1,721,152 research outputs found
Technical and Economic Efficiency of Vine Pruning: Results of Experimental Trials of Some Cultivars of Grapevine Grown in Sicily and Determination of Break-even Point
No full textThe research presents the results carried out on Sicilian viticulture in order to study the economic
sustainability of the agricultural company. In particular, the author examined the operation of dry pruning and tying
of the fruiting head in espalier vineyards with tools that facilitate the work. The economic analysis highlights that
equipping yourself with mechanical tools that facilitate work is convenient for both large and small wineries. The results
of the research highlight that the investment to facilitate pruning and tying in Guyot-trained vineyards can also be made
by wine-growing companies and is increasingly convenient as the area under vines involved increases
Agriculture and tourism: economic evaluation of sustainable land management
No full textThe ways in which the agricultural landscape has been used and managed by man has resulted in substantial changes over time in relation to the economic changes and social needs of local communities. In recent times, thanks to the multifunctional vision of agriculture, growing interest has focused on the recreational aspects of the landscape as a function of its usability. This interest derives both from its importance, highlighted by numerous studies on this aspect, and from its link with rural tourism. The latter phenomenon is growing rapidly and is capable of triggering important processes of development and local growth. In this context, the present study highlights some preliminary considerations on the relationships that, from the point of view of sustainable local development, exist between possible types of tourism and methods of landscape management. To this end, first explore some features of the agricultural landscape and their possible economic evaluations. The study shows that an agricultural landscape in which man is present with agricultural activity, and where the service sector offers adequate opportunities for receptivity, it is possible to create growth and development paths for the local economy. The empirical analysis carried out in the Madonie shows that the resilience of the agricultural landscape is strictly connected to the presence of man in the territory
Territorial development models: A new strategic vision to analyze the relationship between the environment, public goods and geographical indications
No full textGeographical indications (GIs) are increasingly seen as a tool to support sustainable local development. This study focuses on how geographical indications can contribute to a territorial public system, and how this can be threatened by several market failures. Starting from the economic literature on public goods, this document highlights how geographical indications, and their legal protection, can guarantee a sustainable development model. This article aims to illustrate and develop new economic arguments that support a more comprehensive political approach to the contribution that Geographical indications make to sustainable development. The research is focused in Sicily on the production of Pachino Tomatoes with Geographical Indication. This production has an ancient tradition and is located in the center of the Mediterranean. Because of that, it is appreciated in food markets. The study, carried out through the application of the “successful entrepreneurial formula” model, was implemented through a telephone survey of the actors in the production system. The results of the study highlight how territorial public goods based on cohesion represent the vector for the resilience of the agricultural landscape and the growth of the entire region in which the agri-food product is developed. An important aspect, as demonstrated in the paper, is the role of information on the product and the territory. Nowadays, dominance at the competitive system level and social cohesion do not guarantee the success of agri-food production. The study shows that the success of GIs depends on the role of communication that conveys information. This study is new compared to previous ones on the subject, as it applies the business economic approach of the successful entrepreneurial formula to a problem of business competitiveness and, in general, of the territory
The circular economy for resilience of the agricultural landscape and promotion of the sustainable agriculture and food systems
Full text linkThe agricultural landscape is a public good to be preserved for long-term socio-economic and environmental effects. The agricultural landscape is preserved by the carrying out of agricultural activities. Through a empirical survey we examined how some young farmers in the countryside adopt conservation and resilience strategies. A common feature of the case studies examined is the adoption of photovoltaic energy production necessary for the performance of business activities. The method applied is that of the opportunity cost. The results of the research show that young farmers after graduation have returned to agriculture as they have an advantage in terms of opportunity costs compared to other economic activities. The production of clean energy, accompanied by agricultural activity, makes the company competitive and favors the conservation of agricultural landscapes
Evaluating of the sustainability of complex rural ecosystems during the transition from agricultural villages to tourist destinations and modern agri-food systems
Full text linkMany agricultural villages have transformed from traditional agricultural communities into tourist destinations to eliminate the progressive degradation, abandonment, ecological and social crises that threaten sustainable development. Today rural villages are complex ecosystems that represent the result of the historical relationship between man and nature in the socio-economic dimension. A tool for assessing the sustainability of rural villages is the analysis of the interaction between man and the environment. Preserving healthy rural ecosystems, in dynamic balance with the interrelation between social development and the functioning of the natural ecosystem is an indispensable goal of sustainable development. All this leads to what the current traditional economic studies have ignored namely the study of the reasons of the economic reference indicators to suggest technical solutions, change strategies and sustainability for rural governance systems within of social development. This article proposes an economic study approach that integrates social and economic evaluation to research sustainable development models and socio-economic factors to achieve the well-being of the rural system. Considering Borgo Parrini, located in Sicily, the historical analysis has been combined with the social-economic one and linked to models of social development (traditional agriculture, industrialized agriculture and commercial tourism). Based on the methodology, economic indicators of the crops implemented in the countryside surrounding the rural village under examination were obtained and the corresponding socio-economic factors that have characterized the village from its birth to the present day were also reconstructed. The results show that the Borgo was born with the aim of being at the service of the agricultural activity of the neighboring countryside. The evolution of historical facts and the changes induced by the economic development models adopted in Italy have led to a transformation from a neighborhood agriculture to an industrialized agriculture. This model of agriculture adapted to the studied area had a negative impact and led to the impoverishment of the countryside and the removal of man from the territory. The potential impacts were explored with the evolution of the agricultural landscape and with the analysis of the economic activities in the area. The changes in the use of resources on the welfare of the system and their results indicate that technical solutions must be integrated with a governance system based on the relations of production, community and culture. To adopt a sustainable development model, it is recommended to use environmentally friendly agricultural techniques, methods of ecotourism and participatory governance between agriculture and tourism. The method proposed here for integrated governance provides a new perspective for the implementation of technical solutions in human society and the formation of sustainable development models that are positive for the rural, social and economic environment
Forest resources and sustainable tourism, a combination for the resilience of the landscape and development of mountain areas
No full textThe development of sustainable tourism models has been widely discussed in the economic literature. If on the one hand the demand for tourism has grown in recent years, on the other it is necessary to have adequate planning and political tools. The problems of sustainable tourism appear more complex when sustainable tourism involves development opportunities that require the support of the local community and the management of natural resources which are generally common goods. In these circumstances, new management structures need to be created, which can both meet the needs of the local community and ensure adequate management of natural resources. This study analyzes the connections between sustainable tourism models and natural resource management considering the case of the forest landscape. The study highlights how the correct management of public goods can lead, on the one hand, to satisfying demand and, on the other hand, creating opportunities for sustainable development of the environment
The role of blockchain for food safety and market efficiency
Full text linkIt is well known that the introduction of Blockchain in the agri-food sector represents a digital innovation aimed at increasing business income through the reduction of production inputs (and therefore of production costs expressed at constant prices) and/or the increase of output (increase in the quantity produced and therefore in revenues expressed at constant prices). According to Schumpeter, innovation and entrepreneurship mainly depend on innovative people, their skills and knowledge. In fact, digital innovation is always aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the company and can concern an improvement in technical and economic efficiency. On an existing company structure, efficiency concerns an optimization of the variable production factors to be used in the production process (reduction of variable costs: example quantity of water used; quantity of fertilizers to be used according to seasonal trends; quantity of pesticides to be used) which have repercussions on the structure of the cost of production and therefore positive effects on the net income of the entrepreneur. In the present study after examining the economic theory of innovation, through the theory of value examined why agri-food companies should adopt innovations such as the Blockchain. The study highlights that digital innovations can be implemented by entrepreneurs according to company size and with a view to increasing the value of production and that the affirmation of innovation requires long periods of time
Innovation and value creation in agriculture: Results of an experimental analysis of the use of sensors on sicilian vineyards of chardonnay cultivars
Full text linkInnovation represents the company's competitive strength. Without innovation, the company cannot stay on the market. In economic theory, innovation has been strongly expressed as the engine of the development of the enterprise and of the territory. In agriculture, innovation is always an important tool. In this direction, smart agriculture is an innovation that allows the company to remain competitive. This contribution presents the results of an experimental test carried out on Chardonnay vineyard cultivars using sensors that measure soil moisture. Results show that sensors reduce variable costs and improve gross income
Food products, gastronomy and religious tourism: The resilience of food landscapes
No full textReligious tourism has always been a sector of significant importance in the field of cultural tourism. Religious tourism is located both in urban areas and in rural areas. In rural areas in the past it did not represent a factor of great impact on the local economy as most of the population lived in rural areas. With the advent of modern society and with the phenomena of agricultural and rural exodus, linked to the increase in income in developed societies, religious tourism becomes a critical success factor for many rural areas as a historical heritage. This aspect is of significant importance if we consider that it can represent a real engine of development especially for rural areas, the subject of various policies activated at national and regional level within specific European programs aimed at improving territorial cohesion and increase social and economic development. The main actors of religious tourism in rural areas are the Sanctuaries, the typical agri-food products and next to these to have a flourishing tourist activity, there must be all the comforts for the visitor (road infrastructures, hotels, etc.). The itineraries of faith, then, could represent a possible response to these development needs since, as established by the Council of Europe, they constitute a useful tool for increasing the competitiveness and development of the areas crossed, also by strengthening the identity. In Sicily, an attempt in this sense can be identified in the actions implemented by the Region through the establishment of the Santa Rosalia path, a 185 km path crossing the Parco dei Monti Sicani, reserves and natural areas of the 14 municipalities that shows a reality of landscapes, nature, culture, traditions, art and flavors typical of the Sicilian hinterland. This work aims to investigate whether the path of Santa Rosalia can represent a critical success factor for the area. The results of the study highlight that the highly fragmented territorial policies, according to the different bodies responsible for interventions in the landscape, do not currently constitute the constitution of a real religious and agri-food tourist package
Social agriculture is a strategy to prevent the phenomenon of abandonment in mountain areas and areas at risk of desertification
Full text linkMountain agriculture is characterized by several greater difficulties than lowland agriculture. In recent times, the globalization of markets has led to the margin-alization of many farms. Against this backdrop, this paper has analyzed two models of value creation in mountain social farming. Social farming has social inclusion and socialization objectives. Social agriculture has different characteristics compared to traditional agriculture in that it integrates the production function for the market with the social function understood as a transfer of positive externalities that originate from agriculture and have repercussions on individuals in terms of the transfer of farming culture, production techniques and processing of agricultural products. The research results highlight the strong social connotation of the two social farms even though two substantial differences emerge: the privately managed social farm depends on public funding for these purposes; the social farm managed by charitable organizations is dedicated to self-financing and the practice of gift economy. These aspects are relevant in production scenarios where social farming is intended
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