The aim of this study was the economic comparison of two equivalent sheep farms with different reproductive management systems. Financial data were selected from a farm that applied artificial insemination (AI) and from one that applied natural mating (NM). The main objective of the analysis was to estimate the cost of each farm’s products and then to calculate their economic indicators. The AI farm had higher production costs, as a result of higher labor and fixed capital costs. On the other hand, the invested capital for the equipment and buildings of the NM farm was lower. Furthermore, the invested livestock capital based on the genetic value of the animals was higher in the AI farm. The AI farm produced milk, replacement ewe lambs and replacement ram lambs as its primary products, whereas the NM farm produced only milk as its primary product. The production costs for milk were 0.08 EUR/kg lower in the AI farm compared with the NM farm. The AI farm had a higher gross revenue and net and gross profit, resulting from the higher genetic value of the AI farm’s livestock. As indicated, the breeding and sale of genetically improved animals can increase the financial results of a farm and offer alternative sources of income. In conclusion, AI results in more sustainable and economically efficient sheep farming. In this regard, training for farmers and governmental economic support could promote AI application. Finally, the fortification of farmer group initiatives that facilitate the trade of dairy sheep products can accelerate AI utilization in dairy sheep farms in Greece.
The article discusses the benefits of an integrated farm advisory program on sheep farms, focusing on improving their economic performance. The program involves a team of experts providing advice on animal nutrition and farm management, and conducting a thorough techno-economic analysis before and after recommendations. The economic impact is assessed using a partial budget tool. Results show increased yields, decreased production costs, and increased gross value added. The program requires a cohesive group of experts, trusting relationships between farmers and consultants, and funding. Implementing this program on a large scale can upgrade the relevant value chain.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical and economic impact of using commercial phytogenic feed supplements and dried Greek Oregano leaves as feed additives on dairy sheep farms. Fifteen farms in the Greek region of Thessaly were divided into intervention and control farms, and techno-economic data were collected before and after supplementation through structured interviews and cost analysis. The results showed that the administration of certain phytogenic supplements and oregano to ewes resulted in improved animal health, higher milk yield, and lower production costs, which created a positive trend in the financial results of the farm. Further research is needed to accurately determine the ideal production stage of the animals for the interventions, the amount of supplements administered, and the selection of appropriate plant species, which would lead to better financial management of the farms.
Organic pig farming in Europe is endorsed as a promising route to more sustainable livestock production, but its ultimate contribution to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a contested matter. This study takes a critical perspective on the potential of organic pig farming to contribute to SDGs that may include SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Organic farming systems delivered better animal welfare outcomes and positive benefits for biodiversity, soil health, and rural employment. Continued improvements in sourcing feed, greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product, animal health, and market could improve their contributions to agricultural sustainability. This study concludes that organic pig farming does not represent a guarantee of sustainable livestock production, but it could represent credible sources of sustainable livestock innovation if sufficient policy, practice, cost accounting, and sustainable metrics are organized together to support organic systems. Organic pig farming focused on innovation and policy support can make it a role model for the transition of European livestock sector towards the 2030 Agenda.
This research aims to record hotel owners’ perceptions as subjective measures of the degree of integration of local traditional cheese varieties in the hospitality sector. Within the context of cheese tourism, this specific type of alternative tourism is operationalized through B2B co-creation among tourism businesses and cheese factories, serving as a framework for perceived business development. Specifically, this study fills a gap in the literature by exploring the managerial views on the current state of cheese tourism in relation to the entrepreneurship strengthening, the opportunities, and challenges that could favor cooperation between the two sectors. Descriptive and inductive statistics were conducted, collecting primary data from hotels in the Peloponnese, Greece, which has a long tradition of cheese production. Regional tradition and star rating determine the integration of local cheese. While 4–5-star hotels leverage cheese heritage for differentiation and experiential services, lower-end hotels face cost and supply chain barriers, requiring supporting strategies and cross-sector partnerships. The study offers original knowledge for the development of specific strategic proposals for the use of cheese tourism through co-creation for business development of hotels. Future research is recommended to record the views of all stakeholders and correlate them with objective financial performance.
The global olive oil sector is currently transitioning from mass production toward high-value differentiation. This research explores the strategic shift in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) positioning through the creation of a distinct market niche within the luxury sector, contributing a framework for Business Model Innovation that enhances consumer value. A qualitative case study focuses on a Greek Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) implementing a luxury positioning strategy. Primary data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the firm’s leadership and direct observation. Data triangulation included secondary data and external validation through feedback from key stakeholders. Operational tools such as the Threats-Opportunities-Weaknesses-Strengths (TOWS) matrix and the strategy map architecture were used strictly as management support instruments to visualize and execute the transformation of the business model under consideration. The results show that shifting toward a luxury food model requires combining superior product quality anchored in certified organoleptic characteristics with strategic branding and artification. This study highlights that an SME adopting an asset-light model and focusing on orchestrating the stakeholders involved in the value chain can achieve prestige pricing. The emphasis on a distinct sensory profile creates a complete experience and emotionally engages consumers. The study offers a replicable strategic model for food and beverage entrepreneurs who wish to move from the classic commodity model toward an elevated market positioning.