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Disease outbreaks are partly the direct result of the expansion of poultry flocks. To understand farmers’ behaviours, their awareness of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the study was con ducted. A total of 150 farms in three districts of Tra Vinh Province were included. Purposive sampling was used to choose respondents who have at least 20 poultry heads and a three-year operation. Descrip tive and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze data. The findings indicated that most farm ers (65.3%) were males with an average age of 50 years. Farmers received < $100/month from poultry production. The farm scale of poultry business was less than 100 heads per farmer, and birds were reared traditionally, using by-products, floor feeding, and no automatic watering systems. Selling broil ers dominated, whereas egg sales were uncommon and were generally reserved for domestic use. In addition, farmers were aware of HPAI prevention (>90% were, poor knowledge that was not validat ed). Additionally, farmers' awareness significantly increased by the enhancement in education, training, income, and full-time employment at poultry farms. It can be concluded that the small-scale poultry farming employs traditional practices with a keen awareness of infectious diseases. However, to raise farmers' awareness, strategies should concentrate on profession, education, training, and income.

Disease outbreaks are partly the direct result of the expansion of poultry flocks. To understand farmers' behaviours, their awareness of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the study was conducted. A total of 150 farms in three districts of Tra Vinh Province were included. Purposive sampling was used to choose respondents who have at least 20 poultry heads and a three-year operation. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze data. The findings indicated that most farmers (65.3%) were males with an average age of 50 years. Farmers received < $100/month from poultry production. The farm scale of poultry business was less than 100 heads per farmer, and birds were reared traditionally, using by-products, floor feeding, and no automatic watering systems. Selling broilers dominated, whereas egg sales were uncommon and were generally reserved for domestic use. In addition, farmers were aware of HPAI prevention (>90% were, poor knowledge that was not validated). Additionally, farmers' awareness significantly increased by the enhancement in education, training, income, and full-time employment at poultry farms. It can be concluded that the small-scale poultry farming employs traditional practices with a keen awareness of infectious diseases. However, to raise farmers' awareness, strategies should concentrate on profession, education, training, and income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization of agriculture is one of the priorities of the EU's rural development strategy "From Field to Table", which promotes the creation of more added value and climate change mitigation in agriculture. A growing body of the literature argues that digitalization enables better information management, reduces production costs, and increases the potential for farm income growth, but only a few papers provide empirical studies on how digitalization improves the performance of small farms. To fill this gap in the literature, this paper presents a case study as empirical evidence of the impact of digital innovation on smallholder performance through a sustainable development lens. This paper reports research based on a pilot digitalization project implemented on a small organic farm. It examines the identification of logical links between the digitalization processes introduced and the impact of digitalization on the economic, social, and environmental performance of the small farm. The case study data were collected through semi-structured interviews and based on the results of a pilot project. The findings of this study provide evidence that the introduction of digital technologies has improved the economic performance of the farm, including a reduction in labor costs, improved customer relations, improvements in farmers' investment planning, and process redesign. Based on this study, recommendations are made to policymakers on how to promote the uptake of digital technologies in smallholder farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the sustainability of small farms relies on understanding farm economics, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect. In North Carolina, many small farms are confronted with financial challenges and the risk of collapse. This study examines the factors that influence farm profitability while considering the intersectionality of race and gender. The findings reveal significant disparities in farm and operator characteristics. Specifically, first‐generation and retiree farmers exhibit a lower likelihood of profitability. Conversely, factors positively associated with profitability include owning larger farm acreage, engaging in commercial agricultural production, utilizing paid family labor, practicing full‐time farming, and being a non‐White minority farmer. To foster the sustainability of small farms, it is imperative to implement policies that support full‐time farming and incentivize the use of paid family labor. These measures can contribute to bolstering profitability and safeguarding the economic viability of small farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluates the accessibility and availability of publicly accessible biosecurity resources in the Fall of 2021, as part of the IN-PREPared and Gearing Up for Safety program. The research into the quantity of material underscores the importance of these resources for disease threat awareness and highlights the need for improved biosecurity resource development for small-scale farming communities and overall biosecurity resources which impact global agricultural operations and food security. Design/methodology/approach: This review consisted of resources on agricultural biosecurity literature, websites, and training materials, involving over 125 agencies and organizations. This analysis provides insights into the distribution of resources across different regions and their availability based on farm scale and production type. Findings: Our research reveals both a geographic distribution trend of material that favors Midwestern states and significant disparities in available materials. Additionally, there are more resources that have content that focus on “general biosecurity’ and are focused on larger operations than that of small-farm biosecurity operations. International resources generally focus on overall importance of biosecurity and aspects of One Health. Practical Implications: This review underscores the crucial role of biosecurity resources in enhancing disease threat awareness and safeguarding the food supply and global impact of international trade within agriculture. This emphasizes the need to address resource deficiencies for small-scale farms, particularly regarding specific livestock concentrations. Theoretical Implications: The study confirms with previous research on limited resources, emphasizing the need for a more equitable approach to disseminating biosecurity information, especially for small-scale farming. Implications highlight the importance of resources, training, and informed decision-making for all farming communities, highlighting the significance of risk-based agricultural materials. Originality/Value: The research adds value by shedding light on the unequal distribution of biosecurity resources, especially concerning small-scale farming operations. While the study primarily focuses on livestock and animal health, it acknowledges the importance of crop biosecurity, thus contributing to a broader understanding of agricultural protection. The significance of collaboration and information sharing in the global context of biosecurity extends beyond national borders and requires a coordinated effort.

Purpose: This study evaluates the accessibility and availability of publicly accessible biosecurity resources in the Fall of 2021, as part of the IN-PREPared and Gearing Up for Safety program. The research into the quantity of material underscores the importance of these resources for disease threat awareness and highlights the need for improved biosecurity resource development for small-scale farming communities and overall biosecurity resources which impact global agricultural operations and food security. Design/methodology/approach: This review consisted of resources on agricultural biosecurity literature, websites, and training materials, involving over 125 agencies and organizations. This analysis provides insights into the distribution of resources across different regions and their availability based on farm scale and production type. Findings: Our research reveals both a geographic distribution trend of material that favors Midwestern states and significant disparities in available materials. Additionally, there are more resources that have content that focus on "general biosecurity" and are focused on larger operations than that of small-farm biosecurity operations. International resources generally focus on overall importance of biosecurity and aspects of One Health. Practical Implications: This review underscores the crucial role of biosecurity resources in enhancing disease threat awareness and safeguarding the food supply and global impact of international trade within agriculture. This emphasizes the need to address resource deficiencies for small-scale farms, particularly regarding specific livestock concentrations. Theoretical Implications: The study confirms with previous research on limited resources, emphasizing the need for a more equitable approach to disseminating biosecurity information, especially for smallscale farming. Implications highlight the importance of resources, training, and informed decisionmaking for all farming communities, highlighting the significance of risk-based agricultural materials. Originality/Value: The research adds value by shedding light on the unequal distribution of biosecurity resources, especially concerning small-scale farming operations. While the study primarily focuses on livestock and animal health, it acknowledges the importance of crop biosecurity, thus contributing to a broader understanding of agricultural protection. The significance of collaboration and information sharing in the global context of biosecurity extends beyond national borders and requires a coordinated effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the nexus of contracts, derived from transaction cost economics (TCE), provides a holistic view of the production entity in agriculture from the perspective of a whole food system. TCE has been criticized, however, because it focuses exclusively on cognitive limitations of rationality that may prevent a transaction from occurring. An extended approach to human capital (HC), which includes so-called hidden HC, can address the doubts raised by the critiques. This study attempts to answer the question of how to shape environmentally sustainable nexus of contracts (SNC) in small-scale farming. The main objective is to assess the relationship between HC, including hidden HC, and a sustainable nexus of contracts under the influence of the European Union's common agricultural policy (CAP). The proposed SNC comprises operations eco-management, contractual integration (hierarchy), and management of resources (labor, capital) with regard to their intensity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using ordinal variables was applied. The study is based on surveys performed in 2018 in Poland on a representative sample of 674 small-scale farms. It was hypothesized that the extended notion of HC is decisive for the development of SNC. This hypothesis has been confirmed, revealing the dominant role of training and participation in cultural/social events (which extend the perceptual boundaries of farmers) and indicating an almost negligible role of the length of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the unique role of small farms in providing their own food and nutrition security, the classic three-dimensional approach to sustainability evaluation is not exhaustive. In addition to the socio-economic and environmental dimensions, the question of sustainable development should be extended to the dimension of food and nutrition security. But yet the relations among the different sustainability dimensions at the farm level are not obvious. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to assess the interactions between food and nutrition security and the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability in small-scale farms. The study is based on surveys conducted in 2018 on a sample of 710 small-scale farms in Poland. By applying structural equation modeling with simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis, the study found a positive relationship between the socio-economic and food and nutrition security dimensions of sustainability, but there was a lack of synergy between the environmental component and the other dimensions.

Urban agriculture has gained momentum in global research and policy, and is proposed to combat challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and social inequality. Here we provide an overview of ecosystem services urban agriculture provides. We found a general agreement that urban agriculture could deliver: (1) food production; (2) microclimate and air quality regulation; (3) stormwater retention; (4) waste management and nutrient recycling; (5) biodiversity conservation; (6) climate regulation and mitigation; (7) energy conservation; and (8) social-cultural values. But quantitative evidence is scarce for many ecosystem services, especially those that are intangible. Urban agriculture could be integral to green infrastructure, included in urban and regional planning, but consideration should also be given to types of urban agriculture, the role of technology and management practices, and potential tradeoffs, risks, and disservices.

The changing model of functioning of agriculture brings new directions of its development, including functions related to providing environmental benefits. Environmental protection has become the most important point of reference in shaping all policies implemented by the European Union (EU), including the Common Agricultural Policy. Farmers, as its main beneficiaries, should take this into account. Decisions made by agricultural producers in their production processes are of great importance to the environment. The aim of the paper was to show and analyze regional differentiation of environmental benefits resulting from the functioning of small farms on the example of selected farm characteristics. The data for the analysis was obtained from the System of Collection and Use of Farm Accounting Data (Polish FADN) from three years (2017, 2018 and 2019). On the basis of a comparative and statistical analysis, it was concluded that the provision of environmental benefits by small farms is regionally differentiated. Soil protection and pro-environmental measures are emphasized in the Common Agricultural Policy's new arrangements for 2023-2027. This will primarily require knowledge transfer at the level of the institutional environment of agriculture (primarily of an advisory nature) at the national and regional level.

Given the unique role of small farms in providing their own food and nutrition security, the classic three-dimensional approach to sustainability evaluation is not exhaustive. In addition to the socio-economic and environmental dimensions, the question of sustainable development should be extended to the dimension of food and nutrition security. But yet the relations among the different sustainability dimensions at the farm level are not obvious. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to assess the interactions between food and nutrition security and the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability in small-scale farms. The study is based on surveys conducted in 2018 on a sample of 710 small-scale farms in Poland. By applying structural equation modeling with simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis, the study found a positive relationship between the socio-economic and food and nutrition security dimensions of sustainability, but there was a lack of synergy between the environmental component and the other dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Precision agriculture (PA) through the use and utilization of innovative technologies is a concept in agricultural management that enables long-term efficiency gains, control of unforeseen changes, and a reduction of negative impacts on the environment. However, there are even more reasons and benefits to using precision agriculture technologies (PATs) on farms, but the actual use on small farms is often questionable. The main objective of this research was to evaluate and analyze the current state of PA and its potential on a set of small farms. In addition, a comparison was made between small farms located in less favored areas (LFAs) and more favored areas (MFAs) to find if specific characteristics of the surrounding environment affect the (non-) implementation of these technologies by farm owners, with respect to the given regional possibilities. The result shows that 57.5% of respondents on these farms have never implemented PATs before and 20% are beginners in their respective fields. It was found that there were no statistically significant differences in the integration between fewer LFAs and MFAs technologies and their use in this study. The majority of respondents believe that the main changes need to occur on the level of politics. The results show that the level of cost or initial investment is the main reason and the main obstacle in the implementation of PATs on the surveyed farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of this report is based on the fact that for many years small farms have been important for the survival of rural areas and have a socio-economic function, namely providing income, employment and food for families for whom agriculture is their only livelihood. For many years we have witnessed the desolation of Bulgarian villages. The COVID-19 pandemic has led many people to flee the bustling city and seek more peace and clean production on the small farm. It has been proven that the personal farm and the connection of generations of Bulgarians with agriculture is related to solving crisis periods in the life of the population. Whether the 2027 CAP will become more social is a matter of scientific, socioeconomic and political interest. Through a wide range of modern research methods, such as representative results of comprehensive censuses of agricultural holdings over different periods of time, structural surveys, results of empirical sociological research, desk research, Internet sources, graphical method, etc., we prove that in times of crisis phenomena, the small farm is proving to be a stabilizing factor for both food producers and consumers. Returning part of the younger generation to active farming will recognize the paramount importance of small farms for sustainable rural development, especially in the areas of social, cultural and environmental activities, as well as the promotion of healthy lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small family farms in the United States are looking in the future toward sustainability. It is suggested that biopharming for nutritional improvement, vaccines, therapeutics, chemical precursors for manufacturing by using genetically modified crop plants could provide a niche market to increase their profits margins.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) on farms is receiving increasing attention as a technology for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing odors and pathogens, and generating energy. Although AD technology in the U.S. has been considered appropriate only for larger scale, especially livestock, farms, there has been growing interest in adapting the technology for smaller farms and greater variety of feedstocks. A series of three workshops used farmer-participatory research methodologies to assess attitudes and perceptions of small-scale anaerobic digesters in New York State by smaller scale livestock and crop operations. Results indicate a diverse group of farmers are interested in using anaerobic digester systems. Participants who attended the tour and workshop also increased their level of knowledge and understanding of anaerobic digester systems. Participant discussion revealed a need for more information for AD establishment on small farms including detailed economic data and a greater number of example AD systems. Additionally, results showed improved funding sources for adoption of this sustainable technology will likely increase farmer's rate of adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preconceived notions exist about small-scale farmers in the U.S. Beyond research on new and beginning farmers, few empirical studies have learned directly from small-scale farmers in the U.S. about their perspectives and experiences. By analyzing semi-structured interviews of small-scale farmers in Indiana, this study develops an in-depth understanding of the multi-dimensional motivations and experiences of small-scale farmers and the interconnected, multi-scalar challenges they face. The lack of social infrastructure to support small-scale farmers becomes paramount as they contend with dilemmas of engaging in pluriactivity, securing reliable labor, and navigating relationship building with consumers and peers for both short-term profits and long-term social capital. This study contributes to understanding how small-scale farmers' motivations, experiences, challenges, and strategies interact to shape their relationship to the land, their farming enterprise, and their perception of and position in the larger agro-ecological-social-economic system, and highlights the need to improve social infrastructure to support small-scale farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinach and coriander are cultivated using traditional method by majority of marginal and small landholders. No seed drill is available for sowing of these vegetable crops. The objective of present study was to provide such a seeder that can reduce manual work done by farmers. An attempt was made to develop electric power (e-power) walk behind seeder at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi in year 2015. The major workload was shared by e-power. The unit consisted of a DC geared motor, batteries, power transmission unit, independent seeding units with vertical cell fed metering mechanism, swinging handle and frame. The seeder was tested for spinach, coriander and wheat seeds. Lab study on sticky belt indicated that wheat seed showed better uniformity in distribution followed by spinach and coriander. From field studies, output with e-powered 350W seeder was 1130 m2/h at a speed of about 2.9 km/h with field efficiency of 90.3% for tested seeds. The average draft requirement of machine was 106.1N. The developed equipment provided 2.5 times more output than manually operated seed drill with reduced drudgery by 2.6 times in terms of muscular force requirement.

It is accepted generally that anaerobic digesters (AD) are efficacious technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock operations (Pronto and Gooch, 2009). In addition, AD technology has a number of other potential benefits including: energy production for use on the farm and for sale, separation of manure solids for ease of use or export off-farm, pathogen reduction leading to healthier labor and herd outcomes and odor control. It is also clear that in the USA, research and extension efforts, including public financing of AD technology installations, have disproportionally been focused on larger farms- e.g., dairy farms with at least 500 milking cows. The latter has begun to change as more resources are being invested in AD technology for smaller livestock farms. We present the results of a pre and post survey implemented at four workshops on small-scale AD technology for livestock farmers in northeastern New York State. Results indicate that information presented shifted farmers' attitudes such that they viewed AD technology as not overly complex; and, they became less interested in selling generated surplus power off-farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic farmers and limited-resource growers in the San Joaquin Valley and other agricultural areas in California — many of whom are ethnic minorities — encounter limited options and environmental constraints when seeking economically viable pest management methods. Over the past 8 years, we have conducted weed research and implementation projects on soil solarization at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center and on farms in the surrounding San Joaquin Valley. In the Kearney studies, small-scale solarization in parsley reduced weed biomass 94% to 99% over the untreated control. Furthermore, in an on-farm study, solarization provided effective weed control for strawberries at a much lower cost than methyl bromide, with comparable yields. This research has provided guidelines and technical support for growers wishing to implement solarization and related techniques for nonchemical soil disinfestation in a wide variety of specialty crops.

Mechanical methods of weeding are preferred over other methods of weed control because of their added advantages of simple construction, low cost and environmental friendly. Mechatronics concept was incorporated in development of a battery-assisted four-wheel weeder for weeding operation in wide row (more than 30 cm) crops. The developed machine consisted of brushed DC motor, DMSC, battery, power transmission system, drive-wheels, front wheels, frame and swinging handle. A brushed DC motor of 250W powered by 24V-14Ah battery with sweep type weeding tool performed satisfactorily in the field for weeding operation up to 147N draft.The operators are to only guide the weeder up to 147N draft while they need to apply their muscle power beyond 147N to prevent slippage.The average field capacity with this machine was 0.0554 ha/h at walking speed of 2.52 km/h with 97.5% weeding efficiency. The machine is gender-friendly with simple in design and technology and has potential to be adopted by small and hill farmers with reduced drudgery. The concept of transforming manual operated to battery assisted weeder was found satisfactory for wide row crops.

Local food advocates promote direct-to-consumer food sales, arguing that such sales yield a variety of positive effects, including that smaller, direct-to-consumer producers have a greater economic impact compared to larger producers selling via wholesale channels. In this research study, we examine this claim by exploring the relative economic contribution of small-scale, direct-to-consumer vegetable operations versus larger-scale, direct-to-wholesale vegetable operations in Central Minnesota. In this article, we detail the methods used to define the project, gather primary data, and construct the two production functions following the methods developed for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Eco­nomics of Local Foods Systems Toolkit. In our analysis, we constructed two production functions for vegetables. The first was the default production function of vegetable operations from the input-output model IMPLAN. The second production function was constructed from detailed farm finan­cial data on the purchasing patterns of 11 small vegetable operators in a 13-county area of Central Minnesota. Our results illuminate variations in relative impacts, but also in specific aspects of operational expenditures. The production function for the sampled farms predicted a higher per dollar economic impact than the default IMPLAN production function. Our findings indicate that the small-scale, direct-to-consumer vegetable operations may have a greater positive impact on regional businesses than larger-scale, direct-to-wholesale operations, per dollar of output. Our results inform both farm business planning and economic development decision-making in rural regions.

Human capital (HC) plays an important role in modern agriculture. The difference in efficiency of assets explains only about a half of the economic performance of agricultural farms, while the other half relies on HC. Although education and training are the main components of HC, it may also be viewed from the perspective of behavioral theories that were taken under consideration in this study. The role of HC in sustainable farming has not been sufficiently explained when it comes to contractual governance (CG). In this study, the meaning of contractual governance was extended and the eco-contractual governance (ECG) concept was proposed, which stands for CG induced by agri-environmental contracts. The main objective of the article is to confirm the latent concepts of HC and ECG and to verify their correlation in view of the standards imposed by the agricultural policy. To achieve this goal, a structural equation model was developed and simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis with ordinal variables was carried out based on the sample of 674 small farms in Poland. The analysis has confirmed a relatively strong correlation between HC and ECG. It was revealed that training plays a crucial role in this relationship, while economic dependence on agricultural policy weakens the effectiveness of both HC and ECG.

Local food advocates promote direct-to-consumer food sales, arguing that such sales yield a variety of positive effects, including that smaller, direct-toconsumer producers have a greater economic impact compared to larger producers selling via wholesale channels. In this research study, we examine this claim by exploring the relative economic contribution of small-scale, direct-toconsumer vegetable operations versus larger-scale, direct-to-wholesale vegetable operations in Central Minnesota. In this article, we detail the methods used to define the project, gather primary data, and construct the two production functions following the methods developed for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Economics of Local Foods Systems Toolkit. In our analysis, we constructed two production functions for vegetables. The first was the default production function of vegetable operations from the inputoutput model IMPLAN. The second production function was constructed from detailed farm financial data on the purchasing patterns of 11 small vegetable operators in a 13-county area of Central Minnesota. Our results illuminate variations in relative impacts, but also in specific aspects of operational expenditures. The production function for the sampled farms predicted a higher per dollar economic impact than the default IMPLAN production function. Our findings indicate that the small-scale, direct-to-consumer vegetable operations may have a greater positive impact on regional businesses than larger-scale, direct-to-wholesale operations, per dollar of output. Our results inform both farm business planning and economic development decision-making in rural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settlement landscape heritage is an integral aspect of Ireland's rurality: it contributes to national and international perceptions of Ireland in which images of a land of green fields and rural culture prevail. These images are increasingly valuable in setting Ireland as a place apart within the global economy as evidenced, for example, by Bord Bia's 'Origin Green' initiative. However, contemporary demand for rural housing poses a challenge to the maintenance of these landscapes. The one-off rural house, rather than large scale developments, poses the most significant challenge to traditional landscapes. National policy makers have attempted to engage with this issue with limited success. There is a tacit acceptance of the social, economic and cultural significance of rural housing, particularly farm households that are the primary controllers of landuse in rural areas. Within the constraints of the topography of the farm, they have played a key role in the development of both traditional and contemporary farmscapes. This is most evident in areas dominated by smaller farms. Strategies involving allocation or sale of land for residential development are of particular interest given that they simultaneously facilitate continuation of the family farm as a social entity as well as precipitating local change through expansion of nonrural settlement patterns. Insight into the processes of change in small farm structures and communities in recent decades is critical in explaining and understanding the evolution of local settlement patterns up to the present. This paper seeks to elucidate both changes and continuities in three counties in Ireland: Monaghan, Mayo and Meath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]