A multi-criteria model to analyze decision making in different farm structures: The case of dairy sheep farming in Greece

Abstract

Optimization models commonly used in agricultural studies assume profit maximization as the only objective of farmers. But the existence of diversified farm structures is, at a certain extent, the result of individual preferences and objectives. In this study we aim at building a mathematical model to study the behaviour of Greek sheep farmers. A non-interactive methodology is used to assess the utility function of farmers, which is then optimized subject to the constraint set. The results of the analysis indicate the multi-attribute form of the utility function and point out the ability of the model to accurately reproduce farmer’s behaviour.