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Economic feasibility of constructing a storage unit on rural property in Lagoa Vermelha (RS)
No full textBrazil's consecutive record agricultural production has not been accompanied by development in the storage infrastructure for this production, thus compromising the results of the activity. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the economic viability of installing a grain storage unit directly on a rural property located in the municipality of Lagoa Vermelha (RS). The analysis used the indicators Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Discounted Payback, and also included a sensitivity analysis. Based on the results, the project proved to be economically viable, with an NPV of R$ 526,230.23, an IRR of 20.86%, higher than the discount rate of 4%, and with recovery of the initial investment in the fifth year. The investment is sensitive to fluctuations in revenue variables
Certification in the sugar and ethanol sector: an analysis of indicators and the integration of ISO 9001 and Bonsucro.
No full textThe Continuing Education Program in Economics and Business Management [PECEGE], in partnership with the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock [CNA], annually conducts a survey of sugarcane, sugar, ethanol, and bioelectricity production costs in Brazil. The analyses are based on questionnaires administered to sugarcane suppliers and sugar, ethanol, and bioelectricity mills. The survey of mills included questions regarding the possession of socio-environmental certifications, due to their widespread use in the sugar-energy sector. The analysis focuses on two certifications: ISO 9001, the most widely adopted certification; and Bonsucro, a sector-specific certification with significant presence in Brazil. Its criteria meet the regulations of potential consumer markets such as the United States, the European Union, and Asia. The analysis of the results shows that the Traditional Center-South region stands out positively in terms of the number of environmental certifications, while the Expansion Center-South region stands out for its social certifications. In the Northeast, there is a smaller proportion of mills holding certifications. Finally, some productivity and price indicators are compared between mills certified with ISO 9001 and Bonsucro and those that do not have any certifications
Purchasing behavior of agricultural inputs by sugarcane suppliers in the state of São Paulo.
No full textThis publication presents analyses of the purchasing behavior of agricultural inputs by sugarcane suppliers in the state of São Paulo. The data were collected through questionnaires administered at face-to-face meetings called "panels." A strategic vision was observed on the part of the suppliers regarding the aspects encompassing the purchasing process. For product selection, the focus is clearly on price and quality, while for the choice of purchasing locations, the core is spread across various differentiated attributes, showing that in this aspect the interests of each supplier are not trend-based
Investment in curing units for Virginia-type tobacco.
No full textTobacco farming in the Southern region of Brazil is based on an integrated production system. Throughout the production process, there is a need to use curing and drying units (greenhouses), which represents a costly investment for the producer. Two greenhouse systems predominate, operating differently: conventional greenhouses (natural air convection) and those with forced air circulation. The forced circulation system is the preferred model for producers who choose to make new investments. The decision to invest demands a careful analysis of economic viability by the producer to minimize the risk of indebtedness. The objective of this study was to determine the financial viability of tobacco curing units under financing modalities with rural credit interest rates and subsidized rural credit interest rates. The financial tools used were Net Present Value [NPV], Internal Rate of Return [IRR], simple payback, and sensitivity analysis of the investment in relation to the productivity variable (kg ha⁻¹ ) . Using a minimum attractive rate of return [MARR] of 7.16%, the investment does not present economic viability in either of the two interest rate options, considering the historical average productivity, the selected greenhouse model, and the amortization period. Sensitivity analysis confirmed productivity (kg ha -1 ) as a determining factor in the project's viability. An increase of >10% in average productivity reverses the situation, and the project becomes economically viable in both amortization interest rate options
Variable production costs of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) for fruit fly control
No full textApplied biological control consists of mass releases of predators or parasitoids after large-scale laboratory rearing. Evaluating the production cost of the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata for biological control of fruit flies will provide a tool to assist in planning, control, and support companies in their decision-making. This work aimed to identify and analyze the variable production costs of the parasitoid D. longicaudata , reared on Anastrepha fraterculus larvae . For this, Activity-Based Costing (ABC) was used. The production process was monitored to obtain the total variable production cost in a research laboratory and biofactory of natural enemies, located in Piracicaba, São Paulo. The production capacity of A. fraterculus pupae parasitized by D. longicaudata is one million per week in this laboratory, where one million pupae represents 34 L, and one mL contains approximately 30 pupae. The variable production cost to produce one million parasitized pupae per week was R 0.0059 considering one million pupae per week. The producer's decision regarding biological control using D. longicaudata will depend on prior studies on the parasitoid and the intended crop
Diagnosis of dropout rates in vocational education courses through the Political Pedagogical Project.
No full textAbandoning professional qualifications means losing prospects for entering the job market or even halting professional growth. Diagnosing and combating dropout rates require the participation of all school stakeholders. With this in mind, the objective of this work was to develop, through the Political Pedagogical Project, auxiliary tools that can encourage students to remain in an institution that offers professional training courses. Through bibliographic reviews and questionnaires administered to students who requested cancellation of their enrollment, as well as to teachers, coordinators, and school supervisors, it was possible to establish some of the predominant factors related to school dropout at the educational institution that is the focus of this research. The results indicate that approximately 50% of students who enroll in vocational education cancel their enrollment, justified by two types of factors, internal and external to the school, but in both cases it was found that the school can contribute to promoting means that effectively enable the professionalization and completion of the student's chosen course. Strengthening the relationship between students and school staff, prioritizing dialogue and establishing structures that promote student retention, is one of the basic concepts of the Political Pedagogical Project, which, developed collectively, results in a collaborative school that is accessible to the community, thus reducing student dropout rates
Modelling the impact of state support types on agricultural production, considering exogenous shock and cyclical factors
No full textPurpose. The purpose of the study is to empirically assess the impact of individual measures of state support for agriculture in the EU, Ukraine, and New Zealand, considering production and market factors and external challenges that determine the value of agricultural products. Methodology / approach. To achieve the goal, production function models were used in six successive modifications, considering (1) the rate of technological progress, (2) total budget support for agriculture, (3) individual measures of state support determined as statistically significant, and (4) their combination with land resources – agricultural area, (5) removed statistically insignificant parameters, (6) specific adjustment variables. To verify the reliability and accuracy of the models built based on data for 2010–2022, they are tested by forecasting the value of agricultural products for 2023, and the autocorrelation of the residuals is estimated using the Ljung-Box test. Results. The study proves that the effectiveness and impact of individual state support measures on the formation of agricultural product value differs significantly between countries. While the financing of agricultural knowledge and innovation is one of the key development drivers in the EU, inspection and controls are a growth stimulator in New Zealand. At the same time, they act as a barrier in Ukraine, demonstrating negative elasticity. The inclusion of adjustment variables allows for a quantitative estimation of the negative impact of exogenous shocks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian-Ukrainian war. The analysis of production factors demonstrates the pivotal role of capital investments, effective use of irrigated land, yield, as well as foreign trade factors for Ukraine and New Zealand, which have export-oriented agricultural production. Originality / scientific novelty. For the first time, the proposed models integrate explanatory variables that reflect large-scale exogenous shocks, namely the macroeconomic impact of COVID-19, considering demographic losses and the gradual fading of the pandemic in the EU, an integrated indicator of the destructive consequences of the war, which includes demographic casualties, destruction of irrigation and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Practical value / implications. The results obtained have practical significance for improving the mechanisms of agricultural policy aimed at increasing production results and the sustainability of agriculture in the face of global and local crises
Blockchain technologies as a driver of transformation in the agricultural sector
No full textPurpose. The main objective of the study is to comprehensively examine the essential characteristics of blockchain technologies and their potential in the agricultural sector, in particular through an analysis and systematising of the prerequisites, areas of practical application and key challenges arising in the process of their implementation. Methodology / approach. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, a combination of general scientific and specialised methods was used, including analysis, synthesis, case studies and bibliometric mapping (VOSviewer). The RStudio software environment was used to process statistical data and create graphs. Results. The study emphasises the urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance transparency, efficiency, and resilience in agricultural operations. Key findings highlight the significant contribution of blockchain technologies to supply chain traceability, financial transactions, crop insurance, and data management. The decentralised nature of the technology ensures transparency and reduces fraud, thereby strengthening consumer trust and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The analysis of global blockchain applications underscores its transformative impact across various sectors, particularly in agriculture. The study also identifies challenges such as high implementation costs and regulatory uncertainty, emphasising the need for a supportive environment. Originality / scientific novelty. The distinctive feature of this study is the combination of bibliometric analysis of scientific sources with empirical study of real blockchain initiatives, as well as the use of data processing tools in RStudio. This approach allowed us not only to identify key scientific trends but also to outline practical mechanisms for implementing blockchain technologies in the agricultural sector. The novelty lies in the comprehensive consideration of blockchain as a digital innovation capable of systematically responding to the structural challenges of the industry, including supply chain disruptions, limited financial inclusion, and low data transparency. Practical value/implications. The study provides specific recommendations for the practical use of blockchain technologies in agriculture. Based on comparative analysis of 10 countries and Ukrainian case studies (AgriChain, AgroGloryTime, AgroBon), the research highlights mechanisms for improving supply chain traceability, reducing logistics costs, and expanding access to financing through smart contracts. The findings may be applied by agribusiness managers to optimise logistics and quality control, by policymakers to design supportive digitalisation strategies, and by investors to assess innovation potential in the agricultural sector. Implementation of these recommendations will enhance transparency, strengthen resilience under crisis conditions, and create equal opportunities for both small and large agricultural producers
stability-oriented protocol for farm typology construction
No full textPurpose. This study aims to develop a reliable and stable farm typology using advanced data analysis, clustering stability assessment, and expert input. It also intends to establish a replicable protocol for updating and refining the typology in response to the sector’s dynamic changes. The ultimate result is to support evidence-based planning and more effective agricultural policy targeting. Methodology / approach. The analysis is based on data from 2,756 farms selected to reflect the structural diversity of farming systems across Albania. Five clustering algorithms and five internal validation indices were applied to four dataset versions. A composite Stability Score was introduced to identify the most robust configuration. Expert validation was conducted via focus groups with representatives from government, academia, and rural advisory services. Results. K-means with three clusters achieved the highest composite Stability Score (0.72 on a 0–1 scale) across all tested methods and cluster counts, yielding a typology that is statistically consistent, reproducible, and updateable. The empirical application identified three farm types – Farms with arable crops, Market-oriented farms, and Semi-subsistence family farms – observed in the three study regions (Fier, Korçë, and Kukës). Expert validation confirmed the coherence and applicability of the classification. Finally, after validation, the methodology steps were organised into a protocol, designed to be directly applicable to new data and geographical areas. Originality / scientific novelty. This study introduces a novel protocol with a reproducibility logic and documented pseudocode, allowing for future updates without methodological reinvention. It addresses long-standing concerns in typology construction, such as subjectivity and instability, by implementing a data-driven, multi-method, and expert-validated process that can be adapted across different structural contexts. Practical value / implications. The study presents a replicable and scalable methodology for farm classification, enabling systematic updates over time and improving the alignment of agricultural policies with the structural realities of Albania and other countries facing similar structural challenges. In practical terms, the typology can guide the allocation of IPARD grants, national subsidies, and rural infrastructure programs by aligning financial and technical support with the specific needs of each farm type
The impact of climate factors on agricultural development: ARDL bounds test approach
No full textPurpose. This study aims to examine the long-term and short-term impacts of climatic factors on agricultural development in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a semi-arid region of Azerbaijan. The research seeks to identify how climate variability and environmental changes influence agricultural productivity and sustainability in this vulnerable ecosystem. Methodology / approach. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach, the study analyses annual data from 1994 to 2023. The dependent variable is the share of agricultural production in GDP, while the independent variables include average temperature, precipitation, humidity, number of snow-covered days, population growth, and carbon dioxide emissions. Results. The empirical findings indicate that average temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide emissions, population growth, and snow-covered days have statistically significant effects on agricultural output, whereas precipitation shows no significant relationship. The results suggest that rising temperatures and declining humidity increase drought risk and soil degradation, adversely affecting agricultural productivity in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The negative relationship between population growth and agricultural production indicates increasing demographic pressure on limited land and water resources. The positive impact of snow-covered days highlights the importance of seasonal snow cover in maintaining the groundwater reserves needed for irrigation. Originality / scientific novelty. This study provides one of the first empirical analyses of the climate-agriculture nexus in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic using the ARDL approach. It enriches the existing literature by offering localised evidence from a semi-arid border region of Azerbaijan, where climatic vulnerability is pronounced. Practical value / implications. The findings underline the necessity of adaptive climate policies, efficient water management strategies, and cross-border cooperation to ensure sustainable agricultural production. Policymakers can use these insights to design targeted interventions that enhance resilience and promote sustainable rural development in arid regions