http://www.uco.es/zootecniaygestion/img/pictorex/03_12_42_P_20.pdf

Sheep production systems in the semi-arid zone: Changes and simulated bio-economic performances in a case study in Central Chile

Goat farming is an important production sector not only for Greece, but also for other Mediterranean countries, as it contributes to the family economy in rural areas. Despite the importance of goat farming, this sector has experienced economic difficulties due to poor management and increased production costs. The aim of our research is to determine goat farm profitability by surveying goat farmers for revenues, variable costs, and fixed costs of their farms. With the use of Principal Component Analysis, all economic factors contributing to overall production costs are examined, as well as their specific impacts on cost formulation. According to our results, goat farms in Greece are not profitable and they cannot survive without government subsidies. Farm economics and agricultural policies could be leveraged to improve community and environmental outcomes in order for farms to be economically and financially sustainable.

Economic and Financial Sustainability Dependency on Subsidies: The Case of Goat Farms in Greece

Sheep production systems in regions with a Mediterranean climate are important in social, economic and environmental terms. Modeling these systems allows, among others, evaluation of the costs efficiencies which in turn permits assessing the expected effects of changes in production variables. This paper presents a prototype analysis of the economic sustainability of ecological dairy sheep systems of Castilla-La Mancha, Central Spain evaluated through the estimation of costs efficiencies. Costs functions were developed using data from 31 farms. Rate of supplementary feeding, labour use, and flock size were used to measure the cost efficiency. On average, cost efficiency was 61.7±15.5%, with significant differences among typological groups. High efficiency was found in only 29% of the farms. The economic analyses performed suggest that the continued existence of economically unsustainably farms is explained by the available subsidies, lack of amortization of fixed assets leading to progressive decapitalization, and subsistence incomes by family groups (gross family income).

Economic Sustainability of Organic Dairy Sheep Systems in Central Spain

In this report, harmonised epidemiological indicators are proposed for food-borne biological hazards that are related to domestic sheep and goats and meat thereof and that can be addressed in the context of meat inspection. These hazards include Toxoplasma gondii, pathogenic verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli and mycobacteria. An epidemiological indicator is defined as the prevalence or concentration of the hazard at a certain stage of the food chain or an indirect measure of the hazard that correlates with the human health risk caused by the hazard. The indicators can be used by the European Commission and the Member States to consider when adaptations to meat inspection methods may be required, and to carry out risk analysis to support such decisions. It is foreseen that the indicators will be used in the integrated sheep and goats meat safety assurance system outlined in the EFSA Scientific Opinion on the public health hazards to be covered by inspection of meat from sheep and goats, particularly to help categorise farms/flock and slaughterhouses according to the risk related to the hazards and process hygiene. Depending on the purpose and the epidemiological situation, risk managers should decide on the most appropriate indicator(s) to use, either alone or in combination, at national, regional, slaughterhouse or farm/flock level. It is recommended that risk managers should define the harmonised requirements for controlled housing conditions of farms, and the requirements for food chain information. Member States are invited to report data generated by the implementation of the indicators in accordance with Directive 2003/99/EC. The proposed indicators should be regularly reviewed in light of new information and the data generated by their implementation. © European Food Safety Authority, 2013

/pdf/technical-specifications-on-harmonised-epidemiological-al52uql33c.pdf

Technical specifications on harmonised epidemiological indicators for biological hazards to be covered by meat inspection of domestic sheep and goats

The present study endeavors to investigate the attitudes, opinions and perceptions of livestock farmers regarding the main problems they face and confine the development of livestock in the Greek region of Evros. Primary data were collected through a quantitative survey (structured questionnaire) with livestock farmers in the region. The analysis of the survey data was carried out with the use of descriptive statistics, Friedman’s test and factor analysis. The results indicate that strategies for livestock development in the region should take into account the great dissatisfaction that exists towards public authorities and the level of satisfaction as regards the non-governmental bodies. Furthermore, the economic objectives are of primary importance for livestock farmers, whereas they stress their interest in training and know-how. Particularly on issues pertaining to dairy livestock management, improving sanitation conditions and enhancing the quality, digestibility and production of animal feed.

/pdf/farmers-perceptions-and-attitudes-towards-the-development-of-24lk35y3r6.pdf

Farmers' perceptions and attitudes towards the development of the sheep and goat sector in the Greek region of Evros.

Sheep farming is considered to be one of the most dynamic sectors of the rural economy. Nevertheless, the operation of sheep fa rms presents several weaknesses, which are probably due to the relatively short period during which the sector has become systematised and has devel oped on a business basis. One of the most important problems facing this sector is the high production costs, which affect its competitive profile . This paper studies the potential of restructuring and promoting the business growth of sheep farms, by reducing their production costs. As an applicat ion of the proposed methodology, we used economic data from 110 Greek sheep farms. More specifically, through the application of principal componen t analysis, the present study examines the “internal cohesion” of the factors that shape the overall production costs, while analysing the stru ctural relations between their primary parameters. Through the application of hierarchical cluster analysis, the farms in question are grouped into two clusters, based on the scores per cost component and the discriminating capacity of these components is highlighted. It is concluded that all efforts to reduce production costs should aim at: a) a productive use and rational utilisation of the fixed capital, b) a reduction of production costs for animal food, c) a productive valorisation of family labour. The latter (as a cost component) presents a discriminating capacity for all sheep farms. It is therefore obvious that a reduction in wages is a necessity for all such farms. A full valorisation of family labour, and an increased level of mechanisa tion per employee, is expected to lead to a reduction in the former’s cost of use.

Suggestions for reformation in sheep farms based on production cost

Exploring the attitudes and views of pre-primary and primary school teachers for climate change education

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine investors’ economic and social profiles in renewable energy sources with the help of widely used investment rating indicators, such as Net Present Value, Internal Grade of Performance and Profitability Index. Design/methodology/approach: The study used an empirical research, gathering economic data from investments in renewable energy sources in the Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Imathia and Pella. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, administered with personal interviews with investors, by applying a simple random sampling method through a population-total number of investors retrieved from the Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change records. Findings: The results demonstrate that investments in renewable energy projects are sustainable and highly efficient on a case-by-case basis. The main criterion for accepting an investment element in a specific renewable energy technology application is the calculation of the Internal Rate of Return. The optimal investment pertains to photovoltaic system installations. Among the investments, hydroelectric and wind investments are also enticing. Investments in wind energy have the highest net present value, followed by investments in photovoltaic and hydroelectric systems. Concerning the profitability index, it is observed that investments in photovoltaic systems have a higher profitability index, followed by investments in wind and hydroelectric systems. As far as social characteristics are concerned, the majority of investors, regardless of their profession, invest in photovoltaics. Freelancers predominantly invest in wind energy projects, while employees mainly invest in hydroelectric projects. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the survey is related to the sample, which consisted of investors from three regional areas of Greece. A future study may be conducted to a larger sample, from all Greek regional units and examine possible differences in the results related to geographical area and profile of the investors. Originality/value: From the literature review, it is found that there is a lack of a comprehensive scientific method for evaluating the optimal investment choice in the renewable energy sector, leaving potential investors without a reliable framework for assessment of investment proposals. The current study can serve as a tool for investors in the renewable energy sector, assessing whether an investment yields financial gains compared to the capital allocated and therefore providing a tool to investors to know in advance the benefit of their potential investment.

The Renewable Energy Sources as a Lever of Sustainable Development

Public education teachers' perspectives on the role of active listening in enhancing students' well-being in educational environments

Classroom management is a crucial factor for effective teaching and learning, especially in kindergarten, where children develop fundamental social, emotional, and cognitive skills. This study explores how social and cultural learning theories relate to classroom management and emphasises the role of relationships, communication, and creating a positive learning environment. Despite the importance of classroom management in early childhood education, research in Greek kindergartens remains limited, especially regarding the connection between learning theories and the practical strategies used by teachers and the frequency of their application. A quantitative methodological approach was adopted, using a questionnaire for data collection.  The primary objectives were to identify the classroom management strategies used by Greek kindergarten teachers, to determine the frequency of their use and to assess the teachers' confidence in dealing with current and future behavioral issues, as well as promoting students' socio-emotional skills. Findings indicate frequent use of positive management strategies, such as verbal praise and active guidance, aligning with socio-emotional and socio-cultural theories, and low reliance on inappropriate strategies like physical restraint. This research is expected to provide valuable data to inform kindergarten teachers, guide the design of targeted training programs, and support policymakers in enhancing the quality of Greek preschool education.

Classroom management strategies in Greek public kindergartens: Α pilot study

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