Optimizing Agricultural Sustainability Through Land Use Changes Under the CAP Framework Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in Northern Greece

Evgenia Lialia, Angelos Prentzas, Anna Tafidou, Christina Moulogianni, Asimina Kouriati, Eleni Dimitriadou, Christina Kleisiari and Thomas Bournaris ()
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Evgenia Lialia: Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Angelos Prentzas: Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Anna Tafidou: Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Christina Moulogianni: Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Asimina Kouriati: Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Eleni Dimitriadou: Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Christina Kleisiari: Agricultural Economics and Consumer Behavior Lab, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece
Thomas Bournaris: Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-22

Abstract: This research investigates the implementation of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period of 2023–2027, focusing on optimizing agricultural sustainability and profitability in Northern Greece. Using data from three farmer groups across Central and Western Macedonia, the study explores the application of MCDA models within three distinct case studies: the first optimizes a farm system focused on input minimization (Loudias), while the second and third (Ryakio and Agia Paraskevi) adopt a more comprehensive approach to farm management. More specifically, the first case focused on maximizing gross margin, minimizing variable costs, and reducing fertilizer use without targeting a reduction in water usage. By contrast, the second case study adopted a holistic approach to farm management, integrating water conservation in the Ryakio farmer group. The third included the requirement to keep arable land fallow in the Agia Paraskevi farmer group, reflecting the CAP’s new mandates. 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 (Ryakio) and third (Agia Paraskevi) case studies compared to the first, with the Agia Paraskevi group showing the most substantial improvement.

Keywords: land changes; CAP; multicriteria analysis; MCDA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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