Estimating market power by retailers in a dynamic framework: the Italian PDO cheese market

In this article, we evaluate the role of market power by retailers within the supply chain of Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) and Grana Padano (GP), the two most famous Italian quality cheeses. Market power is analysed in the context of a dynamic imperfect competition model of the supply chain, in which retailers are allowed to exert market power both downstream and upstream. We jointly estimate market-power parameters together with supply and demand elasticities, by means of a structural system of demand, supply and price-transmission equations, estimated using the generalised method of moments. We find evidence of downstream market power by retailers (toward final consumers) for PR and GP, but no evidence of upstream market power (toward processors \u2044ripeners). These results may be explained by the structure of the supply chain and by the peculiar characteristics of the two cheeses

The reuse of biosolids on agricultural land: Critical issues and perspective

The sludge management represents a considerable amount of operational costs for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Issues concerning the treatment and the recovery/disposal of biosolids are gaining importance especially in Lombardy region, where the biosolid landspreading on agricultural soils is a very common practice. The aim of this work was to evaluate the results obtained from a survey carried out on the biosolids/sludge, derived from WWTPs, ingoing to and outgoing from the STPs (sludge treatment plants-authorized for the treatment on behalf of third parties) located in Pavia Province. Moreover, the characterization of agricultural soils that receive the biosolids is carried out. Furthermore, the whole biosolid management chain, from production to landspreading on agricultural soils, was studied, highlighting the critical issues based on the survey results. The results obtained suggested the following actions: (a) the reduction of sludge production in WWTPs; (b) a more "controlled" production in terms of biosolid qualitative characteristics; (c) better "selection" of the sludge ingoing to STPs; and (d) more effective actions to control the "response" of the agricultural soils. Furthermore, full compliance with the best spreading practices on the soils is required, as well as a better use of agronomic skills to obtain a higher resource valorization. PRACTITIONER POINTS: In this work, the characteristics of biosolid spread in agricultural soils in Pavia Province were analyzed. The minimization of sludge production in WWTPs is encouraged in order to reduce critical issues related to biosolid management. The stabilization process in WWTPs should improve in order to obtain a better quality sludge. A better "selection" of the sludge ingoing to STPs and a more effective monitoring of the agricultural soils are encouraged