There Is Some Data on Our Plate! Discovering Insights of the LCCA Method

In the context of increasing economic pressures on global food systems, employing a comprehensive analytical method is crucial for ensuring both efficiency and sustainability in the agriculture sector. Aiming to evaluate cost structures, compare ecological and conventional production systems and identify cost-intensive “hotspots” to support more-efficient practices, the study applies the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) methodology to assess the economic performance of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) crop. The primary data were collected from the accounting records and operational documents of an eco-certified vegetable farm in southern Romania. The findings revealed the main cost contributors in the capital cost category—seedling production (5.68%) and selling production (1.39% of the total lifespan cost)—and in the operational cost category—field cultivation (40.81%) and post-harvest costs (32.10% of the total LCC)—which are major cost drivers, highlighting the need for targeted adaptations to enhance cost efficiency and overall sustainability.