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.

The global pet food market is influenced by the growing number of cats and dogs, the humanization of pets and the changing expectations of dog and cat owners. This study examines the role of marketing strategies in the dog and cat food market, focusing on the attitudes of Greek survey respondents, recognition of specific food categories, and factors associated with purchasing behavior. Data were collected through an online survey of 526 pet owners and guardians (n = 249 dog owners and n = 277 cat owners). The behavior toward pet foods containing selected premium ingredients was significantly linked to pet type (p = 0.021), the importance attributed to food ingredients (p < 0.001), veterinarian recommendations (p = 0.009), and the availability of scientifically substantiated information (p < 0.001). Among all factors, the importance of ingredients emerged as the factor displaying the strongest statistical association with consumer behavior (p < 0.001). Based on these findings, the study proposes a targeted marketing mix addressing product transparency, pricing, distribution, and promotion. The results contribute to the literature on pet humanization and provide practical guidance for pet food businesses, while highlighting the need for clearer regulatory definitions and scientific substantiation of marketing claims.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the economic performance of nurseries producing Sideritis propagation material using different propagation methods. Two nurseries were compared, each employing a different method that was experimentally tested at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). The comparison focuses on production cost and overall economic outcomes. One enterprise uses a method involving ethanolic solutions (ES), while the other applies the conventional propagation technique (Control—C). Findings indicate that the ES method demonstrates superior economic performance and achieves a lower cost per plant compared to the conventional method (C).

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in the sheep milk value chain and their impact on business activities. Techno-economic data were collected from 24 sheep farms with different capacities, management systems, and market connectivity in the Thessaly region. The results of the study show that a series of factors influence the financial situation of the farms, arising from both internal (e.g., management, performance) and external (e.g., market prices, regulations) factors. Efficient farms can reduce production costs and increase profitability, while cooperative members generally enjoy a better position than independent farmers in terms of feed costs and milk production, strengthening their bargaining power. It should be noted that, given the exploratory sample size (n = 24), the between-group differences reported here should be interpreted as indicative trends rather than statistically confirmed findings. The results were analyzed through a full techno-economic analysis, calculating key indicators such as milk production costs, net profit and income of agricultural households. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of uncertainty in key input parameters (milk price, feed costs) on the net profit of each farm. Tailoring strategies to the specific characteristics of each farm can significantly enhance profitability. Further research is needed to capture the views of all actors in the value chain.