Agricultural Production Costs Research Articles

Development of Rule-Based Expert System for Variable Cost and Gross Profit Calculations of Agricultural Products: A Case Study

Cost and gross profit calculations of agricultural products are a comprehensive and difficult process. Many different parameters, such as soil cultivation, pruning, spraying, irrigation, storage, drying, harvesting, transportation, and marketing, need to be evaluated together. Currently, cost calculations of agricultural products are made with classical programs and simple mathematical methods. For this reason, the results vary depending on the person and organization making the evaluation. This creates some limitations, making cost planning, which is a dynamic process, unreliable. In the study, a rule-based expert system was developed for the cost and gross profit calculation of apricots. The expert system developed is called Apricot Information System (APRIS). The developed expert system aims to provide more accurate solutions by adding the precision and speed of the computer to the calculation process. The main contribution of this study is the development of a complete decision support set covering all processes from tillage to marketing and the design of rule-based user-system interaction. The designed system found the apricot variable cost calculation to be 1126.36 TL/da for 2020. This value largely overlaps with the values obtained from the field in the previous year. The developed expert system will be a platform that can be used in cost calculations of many agricultural products.

Agronomic and physiological characteristics of high yield and nitrogen use efficient varieties of rice: Comparison between two near‐isogenic lines

AbstractIncreasing the application of nitrogen fertilizer is the main approach to increase rice production, but it also brings problems of environmental pollution and increases agricultural production costs. Cultivating high‐yielding and high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) rice varieties is an important approach to solving this problem. The rice varieties carrying dep1 (dense and erect panicle 1) have both high grain yield and high NUE. However, their plant traits have not been fully explored. In this study, two rice near‐isogenic lines carrying dep1 (NIL‐DEP1 and NIL‐dep1) were grown in paddy fields under 0, 120 and 270 kg N ha−1. We analyzed agronomic traits of panicle type, plant type, leaves and roots, and physiological traits of vascular bundles, photosynthetic rate and carbon and nitrogen transport. The results showed that the NIL‐dep1 exhibited higher grain yield and NUE than NIL‐DEP1, mainly due to the higher spikelet number per panicle, grain filling percentage and dry matter production. Compared with NIL‐DEP1, NIL‐dep1 had improved flag leaf morpho–physiological traits, including erect flag leaves, greater leaf thickness and specific leaf weight, higher root dry weight, root length, root volume and root surface area, and a better canopy structure, as reflected by a lower light interception percent and canopy extinction coefficient, leading to better photosynthetic performance and dry matter production. In addition, NIL‐dep1 exhibited better vascular bundle traits of peduncle and enhanced dry matter, stem carbon and nitrogen translocation during grain filling. In conclusion, NIL‐dep1 had high grain yield and NUE by improved agronomic and physiological traits and increasing carbon and nitrogen translocation during grain filling. These traits mentioned above could be used to select and breed high grain yield with high NUE rice varieties.

Deep Learning-Based Weed–Crop Recognition for Smart Agricultural Equipment: A Review

Weeds and crops engage in a relentless battle for the same resources, leading to potential reductions in crop yields and increased agricultural costs. Traditional methods of weed control, such as heavy herbicide use, come with the drawback of promoting weed resistance and environmental pollution. As the demand for pollution-free and organic agricultural products rises, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions. The emergence of smart agricultural equipment, including intelligent robots, unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite technology, proves to be pivotal in addressing weed-related challenges. The effectiveness of smart agricultural equipment, however, hinges on accurate detection, a task influenced by various factors, like growth stages, environmental conditions and shading. To achieve precise crop identification, it is essential to employ suitable sensors and optimized algorithms. Deep learning plays a crucial role in enhancing weed recognition accuracy. This advancement enables targeted actions such as minimal pesticide spraying or precise laser excision of weeds, effectively reducing the overall cost of agricultural production. This paper provides a thorough overview of the application of deep learning for crop and weed recognition in smart agricultural equipment. Starting with an overview of intelligent agricultural tools, sensors and identification algorithms, the discussion delves into instructive examples, showcasing the technology’s prowess in distinguishing between weeds and crops. The narrative highlights recent breakthroughs in automated technologies for precision plant identification while acknowledging existing challenges and proposing prospects. By marrying cutting-edge technology with sustainable agricultural practices, the adoption of intelligent equipment presents a promising path toward efficient and eco-friendly weed management in modern agriculture.

Sustainability Assessment of Two Farming Systems

Objective: Assess the sustainability of two agricultural production systems (native maize and improved maize) by applying the MESMIS methodology
 Design/methodology/approach: Knowing the social, economic and environmental factors that make up the production systems in the municipality of Jilotepec, State of Mexico, as well as their forms of management, allow us to develop strategies for sustainable rural development. The study contemplated at 30 production systems and compared the level of sustainability between producers of native maize and improved maize. The collection of information in the field was carried out in September 2022 and consisted of participatory workshops, semi-structured interviews and surveys; this information was complemented by soil sampling to analyze fertility
 Results: The two systems studied have high costs of agricultural production and high dependence on external inputs, especially those using improved maize. Most systems depend on external economic income. Agriculture is increasingly exposed to the conditions of drought and changes in rainfall regimes, in this situation having livestock becomes an important economic support. Changing climate conditions are forcing people to implement adaptability measures. Regionally the soil is fertile and suitable for corn cultivation. The perception of happiness of the inhabitants interviewed is high, they consider that the quality of life is good and therefore do not migrate
 Findings/conclusions: The present study is the result of the integrated analysis of several methodologies used in the measurement of sustainability indicators.

A Conceptual Model Relationship between Industry 4.0-Food-Agriculture Nexus and Agroecosystem: A Literature Review and Knowledge Gaps.

With the expected colonization of human daily life by artificial intelligence, including in industry productivity, the deployment of Industry 4.0 (I4) in the food agriculture industry (FAI) is expected to revolutionize and galvanize food production to increase the efficiency of the industry's production and to match, in tandem, a country's gross domestic productivity. Based on a literature review, there have been almost no direct relationships between the I4-Food-Agriculture (I4FA) Nexus and the agroecosystem. This study aimed to evaluate the state-of-the-art relationships between the I4FA Nexus and the agroecosystem and to discuss the challenges in the sustainable FAI that can be assisted by the I4 technologies. This objective was fulfilled by (a) reviewing all the relevant publications and (b) drawing a conceptual relationship between the I4FA Nexus and the agroecosystem, in which the I4FA Nexus is categorized into socio-economic and environmental (SEE) perspectives. Four points are highlighted in the present review. First, I4 technology is projected to grow in the agricultural and food sectors today and in the future. Second, food agriculture output may benefit from I4 by considering the SEE benefits. Third, implementing I4 is a challenging journey for the sustainable FAI, especially for the small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Fourth, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles can help to manage I4's implementation in agriculture and food. The advantages of I4 deployment include (a) social benefits like increased occupational safety, workers' health, and food quality, security, and safety; (b) economic benefits, like using sensors to reduce agricultural food production costs, and the food supply chain; and (c) environmental benefits like reducing chemical leaching and fertilizer use. However, more studies are needed to address social adaptability, trust, privacy, and economic income uncertainty, especially in SMEs or in businesses or nations with lower resources; this will require time for adaptation to make the transition away from human ecology. For agriculture to be ESG-sustainable, the deployment of I4FA could be an answer with the support of an open-minded dialogue platform with ESG-minded leaders to complement sustainable agroecosystems on a global scale.

РАЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ КОНСТРУКТИВНЫЕ РЕШЕНИЯ КРУГЛОГОДИЧНЫХ АНГАРНЫХ ТЕПЛИЦ

The subject of the study is year–round greenhouses of the hangar type for individual and farm farms. The costs of the construction and operation of greenhouses significantly affect the cost of agricultural products grown in them. Optimization of the design solutions of hangar greenhouses is important to reduce internal forces in the frame elements, reduce the material consumption and cost of greenhouses. The purpose of the study is to determine the optimal design solution for hangar greenhouses up to 6 m wide. The study was conducted with the help of the Russian certified software package "Lira-CAD". Calculated models of hangar greenhouses with arched, gable-roofed and lancet-shaped greenhouses with a width of 3 to 6 m have been developed. The design solutions of the greenhouses were developed taking into account the requirements of the code of rules SP 107.13330 "Greenhouses and greenhouses", based on the possibility of using polycarbonate sheets in enclosing structures. Comparative calculations of greenhouse structures in the Lira-CAD software package have been performed. The calculation results are analyzed. Conclusions have been drawn on optimizing the design solutions of hangar greenhouses up to 6 m wide. The study showed that among the considered types of greenhouses, the most rational in terms of metal consumption are lancet-shaped greenhouses. The specific consumption of metal in lancet greenhouses is 42..53% lower than in greenhouses with an arched roof, and 34...64% lower compared to greenhouses with a pitched roof. The specific consumption of metal decreases with an increase in the width of greenhouses, the greatest decrease in the specific consumption of metal is observed in greenhouses with a pitched roof. The most technologically advanced from the point of view of manufacturing and installation are greenhouses with a pitched roof, the manufacture of the frame of such greenhouses from galvanized steel pipes is possible in building conditions, and both polycarbonate and glass can be used for translucent fences.

ЭНЕРГОЭФФЕКТИВНОЕ ОСВЕЩЕНИЕ ДЛЯ ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ МИКРОЗЕЛЕНИ НА ВЕРТИКАЛЬНЫХ ФЕРМАХ

Vertical farms are a new approach to growing vegetables and berries, caused by the development of lighting technology and digitalization of technological processes. In Russia, the vertical farm market is just beginning to develop. The issue of high cost of manufactured products remains relevant. The cost of production is 1.3-1.5 times higher than the market average. This is due to the high costs of energy resources, primarily electricity. The main share of electricity is accounted for by lighting systems (80-90 percent). (Research purpose) The research purpose is creating the next generation of dynamic engineering systems, primarily lighting systems for vertical farms with intelligent control based on a differentiated day-to-day electricity tariff using digital technologies. (Materials and methods) Conducted production tests of dynamic lighting control methods at one of the sites of the ReTEK company, which made it possible to identify a more advanced and energy-efficient technology for controlling the vertical farm lighting system. The studies were carried out indoors without access to natural light, the air temperature during the production tests was 20-23 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of 60-70 percent. (Results and discussion) It was found that the fresh weight of microgreening plants under experimental light was 18.5 percent higher than under control. It was determined that the cost of electricity consumed per 1 kilogram of micro-green under experimental light turned out to be 55.4 percent lower than under control. (Conclusions) It has been shown that the creation of the next generation of dynamic engineering systems, primarily lighting systems for vertical farms with intelligent control based on a differentiated day-to-day electricity tariff using digital technologies can significantly reduce energy costs and, as a result, reduce the cost of agricultural production.

ЕКОНОМІЧНА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ОРГАНІЧНИХ ДОБРИВ З ПОСТІЙНО ВІДНОВЛЮВАЛЬНИХ ДЖЕРЕЛ ПОБІЧНОЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ ТВАРИННОГО ПОХОДЖЕННЯ

This article is related to the study of the economic efficiency of using organic fertilizers from constantly renewable resources of animal by-products (chicken manure), taking into account the latest innovative technologies that reduce the cost of agricultural production while improving the results of economic activity of enterprises. It is proved that the utilization of animal by-products (chicken manure) through the production of organic fertilizers is one of the most valuable sources of nutrients. The ecological and economic benefits and prospects of using organic fertilizers, the main raw material component of which is chicken manure have been analyzed. The effectiveness of the usage of such organic fertilizers in intensive technologies of growing corn, sunflower and sugar beet has been tested and confirmed by scientifically based experimental studies. It is summarized that the production of organic fertilizers from chicken manure is a promisingly expedient, cost-effective resource for meeting the needs of the agricultural industry of our country in terms of nutrients. During the period of martial law, the most important current economic problem of our country is to overcome the decline in production by finding effective and optimal solutions for the reproduction of all its links. Today's dynamically changing conditions of the agricultural market require a mobilizing combination of efforts by the legislative and executive branches of government together with business owners to find and implement anti-crisis measures to ensure stable cooperation, improve the financial and economic performance of enterprises, and preserve and enhance soil fertility in the process of exploitation. Conservation, rational use of soils, and improvement of their fertility are a steadfast component of the sustainable constant of Ukraine's food, economic, social, environmental, and energy security. Being a key component of the sustainability of Ukraine's economy, including agriculture, organic fertilizers significantly contribute to increasing crop yields and improving their biological quality. An additional advantage is that they improve the agrochemical, biological, physical and mechanical characteristics of soils, positively affect soil fertility, and are much more costeffective for farmers.

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECT INNOVATIVE MODERNIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

The institutional determinants of innovative modernization of agricultural production are substantiated.
 It is established that the transformational features domestic agricultural production are monoculture agricultural production, its structural deformation, increased degradation of land and water resources, growing dependence of agricultural producers on imported inputs for the production process, and a reduction in the number of rural workers and the population of rural communities.
 It is argued that transformational changes in agro-industrial production should be focused on large-scale modernization changes in the production process in terms of restoring land fertility, improving the quality characteristics of food products, expanding the existing export potential of agricultural products and the share competitive products. 
 It is established that the threats to the recovery of agricultural production are the narrowing of the domestic consumer market; reduction of the purchasing power of the population with a decrease in its number; reduction and blocking of exports of agricultural products; rising costs of material resources and rising costs of agricultural products and food prices.
 It is substantiated that institutional support for the innovative modernization of agro-industrial production should be accompanied by the formation of effective basic and special institutions and institutions that meet the criteria of systematicity when they are included in the hierarchical structure of norms and institutions of innovation.
 It is emphasized that the institutional support for innovative modernization should implement the following key tasks: ensuring a favorable investment climate for attracting financial resources to processing enterprises and the formation of local regional structures with low capacity for processing agricultural raw materials; creating conditions for the inclusion of agricultural producers in global value chains.
 Institutional interventions should be aimed at stimulating the diffusion and development of product innovations; supporting and shaping organizational structures for vertical and horizontal integration; supporting and shaping organizational frameworks for vertical and horizontal integration; and restructuring forms of state support for agricultural production.
 The strategic guidelines for the innovative modernization of agro-industrial production are defined: introduction of motives and incentives for structural changes in agricultural production, intensification of the development of small forms of management, integration of production processes, and use of competitive advantages.

Formation of costs and costs of agricultural products in the conditions of digitalization of the economy

The article highlights the mechanism of formation of costs and cost of production in agricultural enterprises, which is one of the main issues in the implementation of economic activities in the conditions of digitalization. Cost as an economic category is the sum of all costs of the enterprise for the production and sale of products. Factors affecting the amount of costs and production costs are given. The influence of the application of digital technologies on the prospects of production of products by the branches of the agricultural enterprise, directions of use of individual elements of technologies, consumers of innovative solutions and proposals is analyzed. Examples of the participation of digitized and robotic equipment in the implementation of work in plant and animal husbandry are given. The advantages of using innovative technologies are considered. Identification of cost-forming factors that affect the volume and dynamics of enterprise costs: access to innovative technologies was carried out. Technological ones include: the use of advanced technologies can increase efficiency and reduce costs. However, access to such technologies may require investment. Among the organizational ones, the most significant is the degree of vertical integration: Own control over suppliers and sales markets can affect the costs and efficiency of the supply chain. Since agricultural production has a huge volume of operations that must be taken into account and recorded, there is a need for additional costs for the purchase of equipment, the organization of high-quality Internet communication not only in stationary premises (farms, warehouses, etc.), but also in the fields (sometimes for dozens kilometers from the servers). Funds are also needed for the training of specialists and employees, maintenance of technologies and equipment, salary increases, etc.

Research of the combined sowing working body

Today, the issues of ecology, resource conservation and reduction of production costs in agriculture are associated with the development of combined tillage - sowing machines, which make it possible to reduce a number of technological techniques. Taking into account these factors makes it possible to equip agricultural enterprises with means of mechanization adapted to the specific conditions of their production use. Therefore, a promising direction is the development of universal and combined machines, that is, technical means of mechanization capable of performing several technological operations in one working cycle or, after relatively simple retrofits, ensuring the consistent execution of a number of operations. To carry out experimental studies, an installation was developed and manufactured, which is a combined machine that provides pre-sowing tillage, strip spreading sowing, mineral fertilizers and post-sowing rolling. Using the experimental planning method, mathematical models have been developed that link factors such as the speed of the unit, the angle of attack of the coulter's paw, the depth of the coulter's paw when optimizing the degree of soil crumbling, pruning of weeds, changes in soil hardness. Analysis of mathematical models shows that factors in a certain way affect the quality of tillage (crumbling, hardness, pruning of plants). In the first place in terms of significant importance is the speed of movement. The degree of pruning of plants depends on the angle of attack. As for the depth of processing, this factor has practically no effect on the degree of pruning of weeds. This can be explained by the fact that the root system is located at a shallow depth. For other cultures, this factor may play a significant role.

Prices of Means of Production in Agriculture and Agricultural Prices and Income in Poland During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Theoretical background: Agriculture is an input-intensive sector of the economy. The sector of means of production in agriculture is one of the three basic components of the food economy. The prices of agricultural inputs shape the operational costs of farms and significantly affect their income situation. Key agricultural inputs represent fertilizers, plant protection products, seeds, energy and labour force. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the functioning of food systems all over the world, including in Poland. The agricultural sector in Poland faced several challenges, including the surge in prices of means of production in agriculture. Purpose of the article: The study aims to identify and assess changes in the prices of means of production in agriculture and the impact of changes in these prices on the dynamics of selling prices of agricultural products and the income situation of farms in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research methods: The study employs various research methods, including critical literature analysis, the descriptive approach, the comparative method, verbal logic, and descriptive statistical methods. Moreover, we utilize a standardised questionnaire method utilising the CATI (computer-assisted telephone interviewing) technique, targeting 50 experts in the field of agricultural economics, to gather their perspectives on the possibility of transferring the rise in agricultural production costs to the pricing of products sold during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary data come from the Statistics Poland, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARMA), and the National Bank of Poland (NBP). The research period covers the years 2017–2021, with particular emphasis on the years 2020–2021, i.e., the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Main findings: Research results show that only in 2020, the prices of goods purchased for current agricultural production decreased. However, in 2021, the costs of materials and services and other costs in agriculture, including wages, increased at a record pace. The demand-side causes of such cost increases were increases in money supply and agricultural income. Supply-side causes were shaped by commodity prices and wages. In Poland, the prices of goods and services purchased by farms were less variable than the prices of goods sold. The data analysis did not reveal significant relationships regarding the dynamics of the prices discussed. Such a conclusion is also confirmed by the results of a questionnaire survey directed to experts in agricultural economics. The responses concerning the possibility of transferring the increase in production costs to the prices of sold products during the pandemic years varied. In the years 2017–2021, the income situation of Polish farms was variable. In 2020, increases in income from production factors, operating surplus, and farmer’s income, and their decreases in 2021, were inversely correlated with changes in production costs in agriculture.

Requirements for forms of integrated and management reporting for the use of organizational resources

The article substantiates the provisions that determine the need to compile reports in agricultural organizations on the efficiency of resource use in the production of agricultural products. The information from these reports will subsequently be used to generate indicators for the organization’s integrated reporting. The substantive aspects of the requirements for integrated reporting are determined. A form of operational report on the process of forming the cost and market prices of agricultural products is proposed, as well as analytical reports on monitoring the efficiency of use of fixed assets, material costs and labor resources in terms of labor productivity.

The impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on agricultural production strategy from the perspective of loss aversion

Agricultural products have the characteristics of high perishability, short life cycles, and low salvage, and agricultural production is easily affected by uncontrollable natural conditions. Therefore, farmers will face great risk when making agricultural production decisions. In addition, farmers have a high demand for basic income security, so they are typically loss-averse decision-makers. Simultaneously, the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic has undoubtedly increased their loss aversion. The piecewise utility function is an effective model for investigating decision-making with consideration of loss aversion, in which the loss aversion parameter will be adjusted by the epidemic to a certain degree. We innovatively involve the impact of COVID-19 epidemic by a quantitative correction factor in the loss-averse newsvendor model to deal with the decision-making problem of agricultural production and investigate the influences of the epidemic and farmers’ loss aversion degree on the optimal production quantity and profits as well as the relationship between the epidemic situation and loss aversion. Through model analysis and numerical experiments on a specific agricultural product by Matlab software, it is found that the effect caused by the epidemic and the increased level of loss aversion will reduce farmers’ production and income. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen regular epidemic prevention and control and formulate corresponding support policies to stimulate farmers’ production motivation. Maintaining relative stability in the agricultural market demand can also alleviate the negative impact of the epidemic to a certain extent. Faced with the impact of the epidemic, farmers need to do their best to control agricultural production costs to relieve their economic pressure.

Energy Efficiency in Agricultural Production—Experience from Land Consolidation in Poland and Finland

Land consolidation in rural areas is greatly influenced by a number of social, agricultural, and economic factors. They extend the time and complicate activities related to the implementation of this project. Land consolidation is a huge investment, requiring a good and up-to-date map. Up-to-date data that reflects reality are the basis for good and efficient land consolidation in rural areas. To improve the creation of a land consolidation project, the most appropriate solution would be to place all the necessary data to create a land consolidation project on “geoportals” websites. Providing data on the websites of geoportals in Poland and Finland in the form of a map portal would enable both visual and substantive analysis of spatial changes in rural areas. Therefore, this article pursues two main scientific goals. The first purpose of this article is to analyze the history and scope of land consolidation in Poland and Finland in order to learn the specifics of land consolidation in a given country. Comparisons and analyses were made on the basis of the authors’ experience in Poland and Finland with land consolidation in the areas described. The second scientific goal of the article is to compare the availability of geospatial data in the context of the methodology of performing land consolidation in rural areas, which leads to increased energy efficiency in agricultural production by reducing the need for energy, especially fuel for agricultural machinery. The results from the table with a list of geoportals in Poland and Finland are a summary of the data available for free. Thanks to it, land consolidation contractors around the world will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with and perhaps use this data when creating a rural land consolidation project. Good land consolidation planning will lead to effective and economical use of rural space. This is part of the 2030/2050 strategy. Reducing agricultural production costs, lower fuel consumption, and a smaller carbon footprint. This is what Poland and Finland are striving for as countries belonging to the European Union.

Overexpression of Cytosolic Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase 1 Gene Improves Nitrogen Absorption and Utilization in Potato

Nitrogen is one of the most important elements for improving potato yield. However, excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizer not only produces river and other environmental pollution but also increases agricultural production costs. In recent years, to explain the molecular mechanisms of nitrogen metabolites, some vital genes involved have been reported; however, only limited success has been achieved in potato. Here, we report that the expression of cytosolic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (StGAPC1) is increased under low-nitrogen stress. StGAPC1-overexpressing potato seedlings had more biomass and a significant increase in total nitrogen content and root nitrate influx rate compared to the wild type. The overexpression of StGAPC1 also increased the expression of nitrate transporters and increased ROS system activity to reduce hydrogen peroxide content under low-nitrogen stress. Our results provide a foundation for further research on StGAPC1 function in nitrogen absorption and utilization mechanisms in potato.

China’s food problem: Issues of system transformation and security in a crisis

Against the background of a global decline in food security over the past three to four years, China, remaining the world’s largest food importer, has made notable progress in improving its food security. China’s food security transformation has greatly improved not only the availability but also the affordability of food, as well as the sustainability of the Chinese food system. The increase in agricultural production, including grain production in China, indicates a transition from an extensive development model with high resource dependence to a sustainable intensification model. As a result of rapid economic and social development, the food pattern has changed based on high value foods such as meat, dairy products, fish and fish products. However, there are a number of serious problems in China’s food system. China has insufficient self-sufficiency and high import dependence on a number of food products. New to China’s nutritional challenges are the overweight part of the population and the resulting increasing burden on the health care system. In addition, China’s food losses exceed those of developed countries. The changes that the world economy is undergoing, the influence of non-market factors such as ideology, geopolitics and challenges to the multilateral trade and investment system, can seriously disrupt the global agricultural market and reduce the food security of China, which is heavily dependent on foreign food trade. The transformation of China’s food system is aimed at preventing and eliminating the risks of disruption of food imports, diversifying import sources, reducing the cost of agricultural products through scientific and technological progress and increasing investment in infrastructure, the transition of Chinese agriculture from a strategy of increasing production to improving the quality of products and its security.

Response of field crop seeds to stimulators improve germination and growth

Seeds are the foundation of agricultural production. Whatever other production elements are present, they will not compensate for the poor production that occurs as a result of the use of inferior seeds, which surely leads to a drop in quantity and quality production. To restart the metabolic processes in the seeds that have been prepared for planting, the seed must be hydrated in order to encourage it to germinate, and it will only do so when the right moisture is available. Stimulating seed germination in a short period of time, fighting with the bush that grows alongside the crop, and lowering the amount of pesticides required in control. Therefore, conserving the environment from pollution and lowering agricultural production costs through the use of available technology with outstanding results, particularly for leguminous crops that suffer from the presence of hard seeds. Soaking technology minimizes seeding rates, reduces work and time, and provides a homogeneous field in growth and its reflection on the harvest at one time, as well as facilitating the harvest process. In comparison to other ways, this is the safest for increasing the output and quality of field crops.

RESEARCH ON THE OPTIMIZATION OF FRESH AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS DELIVERY PATH

Due to the improvement of the economic level, people's living quality is getting higher and higher. Fresh agricultural products are part of our lives and closely related to each other. However, the cold chain logistics system in China is not yet mature. Fresh agricultural products deteriorate, causing severe waste. In order to improve this phenomenon, the cold chain logistics distribution path of fresh agricultural products should be optimized, the efficiency of cold chain logistics should be improved, and the delivery cost of fresh agricultural products should be reduced to meet people's demand for fresh agricultural products. This article analyzes the problems in the cold chain logistics distribution of fresh agricultural products and explores the optimization strategy of the supply chain logistics path of fresh agricultural products.

ВПЛИВ ПАНДЕМІЇ COVID-19 ТА ВІЙНИ З РОСІЄЮ НА ЗАЛУЧЕННЯ ІНОЗЕМНИХ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙ В АГРОПРОМИСЛОВИЙ КОМПЛЕКС УКРАЇНИ

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war with Russia have negatively affected Ukraine's agro-industrial complex, resulting in a drop in production, exports and investment, as well as significant damage to agricultural land and infrastructure in areas affected by the conflict. The purpose of the article was to study the impact of such uncontrolled phenomena as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war with Russia on the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine, to identify the main negative factors and to identify directions for improving its functioning. The article summarizes the statements of domestic scientists regarding the impact of COVID-19 and the war on the agricultural sector of Ukraine, highlights the key negative factors of the negative impact, including a reduction in exports, increased market volatility, an increase in the cost of production, transportation and cost of agricultural products, a decrease in investment in the agricultural sector of Ukraine, price fluctuations on goods, and the exchange rate, significant damage to production facilities, a decrease in exports, but positive aspects, such as opportunities for the development of the domestic market, were also identified. Statistical data on the impact on investment flows in the agricultural sector were analyzed, the main problems faced by the sector due to the pandemic and war were highlighted, and measures were proposed to fully reveal its potential as an agricultural center. Adapting to negative factors and exploring potential market opportunities at the domestic and international levels will be crucial for the sector's recovery and long-term growth, as the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war with Russia has created a multifaceted crisis for Ukraine that has affected its economy, society and geopolitical environment. Efforts to address these challenges will require comprehensive strategies, international support and a commitment to unity and resilience.