Relationships between economic and ecological indicators and greenhouse gas emissions: The perspective of farms in Poland at the regional level

Abstract

Aligning farms with the European Green Deal necessitates precise identification and analysis of the interplay between primary economic factors and ecological dimensions. This study presents detailed research findings on the correlation between ecological indicators, CH4 and N2O emissions, and economic metrics within a regional framework. The research draws on data from farms participating in the European Agricultural Accounting Network (FADN) spanning 2010-2019. The resultant analysis underscores substantial correlations among the examined parameters. Regions characterised by heightened agricultural production intensity report elevated agricultural income. However, this is coupled with increased environmental impact and heightened greenhouse gas emissions, particularly among farms engaged in animal production. Mazowsze, Podlasie, Wielkopolska, and Slask exhibit notable progress in pro-environmental initiatives. In the Pomorze and Mazury regions, expenditures on fertilisation and plant protection remain close to the average, culminating in an efficient equilibrium of organic matter in the soil and minimal CH4 and N2O emissions per hectare.