Energy and Environmental Impacts of Greece’s Agricultural Sector: A Diachronic Study with Regional Insights from Western Macedonia

Authors

  • Stavros P. Migkos

    Department of Accounting & Finance, School of Economic Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani 50100, Greece
  • Panagiotis Karountzos

    Department of Regional and Economic Development, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Nea Poli Amfissa 33100, Greece
  • Nikolaos T. Giannakopoulos

    BICTEVAC Laboratory—Business Information and Communication Technologies in Value Chains Laboratory, Department of Agribusiness and Supply Chain Management, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens 11855, Greece
  • Damianos P. Sakas

    BICTEVAC Laboratory—Business Information and Communication Technologies in Value Chains Laboratory, Department of Agribusiness and Supply Chain Management, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens 11855, Greece
  • Katarachia Androniki

    Department of Accounting & Finance, School of Economic Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani 50100, Greece
  • Polytimi Μ. Farmaki

    Department of Accounting & Finance, School of Economic Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani 50100, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i5.8363
Received: 10 January 2025 | Revised: 19 February 2025 | Accepted: 25 February 2025 | Published Online: 8 May 2025

Abstract

The research explores the long-term connection between Greece's agricultural output, with a focus on both crop and livestock production, and crucial environmental factors like water usage and energy consumption. Through linear regression analysis, the study investigates how these factors affect agricultural value-added, providing insights into the sustainability and efficiency of Greece’s farming sector. The results show a significant (p < 0.05) positive relationship between crop production and agricultural value-added, as well as the significant influence of water usage and energy consumption on the productivity of both crops and livestock. For livestock farming, the analysis revealed a weaker contribution to agricultural value-added at the national level, likely due to structural inefficiencies in the sector. While livestock production benefits significantly from water and energy inputs, it does not have as substantial an economic impact compared to crop production.  This research contributes to the field of agricultural economics by offering a historical perspective on how resource management influences agricultural performance over time. It highlights the significance of sustainable practices, especially in areas like the periphery of Western Macedonia, which are shifting from conventional energy sources like lignite to renewable energy. The findings advocate for policies that promote water conservation, energy efficiency, and smart agriculture to enhance productivity and support regional development.

Keywords:

Agricultural Productivity; Water Withdrawal; Energy Consumption; Crop Production; Livestock Production; Regional Development Policy

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Migkos, S. P., Karountzos, P., Nikolaos T. Giannakopoulos, Sakas, D. P., Katarachia Androniki, & Polytimi Μ. Farmaki. (2025). Energy and Environmental Impacts of Greece’s Agricultural Sector: A Diachronic Study with Regional Insights from Western Macedonia. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 7(5), 332–359. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i5.8363

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 5 (May 2025)

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Copyright © 2025 Stavros P. Migkos, Panagiotis Karountzos, Nikolaos T. Giannakopoulos, Damianos P. Sakas, Katarachia Androniki, Polytimi Μ. Farmaki

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