The multi-faceted effects of green innovation in the crop & livestock sector in Greece: Evidence with the FABLE Calculator

This paper explores the transformative potential of green innovation within Greece's agricultural sector. Leveraging the analytical power of the FABLE (Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land Use, and Energy) Calculator, we quantify the impacts of enhanced crop and livestock productivity on key Agricultural, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) environmental indicators. By employing empirical evidence and sophisticated modelling techniques, we investigate the intricate interplay between agricultural innovation and environmental sustainability. Examining the pathways under distinct scenarios of the FABLE Calculator, we demonstrate how improved crop and livestock practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, reduce land degradation, and promote biodiversity conservation. We identify precision agriculture technologies like drones, soil moisture sensors, and variable rate technology advancements in precision livestock technologies such as automated feeding systems and health monitoring sensors as levers for bolstering agricultural productivity. We find that enhancing productivity in the livestock and crop sector significantly reduces GHG emissions from agriculture, with the result being most pronounced when embedded in a holistic transformational strategy following national commitments. Moreover, the paper elucidates the potential synergies and trade-offs associated with different agricultural strategies, offering insights into optimal pathways for sustainable development. In addition to its empirical findings, the paper delineates policy recommendations to support green innovation within the Greek agricultural sector, focusing on horizontal and vertical measures. Overall, this paper underscores the importance of integrating green innovation into agricultural policies to achieve both environmental and economic objectives. By harnessing the analytical capabilities of the FABLE Calculator, it offers valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of agricultural innovation, paving the way for evidence-based decision-making in sustainable agricultural development.