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The Economic and Technological Challenges of the Agri-Development Implementation Model in the Case of the Wielkopolska Region in Poland
This study discusses key issues relating to the agri-development perspective, which is based on the “numbered” agriculture model. Selected economic and technological dilemmas related to agribusiness development in the Wielkopolska region of Poland were reviewed. Based not only on a literature review, but also on our own research, we identified the current challenges for farmers in terms of innovation, green energy, and environmental ideas. Using the diagnostic survey method, with agricultural practitioners as experts, the potential directions of regional agricultural development were assessed from the perspective of programming the next stages of the “agricultural revolution”. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with purposely invited farmers from Wielkopolska, one of the most agriculturally developed regions of Poland. By verifying the ex post assessment of the key pillars of the Agriculture “3.0” and “4.0” concepts’ adaptation model, as carried out on the respondents’ farms, the optimal model for farm operation was sought. The study assumed the implementation of the next stages of agribusiness development had taken place and that implementation of the “Agriculture 5.0” model, under the conditions evaluated, was possible. The so-defined hypothesis was only partially confirmed (conditionally). The identified potential provides a development path for the optimal idea of “Agriculture N.0”, with the value of “N” not yet known. Finally, key conclusions and recommendations relating to Wielkopolska’s agribusiness were formulated.
The Economic Potential of Stump Wood as an Energy Resource—A Polish Regional Case Study
This paper discusses the possibilities of using stump wood as a raw material for energy generation. The research was based on an analysis of the state of knowledge, forest field studies, and participatory observations. A formula was sought to optimise the procurement cost of stump wood appropriate to Polish conditions. Conceptualisation was carried out in a selected area of the Notecka Forest in the Wielkopolska region, located in western Poland. A pilot study was designed to test a computational formula to assess the profitability of harvesting wood from stump wood resources for energy generation. The potential of stump wood is estimated to be around half a million cubic metres per year from the Notecka Forest area alone. This resource provides an opportunity for business development in both forestry and the renewable energy sources (RESs) sector, despite the barriers and risks shown in this study.