Gioacchino Pappalardo

Domestic animal biodiversity conservation: a case study of rural development plans in the European Union

Abstract In this paper we examine the content of farm animal biodiversity conservation measures currently under implementation in the European Union (EU), as a result of the application of EC Regulations 1257/99 and 1750/99. We surveyed 69 Rural Development Plans (RDPs) set up in EU Member States. Our analysis focuses on six livestock mammalian species: asses, cattle, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep The starting point for our investigation is the Domestic Animals Diversity-Information System (DAD-IS) FAO database which monitors the status of breeds in the world. We compare breeds included in the DAD-IS FAO database with breeds covered by the various RDPs. The analysis highlights that many breeds at risk of extinction according the FAO are not included in the RDPs. The analysis also indicates that the main efforts of the RDPs are devoted to preserving local cattle and sheep breeds. As concerns the financial aspects of livestock biodiversity measures, we note that the payments offered to farmers do not take into account the different probabilities of extinction associated with each breed in each country. Furthermore, we observe that payments do not meet all of the relevant criteria stated in the EEC Regulations. In many cases, we observe that, in spite of the Unions support to farmers, it still remains unprofitable to rear local breeds. These anomalies suggest the need for a revision of the current EU supporting measures related to the conservation of livestock biodiversity. Finally, by using FAO indicators on the current population size of each breed, we estimate the level of expected public expenditure necessary to ensure the upgrading of breeds from their ‘at-risk’ status to a ‘not-at-risk’ status during the period 2000–2006.

Profitability of wine grape growing in the EU member states

The aim of this work is to examine the profitability of European Union wine grape growing by comparing some economic indicators extrapolated from information in the Farm Accountancy Data Network, data banks already widely used to analyse the income of European agricultural holdings. The results show that in recent years the profitability of European wine grape growing has grown overall, but to overcome the current economic crisis and face the challenge of “New World” wine producers, it is necessary to make an effort towards public intervention to increase the profitability of wine farms. In this context, the new reform of wine Common Market Organisation (2008) and new Common Agricultural Policy (2007–2013) aimed at improving the profitability of wine grape growing by reducing production costs, increasing added value of wine, promoting the participation of farmers in food quality schemes, etc.

Standard output versus standard gross margin, a new paradigm in the EU farm economic typology: what are the implications for wine-grape growers?

A new farm economic typology has recently been introduced in the EU. This study compares the economic performance of wine-grape growers in four important quality wine areas of Sicily taking into account the different EU economic typology standards of standard gross margin (the old method) and standard output (the new method). The objective of this study is to identify the differences between the two methods and to ascertain the potential implications for small wine-grape growers’ profitability and their access to public support. We seek to determine whether restrictions can be identified that limit the potential benefits from rural development policies. For this purpose, we applied the economic criteria of the EU to a representative sample of Sicilian wine-grape growers in order to compare the economic profitability of wine-grape farms in protected designation of origin areas. This comparative approach has allowed us to categorize the economic size of the sample in accordance with recent EU modifications and discuss the possible impacts that the adoption of the new economic criteria would have on access to the Rural Development Programme measures for wine-grape growers.

Willingness-to-Pay for Multiple Units of Eco-Friendly Wheat-Derived Products: Results From Open-Ended Choice Experiments

ABSTRACT A non-hypothetical open-ended choice experiment with a multi-unit elicitation format was conducted to elicit Italian consumer willingness-to-pay (WTP) and demand schedule for new wheat-derived products that were produced by adopting an ecologically friendly post-harvest technique (high heat-treated, HHT). A sample of 270 Italian consumers were surveyed in Bologna, Catania, and Palermo in June 2014. Data were analyzed using a double hurdle model. Results suggest Italian consumers are willing to pay premium prices for HHT flour, while they prefer to pay for HHT packed bread at the same price as a conventional one. Consumers’ WTP for the second, third, and more units are lower than their WTP for the first unit of product. While factors that influence consumers’ decision to buy these two new products are the same, factors that affect their desired product units differ among each products. In conclusion, Italian consumers’ preference for an eco-friendly label depends on the types of products.

Disponibilità a pagare per l’acquisto di alimenti funzionali: evidenze da un esperimento di scelta non-ipotetico

We conducted a non-hypothetical choice experiment through a second price sealed bid experimental auction (Vickrey auction) to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) to buy a new functional snack made with white lupine and citrus fiber, which are ingredients with high fiber content. A sample of 289 consumers were surveyed in Bologna and Catania in July 2015. The results confirm that consumers are willing to pay to buy functional foods, especially those who are looking for innovative products that are not influenced by the opinions of others in the buying decision. In addition, WTP did not depend exclusively on the functional properties but also on other characteristics such as appearance and taste of the snack.

Qualità della network governance nelle aree rurali: il caso dei Gruppi di Azione Locale

Among the specific evaluation questions outlined by the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, one of them relates to the improvement of governance. For overcoming the absence of indicators, this work aims at contributing to the governance assessment process. Assuming that the Adaptive Co-Management approach offers an interesting theoretical framework, the Adaptive Co-Management capacity is adopted as a proxy measure of the quality of network governance. It has been investigated by means of three principles (collective action, social learning, resilience) and related indicators. The proposed methodology is subsequently tested through the evaluation of the local network governance of two case studies in the South of Italy.

Rural development policies in support of the tyipical agro food products: an analysis in the perspective of the experience economy

In questo lavoro sono stati esaminati gli interventi a sostegno delle produzioni agroalimentari tipiche previste nelle misure dell’Asse 3 dei 21 Programmi di Sviluppo Rurale (PSR) attualmente in vigore in Italia che, in applicazione del Regolamento CE 1698/2005 mirano a diversificare le attivita economiche nelle aree rurali delle regioni italiane. Successivamente, tali interventi sono stati analizzati nella prospettiva dell’economia delle esperienze, secondo un modello gerarchico-sistemico che ha messo in evidenza come tale approccio possa contribuire a rendere i prodotti tipici beni differenziati e difficilmente massificabili, attraverso alcuni nuovi servizi che gli stessi possono creare (degustazione, esperienze di visita ecc.). In tal modo si potrebbero superare, o quanto meno attenuare, alcuni punti di debolezza che, da sempre, ne limitano la commercializzazione e la valorizzazione.

Valutazione economica del paesaggio agrario degli "Ulivi secolari" nel territorio di Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG)

Valutazione economica del paesaggio agrario degli “Ulivi secolari” nel territorio di Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG)