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Behavior of agricultural input prices for sugarcane: 2016/17 crop season
No full textThis publication presents the price variations of products used as agricultural inputs in sugarcane production in the main producing regions of the state of São Paulo, between December 2016 and January 2016. The most significant price variations were represented by insecticides in the Barretos panel and by soil amendments in the Araçatuba panel. Despite this, fertilizers also showed significant variations in all panels, and these inputs were the most representative in the composition of production costs. The representativeness of input costs for crop production in relation to the total received per hectare averaged approximately 14%, with the Paulo de Faria region showing the highest representativeness (25%)
Sustainability practices of a financial institution in the Legal Amazon: a case study.
No full textIn the current context of impacts caused by human development, companies must create mechanisms and methods for evaluating sustainability to operationalize the concept of sustainable development. This study aimed to evaluate and analyze the sustainability of a financial institution operating in the Brazilian Legal Amazon region through a case study, applying the sustainability measurement methodologies "Global Reporting Initiative" [GRI] and the Organizational Sustainability Indicators Assessment Method [MAIS], in addition to document analysis. The sustainability assessment showed that the institution is sustainable in the social, economic, and environmental dimensions, but needs to improve in aspects related to the cultural dimension
Behavior of some food industries in Brazil regarding factors that influence product innovation.
No full textThe food industry is of great importance to the country's economy. This research aimed to obtain, from the perspective of professionals working in the Brazilian food industry, data regarding the behavior of these companies that could be considered critical factors influencing the product innovation process. This data might explain the low level of innovation within this sector, which, although highly competitive, still has a large field of opportunity to be explored in terms of product innovation. To this end, an online questionnaire was developed, and the responses revealed that, despite support from senior management in the surveyed companies—mostly medium to large-sized enterprises and, in some cases, a creative environment—some behavioral changes are still needed to achieve greater and better results with product innovation. These changes include improved communication alignment, integration and engagement across different areas, better provision and management of both internal and external resources (qualified personnel, financial resources, and cost and time planning), and the need to enhance the measurement of innovation results with targets not only to measure the effectiveness of innovations but also to trigger improvements within the processes by which innovations are generated and executed
Project management office in central banks: relationship between the practice of projects and economic stability
No full textProjects are frequently used as a means to directly or indirectly achieving the goals of an organization’s strategic plan, and the Project Management Office [PMO] is responsible for standardizing the governance processes to achieve those objectives. When it comes to independent federal agencies, such as Central Banks, their strategic objectives have a relevant impact on economic stability and, consequently, on the lives of millions of people. In this study, the best practices of the PMOs of four Central Banks were examined. The question in the study addressed the manner in which the practice of projects can be used as a tool for achieving economic stability. Qualitative methods were used to examine the question by means of a structured questionnaire applied to project professionals of these institutions, and analysis of data available in case studies was also conducted. It was noted that Central Banks increasingly seek to improve the practices of their Project Management Offices, becoming a center of reference for best practices in PMOs obtaining relevant recognition, either for the maturity of their projects, receiving the title of best PMOs in the country, or even being nominated for PMO of the year on a global level (Project Management Award), the highest award in the project management category
Options market as an alternative for managing price risk for soybean farmers.
No full textPrice risk management is still underutilized by soybean farmers, often due to a lack of knowledge. This study aimed to evaluate whether the Options Market fulfills the purpose of price protection (“hedging”) for soybeans. The effective operating cost [EOC] and the effective operating contribution margin [EOC] were calculated for the 2015/2016 soybean crop, using data from a rural property in Cascavel-PR. The use of the Options Market on the Brazilian Stock Exchange, Commodities and Futures Exchange [BM&FBOVESPA] was simulated, using two strike prices [Pe] negotiated on the K16 soybean futures contract, considering the values of forward purchases of inputs and their maturities. The EOC obtained after the simulation was compared to the EOC obtained without hedging. The correlation and daily bases were calculated, considering prices in the futures market (BM&FBOVESPA) and in the physical market, at the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of Paraná [SEAB], between March 30, 2015, and April 28, 2016. The correlation obtained was 0.82, and the daily bases were always negative. The simulation results on BM&FBOVESPA were negative for both Pe, since the market was bullish; thus, the option is not exercised, and the loss is limited to the premium paid for the option. These negative results reduced the MCOE by 7.31% and 1.97%. Seeking knowledge and understanding of the risks and functioning of this market is fundamental for the soybean farmer to achieve success
Modelling the impact of biogas production capacity and industrial determinants on electricity consumption in agriculture
No full textPurpose. The paper aims to explore the relationships between biogas production capacity, economic, technological, and natural-resource factors, and electricity consumption in the agricultural sector of Ukraine and the EU countries. Methodology / approach. The study uses fixed effects panel econometric models to account for temporal and institutional heterogeneity in the data. The investigation is conducted for Ukraine and the EU countries, such as Germany, France, Italy, and Poland. The research is based on correlation and regression analysis using econometric modelling. The model includes indicators such as agricultural export and import, farmland area, crop and livestock production volumes, and the installed capacity of biogas plants. The Box-Cox transformation, normality tests (Jarque-Bera and Shapiro-Wilk), multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity tests (Breusch-Pagan and White) were applied to validate the model. Results. The modelling results for Ukraine indicate considerable potential for reducing electricity consumption in the agro-industrial sector through the development of biogas technologies. In this context, sustainable reduction scenarios are proposed for Ukraine based on investments in renewable energy. Observations for several EU countries with high biogas production levels suggest a tendency toward lower agricultural energy intensity; however, this relationship should be interpreted with caution, as it requires further empirical verification. A negative and statistically significant coefficient for Poland indicates that, under comparable levels of biogas-based electricity generation and export intensity, Poland’s agricultural sector tends to consume less electricity than the benchmark country (Germany), potentially reflecting more favourable structural or technological conditions for energy efficiency. Originality / scientific novelty. The novelty lies in developing and empirically validating a comprehensive model for assessing the impact of agribusiness on electricity consumption, with a specific focus on the role of biogas. Unlike existing studies, this article integrates economic, technological, and energy indicators to measure the complex interactions affecting energy consumption in agriculture. Practical value / implications. The results can inform energy management policies in agriculture, particularly in supporting renewable energy integration. The findings are relevant for government agencies, local authorities, agribusinesses, and international stakeholders in developing strategies for sustainable rural energy transitions and enhancing energy security
Imports Contribute to Year-Round Fresh Fruit Availability
No full textThe rapid growth of fresh fruit imports since the 1990s has contributed significantly to the year-round availability of various fresh fruits in the U.S. market. This report analyzes the monthly shipment patterns of both aggregated fresh fruits and five major imported fresh fruits—grapes, avocados, oranges, strawberries, and apples. The seasonal relationships between imports and domestic products are found to be complementary—increased imports help to make up for seasonal shortfalls in domestic fruit production, which can help lower prices and smooth out price fluctuations in the domestic market
Increasing The Planting Density Of Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt Increased Root Biomass And Cryptolepine Yield
No full textCryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt. is an important multipurpose medicinal plant used for the treatment of ailments such as malaria. Despite the ongoing efforts in domesticating the herb, the ideal planting density and its benefits are unknown. A study was conducted to determine the influence of six C. sanguinolenta accessions and three planting densities (15, 30 and 45 plants/1.8 m2 ) on root biomass, cryptolepine concentration and cryptolepine yield. Also, benefit-cost ratios were determined for each plant density across the four cultivation periods (9, 12, 15 and 18 months). The cultivation of C. sanguinolenta at the highest planting density (45 plants/1.8 m2 ) increased root biomass (value), cryptolepine content (2.08 mg/100 mg dry root) and cryptolepine yield (23.31 mg mg/1.8 m2 ) compared to those cultivated at lower planting densities (15 and 30 plants/1.8 m2 ). The duration for growing C. sanguinolenta had a more significant influence on cryptolepine yield but not the cryptolepine content. Plants cultivated for 15 months gave the maximum cryptolepine yield (10.33 g/bed), indicating 15 months as the optimum time to harvest the roots. The benefit-cost analysis revealed that growing the plant at a density of 45 plants/1.8 m2 (25,920 plants/acre) for 18 months was a more profitable venture with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.45. Commercial cultivation of C. sanguinolenta at 45 plants per bed area of 1.8 m2 (25,920 plants/acre) for 15–18 months is recommended as the most profitable and promising cropping practice to ensure the sustainable supply of planting material
MÁS ALLÁ DE LOS INGRESOS: LA POBREZA EN MÉXICO DESDE LOS OJOS DEL UNIVERSITARIO FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS AGROTECNOLÓGICAS
No full textIn Mexico, multidimensional poverty remains a significant social challenge, encompassing not only a lack of income but also limitations in education, healthcare, housing, and quality of life. The Faculty of Agricultura Sciences (FACIATEC), committed to supporting universities students, analyzes the perception of this reality as crucial, as its perspective influences future professions and social decisions. The objective of this research is to explore the perception of multidimensional poverty among FACIATEC students from the January-July 2025 semester. A structured survey was administered to 100 students, addressing various aspects of poverty, including concepts of multidisciplinary poverty, salary increases, and impact. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, allowing for the identification of trends and patterns in university perceptions. The results revealed that most students recognized that poverty is not limited to a lack of income. They emphasized the importance of comprehensive public education policies and social programs. However, there is a need to strengthen awareness about its more complex manifestations and their impact on different sectors of society
Dams and Rural Conflict: Evidence from Brazil’s Hydropower Expansion
No full textWe estimate the impact of infrastructure investment on conflict using 163 hydroelectric dams in Brazil (2002–2022). Leveraging the staggered rollout of construction in a difference-in-differences framework, we find that dams trigger sharp, temporary surges in land invasions, water disputes, and homicides. These effects peak during construction and dissipate upon operation, suggesting they stem from the displacement process rather than the public good itself. Crucially, conflict is mediated by local institutions: violence occurs only where property rights are weak and displacement affects vulnerable smallholders. Our results demonstrate that without effective compensation, state-led modernization generates destabilizing redistributive shocks