Torrefied biomass in biofuel production system

Ukraine produces large amounts of crop residues every year, much which could be utilized to produce biofuel. However, efficient supply chains and system configurations are needed to make such systems efficient and cost effective. One option is to integrate torrefaction, power production and biofuel production into a single, coordinated system. This approach allows for high value product (i.e. biofuel), greater utilization of the energy content of the feedstock, and supply chain efficiency. Initial analyses indicate that revenues can be enhanced through this approach, and further analyses and optimization efforts could identify a sustainable approach to renewable fuel and power production for Ukraine. The question of scale and layout remains of interest as well, and a thorough logistical study is needed to identify the most suitable configuration. Agricultural operations often benefit from smaller scales of operation, whereas fuel production processes tend to operate profitably only at very large scale. Thus, a balance must be struck between the needs of both ends of the supply chain. The processing center concept helps to balance those needs. A system such as this also has potential to synergize with other agricultural production systems, such as the production of animal feed, fertilizer, and other bio-based products. The complexities of the Ukrainian agricultural market will need to be reflected carefully in any model that seeks to assess the system's potential. Presents a concept for coupling thermal pretreatment (torrefaction with biofuel and power production for the transformation of wheat straw into a value added product for Ukraine. Torrefaction provides supply chain savings, while conversion provides added value to the product. This paradigm has potential to utilize a widely produced waste material into a valuable source of energy and possibly other products for the country.

Personnel and intellectual component of economic security of the agricultural sector: essence and meaning

The economic security of the agricultural sector is related to the economic security of the state and the economic security of individual enterprises operating in this sector of the economy. The important component of economic security of agricultural sector is personnel and intellectual security, which should be ensured through the preservation and development of the intellectual potential of the enterprise and the effective work of the staff. The aim of the study is to develop theoretical and methodological foundations of the formation of personnel and intellectual component of economic security of the agricultural sector. The following methods were used in the study: dialectical method of cognition of economic phenomena, abstract and logical, analysis and synthesis, generalization. The article uses the results of expert assessment, which was conducted in accordance with the Methodology of expert assessment of the impact of individual factors on the economic security of agricultural enterprises, which has been developed by the author. The obtained results show that among the internal threats to economic security, threats related to the personnel and intellectual component (nonprofessional management of the enterprise; low level of qualification of employees; low level of employee motivation; outflow of skilled workers) occupy a prominent place. Theoretical bases of forming the mechanism of regulation of personnel and intellectual safety of the enterprise are offered. Counteraction to the threats of the personnel and intellectual component of economic security should be based on the following measures: raising the professional level of management of agricultural enterprises; provision of qualified personnel; stimulating the staff to self-development; conducting an effective youth policy with the aim of attracting young professionals in the agricultural sector; forming a sense of a unified team in employees; creation of an effective system of social support for employees; introduction of an effective and transparent system of motivation and incentives for employees, based on clear criteria for evaluating the activities of employees. Further perspectives for research in this direction should be the formation of the strategy for economic security of the agricultural sector of Ukraine, which is based on the study devoted to the management of the mechanism of regulating personnel, intellectual and other components of economic security.

Bioeconomic advantages of developing enterprises operating in dairy products industry

Currently, there is a global trend to produce a variety of products, goods and energy using renewable organic raw materials based on the widespread application of biotechnology. That is, the bioeconomy creates bioeconomic advantages in the interaction between the economy, environment, technology and society due to the fact that it uses scientific and technological innovations that act as drivers. For PJSC Zhytomyr Butter Plant such measures are priority areas in production, organizational and technical activities. In particular, the new line “Straightline SL1100 F2 from Tetra Pak” will make it possible to reduce the production cost of 1 ton of ice cream and improve its quality. According to the enterprise’s estimates, in 2020 the sales turnover will be 51,840.0 thousand items; the unit cost will be UAH 30. As a result, the revenue will be UAH 1,554.0 thousand. Over the years, sales turnover and price will increase, so sales revenue will also increase and will amount to UAH 1,631.2 in 2021, UAH 1,675.6 in 2022, UAH 1,703.3 in 2023. The amount of profit will grow annually in the range from 6.4 % to 9.0 %. Thus, the enterprise can create bioeconomic advantages through high quality products, lower production costs, and most importantly, through the development of key competencies that create unique value for consumers.