Ekonomika poljoprivrede

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MILLING-BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERY INDUSTRY IN SERBIA BASED ON BENFORD’S LAW

Dragana Petrović, Milan Novović, Milan Šoškić — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to apply Benford’s Law when detecting fraud and errors in financial statements. The research includes the practical use of this law on examples of large and medium-sized enterprises in the milling, baking and confectionery industry in Serbia. Based on the conducted data analysis and the obtained results, the authors ranked the companies, after which, through a comparative analysis between these two branches, they showed which data in the Cash Flow Report have greater deviations from Benford’s analysis. The obtained data are determined by means of a statistical investigation of the probability distribution of a random variable, where it should be borne in mind that data with lower figures are expected to be more numerous than data with higher figures. The results of the analysis tabularly and graphically present an overview of the movement of cash flows of companies in the milling, baking and confectionery industry.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE POSSIBILITIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES IMPROVEMENT IN SERBIAN DAIRY INDUSTRY

Milan Mihajlovic, Toma Dasic, Svetlana Mihic — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of the research is to analyze the maturity model of business process management, evaluate the importance of the factors that form the basis of the model, as well as the mutual influence of certain factors on the level of maturity of business process management. In accordance with the set objective, a survey of 13 factors critical for the successful implementation of process orientation in dairy industry companies in the Republic of Serbia was conducted. A structured questionnaire containing 85 questions divided by factors and the use of Delphi method, enabled us to single out crucial factors, i.e. factors with a higher level of maturity. Based on the level of development of the observed factors and the correlation between these factors, a model was formed that can influence the increase in maturity of factors at a lower level.

ASSESSING THE SATISFACTION LEVEL OF RURAL TOURIST HOUSEHOLDS (RTH) IN SERBIA WITH THE ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY DIMENSION

Katica Radosavljević, Vesna Paraušić, Branko Mihailović, Danijela Pantović — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of the research is to examine the economic efficiency of rural tourist households in the Republic of Serbia engaged in rural tourism at their households. To achieve the research goal, two dependent variables were observed: (1) satisfaction with tourist visits and accommodation capacity occupancy, and (2) satisfaction with earnings from rural tourism and the possibility of investment return in this activity. The non parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was employed to examine differences between groups. The research revealed no statistically significant difference in the level of satisfaction with tourist visits and capacity occupancy among respondents with different demographic, socio-economic, and business characteristics. Regarding satisfaction with income from rural tourism and the possibility of investment return in rural tourism among respondent groups, the application of the Kruskal–Wallis test detected differences only based on the Age of the respondents and Dominant sources of income in the rural tourist household.

WHOLESALE MARKETS AS SUPPLY CHANNELS FOR GREEN MARKETS AND THEIR IMPACT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN SERBIA

Nedeljko Prdić, Tamara Gajić, Saša Stepanov — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The wholesale market is a key supply channel for green markets, linking producers and consumers locally and globally. This study explores challenges and opportunities for vendors, emphasizing wholesale markets’ role in improving supply chain efficiency. Through in-depth interviews with vendors at Kvantaška Pijaca in Novi Sad and local green market sellers, a mixed-methods approach was used to assess economic and communication effects. Findings show strong alignment between vendor operations and consumer needs, highlighting wholesale markets’ potential to enhance rural development through better market access and innovative distribution. The study contributes to literature on sustainable agriculture and offers practical recommendations to improve vendor performance and customer satisfaction. It provides a strategic framework for policymakers to support rural and agricultural development in Serbia.

CORPORATE BRAND IN AGRICULTURE WITH RESPECT FOR THE LIMITING FACTS OF MARKETING APPLICATION IN THE EXAMPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Milica Grujić — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Corporate branding in agriculture is becoming increasingly important. The growth of conscious consumption in agriculture is accompanied by consumer decisions to base their purchasing decisions on the acquired knowledge about the brand. The authors focused on revealing the influence of selected limiting factors, namely: fragmentation of plots, excessive supply of agricultural products, state policy, characteristics of agricultural products, their separation from consumers, as well as their overall assessment based on the application of marketing on the example of Serbia. We found that there are statistically significant differences in application of the listed factors in relation to partial and majority application of corporate brand on this basis. In addition, we determined that a model of behavior can be predicted in the case of partial application of the corporate brand, and in the case of majority application of corporate brand, such a prediction would be even stronger.

THE EFFECTS OF INTERNAL GREEN MARKETING ON JOB SATISFACTION AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES – THE CASE OF THE SERBIAN AGRIBUSINESS SECTOR

Vesna Milanović, Vesna Miletić, Aleksandra Jagodić Rusić, Jasmina Poštin — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this paper was to examine the effects of internal green marketing (IGM) on managers’ job satisfaction (JS) and organizational financial outcomes (FOs). An online survey was used to collect data. On the sample of 78 managers of medium-sized and large organizations in the Serbian agribusiness sector, using partial least squares structural equation modeling technique, the results showed that IGM positively affects managers’ JS and FOs of the organizations. They also revealed that managers’ JS affects FOs, but also partially mediates the link between IGM and FOs. These results emphasize the significant role of IGM in improving managers’ JS and organizational FOs, but the importance of nurturing managers’ JS as one of the job related attitudes. The main contribution of this paper is the establishment of the link between these variables, as well as the testing of the assumed relationships in the agribusiness context in which the relationships between these variables have not been tested before.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF WATER ACCESS FOR ROMA AND OTHER MARGINALIZED GROUPS IN RURAL SERBIA

Lara Lebedinski, Mihajlo Djukić, Dejana Pavlović — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This paper uses survey data aiming to assess the socio economic impacts of providing water supply access to selected group of low-income communities in rural Serbia. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we have collected quantitative and qualitative data from beneficiaries of the water supply program to evaluate changes in quality of life, hygiene, nutrition, and new opportunities arising from reduced time spent on water collection. Results indicate that 94.6% of participants reported improvements in their quality of life, with an average satisfaction score of 8.8. Key benefits included enhanced hygiene and increased time for education and income-generating activities, though non-returnees exhibited higher satisfaction levels compared to returnees, highlighting persistent challenges for the latter group. The paper concludes that integrated strategies are essential to address both water access and broader socio-economic challenges. Recommendations for policymakers include the development of targeted interventions to improve infrastructure and support initiatives that facilitate employment and education.

DETERMINANTS OF DEMAND FOR FRESH VEGETABLES IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Elena Hoskova, Iveta Zentková — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Vegetables are among the most important foods because of the health benefits of eating them. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of income, own price and price of other vegetables on the demand for vegetables in the Slovak Republic. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis are used for the analysis. The data are drawn from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Statistical Office (2001 2019). The results of the analyses indicated that demand for lettuce (EID=3.48) and peas (EID=-4.82) responded most strongly to the change in income. The demand response to a change in the price of other vegetables was stronger than the response to a change in own price. Demand for cauliflower, and lettuce responded most strongly to the change in price of other vegetables. To increase vegetable consumption, we recommend reducing the price of complements or increasing the price of substitutes.

OPTIMIZATION OF TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES IN THE SUGAR BEET HARVESTING CAMPAIGN

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This paper explores the optimization of sugar beet transport from loading points to processing plants throughout the harvest campaign. An optimization model was developed to address the key logistical aspects of this process. The approach was applied to data from a company that encompasses 50% of Serbia’s sugar beet processing, with operations across three sugar factories. The results include an evaluation of the current operating method and the analysis of two alternative scenarios that present further opportunities to reduce logistical costs. These savings not only lower company expenses but also contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring both economic and environmental benefits.

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON THE STATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS OF THE RURAL AREAS POPULATION - EXAMPLE OF SERBIA

Jelena Premović, Marko Pavlović, Marija Perić — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of certain socio-demographic variables on the state of environmental awareness of local population of the five areas in Serbia. For that purpose, an original empirical research was conducted. Age, gender, education and place of residence of the respondents were used as independent variables. The analysis was done using SPSS version 26.0 software in October 2024. The main intend of authors ware to define the level of environmental activity of the respondents, their assessment of the current ecological situation in their local environment, as well as their assessment of concern for environmental problems. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that the respondents have an above-average expression when it comes to the environmental activities they carry out. Applying the comparative scientific method, it was concluded that statistically significant differences exist only in relation to the age of the respondents.

ORGANIZATION OF GREEN PROJECTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTION AND SATISFACTION OF USERS IN RURAL REGIONS IN SERBIA

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The presented study analyzes the impact of green initiatives and new technologies on the tourist experience and user satisfaction in rural areas of western Serbia, focusing on the differences between younger and older populations. Through regression and correlation analysis, it was found that sustainability, green mobility, and the digitalization of services significantly increase the satisfaction of young tourists, while older tourists prefer traditional values such as safety and comfort. The younger population reacts positively to innovations, while the older group seeks stability and practicality. The results suggest that further implementation of sustainable practices and technologies could transform the tourism offering in rural areas, and tailored marketing approaches could effectively address the specific needs of both demographic segments. It is recommended to strengthen the promotion of ecological and technological solutions as the key to future tourism growth in this region.

DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE AGRICULTURAL POPULATION OF SERBIA

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The paper explores employment trends and demographic characteristics within Serbia’s agricultural sector. Utilizing data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia and applying descriptive statistics and Probit regression analysis, the research examines key factors such as gender, age, education, region, and settlement type that influence employment in agriculture. The findings reveal a declining share of agriculture in total employment, accompanied by high rates of informal work and an aging workforce, with minimal participation from younger generations. The study highlights the need for urgent measures to rejuvenate the workforce, promote youth involvement, and formalize employment. Key recommendations include developing educational and financial support programs for young farmers, modernizing agricultural practices, and implementing rural development strategies to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability and growth.

DIGITAL MAPPING OF BUSINESS PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS IN SERBIA

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The capacity of new technologies to boost agricultural yields, optimize resource utilization, enhance productivity, and improve f inancial outcomes has gained significant consideration among farmers, agricultural organizations, and policymakers. Across the globe, innovative digital solutions have emerged as key catalysts for transforming and advancing the agricultural sector. Hence, this study explores the adoption of digital tools by Serbian agricultural holdings to enhance business performance and sustainability. The employed mixed-methods approach highlights disparities in digital readiness and the barriers faced by small scale farmers. Results reveal that while smartphones dominate technology use, broader adoption of digital platforms is hindered by low digital literacy, high costs, and limited infrastructure. The f indings emphasize the potential of digital agro-economic maps to optimize resource allocation, reduce costs, and improve decision making. Finally, the actions should be focused on improving digital literacy of rural population, expanding technological infrastructure, and designing policy incentives to encourage the adoption of smart agricultural practices.

THE IMPACT OF PRODUCT AND PROCESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS ON THE SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

Dragana Vuković, Ana Dukić, Ana Urošević, Božo Ilić — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigates the impact of product, process, and technological innovations on the sustainable competitive advantage of manufacturing companies. An empirical survey was conducted on a sample of 252 employees. The results reveal that product innovation positively influences market share and customer loyalty, while process innovation enhances cost efficiency and operational effectiveness. Moreover, the technological dimension not only directly contributes to competitive advantage but also moderates the relationship between product and process innovations, amplifying their beneficial effects. These findings underscore the strategic importance of investing in technological advancements to maximize the impact of product and process innovations. The study provides valuable insights into the synergistic effect of these innovations, offering practical implications for managers aiming to strengthen competitive positioning. By integrating technological advancements with product and process innovation strategies, companies can achieve long-term sustainability and economic success. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by demonstrating the moderating role of the technological dimension in fostering sustainable competitive advantage.

COMPETITIVENESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE: THE WESTERN BALKANS VS. EUROPEAN UNION

Miloš S Dimitrijević, Vesna Mrdalj, Miljan Leković — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Despite its importance, the state of the agricultural sector in Southeast Europe is not at a satisfactory level. The goal of the paper was to examine the impact of agricultural competitiveness on economic development and to identify the parameters that contribute to its improvement. The Revealed Comparative Advantage index was employed to assess the comparative advantage, while the Unit Values index was used to examine the quality of important agricultural products. Ordinary Least Squares regression was applied to examine the impact of agricultural competitiveness on economic development. Kruskall Wallis test was used to compare important factors that affect this competitiveness. The results indicate that Southeast Europe generally has a competitive agricultural sector. Republic of Serbia stands out in terms of competitiveness, but it is primarily driven by low productivity, prices and yields. Enhancing the value-added of agricultural products is crucial for boosting trade, strengthening agricultural competitiveness and fostering economic development.

THE IMPACT OF MACROECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND OIL PRICES ON FOOD PRICES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SERBIA

Zorica Mladenović, Emilija Milošević — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the impact of crude oil prices and domestic macroeconomic uncertainty on food prices in Serbia over the period 2007-2022. The methodological framework is based on cointegration analysis and the structural vector autoregressive model. The empirical results indicate significant and positive long term effects of uncertainty and oil prices on food prices. Over a one-year horizon, about one-third of the fluctuations in food prices can be attributed to the variability of shocks in uncertainty and oil prices, while their relative influence is slightly more than half after two years. The impact of uncertainty on food price variability peaks within six months, after which its influence diminishes. In contrast, the impact of oil prices gradually increases and becomes the dominant factor in the variability of food prices after a year and a half.

PERCEPTION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED HOTEL MANAGERS ON THE ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF PROCURING LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Slobodan Glišić, Predrag Stamenković — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The study examines the economic feasibility of procuring local agricultural products in small and medium-sized hotels, emphasizing key factors influencing managerial decision making. By integrating perceived cost savings, supplier reliability, customer demand, and regulatory support, this research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the benefits and challenges of local sourcing in the hospitality sector. The empirical analysis is based on a survey conducted among hotel managers in Serbia, utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the significance of proposed relationships. The findings confirm that supplier reliability and customer demand play a crucial role in shaping procurement decisions, while cost savings and regulatory support also contribute to economic feasibility. These results align with existing studies on sustainable procurement and local supply chains in tourism, reinforcing the importance of fostering stable partnerships between hotels and local producers.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS

Olja Arsenijević, Maja Dimić — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Gender equality is a problem that not only affects the Republic of Serbia but also causes significant and challenging issues in the developed world. In rural areas, the problem of gender equality is even more pronounced, given the fact that women are working auxiliary unpaid jobs, that they are economically dependent, and, in a large percentage, low educated. The paper aims to point out the problems of gender equality in rural areas in the Republic of Serbia to offer ideas and possible solutions to some segments of this problem. The paper analyses the Republic of Serbia’s strategies for gender equality in general and rural areas and mentions legislation in this area in the Republic of Serbia. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of women’s entrepreneurship in selected EU countries and gave communication and knowledge management strategies for women’s empowerment in rural areas.

PROFITABILITY DETERMINANTS OF SERBIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANIES

Bojana Novićević Čečević, Srboljub Nikolić, Snežana Jovanović — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The study examines the impact of specific factors on the profitability of agriculture companies measured through ROA. The research utilized multiple linear panel regression models, namely, ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects (FE), and random effects (RE). The investigation was conducted on companies operating in the agricultural sector within the Republic of Serbia. The time period covered by the study is from 2020 to 2023. The results indicate that ROE and net profit have a positive impact on profitability, while the impact of net cash flow, although positive, is not statistically significant. Empirical findings show that total assets, fixed assets, debt, and liquidity have a negative impact on ROA, but only the impact of debt is statistically significant.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION DEPENDING ON THE AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF SERBIA

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In order for the production of a plant species to take a significant place in the crop structure, in addition to favorable agro-ecological conditions, there must be a national strategy. After the state implemented the “action” plan, the processing sector and breeding, i.e. the development of high-yielding domestic varieties, with good adaptability and stability, intensified. This implied that Serbia would become the only country in Europe that produces enough soybeans for its own needs. The aim of the research is the influence of agro-climatic conditions on soybean production in the province of Vojvodina. High-yielding soybean varieties contributed to an average yield of over 3,000 kg ha-1 for the period 2010 2019. Intensive development of new soybean varieties is aimed at addressing climate change, which has become increasingly unfavorable. Data indicate that interest in soybean production in Serbia is growing and this trend is expected to continue in the future.

THE SYNERGY BETWEEN GASTRONOMY AND ACTIVE TOURISM AS INDICATORS OF SUSTAINABLE RURAL WELLNESS AND SPA DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT - SOKOBANJA CASE STUDY

Martina Arsić, Aleksandra Vujko, Dragan Nedeljković — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the relationship between recreation and gastronomy as key indicators of sustainable development in spa destinations. The research sought to answer two main questions: “What significance do recreation and active tourism hold for tourists?” and “What type of gastronomy attracts tourists to destinations?” The data from collected 243 respondents, comprising guests of the Sunce Hotel, Golden View Garni Hotel, and visitors to the Zelengora restaurant in Sokobanja, were analyzed using factor analysis. The authors conducted the research using two questionnaires. The findings of the first survey revealed a strong inclination to relaxation of both mind and body. Additionally, the results of the second survey indicated that a unique gastronomic experience is a significant motivator for tourists. Both indicators have a positive impact on tourists’ overall well-being and foster loyalty to the destination. In conclusion, active, gastronomic, wellness, and spa tourism have a beneficial influence on the tourist destination of Sokobanja. The study proposes a unique model that can be applied to all rural spa destinations.

TRENDS AND PERSPECTIVES OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN SERBIA

Dušan Aničić, Olgica Nestorović, Jugoslav Aničić, Zoran Jovanović — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In the modern global environment, there is a trend of increasing and changing the structure of demand for agricultural sector products. This situation requires a market-oriented approach from agricultural producers, ranging from economic entities to individual farms. Serbia’s agricultural policy is characterized by short-term, ad hoc measures, which prevent predictions and timely adjustments by producers, leaving participants in the market chain uncertain about their long-term orientation. In the total value of agricultural production in 2023, crop production accounted for 69.8%, while livestock production accounted for 30.2%, whereas in developed EU countries, the ratio of crop to livestock production is reversed. This indicates a significant share of low-value-added production, or production with a low level of processing. This paper analyzes the state of Serbia’s agricultural sector, which is under pressure from poor agricultural policies, numerous internal weaknesses, and insufficient financial resources in an unstable geopolitical environment.