http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/36614 Search the Channel search http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/simple-search http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31987 Title: Steigerung der Faktorproduktivitat in der Schweizer Milchverarbeitung <br/> <br/>Authors: Lips, Markus <br/> <br/>Abstract: The paper simulates a factor productivity increase in the Swiss dairy sector. As a result, the raw milk price is noticeably supported. The analysis is carried out with a general equilibrium model. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31988 Title: The Common Agricultural Policy from a Swiss point of view <br/> <br/>Authors: Hofer, Eduard; Eggenschwiler, Christophe <br/> <br/>Abstract: The present contribution relates to the development of the CAP from it's creation in the 60's to it's last reform in June 2003. On the one hand, this reform has been designed to respond to the challenge of financing the EU enlargement despite the CAP budgetary restrictions. On the other hand, it is obliged to respond to the demands of the society. This last reform shows outstanding similarities with the agriculture policies reforms undertaken in Switzerland in the 90'. 'Cross compliance' (direct payments bound to eco-logical conditions) and decoupling of domestic support measures are surely among the most significant similarities of the two reforms. Although quite a significant price gap remains, the UE and Swiss agricultural policies are constantly drawing nearer. The bi-lateral agreement and the common interests in the WTO negotia-tion will certainly intensify this process. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31989 Title: Marktorientierte Landwirtschaft und dezentrale Besiedlung: ein Widerspruch? <br/> <br/>Authors: Burkard, Michael <br/> <br/>Abstract: According to the principle of multifunctionality in article 104 of the Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation the Confederation shall ensure that agriculture contributes substantially by way of a market-oriented production to a decentralized inhabitation of the country. The following article investigates the relation of the two political aims market orientation and decentralized inhabitation from analysing the effects of agricultural subsidies. Resulting from this example different development scenarios are highlighted for the rural area. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31990 Title: Neue Nationalparks: Externe Wunsche versus lokale Existenz <br/> <br/>Authors: Menet, Sibylle <br/> <br/>Abstract: The New Regional Policy places emphasis on local initiatives, e.g. the use of local potential such as the creation of a national park. National parks aim at combining nature conservation with business development and provide new stimulus for the concerned region. The success of the projects largely depends on the support of local stakeholders and the meeting of their interests. National parks have direct and indirect impacts on rural areas and influence the functioning of communities. If the national park does not provide a stimulus to the economic function, the by-products recreation and ecological compensation will not be produced. This weakens the functioning of communities. The locals play an important role. They decide on how to benefit from local potential, on which by-products they will produce and whether they will agree to a national park or not. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31991 Title: Changing future: expected development in Alpine farming <br/> <br/>Authors: Flury, Christian; Gotsch, Nikolaus; Rieder, Peter <br/> <br/>Abstract: In the coming years, significant changes are to be expected in agriculture in mountain regions due to the changing general environment. It can be assumed that product prices will sink while production costs remain unchanged at their present high level. Therefore, a more incisive structural change will be necessary if additional direct payments are not forthcoming. Economic survival can only be assured if the number of farms, and in particular the number of workforce, decrease even further. This will also lead to a decline in agriculture's contribution to decentralised settlement. On the other hand, if this structural adaptation is impeded, the result will be a major decline in the per capita income of the workforce and, consequently, social problems. The reduction in the number of workforce is an economic necessity and in turn will lead to changes in production strategies. Given the anticipated price relationships, dairy farming will become less competitive compared to meat production. If the workforce is mobile and economic decisions are based on labour costs, labour-intensive production systems in animal husbandry and land use will be cut back in favour of extensive meat production on large pastures. The undesirable consequences are higher emissions of volatile nitrogen or changes in the botanical composition on meadows that were previously mown. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31992 Title: Frauen in der Mannerdomane Landwirtschaft. Aufgezeigt am Beispiel von zehn landwirtschaftlichen Betriebsleiterinnen in der Schweiz <br/> <br/>Authors: Contzen, Sandra <br/> <br/>Abstract: Until now agriculture has been considered a male domain. Although approximately one third of agricultural work is done by women, only very few of them run a farm (of their own). This paper focuses on female farm operators. Ten problem-centred interviews were conducted with female farm operators to examine the motives prompting women to decide on the position and job of farm operator and how they cope. Qualitative content analysis shows that the decision is influenced by various motives, the primary one being an interest in agriculture. The way women cope in this male domain is largely assessed as good. They are holding their own, although each of them is also experiencing difficulties which, however, are not only linked to the fact that they are in a job traditionally occupied by men. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31993 Title: A solution for a transparent WTO market access: the Flexible Swiss Formula <br/> <br/>Authors: Campo, Isabelle Schluep <br/> <br/>Abstract: The Swiss tariff schedule is characterized by many disparities and distortions. Already in the Tokyo Round countries have recognized that in that case only a harmonizing formula for tariff reduction is effective. It prevents protectionists from escaping from tariff peak reduction and rewards countries that already have considerably reduced tariffs. The implementation of the Green Box, with direct payments as the central element of Swiss agricultural policy, is the basis for further liberalization of market access. Green Box measures are more efficient and transparent compared to trade distorting tariff rate quotas and tariffs. The Flexible Swiss Formula is a middle ground between the Uruguay and the Swiss Formula. Its progressive character reduces tariff peaks, tariff escalation and the binding overhang. The formula is transparent and fair and allows countries some flexibility for tariff reduction. Further, it provides a consistent framework to reduce tariff escalation and to mitigate the tariff rate quota problem. It would harmonize tariff schedules between countries and also ease distortions and disparities within each country's agricultural sector. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31994 Title: Landwirtschaftlicher Strukturwandel unter soziologischen Aspekten <br/> <br/>Authors: Sutter, Maria <br/> <br/>Abstract: Forecasts on structural adjustment processes in agriculture based on financial, structural and socioeconomic key data may be reliable on an aggregated level. On an enterprise level, the consideration of only these aspects is not sufficient to explain structural change. The aim of this study was to investigate structural change in agriculture under a sociological point of view. Based on an oral and written survey with active and former farmers as well as with farm successors in the Obwalden canton, personal and social aspects affecting structural change were analysed. In a qualitative content analysis of the results of the oral interviews, possible causes for structural change-relevant decisions were examined. Among economic aspects, the presence of intrinsic (self fulfilment and pleasure at work) and social (social acceptance, tradition) values seems to be an important criterion for or against the take-over decision and/or the choice of an agricultural occupation. Premature farm abandonment frequently results from the combination of a high working load and low incomes. The results of the qualitative content analysis were confirmed in the evaluation of the written survey with descriptive statistics and a factor analysis. As a result of this work, it could be shown that personal and social aspects play a very important role for key events of structural change (occupation choice, take-over and decisions to give up farming). http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31995 Title: Die Kosten der Okomassnahmen in der Schweizer Landwirtschaft <br/> <br/>Authors: Mann, Stefan http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31996 Title: Landwirtschaftlicher Bodenmarkt - Dominanz der nicht-landwirtschaftlichen uber die landwirtschaftlichen Faktoren? <br/> <br/>Authors: Giuliani, Gianluca; Rieder, Peter <br/> <br/>Abstract: The aim of the study presented in this article is to identify existing conflicts of land use and ownership in the 'Landwirtschaftszone', together with the problems arising therefore. This paper discusses determinants of farmland prices in Canton Zurich. A hedonic price model was used to estimate 1) the implicit value of an agricultural use of a land parcel, 2) the implicit value of the option to convert a farm parcel to a non-farm use and 3) the implicit consumptive value (value of owning land) of agricultural land. The analysis found farmland prices are influenced by agricultural production attributes as well as factors that influence the non-agricultural demand for land. In Canton Zurich, it can be assumed that economic development has already taken place in all communities in which it was possible. Its effect on farmland prices is therefore already manifested by influencing factors such as population density and the circumstances regarding land use. Once the new law on farmland became effective (1.1.1994), speculatory motives became much less a feature of land purchases. The weight of the factors determining price has thus shifted from "non-agricultural" to "agricultural". Arousing concern is on the other hand the fact that after 1994, the likelihood of transactions on good parcels located in economically strong communities has shrunk significantly. The ruling on maximum price may be responsible for the demise of the agricultural land market. The policy recommendations arising from the results relate both to the provisions of farmland legislation and to aspects of the law on space planning. In particular, innovations are proposed with regard to the keeping of price statistics, the terms of taking possession at income value and the definition of agricultural structures. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31997 Title: movingAlps - ein neuer Weg in der Regional-entwicklung? <br/> <br/>Authors: Buchli, Simon; Buser, Benjamin; Rieder, Peter http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31998 Title: Imperfect Competition, Economies of Scale and Trade Liberalisation in Tunisia - A Comparative Analysis Using a Computable General Equilibrium Model (CGEM) <br/> <br/>Authors: Ferjani, Ali <br/> <br/>Abstract: Within a multi-sectoral general equilibrium framework, we explicitly model either competitive or Cournot oligopolistic commodities market structures. The model is used to assess the impact of trade liberalization on Tunisia economy. We show that the results are different from those obtained with perfect competition in terms of sectors allocations, but also mainly in terms of welfare. It is found that the trade liberalization improves welfare in all cases, and these gains are the most important with oligopoly. The existence of imperfection competition will be beneficial if the local producers profit from trade liberalization to decrease their production prices and to increase their production level. The outcome shows that the traditionally export-oriented sectors will cope with the liberalisation without any problems. In opposition the sectors that are usually more protected against foreign competition like the agricultural sector will suffer. The most unfortunate effects refer to public budget equilibrium. The fiscal reform proves to be an important element of every complementary domestic policy of the commercial liberalization. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/31999 Title: Structural change in agriculture in the Canton of Zurich - assessing development predicted in 1995 <br/> <br/>Authors: Weilenmann, Daniel http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/32000 Title: For a conscious management of landscapes and habitats in the Swiss Alpine Region -the National Research Programme 48 (PNR 48) <br/> <br/>Authors: Lehmann, Bernard; Stucki, Erwin <br/> <br/>Abstract: The contribution outlines the goals, the organisational structures and the key issues of the NRP 48 (National Research Programme). In addition, it gives an overview of the subjects covered by the 35 on-going research projects. On this basis, the stakeholders dealing with subjects relating to Landscapes and Habitats are invited to take into account the knowledge gained from the NRP 48 within their field of activity. Furthermore, the author invites the reader to a dialogue with the research teams and the programme leaders. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/32001 Title: A System Dynamics approach for the investigation of peripheral and agrarian communities <br/> <br/>Authors: Kopainsky, Birgit; Rieder, Peter; Buchli, Simon <br/> <br/>Abstract: In this paper an alternative approach for the analysis of rural development in peripheral and agrarian communities in the Swiss Alps is developed. It is based on System Dynamics, a qualitative and quantitative methodology on the structure and behaviour of complex systems. In the qualitative part, system elements and their interconnections are identified and a descriptive networktype model of the strategically relevant issues faced by peripheral and agrarian communities is developed. In the quantitative part, a dynamic simulation model is built as a decision support tool for the evaluation of different policy measures. Preliminary results from the application of the methodology to the Muenstertal confirm the need for this holistic view of the processes affecting rural development. However, they also emphasise the need of a sound theoretical background and of the integration of other methodical approaches. Model simulations for the case study region strongly emphasise that sectoral policies are not sufficient for an integrated rural development. Policies have to be elaborated and implemented simultaneously and on an interdisciplinary basis. It is especially important to pay attention to the aspects of social changes and change of lifestyles as they showed a far reaching impact on system behaviour. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/32002 Title: Multifunctionality and Rural Identity - A Study Conducted Among Farmers in the Jura Region <br/> <br/>Authors: Mieville-Ott, Valerie http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/32003 Title: Deliberation, Responsivity and Power in German and Swiss Agricultural Policy <br/> <br/>Authors: Mann, Stefan <br/> <br/>Abstract: Preferences with respect to agricultural policy have changed in Germany and Switzerland. In the middle of the 20th century, food self sufficiency and a certain cultural solidarity with farmers were central issues. Today, farmers are expected to contribute to environmental protection and safe food. Switzerland and Germany are two examples of countries where national agricultural policies have attempted to take the changing preferences into account. However, in Germany the government had a hard time succeeding since the general features of agricultural policy are decided by the EU. Comparing Germany with Switzerland indicates that it might be more appropriate to decide on agricultural policy on the national rather than on a regional or supranational level. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/32004 Title: Resistance des abattoirs locaux en zone de montagne et filieres de qualite <br/> <br/>Authors: Perrin, Pierre-Yves <br/> <br/>Abstract: In Switzerland, the number of abattoirs has dramatically decreased in the last ten years (-24,2 %). This is especially true for small structures (- 25,7 %). The modifications of the legislation after the various meat scandals are partially responsible for this decrease. As a matter of fact, the measures with regard to ensure a high quality in meat and to reassure consumers lead to investments that can only be met with difficulty by small abattoirs. In mountainous areas we observe that the required renovation of small abattoirs and, in certain cases, even new premises are financed by the communities. The reason for this support is an effort to keep agriculture in those regions. In interviews with professionals of the meat sector, three factors for this extraordinary support for abattoirs were highlighted. First, a local abattoir provides the meat producers with nearby slaughtering facilities for urgent slaughtering, and the transporting of the animals can be kept short. Second, consumer-proximity and directed ways of distribution and sale is assured. Finally, there is a will to maintain small local abattoirs to develop and improve the supply chains of quality products. Preserving small local abattoirs is essential for their impact in terms of agricultural dynamism in mountainous areas, of value creation, and of externalities. A comprehensive understanding of these different interacting mechanisms should allow the state and the professionals of the meat sector to find common solutions. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/32005 Title: Agriculture's Contribution to Swiss Climate Policy: Results of an Economic Analysis <br/> <br/>Authors: Hartmann, Michael <br/> <br/>Abstract: Greenhouse gas emissions from Swiss agriculture have been reduced by about 8 % since 1990. Hence, Swiss agriculture has already contributed 13 % to the national Kyoto target, although it is not legally bound to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since the reductions are a result of changes of agricultural policy and relative prices, related income losses can not be attributed to climate policy. In other words, the agricultural sector did not have to bear effective emission abatement costs. If the current agricultural policy is continued, further reductions of agricultural GHG emissions by 3 to 10 % can be expected until 2010. These expectations are based on economic calculations made with the integrated agricultural allocation model S_INTAGRAL. Accordingly, Swiss agriculture may contribute 17 to 28 % to the national Kyoto target. The economic value of this reduction is estimated to be within the range of 30 to 107 million Swiss francs per year. This value is optional and can only be realized in the commitment period of 2008-2012. It reflects the reduction costs that could be saved by the rest of the economy. Moreover, the results show that soil carbon sequestration may constitute a moderate option in the reduction of the emissions in the short term. However, this potential is rather small compared to the national Kyoto target, and may involve relatively high costs of monitoring. From an economic point of view, this leads to the advice to renounce to targeted measures and incentives for additional GHG mitigation by the agricultural sector. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/32006 Title: Imbedding Ecological Farming in EU Agricultural Policy: The EU Plan of Action for Ecological FarmingEinbettung <br/> <br/>Authors: Stolze, Matthias; Lampkin, Nicolas <br/> <br/>Abstract: The development of organic agriculture in Europe is mainly driven by consumer demand for organic products and policy support through area payments and standard setting through regulations. The policy challenge therefore is to achieve a balanced policy mix recognising governmental policy support on the one side and the market mechanisms for yielding premium prices. Action Plans are suitable policy instruments to address and integrate different and sometimes conflicting policy measures. In 2004, the European Action Plan for Organic Food and Farming was published by the European Commission. The action plan takes up very important issues for the further development of organic farming standards through EC Reg. 2092/91, stresses the importance of information provision to both organic actors and consumers and thus sets a baseline for balanced 'push' and 'pull' strategies. However, there is no consideration of interaction of organic farming with main parts of the CAP, nothing about how, by when and on the basis of which resources the suggested actions should be implemented. Furthermore, the action plan failed to set clear targets for organic farming development. On the positive side, the action plan i) expresses the relevance of organic farming in the context of the EU agricultural policy and ii) recognizes the dual societal role of organic farming (provision of public goods and services and infant market responding to consumer concern) - and it doing so as an official EU document.