Food Business and Development - Doctoral Theses

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Evaluating the impacts of precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies on the sustainability of pasture-based dairy systems
(University College Cork, 2024) Palma Molina, Paula; Hennessy, Thia; Onakuse, Stephen; Shalloo, Laurence; Science Foundation Ireland; Teagasc
Dairy farmers are currently facing several conflicting challenges. Projections of global food demand have suggested that the demand for dairy products will increase by 74% by 2050. In conjunction, European policy-makers have established ambitious environmental targets through policy initiatives (Farm to Fork and the Biodiversity strategy) that aim to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems. In order to increase productivity while complying with environmental commitments, dairy farms must improve the efficiency and sustainability of their systems. Pasture-based dairy systems, such as those present in Ireland, New Zealand and some parts of Australia are characterized by having distinct advantages in terms of sustainability compared to indoor dairy systems. They have the potential to be highly productive and economically efficient, have a lower carbon footprint than high input dairy systems, while being socially sustainable (Kelly et al., 2020). However, changes in the scale and complexity of dairy farming are pressuring pasture-based dairy farmers to become more efficient and sustainable. A sustainable production system requires farms to be profitable, minimize its environmental impacts while securing the wellbeing of farmers and animals (the three pillars of agricultural sustainability). Precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies are being promoted to improve the sustainability of dairy systems. They are expected to improve sustainability by increasing pasture use, lengthening the grazing season, improving dairy herd fertility, health, and welfare while reducing workload. Despite the numerous potential benefits, there are still uncertainties about how effective these technologies are in reaching these outcomes. Using nationally representative farm-level data from the 2018 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) and econometric techniques, this thesis contributes to address this knowledge gap by considering three main research questions: 1) what does the published research to date tell us about the sustainability impacts of adopting PLF technologies in global pasture-based dairy settings?; 2) what is the rate of adoption and the factors associated with adoption of PLF technologies in Irish pasture-based dairy settings?; 3) once adopted, what are the impacts of PLF technologies on the sustainability performance of pasture-based dairy farms? The thesis findings on the basis of the literature review show there is a lack of empirical studies investigating the sustainability impacts of PLF technologies in pasture-based dairy settings, and the studies that have been published present contradictory results that make it difficult to synthetize and identify clear positive or negative effects. The empirical assessment of PLF technology adoption presented here shows that adoption rates of PLF technologies are still low in Ireland, ranging from 7.7% of farmers adopting rising plate meters to 58% adoption of automatic parlour feeders. Additionally, findings show that factors such as herd size, proportion of hired labour, agricultural education, and discussion group membership were positively associated with PLF technology adoption, whereas age of farmer and number of household members were negatively associated with adoption. This findings vary depending on the PLF technology cluster being investigated. In terms of empirical impacts of PLF technologies, findings show that adopters of PLF technologies tend to have superior performance outcomes. However, when controlling for selection bias the results were able to only attribute a positive causal effect of grass management technology adoption on grass use, length of the grazing season, milk yield and milk solids, with a broader set of indicators for 2019 (net margin and carbon footprint). Significant effects of adopting milking management technologies were found on milk yield, milk solids and gross margins; and there were no significant effects of adopting reproductive management technologies on any indicator of performance. This suggests that from the group of PLF technologies investigated in this study, grass management technologies show the greatest potential to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of pasture-based dairy farms. Future research should include updated ancillary and technology adoption data that captures more recent adopters of PLF technologies, in addition with new technologies that build on the findings of this thesis.
The economic and social burden of population loss across Irish regions
(University College Cork, 2024) O'Driscoll, Josh; Doran, Justin; Crowley, Frank; O'Shaughnessy, Mary; Meredith, David; University College Cork
In recent years, academics and policymakers have increasingly focused on population dynamics, particularly the issues of population loss and demographic shrinkage. Considering this renewed interest, it is important to examine population changes and identify the underlying processes that drive or influence them. Population change is a complicated process that is multi-faceted and can be examined from several different perspectives. The work of this thesis aims to examine population shrinkage and growth using a multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating theories and methods of cartography, economics, and geography. Ireland is a country which has experienced a unique population journey over time. Following decades of decline from 1841 to 1961, the population sharply rose over the period 1986 to 2016, making Ireland an interesting case to examine population change dynamics. Using Geographical Information Systems frameworks and regression analysis, this thesis examines population change at a small area level (specifically the Electoral Division level) across Ireland for a generational period of 30 years. By doing so, three key research aims are achieved: 1) to identify areas in Ireland that are experiencing population shrinkage and growth; 2) to evaluate the significance of population density and proximity to large towns on spatial patterns of population shrinkage and growth over both the long term (a generational span of 30 years), and the short term (10 years); 3) to measure the effects of proximity to motorway access points on adjacent areas, focusing on population growth, employment growth, and commuting mode choices. To carry this out, a novel dataset comprising of seven Irish Censuses of Population from 1986 to 2016 is compiled at the Electoral Division level. This enables a detailed spatiotemporal analysis of population change overtime, and at a small area level. The data to facilitate this analysis is collected from several sources including the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and Open Street Map (OSM). This thesis makes several key contributions to existing literature. Firstly, using this data, the population change across Ireland’s Electoral Divisions are visualised producing clear spatial patterns across the country in Chapter 4. The resulting map indicates that the Irish population change story could be heavily dependent on spatio-geographic factors. The map provides both a long-term view of population change and shorter intercensal views of population change, helping to provide an in-depth analysis of population trends across time at the local level. Chapter 5 builds on this contribution by examining the role of population density and distance to large towns on population change across a 30-year period and three 10-year periods that match with the business cycle. In doing so, this contribution examines population loss across the urban-rural continuum, focusing on both urban and rural shrinkage. The core-periphery framework is incorporated into the approach in line with suggestions from existing literature. A research gap is addressed through considering the underrepresented temporal aspect of shrinkage, particularly assessing any commonalities or differences between long- and short-term shrinkage. It is carried out at a small area level to capture population change trends that might be hidden when using more aggregated spatial scales. The results for the 1986-2016 model find that distance has a positive effect on shrinkage, meaning it increases the likelihood of shrinking, albeit at a decreasing rate. Meanwhile, population density has a negative effect on shrinkage, meaning it decreases the likelihood of shrinkage at an increasing rate. These results generally remain consistent across the different time periods, except 2006-2016 where distance is insignificant. Thirdly, the role of motorway access on population growth, employment growth, and commuting mode choices is examined in Chapter 6. Through using a Propensity Score Matching Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DiD) model, the thesis finds that areas accessible to motorway access points experience higher growth rates for population and employment compared to those that are not within 10km. Additionally, these treated areas have a higher percentage of commuters who commuted to work or school in 2016 by car, while also having a lower percentage of commuters who commuted by public transport. There are several key policy implications from this research. Firstly, Chapter 4 identifies clear spatial patterns of population shrinkage. Targeted regional development policies and programmes that consider the fact that shrinking EDs tend to be found in clusters, particularly in the West and Midlands may prove effective. Shrinking EDs clustered together may indicate that the population change in the area could be impacted by localised contextual factors. Targeting the clusters may tackle the widespread regional phenomenon, rather than individual cases, allowing the polices to be more comprehensive and targeted, as they may address the overarching needs of an area due to the different policies required for shrinking areas surrounded by other shrinking areas and shrinking areas surrounded by growing areas, while more small area level place-base policies can address the specific needs of the areas. Secondly, Chapter 5 finds that shrinkage occurs in all types of places including urban, rural and peripherally based EDs. As such, a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be successful. Place based policies that address the specific needs of rural and peripheral areas, and not just translate policies that work in the core urban areas elsewhere would be more appropriate. Chapter 6 provides insight into the impact of the motorways on surrounding areas. While the motorway causes population and employment growth in these areas, there is the trade-off of these areas having a higher percentage of commuters travelling by car. This car-centric growth can lead to several challenges, such as higher carbon emissions and pollution. It is suggested that the government should take this into consideration as they attempt to move towards more sustainable modes of transport. It is crucial that the government balance the benefits from the motorway and the need to promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly modes of commuting. Simply building motorways is insufficient to address all regional challenges; complementary policies tailored to local needs, such as land-use planning, housing strategies, and economic support, are essential for sustainable growth and reducing peripherality.
Organisational culture and organisational strategy in Irish credit unions
(University College Cork, 2024) O'Sullivan, Patrick; McCarthy, Olive; Byrne, Noreen; Power, Carol
This study explores organisational culture and organisational strategy in Irish credit unions and the relationship between them. It seeks to fill a gap in an area that has not previously been studied in the sector in terms of credit unions developing an understanding of the type of culture and the type of strategy that prevails, which in turn can help to support management in how they manage and compete. The literature review highlighted the complexity of both concepts and a methodological framework was established for the measurement of culture and strategy. This framework allowed for the identification of culture types and strategy types and for comparing both across the credit union sector. A statistical analysis was used to explore the relationship between these variables. The methodological framework developed also enabled a deeper exploration of organisational culture through the measurement of cultural strength and cultural congruence. The study involved a survey of 73 credit unions and interviews with 16 credit unions. The findings illustrate that the predominant culture is internally focused, but flexible in its approach, where priority is given to the harnessing of human resources with leaders being facilitators and mentors. To a lesser extent, the culture was found to be rules-based, internally focused and stable. The predominant culture of Irish credit unions can be described as ‘clan-type’ with strong cultural strength. The predominant strategy type was found to be stable but can change from a narrow to a broader value proposition depending on the opportunities afforded. Strategy was further explored through in-depth qualitative interviews with CEOs in the 16 selected credit unions. These credit unions selected for interview were identified in the quantitative phase based on their strategy type. The qualitative analysis identified the components of the strategy types. The relationship between strategy types and culture types was found not to be statistically significant but culture strength was found to be statistically associated with strategy type. One of the main theoretical and methodological contributions of the research includes the development of a methodology for the measurement of both culture and strategy. The predominance of an internally focused culture suggests staff commitment and efficiency as well as values that typically align with the credit union ethos. The internal focus may also suggest a weakness in that it is typically less focused on the external environment and is less adaptable to change, which may have an impact on strategy development. However, the predominance of this type of culture can also help to shape the strategy to the extent that its inward focus and emphasis on people, together with the cultural strength, influences to some degree the predominance of the hybrid approach of both a stable and changing value proposition which is one of the practical contributions of the study.
Reimagining small firm growth for a post-growth context: a regional study of artisan food producers at farmers' markets
(University College Cork, 2024) Connolly, Richael; Bogue, Joseph; Repar, Lana; Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Food production and consumption pose pressing and unavoidable challenges for society. A consolidated global food system has increased the output of ultra-processed food and threatens the livelihoods of small food producers. At the intersection between food, people, and the environment are locally embedded spaces such as farmers’ markets. This study reimagines firm growth from the perspective of artisan food producers who operate at farmers’ markets within the context of sustainability and limited resources. Post-growth is an approach that moves beyond economic growth as a primary agenda. A multi-level critical realist methodology is taken to form a mixed-methods regional research design. This design involved the application of a novel theoretical framework that synthesises Penrose’s seminal theory of firm growth with Bourdieu’s practice theory to position firm growth as emergent, incorporating social and cultural factors. A policy analysis was conducted on Irish food strategies. Twenty-five farmers’ markets were visited in Munster, southwest Ireland. Quantitative survey data was collected from eighty-eight artisan food producers, qualitative data from observations and informal conversations, and ten key field informant interviews. Eight purposively selected case studies were undertaken representing four identified typologies of artisan food producers. It was found that farmers’ markets in Ireland represent resilient spaces (interstices) for an artisanal way of doing business. In addition, they play a vital role in redressing the balance in the food system by contributing to non-economic industry needs. Yet only 3% of the national food strategy targets incorporate local food production. The survey showed that 93% of respondents operated place-based, product-focused, family-oriented micro-businesses different from a traditional food-in-retail business model. An output is an empirical framework of business development centred around the symbiotic relationship of artisan knowledge and selling at farmers’ markets. A contribution is made to redescribe firm growth theory from this perspective, which contributes to reimagining firm growth for a post-growth context. The study’s applied critical realist framework contributes to methodology. From this study’s small business perspective of farmers’ markets, targeted policy recommendations were developed to recognise, support and foster artisan food producers’ contribution to positive food environments.
The competitiveness of the Irish dairy industry in the global market: farm to trade
(University College Cork, 2023) Cele, Lungelo Prince; Hennessey, Thia; Eakins, John; Thorne, Fiona; Teagasc
The removal of the EU milk quota in 2015 has increased the exposure of the Irish dairy industry to international competitors and has raised the question of how competitive is the Irish dairy industry in the global market. The purpose of this thesis was to measure Irish dairy sector –competitiveness by examining the interaction between the farming system and the trading system of processed dairy products in the global market. In the context of the removal of the EU milk quota in 2015, it examined the competitiveness trends and rankings of the Irish dairy sector at the farm and trade levels, relative to selected European Union (EU) Member States. In 2019, Ireland was the third-largest exporter of butter in the world butter market and Irish butter prices were more volatile than other Irish dairy products. Despite the significance of butter in the dairy industry, empirical research that examines the market price dynamics and international competitor behaviour in the butter market has remained scarce. The thesis contributed to the objectives of the Food Wise 2025 and the Food Vision 2030 policies by examining the dynamics between farm milk and butter prices (linking farm and trade levels) to ensure that there is a transfer of benefits from trade to farmers through price transparency. Competitiveness indicators including partial productivity measures and accountancy-based indicators were used for farm competitiveness, and net export market share and normalised revealed comparative advantage were used for export competitiveness. A stochastic meta-frontier approach was adopted for comparing Irish regional farm technical efficiencies (proxy for farm competitiveness). The vector error correction model was applied to test the extent to which changes in competitor prices and farm milk prices had an impact on Irish butter prices. It was also used to measure the competitiveness integration relationship between global butter competitors. Amongst the countries examined, Ireland had the highest growth in partial productivity indicators and was ranked first with the lowest total costs and cash costs per kg of milk solids post-quota amongst the main European competitor countries examined. The potential challenge for Irish dairy farmers is how to lessen the relatively high land and labour costs to come in line with the main European competitor countries, which can limit farm competitiveness in the long-run. Based on the Irish regional farm technical efficiencies, the findings suggested that policies aiming to promote labor use and soil quality improvement in the East region would be useful for improving efficiency in that region post-quota. The findings also suggested that policies that related to discussion groups and management of herd size in the South region would also be useful for improving efficiency in that region post-quota. Some farms expanded beyond their optimal scale leading to a reduction in efficiency levels, especially in a region like the South West. That pointed to the need to tailor farm advice and promote caution in relation to farm expansion decisions. The regional growth patterns and insights may be used for adapting the national policy frameworks to regions in policy dialogues, i.e. to achieve the Food Vision 2030 with ambitious targets set for expansion. While Irish dairy products, such as butter and powders, have demonstrated growth potential in competitiveness post-quota, other products, i.e. cheese and liquid milk have declined. Despite the growing competition in the global butter market, Ireland became the second most competitive country in the world and was advancing rapidly at the time of analysis. Irish butter was the only Irish dairy product that had maintained a comparative advantage. Irish butter prices were more responsive to shocks in New Zealand butter prices and Irish farm milk prices in the long-run with positive bidirectional causality effects. Based on the findings, Irish dairy farmers and processors were more susceptible to pricing decisions made by international butter processors. Irish butter exports were found to be less susceptible to competitiveness changes in Belgian butter exports and more sensitive to competitiveness changes in NZ butter exports. Consequently, the key players in the Irish dairy industry can now better position themselves in the global dairy market, recognising the competitiveness dynamics of the different dairy products and their competitors. The thesis policy recommendations and areas for future research were presented in the conclusion section.

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