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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2023) | Viewed by 36091

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Roberto Henke

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Council for Research in Agriculture and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy
Interests: land sustainability; multifunctional agriculture; urban–rural linkages; common agricultural policy; green support; new delivery system; European agricultural model; income diversification in agriculture; small farms; food sustainability; food and culture; agri-food trade, import and export sophistication
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Dr. Filiberto Altobelli

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Guest Editor

Council for Research in Agriculture and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy
Interests: agricultural water management; sustainable soil management; cropping systems; precision agriculture; irrigation; quantitative analysis; econometrics and impact assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a keyword for viable agricultural activity and food production. According to Agenda 2030, agricultural and food products are highly influenced by the climate change, the increasing scarcity of natural resources and the changes in the availability and use of land. The combination of the intensification of productive systems, the overexploitation of natural resources and bad diet regimes calls for a redirection of the way primary activity and food production are approached.

A sustainable approach to agriculture, in a global governance context, can bring, among other things, to a general improvement of the eco-systems, to a reduction of food waste and natural resource depletion, to more equitable food access, and to social and economic justice. Applying the principles of sustainability to agriculture and food production means to take into consideration, simultaneously, the three main dimensions of sustainability: economic (in terms of fair incomes to farmers and other actors of the supply chain), social (in terms of access to food for consumers, livelihood of rural areas and proper labor conditions for workers), and environmental (in terms of reduced impact of the production process and a more efficient rise of natural resources).

This Special Issue is an occasion to investigate, discuss at a scientific level, and to disseminate in an international arena, the possible economic strategies and set of policies to implement sustainable agricultural systems and food products, in both the developed world and the developing areas of the world. We invite to submit scientific papers and surveys on these matters, encouraging multidisciplinary contributions and multidimensional approaches to sustainability.

Dr. Roberto Henke
Dr. Filiberto Altobelli
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

Agenda 2030
EU green deal
farm to fork strategy
CAP reform
sustainability indicators
economic, social and environmental sustainability
quality products
food waste and security
innovation in agriculture and digitalization
agricultural services and public goods
organic farming
participative approaches
income diversification
soil and water management

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

8 pages, 170 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production

by Filiberto Altobelli and Roberto Henke

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030504 - 20 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1691

Abstract

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a keyword for viable agriculture and food production [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

22 pages, 4258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Evaluations of and Attitudes towards New Genome Editing Techniques: An Italian Case Study

by Simona Romeo Lironcurti, Federica Demaria, Raffaele D’Annolfo and Roberta Sardone

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010051 - 27 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1528

Abstract

The ever-increasing development of assisted evolution technologies (AETs) in agriculture has boosted crop improvement. The commercialization of improved biotech crops can be promoted by modern gene editing instead of conventional genetic modification, which is a cheaper and faster approach that can help address future agriculture challenges, such as food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change. However, the use of these technologies is still sensitive and debated in many countries. Each region promotes a different approach, depending on regulatory policies, and adopting these technologies requires knowledge of consumer views and stakeholder acceptance. For this purpose, we conducted a survey of 564 Italians regarding their knowledge of genetic techniques, informational tools, purchase preferences, environmental sustainability, and food safety issues. The research aims are twofold: (a) to assess the level of knowledge and (b) to determine how consumer background, including social and demographic characteristics, affects their level of knowledge. Our findings emphasize the importance of communication and dissemination activities, in which clarity and a broad appeal are key. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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20 pages, 1836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Correlation Network Structure of and Factors Influencing Technological Progress in Citrus-Producing Regions in China

by Yumeng Gu, Chunjie Qi, Yu He, Fuxing Liu and Beige Luo

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2118; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112118 - 8 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1261

Abstract

In this study, the transcendental logarithmic cost function model was used to measure the rate of technological progress in seven major mandarin-producing regions and seven major tangerine-producing regions in China from 2006 to 2021. The modified gravity model was used to establish spatial correlation networks. The social network analysis method was used to analyze the characteristics of the overall network structure and the individual network structure of the spatial correlation networks of citrus-production technology progress, and the quadratic assignment procedure was used to analyze the factors influencing the spatial network. The results show the production of Chinese mandarins and tangerines is in the stage of technological progress in general, but the rate of progress is slowing down gradually, and the rate of mandarin-production technology progress is higher than that of tangerine-production technology progress. In terms of the overall network structure characteristics, the spatial networks of technological progress related to Chinese mandarin and tangerine production are becoming increasingly dense and complex, with obvious spatial spillover effects, but the network structure is relatively loose, and the polarization of the tangerine network is more serious. In terms of individual network structure characteristics, the relatively economically developed eastern regions have a higher status in terms of the spatial correlation network and a stronger role in controlling and dominating the resource elements needed for citrus-production technology progress. Education, informatization, economic development, innovation support, and financial support are important factors influencing the formation of the spatial association network of citrus-production technology progress in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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16 pages, 2948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Family Farming as a Contribution to Food Sovereignty, Case Guarainag Parish

by Graciela Verdugo, Gina Cuadrado and Yonimiler Castillo

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091827 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2589

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze how family farming contributes to food sovereignty; the Guarainag parish of the Paute canton in the province of Azuay-Ecuador is taken as a case of study. This work responds to the necessity to explain the elements that impact food sovereignty in the existing food crisis in Latin America and specifically in Ecuador in search of self-sufficiency for healthy food products and people’s own local culture. For this purpose, a Food Sovereignty Index was constructed through ten quantitative and qualitative indicators. The research has a correlational and explanatory scope; quantitative methods were used to measure food sovereignty through a binary logit regression model, which provided an answer to the hypothesis of the research, which consisted of testing the influence of family farming on food sovereignty. Furthermore, to collect the information, a survey was applied to 372 small farmers with the support of digital mapping and the Kobol Tulboox software version 1.27.3. The result was a Food Sovereignty Index of 59.79%, which, according to the scale used, places the territory in a high average. In addition, the hypothesis was verified, concluding that there is a direct relationship among the following elements of family farming such as number of household members, family labor, group of products, type of animals, tillage technology, natural fertilizer, and altitudinal levels with food sovereignty. For future research, it is recommended that the variable of climate change has to be incorporated in order to observe its impact on food sovereignty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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30 pages, 2905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Empirical Investigation of the “Mezzogiorno Trap” in China’s Agricultural Economy: Insights from Data Envelopment Analysis (2015–2021)

by Xiaotuan Li, Panfei Yang and Yuntao Zou

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091806 - 13 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255

Abstract

Reducing regional inequality is one of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. However, a persistent regional disparity known as the “Mezzogiorno Trap” presents a significant challenge. The underdeveloped regions that fall into the “Mezzogiorno Trap”, even though they can narrow the gap with other regions through substantial support, see the disparity widen again when the level of assistance starts to decline. This paper proposes a methodology for identifying the “Mezzogiorno Trap”. By employing this approach and combining panel data on Chinese agriculture from 2015 to 2021, it is discovered that despite the overall development of the Chinese agricultural economy during this period, the “Mezzogiorno Trap” still exists. The paper analyzes the reasons behind the “Mezzogiorno Trap” in the Chinese agricultural economy and presents constructive recommendations based on the research findings. The research process demonstrates that this methodology is better suited for studying regional disparities in specific economic sectors, and the obtained results are more stable and reliable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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15 pages, 2670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Preference Weights and Setting Priorities by Irrigation Advisory Services Users Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process

by Itzel Inti Maria Donati, Davide Viaggi, Zorica Srdjevic, Bojan Srdjevic, Antonella Di Fonzo, Teresa Del Giudice, Orlando Cimino, Andrea Martelli, Anna Dalla Marta, Roberto Henke and Filiberto Altobelli

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1545; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081545 - 2 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1656

Abstract

Objective: Stakeholders—farmers from four different European areas (Campania (IT), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (PL), Limburg (NL), Andalusia (ES))—are asked to share, from the OPERA project, their opinions on five criteria that all aim at improving the use of irrigation advisory services (IASs). Each criterion has different characteristics that affect the way farmers rank it. The present study has two objectives. The first is to individuate the priorities of the preferences expressed by the stakeholders. The second objective is to carry out a ranking of the weights of the criteria by case study, ranking the groups and their associated properties among farmers’ profiles. Methods: The answers to 120 questionnaires dispensed to the future users of IASs in the four agricultural sites were analyzed in detail, and then the given priorities were evaluated through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The AHP methodology was used to determine the relative weights of the five assessment criteria, and finally, to select the one with major value. Results and conclusions: The results show that A5 (assuring economic sustainability) was the most important criterion. The contributions provided by this study are twofold: Firstly, it presents an application of a methodology that involves the conversion of a linguistic judgement of farmers in a correspondence weight. Secondly, it tackles decision making regarding improving the use of IASs, evaluating the preferences expressed by the stakeholders. Irrigation advisory services can play a key role in assisting users to adopt new techniques and technologies for more efficient water use and increased production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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16 pages, 1833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing the Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers towards Adoption of Digital Technologies in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

by Nasiphi Vusokazi Bontsa, Abbyssinia Mushunje and Saul Ngarava

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081471 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4557

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence the perceptions of smallholder farmers towards the adoption of digital technologies. A purposively selected sample of 250 smallholder farmers who were cross-sectionally surveyed from Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill Local Municipalities in South Africa was used in the study. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Attention, Desire, and Action (AIDA) model were used to analyse the data. The results showed that digital technologies were perceived to be expensive, cause a digital divide, and discouraged the use of Indigenous Knowledge even though they increased production. Positive perception towards digital technologies was associated with cattle rearing, with extreme negative perception for sheep and goat rearing. Educational level, employment status, monthly income, household size, being part of a cooperative (1% level), age, and source of income (10% level) were significant factors affecting smallholder farmers’ perceptions of digital technologies. In conclusion, there are economic, social justice, and traditional perceptions towards digital technologies by smallholder farmers, with socio-economic factors affecting the perceptions. The study recommends providing low-cost digital technologies that promote Indigenous Knowledge, which should target the youth and young farmers with less education in small households who are full-time farmers with moderate-to-high incomes and are part of farmer groups/organisations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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14 pages, 1056 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Spatial Convergence Analysis of Total Factor Productivity of Citrus in China

by Yumeng Gu, Chunjie Qi, Fuxing Liu, Quanyong Lei and Yuchao Ding

Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061258 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1390

Abstract

In this study, the DEA–Malmquist index method was used to measure the total factor productivity of citrus in seven major mandarin-producing provinces and seven major tangerine-producing provinces in China from 2006 to 2020. Moran’s I index was used to test the spatial correlation of total factor productivity of mandarin and tangerine, and its σ convergence and β convergence characteristics were explored using coefficient of variation and spatial panel models. The results show that from the perspective of time series evolution, the growth rate of total factor productivity of mandarin and tangerine in China slowed down year by year after reaching the maximum value in 2008. Technological progress was the main factor affecting the total factor productivity of citrus. The total factor productivity growth of tangerine was more stable than that of mandarin, and the pure technical efficiency index and scale efficiency change index of mandarin and tangerine were not stable. From the perspective of regional differences, the total factor productivity of China’s main citrus-producing provinces all indicated positive growth, showing an increasing trend from east to west. The drivers of growth were mainly technological progress and scale efficiency. The regional differences in total factor productivity growth for mandarin were more obvious than for tangerine. The total factor productivity of mandarin and tangerine showed obvious spatial correlation characteristics; the positive spatial spillover effect was significant; and there were σ convergence, absolute β convergence, and conditional β convergence. Regional disparities in citrus industry development can be more objectively reflected by convergence analysis that takes spatial factors, economic and social factors, and other factors into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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13 pages, 1269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Step toward Water Use Sustainability: Implementing a Business Model Canvas for Irrigation Advisory Services

by Alessandra Santini, Antonella Di Fonzo, Elisa Giampietri, Andrea Martelli, Orlando Cimino, Anna Dalla Marta, Maria Carmela Annosi, Francisco José Blanco-Velázquez, Teresa Del Giudice and Filiberto Altobelli

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051081 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3692

Abstract

Some major future global challenges are linked to more efficient use of water for irrigation to respond to the growing water scarcity coupled with the increasing food demand. Although irrigation advisory services (IASs) are considered effective instruments to increase water use efficiency in agriculture, their diffusion remains limited. This is due to several constraints mainly linked to their low accessibility and high costs. To overcome the bottlenecks associated with IASs’ adoption, this paper proposes a business model (BM) as a tool for scaling up IASs within a business perspective, with the aim of encouraging the diffusion of this technology while enhancing the associated environmental and social benefits. Drawn from the experience of the OPERA project, we structured the business model taking advantage of the opinion of relevant stakeholders and IASs’ potential users to identify specific limitations and understand their needs. It turned out that farmers are willing to adopt IASs but require that the service is easily accessible, with high-quality information that are delivered at an affordable cost. Indeed, here a BM with an innovative way to produce and deliver value is proposed. The value proposition is built upon key features namely, integration, customization, accessibility, and sustainability that reflect users’ needs and preferences. Our BM also provides a detailed revenues strategy that guarantees the financial sustainability of IASs. To design and represent our BM, the “Business Model Canvas ©” has been adopted. We concluded that an innovative and well-structured BM has the potential to leave the IASs profitable and capable to ensure environmental and social sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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17 pages, 1259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Who Is Going Green? Determinants of Green Investment Intention in the Saudi Food Industry

by Meqbel M. Aliedan, Mansour A. Alyahya, Ibrahim A. Elshaer and Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051047 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2506

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has witnessed major transformations in social, economic, and environmental aspects since the inauguration of Saudi Vision 2030 in April 2016. In alignment with this, the leadership of KSA has inaugurated green initiatives that pave the way for green investment opportunities in different industries within KSA. However, there was limited, if any, research about green investment intention and behaviour in KSA. This research tests an expanded model of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to investigate the determinants of green investment intention in the Saudi food industry. A questionnaire survey was electronically directed to 550 fresh agricultural and food sciences graduates in public KSA universities. The results of PLS-SEM showed significant positive influences of the attitude, perceived behavioural control, green investment knowledge, and green consumption commitment on the green investment intention of potential investors. However, the results confirmed a negative influence of subjective norms on green investment intention. The results also confirmed a moderating role of religiosity on the relationship between attitude, perceived behavioural control, green consumption commitment, and green investment intention. The results send some important messages to scholars and policymakers in higher education regarding the foundation of green investment among their graduates, which are elaborated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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20 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Technical Training on Farmers Adopting Water-Saving Irrigation Technology: An Empirical Evidence from China

by Ding Xiuling, Lu Qian, Li Lipeng and Apurbo Sarkar

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050956 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3164

Abstract

Farmers’ adoption of water-saving irrigation technology (WSIT) is essential for achieving high-quality agricultural development. An in-depth analysis of the impact of risk aversion, technical training and their interaction on farmers’ adoption of WSIT will help the government to promote WSIT to facilitate agricultural resource conservation and sustainable development. The study takes 707 farmers who grow watermelons and muskmelon in Yuncheng and Xian City of Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces as the research object to analyse the influence of risk aversion and technical training and their interaction terms on farmers’ WSIT adoption behaviour. The study uses the Probit and moderating effect models to outline the findings. The empirical analysis reveals the following outcomes: (i) 27.44% of the sample farmers adopt water-saving irrigation technology, indicating that the current adoption rate and the enthusiasm for adoption are relatively low; (ii) risk aversion has a significant negative impact on farmers’ adoption of WSIT; (iii) both online and offline technical training have a significant positive impact on farmers’ adoption of WSIT; (iv) significant group differences exist in the effects of risk aversion, online technical training, offline technical training and interaction items on farmers’ WSIT adoption behaviour. Therefore, the study proposes to strengthen the role of technical training in the diffusion of WSIT and implement differentiated technical training for different types of farmers to reduce the degree of risk aversion of farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

16 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Short Food Supply Chain Sustainability: A Selection of Attributes and Indicators through a Qualitative Approach

by Patrizia Borsotto, Roberto Cagliero, Francesca Giarè, Giorgia Giordani, Rita Iacono, Ilenia Manetti and Roberta Sardone

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030646 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3741

Abstract

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are one of the most direct approaches to more directly connecting consumers with producers. The scaling-up of SFSCs is often challenged by critical issues which can be overcome with identification of the most sustainable, replicable schemes. This paper presents the results of a participatory analysis conducted within the agroBRIDGES H2020 project, with the aim of defining a list of economic, social, and environmental attributes and indicators to assess the sustainability of SFSCs and set up a decision-making tool to support producers in self-assessing their sustainability level and choosing the most appropriate business model (BM) from those identified within the project. The proposed framework was based on a literature review and validated using co-creation exercises (Delphi rounds and focus groups) with relevant European stakeholders. A final set of 47 indicators was identified, and their potential for use in assessing the sustainability level of various BMs was also validated. Early results highlighted three main issues: indicator calculation feasibility, business model categorization, and the simplicity of the framework for sustainability self-assessment. Some recommendations are made, including the importance of using a participatory process in building an evaluation framework on SFSC sustainability and the necessity of its adaptation to territorial contexts and needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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Review

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25 pages, 3003 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Agroforestry Contribute to Food and Livelihood Security for Indonesia’s Smallholders in the Climate Change Era?

by Aris Sudomo, Budi Leksono, Hesti Lestari Tata, Anita Apriliani Dwi Rahayu, Aziz Umroni, Heny Rianawati, Asmaliyah, Krisnawati, Ali Setyayudi, Marcellinus Mandira Budi Utomo, Levina Augusta Geraldine Pieter, Arini Wresta, Yonky Indrajaya, Syed Ajijur Rahman and Himlal Baral

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101896 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4949

Abstract

In Indonesia, smallholders have historically practiced agroforestry, which warrants examination in terms of food and livelihood security within sustainable community forest frameworks. Based on a literature review, we analyzed these two forms of security related to smallholder agroforestry practices. Findings indicate diverse agroforestry systems, with 88% focusing on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and 12% on timber. While 42% prioritize direct food supply, 58% emphasize income generation through product sales. However, agroforestry that does not produce food for direct consumption by smallholders generates revenue for purchasing food necessities. Agroforestry supports both food needs (46–61%) and income (51–54%) for smallholders, surpassing traditional agriculture (13%). Semi-commercial agroforestry (57%) is a predominant livelihood prospect. The remaining 27% are purely subsistence, and 15% are purely commercial. However, the commercialization of agroforestry that focuses only on high-value commodities results in a negative impact on biodiversity. There is a concomitant decrease in environmental services for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Biodiversity remains crucial for climate resilience, health care, and food security in rural communities. Semi-commercial agroforestry is a midpoint for achieving multifunctional agriculture (biodiversity, soil and water conservation, food security, and income) in the climate change era. The research directly related to food security and ecosystem services quantification remains limited, necessitating further investigation. Policy support and incentives are essential for smallholders practicing complex agroforestry for climate adaptation and mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production)

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