Search

The purpose of this paper is to examine the internal structure of Czech agricultural holdings based on a multicriteria evaluation of the five dimensions representing the main functions of agriculture including production, economicfactors, financial stability, environmental, and social and other factors. A cluster analysis was performed to identify two clusters of farms. The first cluster consists of smaller holdings that specialize in livestock production and achieve poorer financial results compared to the second cluster, which includes a larger share of large holdings that focus on crop production. The first cluster exhibited better performance as regards environmental protection and financial stability. In contrast, the second cluster achieved better scores regarding production and economic factors. However, an evaluation of all dimensions showed that the second cluster of farms obtained slightly better ratings (2.7% above the overall average) then the first cluster (3.1% below the overall average score). It is up to policy makers to decide which group of farmers, is more approaching the aim of the new agricultural policy. Policy makers can consider the results of this study to find the areas where the sustainability rate should be increased and purposefully promote that by specific measures to achieve balanced farming system.

Given the increasing need for residential and economic development and also for the improvement of the living environment, for food and energy production, we should reflect on the use of agricultural lands. Even if the citizens and the regional government are rediscovering the multiple services provided by agricultural lands, we observe that the agricultural landscape in Wallonia (the southern part of Belgium) is in a precarious situation, especially at the edge of the cities. At the same time, the Regional Policy Declaration promotes the development of high-quality and close-proximity food belts, the coexistence of human and economic activities with nature, and the end of new land taken by 2050. Our paper focuses on the precariousness of agricultural lands at the edges of cities and presents a twofold research project to conduct a prospective assessment. First, we surveyed 587 Walloons on their perceptions of agricultural lands and their functions. Secondly, we analysed several case studies next to the main Walloon conurbations. Based on satellite images, agricultural parcel data, field observations, and interviews with stakeholders, we identified the services provided by these agricultural lands and the different pressures that they face. This research improves our understanding of the role(s) played by agriculture within, or at the edge of, cities, underlines the thorny issue of land ownership, and points out the diversity of situations encountered. It recommends handling the issue at multiple decision levels and involving stakeholders to develop a common vision, which considers the numerous services delivered by agricultural lands and gives weight to the decision to protect it or not.

The main goal of this article is to answer the question whether organic farming, which is developing in some parts of Poland, can be considered as a form of multifunctional farming and contribute so to non-commodity functions and the process of change in a particular territory of given areas. The analyses are based on data obtained from 2013 of several points in the south of Poland representing a cluster of organic market oriented farmers. The results show that namely market organic farming may serve as multifunctional one, but only under certain conditions and for a specific type of farming. Through specific functions, organic farming facilitates the changes, primarily on a local scale. The existence of a strong integrated organic farming sector might influences development and change, resulting in not only the improvement of economic welfare of organic farmers, but also of whole local communities, strengthening the bonds amongst them, mobilising the social resources.