Multinazionalità ed impatto ambientale:un'analisi sul caso italiano

Do foreign controlled firms exhibit a different environmental performance from domestically controlled ones for “developed countries”? The aim of this paper is to examine whether foreign firms are ‘cleaner’ than their domestic counterparts, i.e. the Pollution Halo Hypothesis generally analysed in developing countries. Using panels of firm-level data over the time period 2002-2006, this study explores the differences in environmental performance - measured by air and water pollution emissions - of Italian dirty-firms with different types of ownership - Foreign multinational enterprises (FMNEs), National multinational enterprises (NMNEs) and Domestic enterprises (DOMESTICs). Econometric results imply that foreign ownership does not influence air and water pollution emissions, suggesting the lack of evidence of “pollution halo hypothesis” in developed countries.environmental performance, foreign ownership, foreign direct investment, pollution halo hypothesis

Adoption of biodegradable mulching films in agricultural: is there a negative prejudice towards materials derived from organic wastes?

In recent decades, one of the problems affecting the environment has been the increased use of plastics in agriculture, often illegally performed by open burning in the fields. The adoption of biodegradable products may represent an important opportunity to increase the environmental sustainability of agricultural sector. The goal of this study is to estimate the farmers’ willingness to pay for innovative biodegradable mulching films. A sample of 120 horticultural farms in the Province of Foggia (Apulia Region, Italy) has been surveyed by a questionnaire. The survey results demonstrate a substantial interest by farmers towards products made with innovative materials

Are farmers willing to pay for bio-plastic products? the case of mulching films from urban waste

The adoption of mulching films containing substances derived from chemical treatment of urban and agricultural wastes (SBOs) can be considered, at the moment, a possible solution to pollution from the use of plastics in agriculture. This research aims to identify the factors influencing farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for SBOs films. A survey was conducted in 2014 in the province of Foggia and involved a random sample of 107 horticultural farms. Econometric regression using Heckman's sample-selection model was performed. In line with the theory of the diffusion of innovation, findings show that the adoption of SBOs films is higher among farmers who already use the mulching technique; among them, those farmers using conventional films are willing to pay a premium price for the innovative films. In addition, findings show that durability and strength are relevant attributes positively affecting farmers' WTP

Adoption of biodegradable mulching films in agriculture: Is there a negative prejudice towards materials derived from organic wastes?

During the last years ongoing research has moved towards the valorisation of organic waste by the identification of possible products with a good market perspective. In this paper we consider the possibility of using the organic fraction of municipal waste to produce biodegradable mulching films for agricultural purposes. The aim of this research was to estimate the potential demand of horticultural farms located in the province of Foggia (Italy) for biodegradable films derived from organic waste. We carried out a survey of 107 producers in the area. Findings showed that the adoption of the innovative films does not depend on the nature of the raw material used and that the willingness to pay for such films is higher with respect to the price of similar products already available in the market. In addition, farmers’ preferences towards mulching films’ attributes (strength, durability, mechanical harvesting, transparency, etc.) are identified

Tra Tradizione e Innovazione: Strategie per la Competizione della Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP nei Mercati Moderni

Literature in the consumers’ behaviour towards traditional products showed a positive attitude towards typical and traditional food products. Even if a premium price has been paid, low competitiveness, mainly driven by traditional technologies and practices, could discourage producers from investing furthermore. R&D activities could orient production technologies towards a higher competitiveness frontier. However, such a preposition becomes controversial when pointing at traditional products discipline boundaries. PDO buffalo mozzarella case, because of milking seasonality, which is opposite to mozzarella cheese demand seasonality, on the one hand, requires innovations in order to have fresh milk in the right period. On the other hand, frozen milk is forbidden by the traditional EU approved production discipline. Breeding techniques, selection of specific breeds, and hormone treatments on buffalo cows are other possibility for having offseason mozzarellas, although the evidence of some of those technologies could discourage consumers and reduce willingness to pay. The solves the paradox by measuring willingness to pay for PDO buffalo mozzarella cheese, within and off-season, obtained through different technologies. In order to pursue the objectives, a face-to-face survey has been conducted on about 500 consumers. Interviews use a Contingent Valuation method to elicit willingness to pay regarding offseason buffalo mozzarella. Data have been analysed throughout a double bounded regression method. Results highlight some main behaviours: - PDO branding does not affect significantly consumers’ behaviour although geographical origin in general, together with taste expectation are the most important attributes for the purchase; - Information to have off-season production impact negatively consumers’ attitude; - Willingness to pay for offseason mozzarella is high and there is room for investing in such a direction. In conclusion, there is room for opening discipline to technologies that could preserve traditional producers’ income. However, case by case analysis needs to be considered because of potential over use of modern technologies on traditional branded products

Are farmers willing to pay for bio-plastic products? the case of mulching films from urban waste

The adoption of mulching films containing substances derived from chemical treatment of urban and agricultural wastes (SBOs) can be considered, at the moment, a possible solution to pollution from the use of plastics in agriculture. This research aims to identify the factors influencing farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for SBOs films. A survey was conducted in 2014 in the province of Foggia and involved a random sample of 107 horticultural farms. Econometric regression using Heckman's sample-selection model was performed. In line with the theory of the diffusion of innovation, findings show that the adoption of SBOs films is higher among farmers who already use the mulching technique; among them, those farmers using conventional films are willing to pay a premium price for the innovative films. In addition, findings show that durability and strength are relevant attributes positively affecting farmers' WTP