywords: | AFOLU, Integrated Framework, Agriculture, Forestry, Land Use Change, Energy, CAPRI, LUISA-BEES, CBM and POTENCIA |
| Date: | 2021–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc123172&r=all |
| By: | Gary W. Brester; Kole Swanser |
| Abstract: | Several published studies indicate that cattle hide values and edible and inedible cattle slaughtering byproducts influence cattle prices. Most cattle processing byproducts are exported. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic interrupted many international trade supply chains and fed cattle futures prices declined from $127.43/cwt in January 2020 to $83.83/cwt at the end of April 2020. Much of this decline was the result of uncertainties in supply chains, reductions in the demand for beef by the HRI sector, and disruptions in international trade. In addition, lower hide and edible/inedible byproduct values also contributed to lower cattle prices. We show that 0.6% (or $0.54/cwt) of the reduction in cattle prices was associated with lower non-hide byproduct values. A larger reduction (6.5% or $6.30/cwt) was associated with a 50.3% decline in hide values. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Demand and Price Analysis, Livestock Production/Industries, Risk and Uncertainty |
| Date: | 2021–03–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:msaesp:309621&r=all |
| By: | Glyn Wittwer |
| Abstract: | The decade from 2011 to 2020 started with the tail end of one of the wettest two year periods observed in eastern Australia and ended with recovery from the hottest and driest year ever recorded. An increasing prevalence of extremes is consistent with expectations concerning climate change. This study uses observed rainfall and temperature anomalies to infer farm productivity levels by region. Productivity shocks are run year-by-year in the multi-regional VU-TERM model. The three scenarios of the study include a decade reflecting 2011 to 2020 seasons, a "2030" scenario in which farm productivity falls by 10% relative to the first scenario in five of the 10 seasons and a "2050" scenario in which, in the corresponding years, farm productivity falls 20%. The welfare impact of the first scenario relative to a baseline without year-on-year seasonal variations is minus $35 billion in net present value terms. The welfare impact in the second scenario is minus $46 billion and minus $59 billion in the third scenario. Welfare losses are alleviated to a small extent by resource movements. In particular, in years in which drought induces collapses in productivity, livestock production switches from grazing to fodder inputs. The study assumes that Outback Queensland consists of rangeland production in which a switch to fodder is not feasible. The region's income losses in drought are worse than elsewhere. Lack of input flexibility contributes to the region's losses. |
| Keywords: | regional drought impacts climate change welfare adaptation |
| JEL: | C68 Q54 R11 R15 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cop:wpaper:g-312&r=all |
| By: | Hongxing Liu (Department of Economics, Lafayette College); Joaquín Gómez-Miñambres (Department of Economics, Lafayette College; Economic Science Institute, Chapman University); Danyi Qi (Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University) |
| Abstract: | We use a combination of randomized field experiments and online surveys to test how the menu design affects food choices and food waste. In our field experiment, participants face one of two menus a narrow menu that only displays a small portion of food, or a broad menu that also contains bigger portions. While all options are equally available in both menus, they differ in how easy and fast the different choices can be made. Our results show that, compared to the broad menu, participants in the narrow menu ordered smaller portions of food. Importantly, food intake was similar across conditions, leading to significant food waste reduction under the narrow menu. Our online survey suggest that these results are consistent with a combination of anchoring and menu-dependent self-control theories. We discuss the implication of our results to menu design in real world settings. |
| Keywords: | food waste; food choice; menu design; nudge; anchoring; self-control |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:chu:wpaper:20-37&r=all |
| By: | Riccardo Ghidoni; Anna Lou Abatayo; Valentina Bosetti; Marco Casari; Massimo Tavoni |
| Abstract: | Climate geoengineering strategies can help reduce the economic and ecological impacts of global warming. However, governing geoengineering is challenging: since climate preferences vary across countries, excessive deployment relative to the socially optimal level is likely. Through a laboratory experiment on a public good-or-bad game, we study whether side-payments can address this governance problem. While theoretically effective, our experimental results show only a modest impact of side-payments on outcomes, especially in a multilateral setup. Replacing unstructured bilateral exchanges with a treaty framework simplifies the action space and performs moderately better. |
| Keywords: | climate governance, public good-or-bad, free-driving, transfers, promises, experiment, Coase theorem |
| JEL: | C70 C90 H40 Q50 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mib:wpaper:461&r=all |
| By: | Bacchetta, Marc; Bekkers, Eddy; Piermartini, Roberta; Rubinova, Stela; Stolzenburg, Victor; Xu, Ankai |
| Abstract: | Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a discussion among researchers and policy makers about changes to global value chains, both about expected changes and changes that should be promoted by government policies. In this paper we conduct an in-depth analysis of the reasons for changes in global value chains as a result of COVID-19 both from a positive angle, analysing expected changes in the behaviour of firms, and from a normative angle, assessing the different arguments for policy interventions by governments. After this analysis international cooperation of trade policies and the role of WTO in crises like the COVID -19 pandemic is explored. The analysis generates three main conclusions. First, the COVID-19 pandemic could contribute to diversification of sources of supply whose extent will vary by sector depending on the costs of value chain reorganization. The pandemic, by contrast, is not likely to contribute much to re-shoring, the return of manufacturing activities to industrialized countries, which is more likely to be driven by pre-existing trends such as rising factor costs in emerging countries, increasing uncertainty about trade policy, and robotization and automation of production. Second, the pandemic has led to increased attention to the provision of essential goods in situations of crisis and our analysis concludes that to achieve this objective, global cooperation should be preferred to national policies such as domestic production and export restrictions. Third, the largest risk for the global economy in the aftermath of the pandemic is a move away from open, non-discriminatory trade policies, which would jeopardize the large benefits of open trade regimes in the current global economy characterized by scale economies, innovation spillovers, and a global division of labour. |
| Keywords: | COVID-19,global value chains,provision of essential goods,export restrictions |
| JEL: | F1 |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wtowps:ersd20213&r=all |
| By: | Stefano Castriota (University of Pisa, Department of Political Science); Alessandro Fedele (Free University of Bolzano‐Bozen, Faculty of Economics and Management) |
| Abstract: | We investigate the effect of product excellence on firm profitability in a competitive market with vertical and horizontal differentiation. We develop a theoretical model and derive conditions under which the effect of excellence on profitability, the latter defined as the ratio of equilibrium profits to the invested capital, can be either positive, zero, or negative. We test our theoretical predictions by examining a sample of 1,052 Italian wineries over the period 2006-2015. Using different econometric methodologies, we find that excellence, proxied by firm reputation for quality, has no significant impact on profitability, measured by the return on invested capital (ROIC). We conclude by discussing policy and managerial implications. (NOTE: This paper is a radically revised version of the paper "Does Excellence Pay Off? Evidence from the Wine Market", published in this series as BEMPS49) |
| Keywords: | product excellence; firm profitability; vertical and horizontal differentiation; reputation for quality; wine market |
| JEL: | L15 L14 L66 L13 Q1 D21 D22 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bzn:wpaper:bemps77&r=all |
| By: | Erik Ansink (School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands); Carmine Ornaghi (School of Economics, Social and Political Sciences, University of Southampton, UK); Mirco Tonin (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy) |
| Abstract: | We study the impact of audits on water conservation, distinguishing between the information and technological components. We observe water consumption for up to 18 months for 10,000 households in the South East of England who received the visit of a so-called Green Doctor. We find that water-saving devices decrease water consumption by 2-4%, with an effect that is persistent over 18 months. Devices reducing water pressure are particularly effective, while shower timers are ineffective. The information component of the water audit has a large initial impact, but this gradually fades to a drop in consumption of 2% after 12 months. Technology appears to be more cost-effective than information provision and this can help in the design of policy interventions. |
| Keywords: | Water audits; Green Doctors; conservation, information; technology |
| JEL: | D12 H42 L95 Q25 |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bzn:wpaper:bemps80&r=all |
| By: | Kar, Armita; Motoyama, Yasuyuki; Carrel, Andre L.; Miller, Harvey J.; Le, Huyen T. K. |
| Date: | 2021–02–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:4hw8p&r=all |
| By: | Nikolaos Englezos; Xanthi Kartala; Phoebe Koundouri (Dept. of International and European Economic Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business); Mike Tsionas; Angelos Alamanos |
| Abstract: | Competitive use of transboundary waters across different countries and among different sectors can be approached as a stochastic multistage dynamic game. In this paper we use this approach to develop and apply a novel framework for optimal management of limited transboundary water resources and evaluation of different international strategies, under hydrological uncertainty. The Omo-Turkana River Basin in Africa is used as a case study application, since it faces the above challenges within the water-food-energy nexus framework. The basic mathematical model consists of the water balance (availability and demand for the different sectors), the costs of water extraction, and the social benefits from water resources. The non-cooperative and cooperative (Stackelberg "leader-follower") cases are solved and compared based on the future water availability. The empirical application of the model calls for sector-specific production function estimations, for which we employ nonparametric treatment of the production functions, while we extend it to allow for technical inefficiency in production and autocorrelated Total Factor Productivity, providing thus a more realistic model. For this purpose, Bayesian analysis is performed using a Sequential Monte Carlo/Particle-Filtering approach. The cooperative solution is the optimal pathway not only for both riparian countries, but for the sustainable water use of the basin too, as in future uncertainty conditions it maintains the maximum welfare option. The detail and sophistication of both the mathematical and econometric models are key elements for this novel approach, supporting robust policy recommendations towards sustainable management of transboundary resources. |
| Keywords: | Transboundary water management, cooperation games, stochasticity, endogenous adaptation, production functions technical inefficiency, demand curve |
| Date: | 2021–02–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aue:wpaper:2101&r=all |
| By: | Toptancı, Ali İskan |
| Abstract: | To combat food scandals around the world, Walmart, the retail giant, is trying to ensure food security in its supply chain using blockchain technology. In 2016, the Food Safety Cooperation Center was established in Walmart Beijing and plans to invest $ 25 million by 2021 to improve global food security. Leveraging IBM's Hyperledger Fabric-based blockchain solution, Walmart has successfully implemented two pilot blockchain projects: pork from China and mango from America. With an on-farm approach, Walmart's blockchain solution reduces the time to trace the origin of the mango from 7 days to 2.2 seconds. This has enabled Walmart to promote more transparency across the food supply chain. IBM defines this as "full end-to-end traceability. This research was conducted to provide opportunities to use blockchain solutions in the global food ecosystem to implement blockchain technology in the food supply chain, increase food security and reduce food waste. |
| Keywords: | Food Safety,Food Supply Chain,Walmart,IBM Food Trust |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esrepo:231307&r=all |
| By: | Richard S. J. Tol |
| Abstract: | I propose a new conceptual framework to disentangle the impacts of weather and climate on economic activity and growth: A stochastic frontier model with climate in the production frontier and weather shocks as a source of inefficiency. I test it on a sample of 160 countries over the period 1950-2014. Temperature and rainfall determine production possibilities in both rich and poor countries; positively in cold countries and negatively in hot ones. Weather anomalies reduce inefficiency in rich countries but increase inefficiency in poor and hot countries; and more so in countries with low weather variability. The climate effect is larger that the weather effect. |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2102.13110&r=all |
| By: | McLaughlin, Patrick W.; Saksena, Michelle; Saitone, Tina L.; Ma, Meilin; Volpe, Richard; Wu, Qi; Sexton, Richard J. |
| Abstract: | The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food assistance, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health care to participating low-income and nutritionally at-risk pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. Participants exchange WIC vouchers or electronic benefits for specific WIC foods at commercial retail stores authorized by State WIC programs. Authorized WIC vendors may be large grocers, supermarkets, and supercenters such as Walmart or Target, or small and nontraditional food retailers like convenience and drug stores. In addition, some States authorize vendors that specialize in serving WIC clients, referred to as “above-50-percent vendors” or simply “A50 vendors” because they derive the majority of their food sales from WIC transactions. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Food Security and Poverty, Health Economics and Policy |
| Date: | 2021–02–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:usdami:309614&r=all |