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Mitigating the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on global food security – does the transit of Ukrainian cereals through Poland matter?
The article presents the results of empirical research, which constitutes a case study focused on the route through Poland as an alternative export channel for Ukrainian grain, developed under the conditions of the Russia-Ukraine war. It employs analytical methods and statistical description. By analyzing the volume, dynamics, structure, and geography of the transit, the significance of this route in unleashing Ukraine's export capabilities and its role as a substitute for traditional routes during periods of disruption is assessed. It was established that almost exclusively corn and wheat are transited (in a quantitative ratio of 2:1). The railway crossings in Dorohusk, Medyka, and Hrubieszów are of key importance, as rail transport dominates in land transport, handling over 4/5 of the total mass of transited goods. More than half of the transited grain is transported by rail and road in scattered European directions, and only less than half reaches Polish Baltic ports, mainly Gdańsk (over 3/5) and Szczecin (almost 1/5). The degree of containerization exceeds 1/4. Practically all container cargo reaches the terminal in Gdańsk, while the port in Szczecin is the leader in bulk transport. The volume of Ukrainian grain transited through Poland is relatively small compared to Ukraine's export potential, and intercontinental transport concerns only a tenth of the grain transited through Poland. It was concluded that the route through Poland primarily serves as a new export channel for Ukrainian grain to the European market and only marginally substitutes traditional routes.
Edible insects in guaranteeing of food security
The purpose of this article is to assess the current state of knowledge on edible insects and their use in ensuring food security for society. In addition, the current legal status of edible insects is discussed, the economic and environmental benefits of their use are indicated. In addition, consumer opinions on the consumption of edible insects are presented. To achieve the goal, an analysis of the literature on the subject related to such issues as the legal regulation of “new foods”, environmental, economic and nutritional aspects of the consumption of edible insects, products with edible insects available on the market was used. Surveys on the benefits and risks of consuming unusual products and the willingness to undertake the consumption of edible insects were used. Edible insects can become a good alternative for satisfying food security in EU countries. Based on a literature study, it can be concluded that edible insects, are increasingly regulated and allowed for consumption. Currently, products based on edible insects from four species can be consumed in Europe. Edible insects fit into the theme of sustainability, as they can ensure food security in light of a growing population and limited natural resources.
A new financial settlement approach to stabilize profitability of pig production
This article proposes and evaluates a new solution that ensures the profitability in short and medium terms and stability of the operations of pork livestock producers through improved risk management An innovative tool for distributing the surplus between producers of piglets and finishers is presented. Manuals on pig farming and data combined from multiple sources were used to assess the current market situation, design a profit stabilization tool for pig producers, and evaluate the performance of this solution. We found that implementing the tool reduces the profits variability of finishers and piglets producers by 45% and 30%, respectively, while keeping the long-term average of profits constant.
Analysis of the financial health of selected companies in the agri-food sector using the Topsis method
The aim of this article is to assess the financial health of selected enterprises in the agri-food sector. The study of the financial condition of enterprises, including the food industry is a complex issue. A thorough and comprehensive analysis requires the consideration of numerous aspects of a companys operation. Therefore, a wide range of financial indicators is used, which enables the measurement of selected components of financial condition. The research used data for enterprises operating in the agri-food sector (from various branches). The selection of enterprises for the research was purposeful and was based on the ranking of enterprises published in the EMIS database. The financial statements published in the EMIS database for the year 2021 were used for the study. The TOPSIS method was used to assess the development of the enterprises, which made it possible to determine the financial condition of the studied enterprises. It was shown that the best financial condition was characterised by enterprises that based their activities on the production of margarine and similar edible fats, meat processing, excluding poultry meat, and the processing of milk and cheese products.