Challenges and innovative approaches in the agricultural and food industry and changing consumer behaviour in the milk and milk products market: Case of Slovakia

Abstract

: The negative consequences faced by the entire planet, the intensification of natural disasters, global warming, lowering the level of groundwater, deforestation, deterioration of corals and the underwater world, soil degradation, and the change of species diversity, testify to the necessity of introducing reforms in the agricultural-food complex. Fulfilling such a goal and creating added value of innovation potential can only be created in the conditions of functioning structures strengthened by system support, which requires reviewing and introducing change in food systems. The recent financial crisis, later the pandemic, and the current going military conflict in Ukraine, caused problems in supplier-customer relations, and made humanity feel how the issue of food security and self-sufficiency can be easily and quickly disrupted. If farmers and food producers are to be able to respond to challenges and at the same time ensure the EU’s strategic goals, it is necessary to have support in research and innovation. Agricultural research and innovation in the EU is characterised by a long-term strategic approach that focuses on creating value from the land through sustainable primary production and strengthening rural innovation. It is an important tool in the fight against challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. In view of the above, it is necessary to transform food systems, apply regenerative agriculture, introduce alternative land-saving farming systems, observe the principles of sowing procedures and greater diversification of crops in the sowing procedure, reduce the consumption of agro-chemicals, naturally integrate plant and animal production into agricultural business entities in relation to the circular economy, use farm waste for bioenergy production, protect agricultural land, implement measures to retain water in the country and support regions.