Farm Types Research Articles

An analysis of the impact of digital technology adoption on the income of high quality farmers in production and operating.

Digital technology is shaping our traditional agriculture in unprecedented ways. As a new engine to empower farmers and promote common prosperity in rural areas, the development of the digital economy can help revitalize rural industries, providing strong support for increasing industrial value-added income and farmers' income levels. Based on 676 pooled cross-section data of high-quality farmers in China Guangdong Province from 2020-2021, the article empirically examines the impact of digital technology adoption on the production and business income of high-quality farmers and explores its mechanism of action, based on theoretical analysis and using the ERM model. It is found that the use of digital technology helps to increase the income of high quality farmers in production and business, but effects vary for different income levels and different types of high quality farmers. In addition, tests of the mechanism of action suggest that the introduction of digital technologies can mitigate the negative impact of market distance on the income of high quality farmers in production and business. After applying variable substitution, model replacement, and propensity score matching (PSM) for robustness checks, the research findings still hold true. Therefore, efforts should be made to speed up the upgrading of rural digital technology and other infrastructure, increase training for high quality farmers to improve their digital literacy through multiple channels, for the better marketing of agricultural products.

Análisis de Componentes Principales de Buenas Prácticas Ganaderas en la producción porcícola: el caso de pequeños porcicultores en Ibagué, Colombia

Good livestock practices were evaluated in 25 production systems of small pig farmers in Ibagué (Tolima, Colombia) to measure the conditions of biosafety, facilities, animal health, feeding and administrative management based on the ICA-Colombia resolutions for pig production systems using principal component analysis and clustering. Information was collected on 585 aspects in 52 variables. The results showed that 100% of the producers do not comply with the minimum biosafety standards that a farm must have to be safe, suitable and competitive, which does not allow them to obtain a certification of good livestock practices in pig production. The principal component analysis identified the aspects with the greatest impact that required improvement. The «technical component» was the most relevant, with 58% of the non-conformities, related to sanitary management, biosafety, facilities and feeding. The second component, «Comprehensive Management», with 8% of the non-conformities, with the variables waste management, planning, management, biosafety and feeding. Additionally, three types of farms were identified: Type A (12%), which showed greater biosecurity, better selection and origin of animals, and greater impact on natural resources; Type B (40%), characterized by good feeding management, better work and animal environment, less administrative management and high impact on natural resources; and Type C (48%), with lower impact on natural resources, lower administrative management and feeding problems. In conclusion, principal component analysis turned out to be a useful tool to identify key areas of improvement in backyard pig farms with up to three breeding females and 10 fattening pigs, aiming to promote good practices and achieve adequate standards in pig production.

The Organic Business of the New Generation Throughout the Agricultural Supply Chain

The objectives of this research were to investigate the way of being a farmer, the type of farmer, and the outcome on oneself and organic farming society of the new generation farmers. Twenty model farmers of the new generation accepted by organic farming community were studied using a qualitative research method with primary and secondary data collection. The results showed that there was a significant in growth rate of both area and number of agricultures during the years 2011-2021. These results are in line with the government policy of the Organic Agriculture Strategy 2017-2021 and the (draft) Organic Agriculture Action Plan 2023-2027. The factors that encourage the new generation to do more organic farming are push and pull factors. Nine patterns and two types of organic farming are in line with the way of life, needs, and goals of the new way of life, with the new generation of farmers having a way of farming throughout the supply chain based on organic farming business ecology, and upstream, middle, and downstream. The new generation involved in organic farming showed both concrete and symbolic effects. The concrete effects are: 1) The economic dimension is reducing expenditures and having income from both primary and supplementary sources. 2) The health dimension is physical health, mental health, and social health. The symbolic effects are: 1) There are a change and expansion of the meaning of the word farmers. 2) The image of farmers is promoted. 3) There is support from various sectors, both public and private sectors, and 4) raising awareness to consumers on living a good life with "food".

Understanding farmers diversity in non-timber forest products activities in Ogun State, Nigeria

There is an increasing need for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan region to explore multiple income streams, which would help them to overcome the challenges of food insecurity and poverty. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provide a cheap alternative for these resource constrained farmers. However, much is not known about the characterizing differences among the resource-constrained smallholding farmers engaged in NTFP activities. Understanding these differences will provide valuable insights on the challenges and potentials of NTFPs. To this end, this study developed a farmer typology among the different farmers engaging in NTFP activities in Ogun State, Nigeria, exploring their social and economic dynamics and outcomes within the sector and characterizing the farmers by different household components, access to forest lands, and income levels. Primary data of 350 households were collected by randomly sampling respondents associated with NTFPs in 15 wards in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Four distinct farmer types were identified; Type 1 - consisting of male-headed households; Type 2, comprising both male and female-headed households; Type 3, female-headed households; and Type 4, with young male household heads. Type 1 farmers have high productivity and income from NTFP cultivation, albeit with higher production costs, but Type 2 outperforms other types by employing a comprehensive approach that combines trading and collection of NTFPs. Type 3 farmers face limitations in income generation due to limited access to forest areas, whereas Type 4 farmers exhibit average income levels and limited access to forestlands. Additionally, trading and collection of NTFP in the region could be a very viable economic option for the farmers, but there are challenges, such as assessing forest areas and forest reserves and gender inequality, that need to be overcome. A future study that can explore the profitability of NTFP activities considering the heterogeneity among farmers was suggested, as such studies could be helpful to better understand the challenges facing NTFP farmers in the regions. Finally, we recommend the promotion of gender equality, enhancement of market linkages as well as skills and knowledge in the bid to enable farmers to maximize income generation and make informed decisions. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and practitioners can foster sustainable and inclusive NTFP-based livelihoods, benefiting rural communities and contributing to poverty reduction and environmental conservation.

Typology of smallholder maize farmers in South-Kivu, Eastern D.R. Congo: implications in improving farming practices and markets

Understanding the typology of smallholder maize farmers is crucial to elucidate the diversity in local farming systems, and therefore, devise effective interventions and policies that maximize the impact of agricultural innovations in South-Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed at characterizing maize farmers in South-Kivu province and clustering them based on various socioeconomic and agronomic factors to identify specific production constraints and devise more effective interventions. A household survey among 300 South-Kivu maize farmers allowed to identify four distinct clusters based on farm size, land use, income, and agricultural technology adoption. The clusters ranged from resource-poor smallholder (Types 1 and 2) to medium-resource semi-innovative producers (Type 3) and highly equipped innovative farmers (Type 4). Key discriminative factors included total farm size, maize farm size, farming experience, access to agricultural credit, income, and innovation adoption rate. This study revealed specific constraints for each cluster, including low soil fertility, poor weed management, low market access, and labor scarcity. This study’s findings demonstrate the value of farm typology in guiding targeted interventions to address specific constraints and improve maize productivity, and suggest specific strategic directions for research and development projects in rural areas of the South-Kivu province.

Respiratory Symptoms and Psychological Distress in Farmers Living With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Farmers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often face both respiratory issues and psychological distress, which can exacerbate their condition. However, no prior research has examined how the frequency of respiratory symptoms is associated to psychological distress in these individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to explore this relationship among U.S. farmers living with COPD. A cross-sectional study involved 101 participants, a mix of on-site and online recruits, assessing respiratory symptoms and psychological distress in farmers with COPD. The study employed standard self-reported measures and utilized both simple and multiple linear regression to analyze the association between respiratory symptoms and psychological distress. Participants reported notably higher levels of respiratory symptoms (61.6 [SD = 13.3]) compared to the reference score of 12, along with elevated psychological distress (25.9 [SD = 10.6]). Factors like COPD duration, income, smoking, and emergency department (ED) visits correlated with respiratory symptoms, while age, COPD duration, income, smoking, pesticide exposure, and farm type were associated to psychological distress. Notably, even after accounting for age, smoking, and pesticide exposure, a significant association remained between respiratory symptoms and psychological distress (β = 0.46, p < .001). Respiratory symptoms were significantly associated to psychological distress, even when considering other factors. While this aligns with existing research, a future longitudinal study is crucial to establish the cause-effect relationship between these variables. Understanding this relationship could inform the development of targeted interventions to alleviate psychological distress in individuals with respiratory symptoms. The correlation between COPD symptoms and psychological distress in farmers emphasizes the need for integrated nursing care. Occupational health nurses should prioritize combined respiratory and mental health assessments.

Bright spots of agroecology in the Netherlands: A spatial analysis of agroecological practices and income stability

ContextAgroecological practices are known to reduce environmental pressure of farming systems and increase food system resilience in tropical regions. In contrast, in the temperate climate and industrialized agricultural context of the Netherlands, agroecology use remains limited and its impacts are unknown. As agroecological systems can form a sustainable alternative to conventional farming, it is relevant to study to what extent farmers use agroecological practices in the Netherlands, potentially serving as a model for transition. ObjectiveThis study assesses spatial patterns of uptake of agroecological practices and their relationship with income resilience. MethodsUsing data from 735 Dutch farms, we created a composite Agroecology Index to quantify the extent of use of agroecological practices. The FAO's 10 Elements of Agroecology framework was used to select indicators for the index, by selecting the six of the Elements in this framework for which our dataset contained suitable data. Linear regressions explored underlying factors, such as farm size and farm type. Using an outlier analysis, bright and dark spot farms, exceeding or lagging the Dutch average, were mapped. We evaluated the effects of agroecological practices on income resilience over a 10-year period. Results and conclusionsOn a 0–100 scale, agroecology scores ranged from 16.5% to 61.1% (36.6 ± 7.0), with stark contrasts between different Elements of agroecology. Arable farms excelled in Diversity, while livestock farms performed better in Efficiency. Spatial variation was substantial, with both bright and dark spots dispersed across the country. We found highest average scores and the strongest prevalence of bright spots in the province of Flevoland, an area with an exceptional number of organic farmers. Higher agroecology scores were linked to increased income stability, independent of farm size or type. SignificanceThe methods developed in this study provide an approach to address the growing demand for evidence of the upscaling of agroecology in practice. Also, the relationships between agroecology and social and environmental outcomes from farm to regional scales can be addressed, which can guide developments towards sustainable agriculture.

Transfer Learning Artificial Neural Network-based Ensemble Voting of Water Quality Classification for Different Types of Farming

Transfer Learning Artificial Neural Network-based Ensemble Voting of Water Quality Classification for Different Types of Farming

Tipping points and farmer decision-making in European permanent grassland (PG) agricultural systems

Permanent grasslands (PG) provide multifunctional ecosystem services (ES) in Europe and globally, which are threatened by both increased farming intensity and land use change in marginal areas. Farm management decisions can represent critical thresholds, or behavioural “tipping points”, in the agricultural system. Decisions are influenced by a combination of agronomic, policy and social factors. Transformation of PG systems can be facilitated through positive tipping points and relevant policy implementation to ensure sustainable PG systems. The aim of this research was to understand the drivers of decisions regarding land use changes and management towards critical positive and negative tipping points across five biogeographic zones in Europe. Interview methodology assessed farmers’ preferences and priorities regarding the adoption of sustainable PG systems. Participants were selected from five case study countries, each representing a different biogeographic zone in Europe (Continental/Pannonian: Czech Republic, Boreal: Sweden, Mediterranean: Spain, Alpine: Switzerland, and Atlantic: UK). The sample also covered three farming intensity types within these biogeographic zones: high input/intensive conventional farms (≥1.0 LU/ha); low input/extensive conventional farms (<1.0 LU/ha); and certified organic farms. In total, 373 farm interviews were obtained from the case study countries between October 2020 and October 2021. The analysis focuses on drivers of change and considers tipping points across these countries, considering case studies of land use changes (specifically land abandonment) and land management practices (specifically changes in stocking rates). The most common reasons for PG management changes towards either intensification or extensification were economic. Farmers require policy support to increase provision of non-market ES, while rebalancing subsidies can deliver environmental ES at scale through abandonment (e.g., through the creation of specific habitats that support some threatened species). Agri-environment schemes (AES)and subsidies could be more flexible to allow farmers to better adapt grassland management to local production conditions and unpredictable circumstances such as droughts, floods, or market shocks. To maintain PG that delivers more goods and services, financial compensation for ES delivery was perceived to be the most significant support mechanism needed, while easier access to ES provision expertise through extension or consultancy services is considered important factor.

Social carrying capacity of oyster mariculture on coast of South Carolina: Understanding stakeholders perceptions and thresholds for oyster mariculture development

There is a growing embrace of oysters as a local food and quality niche product, and considerable growth potential exists for oyster farming in South Carolina (SC), USA. However, it is unknown if the coastal stakeholders will support oyster mariculture’s growth and the extent or type of farm that could occur without opposition. This study examines the social carrying capacity for oyster farming in Charleston and Beaufort Counties, SC, USA. A survey of 383 stakeholders in the study counties was conducted to 1) identify thresholds for specific indicators, such as the size of oyster farms and 2) to determine the societal acceptability of potential actions or policies that may be used in the permitting and management of oyster farms. This survey used photographic simulations of oyster farms, including virtual reality (VR) 360° still images and videos, to elicit responses from participants. The goal of this research was to develop and deliver information on the social carrying capacity of oyster farming in ways that create utility to permitting agencies, extension services, shellfish growers, and other organizations that work directly with oyster farmers. The results show that Lack of Knowledge is the biggest hurdle in fully assessing the public’s acceptability of oyster mariculture and that consistent and scientifically factual information about oyster mariculture needs to be more readily available to the public. The authors also discuss the efficacy of the use of VR technologies for the purposes of conducting normative threshold research that utilizes visual based methods.

Air quality assessment of poultry and swine houses in Chonburi Province

ABSTRACT The increased consumption of animal products has led to a proliferation of animal husbandry operations, particularly in agricultural countries. Animal husbandry facilities or livestock farming directly impact the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the environment, giving rise to various issues such as odors, contamination of water and air sources with pathogens, and potential contamination of meat products originating from these facilities. This research aims to assess the impacts on the physical (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity), chemical (carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds and particulate matter), and biological air quality assessment (amount and type of bioaerosols) aspects resulting from pig and poultry farming. The findings will serve as valuable data for managing and addressing these aforementioned issues. It was found that both in poultry and swine houses generated total suspended particles (TSP) and PM10 (Particulate Matter with a diameter of 10 µm or less). Analysis of poultry house exhaust revealed elevated concentrations of TSP and PM10 exceeding established health benchmarks. Chickens tend to produce a higher concentration of VOCs (2.07 ± 0.57 ppm) compared to swine (0.82 ± 0.53 ppm). Staphylococcus epidermidis was predominant bacteria in both swine and poultry houses while Cladosporium sp was the most prevalent fungi in poultry houses. These results in this study are very useful for developing targeted mitigation strategies, products, devices to address specific pollutants produced by each type of livestock, reducing overall environmental impact and improving air quality within and around animal husbandry facilities. Implications: This research highlights how the growing demand for meat is affecting the environment, especially in farming areas. By studying the effects of pig and poultry farming on things like air and water quality, the study shows the challenges these farms pose, like bad smells and pollution. They found that both types of farms release a lot of tiny particles and smelly chemicals into the air, but there are differences between them. Understanding these findings can help us develop ways to reduce the pollution from these farms and make the air cleaner for everyone.

Optimal management plans and initiatives for the valorization and safeguarding of local breeds: a mathematical programming approach

In this study, a parametric programming model was developed in order to deliver optimal management plans for various types of farms rearing endangered Greek sheep breeds under three distinct scenarios. The first scenario investigated the optimal internal organization of farms (i.e., management practices and resource allocation strategies that increase profitability of farms) under current market conditions (e.g., product prices) without, however, considering subsidies and compensations. The second assessed the impact of an agri-environmental support scheme on farm optimal structure and socioeconomic performance. The third investigated the effects of integrating farms into value chains and niche markets where premium prices prevail. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the wider region of Epirus and Thessaly, collecting management data from 16 farms rearing (i) Kalaritiko, (ii) Orino Epiru and (iii) Katsika rare sheep breeds. The main finding of this study was that the optimal internal organization of farms is essential for their self-reliance and viability. Therefore, it should be the basis in the designing of any initiative aimed at the preservation and valorization of local breeds. Furthermore, the analysis showed that a niche marketing strategy (i.e., a premium price strategy) can have a broader positive impact on farms structure and socioeconomic performance, particularly those engaged in cheese production, compared to an agri-environmental scheme. However, due to the fact that both initiatives possess limitations that may render them inefficient under specific external conditions, the development of an integrated incentive mechanism, which will combine both policy schemes and market-based initiatives, appeared to be a more effective strategy for the long-term viability of farms.

Assessment of Knowledge and Biosecurity Practices Related to Avian Influenza Among Poultry Workers in a District of South India.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious disease that affects both animals and humans, posing a significant threat to public health, animal welfare, and the economy. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of avian influenza among poultry farmworkers and evaluate the biosecurity practices implemented on their farms. The study's primary objective was to assess the knowledge regarding avian influenza among poultry farmworkers and the biosecurity practices they follow at the farm. Cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in a district of South India. This study included 105 poultry farmworkers across 70 poultry farms in the district. Assessment of the participants' knowledge related to avian influenza, and the association between knowledge levels, demographic, and farm-related factors such as working experience in the poultry farm, type of poultry farm, type of poultry reared, and biosecurity practices. In the study, 90% of participants were aware of avian influenza, with 36% correctly identifying the virus as its cause, whereas 5% wrongly cited it to be a bacteria. Although 90% knew avian influenza was infectious, only 18% recognized its potential transmission to humans; however, 82% understood prevention methods. Participants with an education level beyond high school displayed significantly higher awareness ( P < .05), emphasizing importance of the education. The study showed diverse awareness levels among poultry farmworkers regarding avian influenza, emphasizing gaps in the knowledge, particularly about its transmission to humans. This underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns focusing on zoonotic risks to improve the level of understanding and implement effective preventive measures against avian influenza.

The Configuration Path of the New Rural Collective Economy to Promote the Common Prosperity of Farmers: Based on Qualitative Comparative Analysis Method and the Rural Cases in Zhejiang, China

The new rural collective economy is an important external mechanism for promoting the common prosperity of Chinese farmers. At the same time, the livelihood capital of farmers provides an essential internal support. Achieving an effective match between the two elements is a significant research issue. This article, based on the survey data from 1024 rural households in 43 villages in Zhejiang Province, China, defines the economic functions, social functions, management functions, and cultural functions of the new rural collective economy. The study employs the qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the role of the new rural collective economy in the promotion of the common prosperity of rural households. The necessity analysis shows that the single-factor condition is not the necessary condition for the common prosperity of farmers. However, the adequacy analysis reveals that the linkage and match between the new rural collective economy and the farmers’ livelihood capital can create multiple equivalent pathways for the farmers’ common prosperity. These pathways include the economic function-driven model of the new rural collective economy, the driven model of the high-level livelihoods combined economic functions, the joint model of social function and management functions, the natural capital-driven model, and the joint model of human capital and social capital. Based on these findings, this article proposes targeted governance strategies, including creating pillar industries, strengthening public management services, expanding the scope of social services, and building a coordination mechanism between the new type of rural collective economy and farmers’ livelihood capital.

Understanding the Dairy Sector in Slovenia: A Modeling Approach for Policy Evaluation and Decision Support

This study investigates the dairy sector in Slovenia, focusing on farm heterogeneity, efficiency in resource utilization, and policy implementations. Through a modeling approach, we explore the differences among dairy farms, considering factors such as herd size, farm management, natural conditions, and production potential. Based on 32 typical dairy farms, representing the entire dairy sector, composed of 6400 dairy farms, the analysis was performed using the farm model (SiTFarm). We emphasize the importance of accurate assessments, given the variability of policy impacts across farm types. While medium-to-large, specialized farms dominate milk production, smaller farms, particularly in less favored areas, hold social and environmental importance despite facing competitive challenges. Addressing environmental sustainability could involve promoting practices that improve milk yield and include grazing, as this tends to lower greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of milk (−5%). Dairy farms contribute about one-third of the generated revenue in Slovene agriculture, of which a good half goes to farms located in less favored areas. They manage a good quarter of permanent grassland in Slovenia, and it is certainly the sector that can achieve the highest return on these areas. In 75% of the farms, the gross margin is higher than 1756 EUR/ha and using best practices they exceed 3400 EUR/ha. The model results indicate that the average hourly rate on dairy farms during the observed period falls within the range of EUR 7.3 to 17.4 of gross margin for most farms, with the top-performing ones exceeding 24 EUR/h. However, due to the significant reliance on budgetary payments (on average, 58% of the gross margin), the implementation of the common agricultural policy strategic plan generally leads to a deterioration in the economic indicators of dairy farms. This impact is particularly pronounced on medium-sized and larger farms, increasing the effect on income due to the substantial fixed costs involved. Our findings underscore the interplay between policy interventions, farm characteristics, and sectoral outcomes, offering valuable insights for policy-makers and stakeholders.

The demand for agricultural credit in central Chile

PurposeThe design of effective policies that increase access to agricultural credit should consider understanding credit constraint farmers’ groups and their response to changes in the credit conditions. To contribute to this understanding, this study surveyed farmers from Chile and classified them into five credit constraint categories discussed in credit literature. In addition, these farmers indicated how they would react to a series of hypothetical conditions related to changing interest rates, loan maturity and grace periods. Their responses were employed to measure credit demand scores (i.e. relative elasticities). Regression tests evaluated how different types of farmers reacted to changing credit conditions.Design/methodology/approachFarmers from Chile were surveyed using a mix of random and convenience sampling. Surveyed farmers were classified into five credit constraint categories proposed by previous research. Farmers rated their demand for credit on a five-point Likert-type scale for hypothetical changes in interest rates, loan maturities and grace periods. Their responses were employed to measure credit demand scores or relative credit elasticities. The study evaluated credit elasticity as a function of farmers’ credit constraint and some control variables using several regressions, including OLS, ordered probit and hierarchical regression.FindingsThe study identified 44% unconstrained nonborrowing farmers, 23% unconstrained borrowers, 14% quantity-constrained, 16% risk-constrained and 3% transaction cost-constrained farmers. Unconstrained borrowers and quantity-constrained farmers responded most to changing interest rates and loan maturity conditions. In addition, unconstrained nonborrowers and risk-constrained farmers were statistically less sensitive to changes in credit conditions than unconstrained borrowers. This finding is significant because, as discussed, unconstrained nonborrowers represent 44% of our sample. Furthermore, risk-constrained farmers were the least sensitive to changes in interest rates and loan maturity across all other credit categories.Practical implicationsThis study gives insights that can guide agribusiness policies to enhance access to credit in developing countries such as Chile. Agricultural credit capital institutions can better target their clientele by identifying farmers’ possible reactions before implementing policy changes to increase access to credit. This study’s credit constraint categorization and the results discussed can guide that identification. For instance, policies directed toward unconstrained borrowing farmers may find positive responses. However, implementing policies targeting the other three groups (unconstrained nonborrowing, risk-constrained and transaction cost-constrained farmers) is more challenging because these farmers are less responsive to changing credit conditions.Originality/valueThis article correlates farmers’ propensity to borrow and credit constraints across five categories of farmers. Prior research using this categorization framework has not identified farmers into the five groups. Furthermore, in addition to interest rate and loan maturity credit demand relative elasticity, this study adds the grace period elasticity, which has not been included in previous studies on agricultural credit.

Exploring the Linkages between farm efficiency, farm environmental performance, and agri-environmental scheme adoption: Lessons from France

The agricultural detrimental effects on the environment are a source of concern. Public mea-sures, such as agri-environmental schemes (AES), have been designed to incentivize farmers to adopt more sound environmental practices on the farm. In this study, we examine the effects of past initial economic and environmental performances on AES adoption by focusing on crop farms. Using Firth's logistic regression to address small sample bias with French FADN data from 1997 to 2007, we mainly find that technical efficiency has heterogeneous effects on AES adoption, depending on environmental indexes. This result suggests the presence of windfall effects. We also show complex interactions (antagonism or synergy) between economic and environmental performances in adoption decisions, and heterogeneous effects depending on the type of farming.The agricultural detrimental effects on the environment are a source of concern. Public mea-sures, such as agri-environmental schemes (AES), have been designed to incentivize farmers to adopt more sound environmental practices on the farm. In this study, we examine the effects of past initial economic and environmental performances on AES adoption by focusing on crop farms. Using Firth's logistic regression to address small sample bias with French FADN data from 1997 to 2007, we mainly find that technical efficiency has heterogeneous effects on AES adoption, depending on environmental indexes. This result suggests the presence of windfall effects. We also show complex interactions (antagonism or synergy) between economic and environmental performances in adoption decisions, and heterogeneous effects depending on the type of farming.

From Herd Health to Public Health: Digital Tools for Combating Antibiotic Resistance in Dairy Farms.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant threat to global food security, human health, and the future of livestock production. Higher rates of antimicrobial use in dairy farming and the sheer lack of new antimicrobials available for use focused attention on the question of how the dairy production sector contributed to the development of AMR and paved the path toward taking action to curtail it on the targeted type of farms. This paper aims to provide an introduction to a phenomenon that has gained considerable attention in the recent past due to its ever-increasing impact, the use of antimicrobial drugs, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on dairy farms, and seeks to discuss the possibilities of approaches such as digital health monitoring and precision livestock farming. Using sensors, data, knowledge, automation, etc., digital health monitoring, as well as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), is expected to enhance health control and minimize disease and antimicrobial usage. The work presents a literature review on the current status and trends of AMR in dairy farms, an understanding of the concept of digital health monitoring and PLF, and the presentation and usefulness of digital health monitoring and PLF in preventing AMR. The study also analyses the strengths and weaknesses of adopting and incorporating digital technologies and artificial intelligence for dairy farming and presents areas for further study and level of use.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Wind-Supported Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus to Dutch Poultry Farms via Fecal Particles from Infected Wild Birds in the Environment.

A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was developed to estimate the probability that the aerosolization of fecal droppings from wild birds in the vicinity of poultry farms would result in the infection of indoor-housed poultry with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv) in the Netherlands. Model input parameters were sourced from the scientific literature and experimental data. The availability of data was diverse across input parameters, and especially parameters on the aerosolization of fecal droppings, survival of HPAIv and dispersal of aerosols were uncertain. Model results indicated that the daily probability of infection of a single poultry farm is very low, with a median value of 7.5 × 10-9. Accounting for the total number of poultry farms and the length of the bird-flu season, the median overall probability of at least one HPAIv-infected poultry farm during the bird-flu season is 2.2 × 10-3 (approximately once every 455 years). This is an overall estimate, averaged over different farm types, virus strains and wild bird species, and results indicate that uncertainty is relatively high. Based on these model results, we conclude that it is unlikely that this introduction route plays an important role in the occurrence of HPAIv outbreaks in indoor-housed poultry.

FOREIGN EXPERIENCE OF ENSURING THE COUNTRY'S FOOD SECURITY - CHALLENGES FOR UKRAINE

Introduction. Food safety in the conditions of globalization and the world community, which is dynamically developing, under the influence of environmental problems, continues to have a high priority in the structure of national security of states. One of the important vectors of effective scientific and methodical provision of food security in Ukraine is the study, classification and synthesis of both advanced foreign experience and the analysis of existing problematic issues in this topic among countries with a developing economy. Methods. General scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge were applied in the process of research, namely: comparative analysis – to evaluate various scientific approaches to clarifying the essence of the concept of “food security”, as well as to determine methodological approaches to the formation of a food security system; statistical analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction – in the process of researching the current state of the food safety system. Results. Supporting and stimulating the cooperative movement in a complex with such a direction as the use of a system of grants and financial benefits for beginning agricultural producers and providing assistance in the use of innovative digital resources can be a good help as potential sources of agricultural production, as well as being a qualitatively new movement in modernization and creation new type of farms based on the example of farms in developed countries. Such a direction as the careful and rational use of natural resources should be controlled not only by state supervisory bodies, but also be generated in the legal consciousness of agricultural producers, as an important and integral condition for their functioning, which in the long run will work both for their reputation and the image of the organization. Discussion. In the post-war period of revival of the economy of Ukraine, the solution to the problem of food security will come first, which will involve ensuring not only physical but also economic availability. Also, another important task will be faced by the state authorities – this is to reduce the share of household food costs, both by reducing prices and increasing the income of the population. Keywords: food security, state support, population, physical availability, economic availability.