Jernej Prišenk

System dynamics model for policy scenarios of organic farming development

This paper presents the system dynamics model of organic farming development in order to support decision making. The model seeks answers to strategic questions related to the level of organically utilized area, levels of production and crop selection in a long-term dynamic context. The model will be used for simulation of different policy scenarios for organic farming and their impact on economic and environmental parameters of organic production at an aggregate level. Using the model, several policy scenarios were performed.

Multi-criteria assessment of less favoured areas: A state level

The paper present a multi-criteria decision DEXi model for assessment of less favoured areas (LFAs). The tool enables easier assessment of farming in different areas of Slovene LFAs with respect to criteria of sustainability. Analysis of LFAs and final integration of the assessment of LFAs depend upon various criteria. In this paper we analyze individual LFAs and farming systems in these areas at the state level with respect to criteria of sustainability and farming potential.

Feasibility analysis of different bedding materials for horses

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to assess the economic aspects of bedding materials for sport/recreational horses. Four materials are tested: sawdust in bulk, wood shavings, squared harvest straw, and slice-dusted straw. The process of collecting data for feasibility analysis is structured into two different trials. In Trial 1, daily observations are collected and measured to obtain data about the technical and cleaning characteristics of the four different bedding materials, and in Trial 2, the durability of the bedding materials is tested. From an economic (cost) standpoint, the most suitable bedding materials are squared harvest straw and slice-dusted straw. Unfavourable economic results are found for wood shavings and sawdust in bulk. However, the durability analysis shows wood shavings and slice-dusted straw to be the better options. Thus, the results indicate that some bedding types are better for durability reasons and others are better for economic reasons.

Financial Feasibility Analysis of Natura Rab Business: Case Study

In 2015 Natura Rab decided to provide three very important investments that will greatly change and facilitate its future business activities, especially the first project. The first and largest financial investment is the construction of the new organic shop with products at the central farm called Natura Rab. The second investment project is the new 2500 m2 olive plantation. The third investment in the analyzed family company is related to the beekeeping sector, and it involves several activities like buying new beekeeping equipment and new work vehicle. Before implementing the three investment projects, some financial parameters for the further assessment of investments were used, such as the net present value (NPV) and the internal rate of return (IRR). The investment value of the new shop is 38315.88 €, and the annual cash flow is 13,288 €. The net present value at the discount rate of 5.5% in the fourth year is 8260.55 €. The internal rate of return is 14.51%. The investment value for the second project, the new olive plantation, is 6620 €, and the annual cash flow is 2664.02 €. The net present value at the discount rate of 5.5% in the third year is 567.35 €. The internal rate of return is 10.04%. The investment value of the beekeeping sector for this year is 18428.50 €, and the annual cash flow is 41537.20 €. The net present value at the discount rate of 5.5% after the first year is 20943.25 €.

Characteristics of Value Based Organic Food Chains: Two Cases from Slovenia

In the literature the value based food chains express two main characteristics: business relationships among strategic partners interacting in the supply chain are based on a written set of values and food products are differentiated from similar food products (Stevenson, 2009). To verify the first part of the definition the analysis of two organic food chains were carried out. For the analysis of business relationships and food quality communication in the food chain two different methodological approaches were used. For collecting the input data semi-structured interviews of various stakeholders were performed. The results of the analyzed case studies show the characteristics of value based food chains could be broader and more complex if some additional perspectives were considered.