ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATIONS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE IN NORTHERN MAZOVIA

<ns3:p>In the context of ongoing climate change and growing pressure on natural resources, technological innovations and pro-environmental practices in agriculture are gaining increasing relevance. This article examines the economic benefits of implementing sustainable practices on farms located in six counties of Northern Mazovia: Ciechanów, Maków, Mława, Płońsk, Pułtusk, and Przasnysz. Based on a 2024 survey conducted among 109 farm owners, the study analyzes the impact of such innovations on production costs, yields, income levels, and the natural environment. It also considers farm characteristics such as production type and area, identifying differences in the perception of benefits and barriers to innovation adoption. The results indicate that multifunctional farms (combining crop and livestock production) more frequently experienced positive economic outcomes. A majority of respondents (over 60%) reported that implemented innovations had a beneficial environmental impact. However, significant barriers to implementation were also identified, including high initial costs, insufficient institutional support, and limited access to knowledge. The article presents an analysis of statistical relationships between farm characteristics (such as location, production type, farm size, and farmer’s education) and the reported economic benefits and perceived barriers. It also outlines the needs and potential directions for supporting sustainable agriculture in regions characterized by traditional farming profiles.</ns3:p>