Agriculture

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16 pages, 2709 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determining Digitalization Issues (ICT Adoption, Digital Literacy, and the Digital Divide) in Rural Areas by Using Sample Surveys: The Case of Armenia

by Felix H. Arion, Gevorg Harutyunyan, Vardan Aleksanyan, Meri Muradyan, Hovhannes Asatryan and Meri Manucharyan

Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020249 - 2 Feb 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

Digital technologies have penetrated all spheres of human life, becoming an integral element of sustainable development, and rural areas and agriculture are no exception. However, the processes of digital transformation possess certain challenges. Among them are ICT penetration, digital literacy of society, and [...] Read more.

Digital technologies have penetrated all spheres of human life, becoming an integral element of sustainable development, and rural areas and agriculture are no exception. However, the processes of digital transformation possess certain challenges. Among them are ICT penetration, digital literacy of society, and the digital divide. This article aims to evaluate the digital penetration and the digital divide in rural areas of Armenia and identify and propose directions for improvement. For that purpose, a sample survey was conducted among rural households. The questionnaires included questions aimed at assessing digital literacy, as well as the level of ICT penetration and use. In addition, the Digital Devices and Technologies Usage Index (DTUI) was composed and calculated. The comparison of DTUI values revealed that being distant from the capital Yerevan can negatively impact ICT usage and digital penetration. It was revealed that households with higher incomes tend to use more ICT, which can indicate a possible positive relationship between DTUI and can be further studied by integrating econometric regression analysis. To facilitate and accelerate the processes of digital penetration and ICT use in rural areas of Armenia, relevant proposals were presented in the scope of the article. The results of this article can be useful for policymakers and the results part can be relevant for wider audiences. In particular, the recommendations presented in the article can be used by the RA Government as practical state support measures aimed at the promotion of digitalization in rural areas. Further research can include the digitalization issues in urban areas and provide insights into the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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22 pages, 6759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Collaboration among Governments, Pesticide Operators, and Farmers in Regulating Pesticide Operations for Agricultural Product Safety

by Jing Gong, Hongyan Du and Yong Sun

Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2288; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122288 - 18 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

The regulation of pesticide operations still faces numerous challenges and issues. Conflicts of interest and power struggles among the government, pesticide operators, and farmers are crucial factors that impact the effectiveness of regulation. To enhance efficiency and ensure the quality and safety of [...] Read more.

The regulation of pesticide operations still faces numerous challenges and issues. Conflicts of interest and power struggles among the government, pesticide operators, and farmers are crucial factors that impact the effectiveness of regulation. To enhance efficiency and ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products through stakeholder cooperation, this paper presents a dynamic evolution model based on the theory of evolutionary games. The model incorporates the government, pesticide operators, and farmers and evaluates the stability and effectiveness of the stakeholder cooperation mechanism under different circumstances. The research findings indicate the following: The relationships between the government, pesticide-operating enterprises, and farmers are characterized by intricate dynamics of cooperation and competition, coordination and contradiction, reciprocity, and mutual detriment. The stability and effectiveness of the stakeholder cooperation mechanism vary depending on different parameters. Several factors influence the stability of the stakeholder cooperation mechanism, with regulatory supervision from the government, stringent penalties for non-compliant pesticide operations, and strong incentives for farmers’ oversight being the most significant. The stakeholder cooperation mechanism can establish an evolutionary stabilization strategy when these factors reach a certain threshold. This study contributes to understanding the operational mechanisms of stakeholder cooperation in pesticide operation regulation and offers decision support and policy recommendations to relevant stakeholders for advancing the sustainable development and optimization of pesticide operation regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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22 pages, 1420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Profitability of Government-Funded Small-Scale Broiler Projects in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

by Sifiso Themba Clement Mdletshe and Ajuruchukwu Obi

Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2269; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122269 - 13 Dec 2023

Viewed by 3440

Abstract

The frequent failures of government-funded broiler enterprises raise concerns about the viability and wisdom of government funding for smallholders. This study therefore investigates the scope for the profitability of the small-scale broiler production and the range of socio-demographic and production issues that are [...] Read more.

The frequent failures of government-funded broiler enterprises raise concerns about the viability and wisdom of government funding for smallholders. This study therefore investigates the scope for the profitability of the small-scale broiler production and the range of socio-demographic and production issues that are implicated. The study area was the Northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province of South Africa, where smallholder broiler production is popular. A total of 75 randomly selected, small-scale broiler producers from three districts in Northern KZN, namely, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude, and Zululand, participated in the survey out of the 134 small-scale broiler producers supported by the government. The analyses employed diverse descriptive analysis and included the calculation of the gross margin to proxy broiler chicken profitability. Three models were fitted for the empirical analysis, namely, the OLS, the Two-Stage Least Squares, and the Stochastic Frontier models, to determine the factors influencing profitability, correcting for endogeneity, and computing the technical efficiency and inefficiency of the small-scale broiler production system. The results show that the primary production and marketing challenges were the lack of infrastructure (abattoirs and refrigeration) and the lack of formal markets, including the lack of market information and high transport costs. On average, the sampled government-funded small-scale broiler enterprises achieved a positive gross profit margin of 31 percent, which is relatively low when compared to the small-scale farmers that work for a large-scale enterprise—the Commercial Chicken Farm, near Pietermaritzburg. It was revealed that the profits are significantly influenced by gender, farmgate price, access to market information, and access to extension services. The production system was also shown to be operating at a reasonably high technical efficiency, which is strongly influenced by flock size, feeds, and labour input, while age, gender, and educational level contributed to technical inefficiency. The recent crisis that was experienced by the poultry industry in South Africa linked to the outbreak of the Avian Flu and its devastating consequences point up the urgency for more investment in infrastructure to enhance bird safety at affordable costs. Although the government-funded small-scale broiler enterprises in Northern KZN were found to be viable, it is evident that they can be better, possibly through more capacity building and collective action to take full advantage of the economies of scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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24 pages, 4096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing an Evaluation Framework for Circular Agriculture: A Pathway to Sustainable Farming

by Steliana Rodino, Ruxandra Pop, Cristina Sterie, Andreea Giuca and Eduard Dumitru

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112047 - 25 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3955

Abstract

This article examines how circularity can be measured and evaluated in the agricultural sector. Circularity represents a key approach for promoting sustainability in agriculture and for the efficient management of resources. Through a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and employing rigorous selection [...] Read more.

This article examines how circularity can be measured and evaluated in the agricultural sector. Circularity represents a key approach for promoting sustainability in agriculture and for the efficient management of resources. Through a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and employing rigorous selection methods, we identify the relevant indicators and tools for assessing circularity in the agri-food chain. The initial bibliometric analysis was performed by using a Biblioshiny instrument from R package tool Bibliometrics. Additionally, this article analyzes the methodologies based on the indicators and metrics that can be applied to measure the restorative capacity and effectiveness of the agricultural system. Most current research follows the 3R principles of the circular economy and establishes an evaluation index system based on the regional characteristics. Methods such as the multi-criteria decision analysis, data envelopment analysis, and life cycle assessment are the most used to date. For the micro-level analysis, system dynamics, material flow analysis, and emergy analysis were the most suitable. Our results provide a clear perspective on the current state of the research in the field of measuring circularity in agriculture and lay the groundwork for the future development of effective strategies for implementing the circular economy in this crucial sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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19 pages, 2674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Livelihood Resilience of Rural Residents under the Rural Revitalization Strategy in Ethnic Areas of Western Sichuan, China

by Ying Zhang, Xinyu Xie, Xiaoping Qiu, Zheng Jing, Yongqian Yu and Yan Wang

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1957; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101957 - 7 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2426

Abstract

Ethnic areas are special in terms of their geographic type, population size, production mode, etc. Scientific assessment of rural residents’ livelihood resilience and exploration of its influencing factors are significant for tapping the potential of rural residents’ livelihood resilience and promoting sustainable rural [...] Read more.

Ethnic areas are special in terms of their geographic type, population size, production mode, etc. Scientific assessment of rural residents’ livelihood resilience and exploration of its influencing factors are significant for tapping the potential of rural residents’ livelihood resilience and promoting sustainable rural development. This research takes the villages in the western Sichuan ethnic area as the study area and, based on the sustainable livelihood framework and the analysis framework of rural residents’ livelihood resilience, constructs an evaluation index system of rural residents’ livelihood resilience and explores the factors affecting its evolution using the OLS parameter estimation method. The results found that: (1) Annual per capita income and livelihood diversification of key livelihood factors of farm households have improved under the rural revitalization strategy. (2) Skill training opportunities, loan opportunities, living conditions, non-agricultural work experience, and traffic accessibility had the most significant impact on livelihood resilience, and were the dominant forces in enhancing the rural residents’ livelihood resilience. (3) There was a divergence of livelihood resilience among different types of rural residents, and those with low altitude, low dependency ratio, strong labor endowment, and high literacy had a higher livelihood resilience; furthermore, the mean value of livelihood resilience of tourism-led rural residents was higher than that of non-tourism-led rural residents under different livelihood strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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21 pages, 1770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Organic Pork Help Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Thailand?

by Supawan Visetnoi and Wayne Nelles

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091822 - 17 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

This paper examines how organic pork (OP) production, marketing and consumption in Thailand contributes to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that affect food agri-food system sustainability. The paper discusses technical debates and academic literature sources about OP, socioeconomic and environmental impacts of organic [...] Read more.

This paper examines how organic pork (OP) production, marketing and consumption in Thailand contributes to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that affect food agri-food system sustainability. The paper discusses technical debates and academic literature sources about OP, socioeconomic and environmental impacts of organic agriculture (OA), food security and SDGs. It reflects on theoretical, practical, policy and empirical issues utilizing Thai case study data on willingness to pay (WTP) for OP to illustrate SDG linkages. The study raises broader questions, complications and contradictions about universal access to safe, healthy and affordable organic food. It suggests that WTP as a niche strategy supporting OP producers has responded to consumer demand and has potential for increased farmer incomes. But WTP for OP is an inadequate, problematic priority if it does not better address ecological, social and economic sustainability concerns, cross-cutting SDGs and national policies including inequities among richer and poorer consumers and farmers. It shows how OP may modestly contribute to SDG2 achievement or help realize other interlinked SDGs in Thailand but can also hinder some SDGs. We conclude that the OA movement and governments must better address difficult challenges affecting livestock systems sustainability, meat production, consumption, value chains and socioeconomic equity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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19 pages, 1371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Is the Willingness to Pay for a Basket of Agricultural Goods? Multi-Features of Organic, Animal Welfare-Based and Natural Products with No Additives

by Yan-Shiang Chiou, Pei-Ing Wu, Je-Liang Liou, Ta-Ken Huang and Chu-Wei Chen

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091743 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1843

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to construct a model by combining the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with conjoint analysis to evaluate baskets of agricultural goods. Each basket of agricultural goods contains various different products, including white rice and leaf vegetables are [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to construct a model by combining the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with conjoint analysis to evaluate baskets of agricultural goods. Each basket of agricultural goods contains various different products, including white rice and leaf vegetables are either organic or non-organic, hens’ eggs and chicken drumsticks obtained from chickens bred with and without due consideration for animal welfare, and soy sauce and jam with or without additives. The evaluation of these various features is innovative and in accordance with the shopping behavior of most consumers who, most of the time, concurrently evaluate these multi-features and multi-products. The price premium for each feature and the willingness to pay, the highest amount that a consumer is willing to pay, for a specific basket of agricultural goods is evaluated by using the multinomial logit model and the linear regression model. The relationship between essential factors in the TPB and the sociodemographic characteristics of consumers is examined. In general, the ranking of the price premium paid for products from the highest to the lowest is soy sauce, jam, chicken drumsticks, white rice, hens’ eggs, and leaf vegetables, respectively. The price premium for natural products with no additives is higher than that for organic and animal welfare-based products. The evaluation of these multi-features of agricultural goods allows us to observe the relative importance of an agricultural product through the price premium, with different combinations of other products. This indicates that the evaluation of the price premium for only a single product or for multiple products with a single feature might be either over-estimated or under-estimated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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17 pages, 4204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subsidies’ Impacts on Technical–Economic Indicators in Large Crop Farms

by Stoicea Paula, Tudor Valentina Constanța, Stoian Elena, Micu Marius Mihai, Soare Elena and Militaru Dan Ciprian

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091712 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182

Abstract

The objective of the analysis is to quantify the impact of subsidies on the activity of two large farms of 600 ha and 3000 ha, respectively. The innovative solution from this analysis is to create a model that can be used at the [...] Read more.

The objective of the analysis is to quantify the impact of subsidies on the activity of two large farms of 600 ha and 3000 ha, respectively. The innovative solution from this analysis is to create a model that can be used at the macroeconomic level, showing the possible ways in which these large farms can secure their incomes. To study the use of these subsidies, the methods of technical–economic analysis, economic–financial analysis and statistical analysis of the data were used. Descriptive statistics, visual inspection and basic comparative methods were used to determine the statistical patterns of subsidy impact and variation for each crop. In this context, this is evidence of the possibility of probable expansion of crop income and profitability. The results were different for the two arable farms studied. The results for the 600 ha arable farm suggested that the statistical model was inconclusive due to the annual adjustment of the cropping plan and the impossibility of making viable forecasts, especially since the ecological performance fluctuated (in 2020 the farm was on the verge of profitability), although the positive impact of subsidies was evident in loss-making years. For the 3000 ha arable farm, the statistical model was relevant because it highlighted crops (corn and soybeans) that consistently contributed to good and increasing income and economic performance, as well as highlighting the significant impact of subsidies. The conclusions of the study emphasize the indispensability of subsidies for large farms and the contribution of crops to income generation. These conclusions provide a valuable source of information for relevant policy decisions and can guide future research aiming to increase the profitability of these farms and allocate resources appropriately and efficiently in the agricultural sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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11 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Late Seedlings of Açai (Euterpe oleraceae) in an Aquaponic System with Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum, Curvier, 1818)

by Edileno Tiago de Sousa Nascimento, Raimundo Formento Pereira Junior, Valéria Silva dos Reis, Bianca de Jesus Figueiredo Gomes, Marco Shizuo Owatari, Ronald Kennedy Luz, Nuno Filipe Alves Correia de Melo, Maria de Lourdes Souza Santos, Glauber David Almeida Palheta and Fabio Carneiro Sterzelecki

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081581 - 8 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1607

Abstract

Over the years, aquaponics has become a powerful technological tool that allows the sustainable production of food, integrating conventional fish farming with vegetable production. The present study evaluated the production of late seedlings of açai Euterpe oleraceae in an aquaponic system with tambaqui [...] Read more.

Over the years, aquaponics has become a powerful technological tool that allows the sustainable production of food, integrating conventional fish farming with vegetable production. The present study evaluated the production of late seedlings of açai Euterpe oleraceae in an aquaponic system with tambaqui Colossoma macropomum. A total of 36 tambaquis with an initial average weight and length of 1086.75 ± 16.38 g and 38.49 ± 0.90 cm were distributed in 12 independent aquaponic units, totaling 3.62 kg m⁻³. The fish were fed three times daily with commercial feed at a rate of 3%. Three flooding levels of 5, 10 and 15 cm, with constant water flow through the hydroponic bed (0.5 m²), were evaluated, and a control-hydroponic bed with flooding levels of 10 cm was established, all in triplicate. In the 5 and 10 cm treatments, 3450 açai seedlings with an initial height of 12.3 ± 1.9 cm were used (575 per aquaponic units), while the 15 cm treatment contained non-germinated açai seeds. The control group did not receive açai seeds and remained empty. Analyses to monitor total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, alkalinity, hardness, nitrogenous compounds, and phosphate levels were performed. At the end of the 30-day trial, the growth performance of tambaqui and plants was evaluated. Water quality was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by different flooding levels. Electrical conductivity and TDS decreased with an increasing in flooding levels. The flooding levels significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the concentration of total ammonia and nitrate between the treatments. The 5 cm flooding level showed the best plant development indexes for total height, aerial portion height, root height and aerial portion fresh mass. No significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in tambaqui growth performance. The aquaponic system proved to be effective in reusing fish waste (excreta and feed leftovers) generated in the system. The biotransformation of waste into nutrients allowed the growth of plants and nitrifying bacteria, which, through their metabolic pathways, ensured the purification and reuse of water, avoiding the discharge of this waste into the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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22 pages, 2219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Preferences in the Purchase of Agri-Food Products: Implications for the Development of Family Farms

by Eduard Alexandru Dumitru, Cristina Maria Sterie, Steliana Rodino and Marian Butu

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081478 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3782

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferences of Romanian consumers when purchasing agri-food products, with a focus on products from family farms, and to identify pathways for promoting family farms’ outputs for enhancing the development of rural areas and the [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferences of Romanian consumers when purchasing agri-food products, with a focus on products from family farms, and to identify pathways for promoting family farms’ outputs for enhancing the development of rural areas and the local economy. For this, a survey was carried out using a questionnaire as the main tool. Firstly, the data collected were analysed from a descriptive point of view. Then, multiple linear regression and the chi-square test were used to determine the relationships between variables, and ANOVA was used to identify significant differences between groups. The results revealed that consumers with a higher level of education are more confident in certified products and are better informed, with a greater ability to distinguish certified from non-certified products through logos. Finally, the results indicate an opportunity for family farms to sell their products for a higher price within a secure market, mainly in urban areas. However, for this to happen, it is necessary to implement a quality scheme, highlighting the origin and originality of the product (product obtained from a family farm, including logo) coupled with awareness campaigns on the advantages that this product has, both for the consumer and the farmer or the region it comes from. These aspects could improve the development of rural areas from all points of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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18 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Internet Use on the Well-Being of Rural Residents

by Longjunjiang Huang, Xian Liang, Lishan Li, Hui Xiao and Fangting Xie

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071462 - 24 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3344

Abstract

With the full penetration of the Internet, the Internet has had a great impact on the production and life of rural residents. The article takes a rural residents’ group as its research object to explore the impact mechanism. Leveraging data from the Chinese [...] Read more.

With the full penetration of the Internet, the Internet has had a great impact on the production and life of rural residents. The article takes a rural residents’ group as its research object to explore the impact mechanism. Leveraging data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2016, we employ a multivariate ordered logit model as an empirical approach to delve into the various dimensions of Internet usage. By examining different facets of Internet utilization, we aim to assess the effects of these distinct uses on the well-being of rural residents. Furthermore, we investigate the mediating role of social capital in understanding the collective well-being of this demographic. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) The utilization of the Internet yields a positive impact on the well-being of rural residents. (2) Social networks exhibit a significant positive influence on the well-being of rural residents; social solidarity demonstrates a significant negative impact on the well-being of rural residents. Additionally, social trust is found to have a significant negative effect on the well-being of rural residents. (3) Regarding mobile phone access, we identify a positive and significant effect on the well-being of rural residents when mediated by social networks and social trust. In contrast, social mutual aid does not exhibit a significant mediating effect. Among the patterns of mobile phone usage, social network and social mutual aid within the realm of social capital emerge as intermediate variables that affect the well-being of rural residents through Internet usage. However, it is worth noting that social trust does not have a significant effect in this regard. These results contribute to our understanding of how Internet usage and social capital interact to shape the well-being of rural communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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Review

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18 pages, 3731 KiB

Open AccessReview

Climate Change Impacts on Vegetable Crops: A Systematic Review

by Eduard Alexandru Dumitru, Rozi Liliana Berevoianu, Valentina Constanta Tudor, Florina-Ruxandra Teodorescu, Dalila Stoica, Andreea Giucă, Diana Ilie and Cristina Maria Sterie

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101891 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8162

Abstract

Agriculture is a fundamental aspect of our society, providing food and resources for a growing population. However, climate change is putting this sector at risk through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. [...] Read more.

Agriculture is a fundamental aspect of our society, providing food and resources for a growing population. However, climate change is putting this sector at risk through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Our study highlights the need to address climate change in a differentiated way, taking into account the specificities of each agricultural sector, and therefore aims not only to organise and summarise current research but also to fill an important gap in the existing literature by focusing on the impact of climate change on vegetable crops. The topic was researched using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, where 219 publications were thoroughly reviewed and only those that fully addressed the impact of climate change on vegetable crops were selected. Of the 219 publications reviewed, only 53 focused exclusively on the effects of climate change on vegetable crops, indicating the need for more specialised research in this area, especially given the complex challenges that climate change poses not only in terms of yield but also non-trivial quality and food safety, and can be considered a future research prospect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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25 pages, 1992 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Agri-Food By-Products in the Food Industry

by Roxana Nicoleta Rațu, Ionuț Dumitru Veleșcu, Florina Stoica, Alexandru Usturoi, Vlad Nicolae Arsenoaia, Ioana Cristina Crivei, Alina Narcisa Postolache, Florin Daniel Lipșa, Feodor Filipov, Andreea Mihaela Florea, Mihai Alexandru Chițea and Ioan Sebastian Brumă

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081559 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 10865

Abstract

Every year, the global food industry produces a significant number of wastes and by-products from a variety of sources. By-products from the food-processing sector are produced in large quantities, and because of their undesirable qualities, they are frequently wasted, losing important resources. In [...] Read more.

Every year, the global food industry produces a significant number of wastes and by-products from a variety of sources. By-products from the food-processing sector are produced in large quantities, and because of their undesirable qualities, they are frequently wasted, losing important resources. In order to pursue a circular economy that refers to waste reduction and effective waste management, by-products valorization recently received increased interest. By-products are rich in bioactive compounds and can be used in various industrial applications for health promotion and nutritional benefits. A novel step in its sustainable application is the use of these inexpensive waste agri-food by-products to create the value-added products. The present review intended to summarize the different types of agro-industrial by-products and their properties and highlight their nutritional composition and potential health benefits. Applications of agri-food by-products in foods as well as the potential health and sustainability implications of by-products in food products were also covered. According to research, agri-food by-products can be added to a variety of food to increase their bioactive profile, fiber content, and antioxidant capacity while maintaining good sensory acceptability. Overall, the sustainability of the agri-food chain and consumer health can both benefit from the use of agri-food by-products in food formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development and Agri-Food Systems)

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