Measuring and improving eco-efficiency using Data Envelopment Analysis. A case study of Mahón-Menorca cheese

[EN] The concept of eco-efficiency can be defined with the "product value/environmental influence" ratio. Different models have been proposed to measure eco-efficiency. The main difference among them is the weighting system used to aggregate the environmental results. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) permits this aggregation without requiring a subjective judgment about the weights. In this study, we applied a DEA model to Spanish Mahón-Menorca cheese production to determine the most eco-efficient production techniques. To this end, 16 scenarios of Mahón-Menorca cheese production were built regarding technical (degree of automation) and cleaner production criteria. The environmental impacts were assessed by means of life cycle assessment. We carried out an economic assessment by determining the economic value added and the net income for each scenario. The results are referred to as 1 kilogram (kg) cheese ripened over 105 days. Through DEA, an eco-efficiency ratio between 0 and 1 was obtained. Three scenarios were found to be eco-efficient, with a high degree of automation (enclosed vat and molding and demolding machines) and accelerated cheese ripening. We used Monte Carlo simulation to carry out a sensitivity analysis to compare the influence of price changes on the eco-efficiency ratio. The results emphasize the consistency and stability of the eco-efficient scenarios. © 2011 by Yale University.We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, Project CTM2006-12328/TECNO, and from the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Project PAID-05-06-6733. We are also grateful for the help of the Consell Regulador de la Denominacio d'Origen Mahon-Menorca, Alcaidus S. A. T., Cooperativa Insular Ganadera (Coinga), Hort de Sant Patrici, S. L., and Iberlact S. L.Sanjuán Pellicer, MN.; Ribal Sanchis, FJ.; Clemente Polo, G.; Fenollosa Ribera, ML. (2011). Measuring and improving eco-efficiency using Data Envelopment Analysis. A case study of Mahón-Menorca cheese. Journal of Industrial Ecology. 15(4):614-628. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-9290.2011.00347.xS61462815

Serosurvey of pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus in dogs in Andalusia (southern Spain)

In April 2009, a new influenza A virus (IAV) subtype (A(H1N1)pdm09) spread worldwide and triggered the first human influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Since then, exposure to the pandemic H1N1 IAV has been confirmed in different animal species. Serological evidence and clinical infection with A(H1N1)pdm09 have been reported in canines, but the information available about the role of dogs in the epidemiology of this IAV subtype is still very limited in Europe. A cross‐sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09 in dogs in southern Spain, a region with endemic seasonal circulation in human. Sera from 750 companion dogs were collected during the period 2013–2016. Antibodies against pandemic H1N1 IAV were analysed using the haemagglutination inhibition test. Positive samples were also tested by single radial haemolysis assay. Seropositivity was only confirmed by both methods in one (0.13%; 95% CI: 0.00–0.38) adult animal sampled in 2013. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of A(H1N1)pdm09 exposure in dogs in Spain. The low seroprevalence obtained indicates a limited exposure history to A(H1N1)pdm09 IAV in dogs in this country and suggests a low risk of transmission of this zoonotic IAV subtype between humans and dogs

Spanish wine consumer behavior: A choice experiment approach

Overall wine consumption in Spain is decreasing, while at the same time, designation of origin (DO) wine consumption is increasing gradually. This study examines Spanish DO wine consumer behavior by the use of a choice experiment technique. A main-effects model as well as an interaction-effects model is estimated based on four attributes: designation of origin, price, wine aging, and grape variety. Willingness-to-pay estimates, depending on the price segment, is derived for switching from one attribute level to another. Consumer segmentation is undertaken based on purchase frequencies. Market simulations are presented for consumer segments. Empirical results indicate the importance of the DO and the wine aging attributes on wine selection. The interaction-effects model shows the importance of attribute interactions on consumers' choice process. Differences as well as similarities are detected among consumer segments. [EconLit citations: D120, Q120, Q130]. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 343-362, 2006.

Seminario de alto nivel: el mercado único europeo nuevo Marco de las políticas comerciales para la Agricultura.

10 páginasLa reunión analiza las repercusiones de la nueva Política Agrícola Común en las condiciones del comercio agroalimentario del la actual Comunidad Económica Europea con los países. Se discuten los alcances de la actual normativa técnica para el comercio agrícola, tanto dentro de la comunidad como fuera de ella. Asimismo se conoce la experiencia española en la armonización y aplicación de las normas comunitarias fito y zoosanitarias del comercio agropecuario

Influence on the implementation of biosecurity measures in dairy cattle farms: Communication between veterinarians and dairy farmers

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordThis study was carried out in two regions in Spain (Catalonia and Galicia) through eight focus groups; four for dairy farmers and four for veterinarians. The results showed that dairy farmers and veterinarians attributed responsibility to one another for not following biosecurity practices. The study brings to light contradictions among veterinarians and certain individual veterinary practices that participated in the study, which lead to doubt and confusion on the part of dairy farmers. Distinct perceptions were also identified of the role that government authorities should play in relation both to training and sanctions as a means of improving biosecurity on dairy farms. Additionally, the participants expressed varying opinions as to whether biosecurity measures ought to be made mandatory or remain voluntary. Results from this study highlight the need to promote initiatives through which distinct stakeholders such as veterinarians, government authorities, and dairy farmers can develop consensus-based messages on the implementation of biosecurity practices.Spanish Ministry of Science and InnovationEuropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF)National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT), ChileUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spai