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Operation of short food supply chains (abbr. SFSCs) during the period of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus provided a lesson which might be useful for perceiving the behaviour of farmers and local food systems in potential future crises caused by various endogenous or exogenous factors. A study based on a sample of 1081 beekeepers in Western Balkan countries shows how beekeepers involved in SFSCs perceived the influence of the pandemic on the growth of demand and sale of honey through these marketing channels. On the scale from 1 (no influence) to 7 (very strong influence), the average rating of 3.53 indicated a weak to moderate influence, which was fairly consistent across the countries of this region. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test determined that large-scale beekeepers, those in mountainous areas, those adding value to honey and beekeepers producing other bee products apart from honey stated that the pandemic had a stronger influence on the growth of demand and sale of honey through SFSCs. At the same time, a higher rating of the pandemic’s influence on sales growth was accompanied by greater limitations of beekeepers regarding the availability of family labour for selling honey, as well as by greater needs for digital marketing knowledge and skills. Binary logistic regression showed that the increase in beekeepers’ age led to the decreased rating of the influence of the pandemic on the growth of demand and sale of honey through SFSCs. It also showed that the influence rating rose with the increase in production capacity, adding value to honey and beekeepers’ needs for digital marketing knowledge and skills. The obtained results provide valuable knowledge about the potential response of SFSCs and involved producers to future crises and disruptions. It is primarily intended for policy makers, but also to practitioners and scientific and expert communities. All of them should respond proactively on behalf of society and prepare themselves for future challenges.

This research is focused to identifying the most suitable plum variety for establishing a new orchard, aiming to achieve optimal outcomes. To accomplish this goal, multi-criteria decision-making model has been developed striving to support decision-making process. The gained results are based on experience of experts engaged in assessment of certain plum varieties. The analysis of collected expert ratings has involved mutual use of 3 methods, where the FUll COnsistency Method (FUCOM) and CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) methods were applied to determine the weights of selected criteria. The results of applying these methods demonstrated that the Maretability criterion is of highest importance. Besides, the fuzzy MARCOS method (Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution) has been applied to rank the plum varieties according to expert ratings. Derived results revealed that the “Čačanska rodna” and “Stanley” varieties were ranked as the most favorable, while the “Prezident” variety was assessed as the most unfavorable. Further, gained research outcomes were corroborated by the sensitivity analysis and results validation. This research contributes to improvement of fruit growing in BiH by previous adequate selection of available plum varieties towards the establishing of new orchards and yielding optimal outcomes.

The subject of this research paper is the evaluation of spinach's (Spinacia oleracea L.) production profitability, given that spinach is an important vegetable species for human nutrition and health. The research started with an overview of spinach production worldwide and in the European Union in the past ten years (2012-2021). The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (SORS) does not monitor the production and yield of spinach as a separate vegetable species, so comparison between Serbia and other world countries is not possible. Therefore, the paper analyzes the values of spinach exports and imports in Serbia. In the end, the evaluation of profit and critical values is given on the example of open field spinach production by an agricultural producer in the area of AP Vojvodina, in the South Banat district. The analysis of achieved profit was made based on the calculation of spinach production for one production cycle (autumn sowing 2021/harvest 2022) on an area of 1ha. The achieved results show that the production of spinach in this district is profitable, and the financial result is positive.

Water is the source of life for all living beings, but also an irreplaceable input in agricultural production. According to the available water and land potentials in Serbia irrigation is used at generally negligible arable areas. Although it represents an agro-technical measure whose implementation usually causes significant investment costs for the farm, its application ensures high and stable yields of high quality crops' fruits, while indirectly it affects increase in incomes and continuity in farm sustainability. The main goal of the paper is presenting an assessment of the effects of investing in implementation of the irrigation system (type Tifon) on a small family farm primarily active in crop farming. Investment analysis was based on basic static and dynamic methods for assessing the effectiveness of investments. The assessment was focused to two modalities in crop production, i.e. implementation of irrigation in crop farming at 25 ha and 30 ha. In both observed modalities the investment was assessed as economically justified alternative for farm business improvement, while there are shown slightly better results with the rise of used agricultural surfaces.

Energy production, supply and consumption are global issue with many economic, environmental and social implications. Mentioned issue is even more expressed in remote rural areas, in particular in developing countries, as are the countries of the Western Balkans (WB). Renewable energy sources (RES) could represent optimal energy alternative for sustainable performing of agricultural and other activities, as well as for improving the current state of living conditions in rural communities. The main goal of research is to mark the most suitable RES alternative (six alternatives) for wider implementation in rural space of WB. The applied methodology framework implies experts' opinion (engagement of eight experts) and the use of multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM), (specifically fuzzy-rough LMWA and fuzzy-rough CRADIS methods) under the predefined criteria (nine criteria). Derived results show that the implementation of the solar energy plants could play an optimal solution, while as the relatively unsuitable alternative could be marked the use of energy potential of watercourses. Gained final result, i.e. ranking order of the considered alternatives is additionally verified by the appliance of other MCDM methods, while the sensitivity analysis was also performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Serbia, high expectations were focused on the IPARD Program, considering that in the entire transition period, there was a greater demand for favorable sources of financing for agriculture and rural development compared to their supply. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the implementation of the IPARD II program in Serbia, in the current period, that is, ending with the end of February 2024. The paper uses the following methods: desk research, method of descriptive statistics, as well as methods of analysis and synthesis. The authors conclude that there was a significant utilization of funds from the IPARD II Program in Serbia, ending on February 29, 2024, but also that less than half of the submitted projects met the set criteria. In order for this method of financing to have the best possible effect in Serbia, better education of the inhabitants of rural areas is needed for writing projects. Also, greater financial resources from the European Union are needed in future support programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy farming is the most significant part of cattle raising. During the previous several years the volume of milk production has been maintained at a stable level, while there came to fall in number of dairy cows and number of farms engaged in dairy farming. Although the farms that own just a few heads of dairy cows usually step out the milk production, there are still a small number of farms specialized in dairy farming. The main paper objective is to present the economic effects of investment in the construction and equipping of dairy farm adequate for raising of 12 dairy cows. Economic analysis was based on the use of static and dynamic methods for investment assessment. Besides, there is also conducted the analysis of investment under the risk conditions (use of the break-even analysis). According to gained results (e.g. Internal rate of return, 11.98%, positive value of the Net present value, Payback period shorter than 5 years) the investment implementation is economically justified.

In this paper, we analyzed the tendencies of plant production in the Republic of Serbia and at the level of the territorial units Serbia-North and Serbia South (NUTS 1), for the period 2009-2018 through the indicators of the coverage of areas and an average yield of 28 plant crops. The aim of the paper is to point out the differences in the representation of areas under different types of crops and to indicate the degree of their agreement between the mentioned territorial units by Spearman's correlation coefficient. For the analysis of the observed indicators, the methods of descriptive statistics, as well as Spearman's correlation coefficient, were used. The data indicate that the Serbia-North region is dominated by areas under cereals, industrial crops, peas and peaches, while the Serbia-South region is covered by areas under fodder crops, vegetable crops (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, beans, cucumber, melons and watermelons) and perennial crops. The average yields of the observed crops differ significantly between the regions of Serbia-North and Serbia South. Spearmen's correlation coefficient of the indicators of the coverage of areas indicated a high degree of stacking of areas under wheat and tobacco (0.927**), as well as areas under lucerne and clover with areas under fruit plantations. Also, a high degree of stacking of areas under maize and peas (0.798**) was established, but also between areas under sunflower and soya (0.891**).

Vegetable production represents important segment of the Serbian agricultural output. Within the structure of produced vegetable, cabbage has significant share. Cabbage conservation, primarily for the winter period, in a form of sauerkraut (for preparation of salads and hot dishes) has long tradition both at national and international level. Sauerkraut production is usually in function of value added products generation at the farms oriented to vegetable production that boosts their long-term sustainability. The main goal of this article is to compare contribution margin gained at the farm involved in sauerkraut production made from conventionally or organically produced cabbage. One production year is observed (gained data refers to 2018). It could be concluded that pickling of organic cabbage allows creation of higher farm's income and contribution margin.

Knowledge of agricultural soil vulnerability to water and nitrogen losses is essential for designing management guidelines to minimize water pollution from agriculture. Here, the authors presented the results of assessing the intrinsic vulnerability of agricultural soil of the City of Pančevo (Serbia) to water and nitrogen losses using LOS indices method. As the most vulnerable, the indices, presented in the form of vulnerability maps, marked the northeast part of the City of Pančevo area, including part of Deliblato Sands. Determined closed periods for use of fertilizers, rules for soil application and balanced fertilization, optimized production structure and irrigation methods, application of contour ploughing and conservation tillage and maintenance of buffer strips are among the priority nitrogen best management practices (BMPs) for agriculture and water protection. Well-tailored, site-specific nitrogen BMPs based on the LOS analysis can significantly improve compliance with EU Nitrate Directive, which transposition is ongoing in Serbia.

This paper analyzes the economic effectiveness of vegetable production in a protected area in terms and in a manner that is characteristic of the analyzed area (Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Dynamic methods for evaluating the economic feasibility of the investment were applied to two models of vegetables production in greenhouses. Models represent completely alternative investments, so the choice between them is based on the net present value. Economic justification under risk conditions was checked using the scenario analysis. The results of the survey indicate that the investments in both models are justified both in optimal and risky production conditions. The model that includes the production of two crops is economically more efficient than the production of one crop per year. The same model will take precedence also in risky production conditions, as indicated by the higher expected net present value and lower value of the coefficient of variation.

Medicinal herbs are important for human nutrition and industrial processing. The main goal of research is assessment of economic effectiveness of investments in seedlings production and establishment of plantation under mentioned crops. Analysis involves data from the coal mine complex in Pljevlja (Montenegro), while implies dynamic methods such are Net Present Value, (Modified) Internal Rate of Return, and Payback Period. Although research results favored the seedlings production, determined crossover rate indicates some opposite conclusions. Inconsistency in conclusions according to Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return occurs only for certain range of discount rate. Research also implies sensitive analysis of crossover rate according to changes in volume of invested assets. So, management could make appropriate decisions towards the investments in medicinal plants production. Derived results suppose that investment in production of medicinal herbs seedlings is economically more effective for all discount rates above the crossover rate (6.08%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry is the most important kind of berries and specific in many of its characteristics - biological properties, economic importance, agro-ecological, technological and organizational requirements, the market value of the product, as well as very high interdependence and correlation between the individual phases of the reproductive cycle. Due to its extremely pleasant smell and taste and high nutritional value, raspberry represents a very esteemed and sought fruit which has a high price in the world market and is very suitable for processing. In addition to financial effect, the cultivation of raspberries enables recruitment of labour force, which is in our economic situation of great socio-economic importance, especially in the mountainous regions of Serbia. Based on real data examples, this paper analyzes the economic profitability of this production. Investments in the establishment and cultivation of a raspberry plantation under irrigation amount to 12.140 €/ha. In the production of raspberries a very favourable annual financial result (profit) in the amount of 9300 €/ha is achieved, production is very cost-effective, accumulation is significant (about 77%) and return on equity is in the second year of exploitation. The established economic and financial results show that the production of raspberries is very profitable.

Paper's focus is on the economic effects of introducing energy from renewable sources (solar energy) in the raspberry production (mainly for irrigation). Main goal is to assess economic effectiveness of investment in establishing and exploiting raspberry plantation, as well as implementation of required equipment and mechanization, from the point of two investment scenarios. First scenario considers conventional way of raspberry production, compared to raspberry production under mobile solar robotized electric generator. Methodologically, the analysis implies application of a set of methods for dynamic evaluation of investment and methods for evaluation of investments under uncertainty (the net present value, the internal rate of return, the payback period and the break-even point). The result of conducted assessment shows that, apart from ecological benefit, there is high economic justification of investment into device used for transfer of renewable into electric energy in raspberry production.

The aim of this paper is to determine the economic viability of the electronic warehouse receipt registry introduction, as a step toward electronic warehouse receipts. Both forms of warehouse receipt paper and electronic exist in practice, but paper warehouse receipts are more widespread. In this paper, the dematerialization process is analyzed in two steps. The first step is the dematerialization of warehouse receipt registry, with warehouse receipts still in paper form. The second step is the introduction of electronic warehouse receipts themselves. Dematerialization of warehouse receipts is more complex than that for financial securities, because of the individual characteristics of each warehouse receipt. As a consequence, electronic warehouse receipts are in place for only to a handful of commodities, namely cotton and a few grains. Nevertheless, the movement towards the electronic warehouse receipt, which began several decades ago with financial securities, is now taking hold in the agricultural sector. In this paper is analyzed Serbian electronic registry, since the Serbia is first country in EU with electronic warehouse receipts registry donated by FAO. Performed analysis shows the considerable impact of electronic warehouse receipts registry establishment on enhancing the security of the system of public warehouses, and on advancing the trade with warehouse receipt.

Market oriented relative comparative trade advantage (MORTA) represents new approach to a widely accepted model of revealed comparative advantage (RCA) presented for the first time in this paper. The applied model was used in the analysis of agro-food trade in order to identify changes in the level of relative comparative trade advantage between the EU and Serbia before and during the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU (2004-2013) on the basis of Eurostat data and data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. The analysis aims to show whether Serbia and the EU, each on their side, were able to take advantage of the trade liberalization, especially in relative terms. The research results show that Serbia in terms of trade liberalization with the EU manages to secure the growth of the product with relative comparative trade advantage, but on the other side EU fails to largely use preferential status in trade with Serbia.

Abstract In this paper the authors analyze the impact of the composite human resource index on sustainable growth in a specific business sector in a transition country. Sustainability of country's economy is growingly relying on the knowledge economy which has been implemented in strategies of sustainable development throughout Europe. The knowledge economy is mostly based on human resources and the way they are organized and managed in the companies actively operating in competitive markets. In order to confirm importance of the human resources (HR) index, results were tested by means of modeling, measuring and correlating the HR index with business results at micro level. The tests were conducted on the data from the survey in Serbian meat processing industry. The results were then compared with the results from the survey conducted in a financial industry. Moreover, a model was made that could be applicable in all countries that do not have available official statistic data on the level of investments in human resources. The focus was on determining the correlation direction, and hence creating a research model applicable in all business sectors. It has been found that a significant one-way correlation exists between business performance and increased HR index. In that way it has been confirmed that in Serbian economy that has recorded global decrease during transition, certain business sectors, and especially companies with high levels of investments in improving its HR index record above average and sustainable growth.

In this article, we explore multiscale extreme risk interdependence between four soft agricultural markets – coffee, cocoa, cotton and orange juice. Wavelet correlation and cross-correlation are used to investigate this interlink, and dynamic conditional Value at Risk is used to measure extreme risk. Wavelet correlation results suggest a very weak connection between the markets in the short-term and midterm horizons, which means that investors who operate in the short term or midterm do not have to apply hedging measures against extreme risk. However, the situation is different in the long term, where relatively high correlations are found on the highest wavelet scale in all pairs, except coffee–cocoa. Complementary cross-correlation analysis indicates a lead–lag relationship between the markets. The results are mostly in line with expectations, as bigger markets lead smaller markets. Only in the cases of cocoa–cotton and cocoa–orange juice does the opposite happen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to FAO concept of irrigation modernisation, to be effective, an irrigation system must be based on improved irrigation efficiency, reduced operation and maintenance costs and improved cost recovery based on raised agricultural productivity, with due consideration to the institutional and legal-related issues and environment protection. To make the irrigation system successfully upgraded, the project needs to undergo a comprehensive analysis of the factors that lead to the modernization. Using the IPTRID/FAO-AGLW methodological approach of addressing causes for irrigation modernization, the authors in the paper review technical, socio-institutional, economic-financial and environmental causes for upgrading of the irrigation system in the Negotin lowland and give some recommendations for successful realization of this project, based on international and regional experiences and adjusted to specificities of local agriculture and rural communities.

In organic plant production it is necessary to establish isolation buffer between organic and conventional production areas. Organic demo-field was established towards the end of 2008 in a part of Institute 'Tamiš' Pančevo experimental field. The perennial fennel (Foeniculum vulgare P. Mill.) was planted as isolation buffer. Phenological observations were performed and variable costs monitored in the foundation year of 2009 and in the following 2010. The production costs, otherwise high in organic production, were not increased. The fennel production achieved visibly better financial results as compared to sunflower and maize production, which are the plant species most often used as isolation buffers. The product can be processed to manufacture bio-preparation that can also be used in organic production. Also, fennel is an entomophilic plant species, has a long blooming phase, attracts useful insects, pollinators and predators, aiding biodiversity and bio-control maintenance and improvement in agroecosystems.

Serbia disposes with strong tradition in crop production, followed by significant natural resources and favorable climate conditions. Despite the good results in grain production, farms are in general economically so weak to possess and use the storing facilities, while they sell the products immediately after the harvest. After reconsidering the lack of storing facilities and consequences it affects, strategic strivings in strengthening of farm competitiveness initiate in previous period public support turned to building of storage capacities and purchase of necessary equipment. In paper was presented the assessment (by the use of dynamic and static methods) of economic effectiveness of investment in storing capacities, i.e. silos, showing that this investment (supported by public incentives) could represent the economically justified business decision for certain farms turned to crop, specifically grains production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Leader approach, as a national measure of rural development is still in the initial development phase in the Republic of Serbia. In the coming period, more intense support for the implementation of this measure is expected, from the national/regional/local budget and through the IPARD III 2021-2027 pre-accession support program. How effectively the available support funds will be used largely will depend on local stakeholders in rural communities, primarily citizens and civil society representatives, and the capacity of their development initiatives. Based on the perceptions of 118 agricultural advisors involved in the study and using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson's coefficient, the authors found a moderately capacity of local development initiatives in rural communities in the Republic of Serbia that does not differ by the regions, as well as the moderate positive correlation between the quality of life and capacity of local development initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]