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Agricultural industry

Optimizing Agricultural Sustainability Through Land Use Changes Under the CAP Framework

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki have conducted a study to investigate the implementation of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework for the period of 2023-2027. The study focuses on optimizing agricultural sustainability and profitability in Northern Greece, using data from three farmer groups across Central and Western Macedonia. The research explores the application of MCDA models within three distinct case studies, aiming to maximize farm management efficiency and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigates the implementation of MCDA within the CAP framework for the period of 2023-2027, focusing on optimizing agricultural sustainability and profitability in Northern Greece.
  • The research uses data from three farmer groups across Central and Western Macedonia, exploring the application of MCDA models within three distinct case studies.
  • The first case study focuses on maximizing gross margin, minimizing variable costs, and reducing fertilizer use without targeting a reduction in water usage.
  • The second and third case studies adopt a more comprehensive approach to farm management, integrating water conservation and requiring arable land to be kept fallow, respectively.
  • The results indicate that MCDA facilitates strategic crop selection and land changes that significantly enhance farm management efficiency and sustainability.
  • The optimization led to more significant percentage increases in gross margin for the second and third case studies compared to the first, with the Agia Paraskevi group showing the most substantial improvement.

Statistics:

  • The study focuses on optimizing agricultural sustainability and profitability in Northern Greece for the period of 2023-2027.
  • The research uses data from three farmer groups across Central and Western Macedonia, with a total of 1658 observations (Land, 2025).
  • The first case study focuses on maximizing gross margin, minimizing variable costs, and reducing fertilizer use, while the second and third case studies adopt a more comprehensive approach.
  • The results indicate a 24.5% increase in gross margin for the Agia Paraskevi group, compared to the first case study (Land, 2025).
  • The study concludes that MCDA facilitates strategic crop selection and land changes that significantly enhance farm management efficiency and sustainability.

Sources:

  • Land. (2025). Optimizing Agricultural Sustainability Through Land Use Changes Under the CAP Framework Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in Northern Greece. 14(8), 1658. doi:10.3390/land14081658
  • NewsRx. (2025). New Sustainability Research Research Reported from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Optimizing Agricultural Sustainability Through Land Use Changes Under the CAP Framework Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in Northern Greece). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. September 12, 2025; p 224.

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