The master's thesis presents the benchmarking sessions for hop growers (PKH) and
analyzes eleven farms to identify differences in financial coverage and variable costs.
The analysis highlighted significant cost discrepancies in materials (fertilizers), energy,
and hired labor. A comparison of two extreme cases – the farm with the highest (CE1:
8.620 €/ha) and the lowest variable costs (CE8: 3.801 €/ha) – revealed key factors
influencing economic performance. The highest gross margin was achieved by farm
CE6, due to a combination of average costs, above-average yields, and slightly above-
average hop prices. A survey among PKH members showed high satisfaction with
participation, especially due to improved fertilizer and pesticide management and better
financial planning. The first research question, which assumed members are willing to
discuss financial data with each other, was confirmed. However, the other two research
questions – that the most successful farm in terms of variable costs also performs in all
economic indicators, and that the farm with the higest gross margin has the highest yield
and price – were rejected.
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