This cluster of papers covers a wide range of topics related to agricultural economics, rural development, sustainable agriculture, farm management, European agricultural policy, environmental impact, agribusiness, rural sociology, food logistics, and financial structure. The papers discuss issues such as multifunctionality of agriculture, efficiency of plant nutrient recycling, credit market imperfections, information technology in food and beverage logistics management, and the impact of externalities from swine production. They also address the role of agriculture in creating energy security, the importance of knowledge in the agricultural sector, and the economic impacts of avian influenza on world poultry trade.