The role of institutional quality, energy consumption, and trade openness in food production in major 19 agricultural economies

Abstract This study investigates the structural determinants of agricultural sustainability by analyzing the long-run effects of institutional quality, oil consumption, information and communication technology (ICT), agricultural employment, and trade openness on food production in 19 major agricultural economies during the period 1996–2020. Using panel data econometrics, the analysis applies the Durbin–Hausman cointegration test and the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator to account for cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity. The findings reveal that institutional quality, oil consumption, and agricultural employment significantly enhance food production, while ICT and trade openness exhibit mixed or statistically insignificant effects. These results indicate that strong governance structures, efficient energy use, and robust agricultural labor markets are essential for sustaining long-term food productivity. The study contributes to the existing literature by integrating institutional and energy dimensions into the analysis of agricultural sustainability, highlighting policy pathways toward resilient and energy-efficient food systems. Policymakers are encouraged to strengthen institutional capacity, promote the adoption of renewable energy in agriculture, and enhance labor productivity to ensure sustainable food security amid global economic and climatic uncertainties.