We are pleased to announce that the article “The role of pesticides and fertilizers in Czech cereal output and TFP growth: A flexible production function with endogenous inputs” is now available as an open-access journal article.
Citation
Čechura, L., Kumbhakar, S. C., & Žáková Kroupová, Z. (2025). The role of pesticides and fertilizers in Czech cereal output and TFP growth: A flexible production function with endogenous inputs. Food Policy, 136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102955
About the Study
A new study published in Food Policy and conducted under the BrightSpace project provides fresh insights into how reductions in pesticide and fertilizer use affect cereal production and total factor productivity (TFP) in the Czech Republic.
The research introduces an innovative proxy variable approach that treats fertilizers and pesticides as endogenous inputs—a crucial methodological advancement that improves the accuracy of productivity estimates. This flexible production function approach allows for a more realistic assessment of how changes in agrochemical use influence both agricultural output and productivity growth over time.
Policy relevance
This study aligns with the EU Green Deal and the evolving Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which emphasise strategic autonomy, innovation-driven input efficiency, and a simplified green architecture. It provides timely evidence on how reducing fertilizers and pesticides can support sustainability goals while maintaining productivity and competitiveness in Central and Eastern European cereal systems.
Key Contributions
- Innovative methodology: Applies a flexible production function with endogenous inputs using a proxy variable approach to address simultaneity in fertilizer and pesticide use.
- Evidence-based insights: Demonstrates that productivity change—not increased input use—is the primary driver of both cereal output and TFP growth in Czech agriculture.
- Limited trade-off: Simulations suggest that even substantial reductions in fertilizer and pesticide use (up to 20%) lead to only modest decreases in cereal output.
- Role of technology: Highlights how technological advancements, such as precision farming and biotechnology, can offset the decline in output associated with reduced agrochemical use.
- Policy relevance: Provides a foundation for designing balanced agri-environmental policies that maintain productivity while achieving sustainability targets.
Open Access
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), enabling unrestricted access, sharing, and reuse with proper attribution.
👉 Access the full study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102955
Also available at the BrightSpace Zenodo Community page: https://zenodo.org/communities/brightspace-eu-project/
Source: CZU
