This paper presents an empirical model of optimal budget allocation for import inspection of imported commodities. In this model, the budget constrained inspecting Agency wants to minimize the expected pest costs related to import trade pathways. The model is applied to the problem of budget...

In the Netherlands the greenhouse sector is a major user of energy. It accounts for 7% of the total amount of energy used in the Netherlands and for 79% of the total amount of energy used in agriculture. In order to sustain this sector on the long term, it is important that its use of energy is...

Input-based dynamic efficiency measures are derived from an adjustment-cost directional distance function approach. A dynamic input directional distance function can be generated from an adjustment-cost technology where the dynamics are explicitly incorporated in the form of the properties of...

This paper estimates farmer decisions between three discrete occupational choices: exit and close down the farming operation (1), exit and transfer the farm to a new entrant (2), or continue farming and retain the option to exit later on (3). The farmer optimisation problem is formulated as a...

Organic farming technology may be relatively unknown to farmers at the time when they switch from conventional into organic farming. Therefore, experience gained over time and learning by doing may be important determinants in the efficiency of organic farming. It may also take time to reach the...

Measurement of entire supply chain performance is an important issue, because it allows for "tracking and tracing" of efficacy and efficiency failures and leads to more informed decision-making with regards to chain organization. The ultimate aim of implementing a performance measurement system...

The challenge for agricultural policymakers and planners, particularly in the context of Rwanda with high population density and consequently food insecurity, is how to enable farmers to adopt new technology. It is known that adoption of new technology may vary among farm households because of...

Horticultural firms are dependent on energy to produce, while policy makers focus on reducingthe use of energy and investment in energy-saving technologies. The paper aimed to assesDutch greenhouse farmers‘ responses to policies that would affect prices of different energyinputs. The...

Pine wood nematode, B. xylophilus poses a serious threat for the European forestindustry. This study applies a quantitative risk assessment to analyze the risk of pinewood nematode in the EU, by estimating the reduction expected within forestry stockavailable for wood supply and its downstream...