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Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges
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Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Food".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 116522

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Valeria Borsellino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 4, 90128 PALERMO (PA), Italy
Interests: agricultural economics and policies; rural development; agri-food market; cooperation; consumer behavior; wine sustainability
Prof. Emanuele Schimmenti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 4, 90128 PALERMO (PA), Italy
Interests: economic analysis of Mediterranean farms and agri-food markets; CAP and its implications; ICT and logistics of agri-food production; farming associationism; aquaculture; forestry and agri-environmental issues; land cadastre and land market; wine sustainability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few decades agri-food markets have become increasingly complex due to changes in consumer demand (linked also to food safety and quality), technological advances, and transformation in the industrial structure along the value chain. Moreover, demographic development, urbanization, globalization, neolocalism, increased incomes, unbalanced world distribution of wealth, deforestation, land grabbing and climate change are leading to a progressive and unpredictable change in horizons.

The combination of these phenomena has triggered changes throughout the agri-food market, generating sometimes conflicting trends: for example, the organic market has changed from a niche to a large segment of consumption; the progressive deforestation in the world, in order to grow crops that provide food, fibres and energy, is of great concern for the consequent loss of biodiversity and climate change; the change in land use has accentuated the volatility of the prices of the main commodities. In the meantime, innovative solutions (new digital technologies, forms of collaboration between and in the different supply chains, alternative agri-food networks, etc.) with objectives of social, economic and environmental sustainability have been developed.

In the future, the agri-food market must focus on sustainable food supply, meeting the needs of a growing world population (markedly in Asia and Africa) and concentrated in cities. Moreover, in rich countries, consumption ranges from commodities to high-end products, depending on the level of consumers' wealth.

Given the unsustainable nature of current agri-food production, processing, distribution and consumption patterns, sustainability issues and challenges have become crucial to effectively manage an agri-food market that supports expected population growth and meets food demand and greener trends in an increasingly sustainable manner.

The range of suitable contributions for this special issue is wide: case studies, experiments and other forms of empirical evidence, as well as application of theoretical concepts. More specifically, we welcome manuscripts that help to outline sustainable horizons of the future agri-food market, dealing with:

  • “green” changes in consumer demand
  • sustainability and innovation along the agri-food chains (ecopreneurship; vertical integration and horizontal alliances; farming associationism)
  • efficiency and inclusiveness of sustainable agri-food systems (agri-ecology and organic farming; small producers; safeguard of the natural and cultural heritage; relationship between food, gastronomy and territory; neolocalism; alternative agri-food networks)
  • interaction between the agri-food market and agri-environmental policies
  • market regulation instruments (public policies and national and international governance; impact of specific free trade agreements and trade tariffs; food sovereignty and sovereignism)
  • tools to prevent risks which may jeopardise agri-food markets.

Prof. Valeria Borsellino
Prof. Emanuele Schimmenti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • supply and demand for sustainable production
  • consumer behavior
  • agri-food systems
  • enhancement of agri-food production
  • innovation
  • farming associationism
  • alternative agri-food networks
  • public policies

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Published Papers (16 papers)

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15 pages, 1685 KiB  
Article
Transitioning towards Organic Farming: Perspectives for the Future of the Italian Organic Wine Sector
by Francesca Varia, Dario Macaluso, Ida Agosta, Francesco Spatafora and Giovanni Dara Guccione
Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052815 - 5 Mar 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3787
Abstract
In recent years, after the publication of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and the labelling of organic products, all stakeholders have been considering threats and opportunities in the development of the organic food and beverage sector. The aim of the study outlined [...] Read more.
In recent years, after the publication of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and the labelling of organic products, all stakeholders have been considering threats and opportunities in the development of the organic food and beverage sector. The aim of the study outlined in this paper was to analyse the development prospects of the Italian organic wine sector in light of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) environmental and climate objectives. Specifically, the study focussed on applying a System Dynamics Approach (SDA) and a Network Analysis in order to explain how the most relevant social–economic determinants of the national organic wine sector are in all likelihood influencing the hoped-for shift from conventional to organic production. Such conversion appeared to be worth exploring because, despite the increasing global demand for organic wine, the economic effects on the entire system are still somewhat unclear from a dynamic perspective. The results of the study clearly demonstrated that public policies and regulatory actions at the national and European level will continue to be very influential for the future of the national organic wine system. Different development pathways, such as groups of operators and the adoption of the new national certification system for the sustainability of the entire wine supply chain, should be undertaken by Italian “small wine operators” in order to gain international markets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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23 pages, 2597 KiB  
Article
The Agroecological Approach as a Model for Multifunctional Agriculture and Farming towards the European Green Deal 2030—Some Evidence from the Italian Experience
by Giuseppe Gargano, Francesco Licciardo, Milena Verrascina and Barbara Zanetti
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042215 - 19 Feb 2021
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8267
Abstract
Agroecology can be considered an approach to farming and food systems which integrates the use of ecological principles and biological cycles methods of the traditional systems to the design and management of sustainable agriculture. Despite some differences mainly due to specific national developments [...] Read more.
Agroecology can be considered an approach to farming and food systems which integrates the use of ecological principles and biological cycles methods of the traditional systems to the design and management of sustainable agriculture. Despite some differences mainly due to specific national developments on the topic, today there is a substantial convergence in the belief that the term agroecology reconciles three dimensions: scientific discipline, social movement, cultural practice. Beyond the deep-rooted French experience, at the level of the European Union (EU) there is no clear strategy for agroecological practices and action plans. In the Italian case, a first step forward, especially in terms of initiatives, was taken following the universal exhibition “EXPO 2015 Milan” while with respect to the promotion of agroecological practices, some positive feedback is ascribable to the experience of the Bio-districts. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the model adopted by the Italian multifunctional farms can be considered precursory with respect to the approach that, from a theoretical point of view, identifies agroecology. The Italian system on farms diversification would seem to show it has somehow anticipated the new European Green Deal strategy for the next ten years due to the simultaneous presence of key elements that concern not only agricultural practice but also ethical and social aspects by involving farmers and communities that insist on the territory. Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies recognize a new and important role for the agriculture and agri-food sectors and to invite farmers to engage consumers’ interest. The study also considers some characteristics of the farmers, such as the level of education and the economic sector in which they were employed before devoting themselves to the agritourism business but also the ability to develop multi-actor and multi-level networks. The analysis of these determinants would allow them to place different professional skills at the service of the primary sector that tend to positively influence the organization and farm performance. At the same time, the farmers’ skills are influenced by different sectors of activity such as participation in research projects or even in local initiatives with public and private actors. This allows the agroecological approach to be put into practice in a conscious (or unconscious) way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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20 pages, 8625 KiB  
Article
A Participatory Analysis of the Control and Certification System in the Italian Organic Rice Value Chain
by Giovanni Dara Guccione, Elena Pagliarino, Ilaria Borri, Alessandra Vaccaro and Patrizia Borsotto
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042001 - 12 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2828
Abstract
Italy is the leading European rice producer. The transition to organic farming of rice farms could represent a solution for environmental protection, as well as for their economic sustainability, consumer safety, and as a measure of climate mitigation. However, there are currently several [...] Read more.
Italy is the leading European rice producer. The transition to organic farming of rice farms could represent a solution for environmental protection, as well as for their economic sustainability, consumer safety, and as a measure of climate mitigation. However, there are currently several weaknesses in the control and certification system. The objective of the current study was to propose advice for improving the control and certification scheme in the organic rice sector. The goal was achieved by adopting a qualitative methodology based on participant observation at stakeholder meetings and community-led workshops, and information collected in focus groups and deep interviews with relevant local actors. The findings show that there are some solutions to mitigate the weakness of the Italian certification scheme. The study also contributes to improving the Italian organic rice sector by highlighting that a revision of procedures and sanctions alone is not enough, and that an ethical and cultural change is also needed along the whole value chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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32 pages, 985 KiB  
Article
The Contribution of Geographical Certification Programs to Farm Income and Rural Economies: The Case of Pecorino Siciliano PDO
by Emanuele Schimmenti, Enrico Viola, Cassandra Funsten and Valeria Borsellino
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1977; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041977 - 12 Feb 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3109
Abstract
This study attempts to measure the capacity of the EU geographical certification scheme to positively influence the price of certified products and the incomes of their producers. A comparison of the economic results of two cheese-producing dairy farm enterprises with different business strategies [...] Read more.
This study attempts to measure the capacity of the EU geographical certification scheme to positively influence the price of certified products and the incomes of their producers. A comparison of the economic results of two cheese-producing dairy farm enterprises with different business strategies and locations within the Sicilian hinterlands is performed in order to determine the transformation value of each dairy’s sheep milk into pecorino cheese (with and without the Protected Designation of Origin, or PDO, certification) and the related joint products (ricotta). The economic convenience of the total transformation of sheep milk into Pecorino Siciliano PDO and ricotta is also appraised. The results suggest that producing and commercializing Pecorino Siciliano PDO is a promising strategy for differentiating and promoting dairy farm products and improving the financial performance of producers, with foreseeable positive repercussions in the socioeconomically less favored rural areas where they are located. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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21 pages, 1536 KiB  
Article
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Five Greek Yogurt Production Systems: A Perspective beyond the Plant Boundaries
by Catherine Houssard, Dominique Maxime, Scott Benoit, Yves Pouliot and Manuele Margni
Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219141 - 3 Nov 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8342
Abstract
Greek yogurt (GY), a high-protein-low-fat dairy product, particularly prized for its sensory and nutritional benefits, revolutionized the North American yogurt market in less than a decade, bringing with it new sustainability challenges. Standard GY production generates large volumes of acid whey, a co-product [...] Read more.
Greek yogurt (GY), a high-protein-low-fat dairy product, particularly prized for its sensory and nutritional benefits, revolutionized the North American yogurt market in less than a decade, bringing with it new sustainability challenges. Standard GY production generates large volumes of acid whey, a co-product that is a potential source of environmental pollution if not recovered. This study aims to assess the environmental performance of different technologies and identify the main factors to improve GY production. A complete life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to compare the standard technology (centrifugation) with two new technologies (fortification and ultrafiltration) to reduce acid whey volumes. Three milk protein concentrate alternatives were also assessed. Results show that technology choice is not a clear discriminant factor. However, minimizing losses and wastage (accounting for 23 to 25% of the environmental impacts for all indicators) beyond the processing plant and selecting milk ingredients (accounting for 63 to 67% of the impacts) with low environmental impacts are key factors to improve the environmental performance of GY systems. From a methodological perspective, the results also highlight a shortcoming in the current LCA guidelines (2015) issued by the International Dairy Federation to treat the multifunctionality of GY systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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18 pages, 1658 KiB  
Article
Perceptions and Preconceptions about Chicken and Pork Meat: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Argentine Consumers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires
by Andrea Beatriz Damico, José María Aulicino and Jorgelina Di Pasquale
Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 6729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176729 - 19 Aug 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3494
Abstract
In the past, the Argentine livestock production system was based on the extensive breeding that used pastures. However, technological progress and the use of land for soybean production are leading to a strong intensification of beef production, with a negative impact on the [...] Read more.
In the past, the Argentine livestock production system was based on the extensive breeding that used pastures. However, technological progress and the use of land for soybean production are leading to a strong intensification of beef production, with a negative impact on the environment. According to FAO data, Argentina has the third highest meat consumption in the world, half of which is beef. A change in diet is a long and difficult process. The first step in favor of the environment could be the replacement of beef with other types of meat that have a lower impact on the environment, such as chicken and pork. The purpose of this study is to understand the causes limiting the preference for these alternatives and to identify useful tools to encourage their consumption. The results show that the interviewed Argentine consumers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires have preconceptions about these two types of meat, such as the fact that hormones are still used in the chicken production system, that pork has higher cholesterol content than other meats, and that it carries diseases. These products are instead appreciated for their practicality of use, especially when purchased in portions, and they are not only tasty but also cheap. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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14 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
Consumer Behaviour of Purchasing Biofortified Food Products
by Giuseppe Timpanaro, Claudio Bellia, Vera Teresa Foti and Alessandro Scuderi
Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6297; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166297 - 5 Aug 2020
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4330
Abstract
In light of increasing attention on biofortified products from the institutional, scientific and industrial worlds, we investigate consumer knowledge, consumer choice, the relationship between consumer choice and lifestyles, willingness to pay, and factors influencing consumer groups regarding biofortified foods. Complicating the matter is [...] Read more.
In light of increasing attention on biofortified products from the institutional, scientific and industrial worlds, we investigate consumer knowledge, consumer choice, the relationship between consumer choice and lifestyles, willingness to pay, and factors influencing consumer groups regarding biofortified foods. Complicating the matter is the lack of a clear definition of biofortified foods in the last proposal of the Codex Alimentarius Commission dated 26 November 2018. Research has shown the importance of market information and variables related to lifestyle, socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of nutritional principles, and diet, to understanding consumers’ purchase and consumption choices regarding biofortified products. Our research shows that at present the potential consumer of biofortified food products is generally confused and uninformed, conditions that, even when there is a high willingness to pay, limit purchases of biofortified products. Even in the absence of a concise definition and clear labelling at a globally recognized level, in Italy biofortified products are increasingly widespread (products biofortified with selenium, iodine, etc.), confirming consumer demand for this category of product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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19 pages, 873 KiB  
Article
Local and Global Welfare When Regulating Organic Products: Should Local Regulation Target Production or Consumption?
by Haijiang Wu and Stéphan Marette
Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5492; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145492 - 8 Jul 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2371
Abstract
Based on a welfare approach using a partial equilibrium model coming from microeconomics, this paper analyzes whether a local regulation aimed at reducing risks due to pesticides should be imposed at the production level or the consumption level. This paper characterizes the economic [...] Read more.
Based on a welfare approach using a partial equilibrium model coming from microeconomics, this paper analyzes whether a local regulation aimed at reducing risks due to pesticides should be imposed at the production level or the consumption level. This paper characterizes the economic impact of these possible regulations from a theoretical point of view. Local and nonlocal producers compete only in the local market regarding selling conventional and organic products. Local producers incur variable costs related to reducing the risk of damage resulting from their new organic production methods. A local policymaker maximizing local welfare chooses either a regulation that is imposed on its local producers via production requirements or on all local and nonlocal producers via retail requirements that directly affect consumption. We show that local regulation is selected for relatively large values of damage. In this case, the organic regulation is influenced by whether the damage is incurred by residents and the environment close to the production site or by consumers. If the damage is incurred by residents and the environment close to the production site, only regulations targeting the local producers are selected, which improves the profits for nonlocal producers. Concerning damage incurred by consumers after their consumption, each type of regulation is selected depending on the cost of the safe technology, but the regulation targeting the consumption level harms nonlocal producers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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18 pages, 2201 KiB  
Article
Quality Decision-Making Behavior of Bodies Participating in the Agri-Foods E-Supply Chain
by Xu Jing, Yao Guanxin and Dai Panqian
Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12051874 - 2 Mar 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3018
Abstract
The quality of agri-foods in e-supply chains confronts more threats than that in the traditional agri-food supply chain. However, most of the existing studies focusing on the quality problems of fresh agri-products are mainly cases studies and statistical analyses, and they do not [...] Read more.
The quality of agri-foods in e-supply chains confronts more threats than that in the traditional agri-food supply chain. However, most of the existing studies focusing on the quality problems of fresh agri-products are mainly cases studies and statistical analyses, and they do not take into account the farmers’ willingness to comply with safe agri-food supply procedures. To solve the supply quality problems of fresh agri-foods and help participators make a better choice, the decision-making behavior on the supply quality of agri-foods in the e-supply chain was deeply studied in this paper using game theory. Some factors related to the decision behavior of the supply chain were analyzed, including the supervision intension of the government, the rights protection consciousness of consumers, and the intensity of punishment for poor-quality agri-foods. These factors have an important influence on the farmers’ willingness to provide high-quality products and e-business’ probability of inspection. Compared with three different decision models of agri-food e-supply chains, the results show that the decentralized decision model is better than the centralized model from the view of quality protection. The behavior of members of the supply chain is as follows: the farmers’ willingness to supply high-quality agri-foods increases with the increase in the consumers’ consciousness of their rights and the government’s supervision intensity. The “experience deviation” phenomenon also occurs when a new e-business makes a decision about its quality inspection behavior in this e-supply chain where the quality information is traceable. As such, e-business enterprises should reduce their quality inspection behavior based on the increase in the government’s supervision intensity. This happens to be opposite to the traditional experience where quality information is not traceable. This study not only extends the research framework of the novel electronic supply chain, but also provides a certain reference for the subsequent research and e-business practices of fresh produce in developing countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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17 pages, 719 KiB  
Article
Motives, Barriers, and Expected Benefits of ISO 14001 in the Agri-Food Sector
by Rocio Carrillo-Labella, Fatiha Fort and Manuel Parras-Rosa
Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12051724 - 25 Feb 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6165
Abstract
Over time, sustainability has gained a greater presence in companies and with consumers around the world, although it can be said that there is still some confusion in its conceptualization and in the identification of the driving factors. A part of the literature [...] Read more.
Over time, sustainability has gained a greater presence in companies and with consumers around the world, although it can be said that there is still some confusion in its conceptualization and in the identification of the driving factors. A part of the literature considers that environmental management systems (EMS) such as ISO 14001 are facilitating factors that allow organizational remodeling towards more sustainable production. For a better understanding, this paper presents a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews to analyze the perceptions that managers, employees, and quality managers have about the concept of sustainability and, given that environmental management systems are considered as motivational factors, it also analyzes the perceptions they have about the motivations, barriers, and expected benefits of their adoption in the olive food industry in southern Spain. It is possible to point out the existence of some confusion about the concept of sustainability, and that both regulatory and market factors such as image and reputation improvement, differentiation, and sales increases, especially in exports, are considered to be motivational for their implementation. This work contributes to the literature on sustainability and environmental management systems in sectors of activity with high environmental involvement, such as the agri-food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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Review

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18 pages, 1689 KiB  
Review
The Role of Credence Attributes in Consumer Choices of Sustainable Fish Products: A Review
by Giulia Maesano, Giuseppe Di Vita, Gaetano Chinnici, Gioacchino Pappalardo and Mario D'Amico
Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10008; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310008 - 30 Nov 2020
Cited by 58 | Viewed by 5744
Abstract
This review aims to assess consumer choices of sustainable fish products, considering a number of attributes that have been considered in the academic literature on this topic. In order to examine the effectiveness of sustainable labels, the research question was focused on the [...] Read more.
This review aims to assess consumer choices of sustainable fish products, considering a number of attributes that have been considered in the academic literature on this topic. In order to examine the effectiveness of sustainable labels, the research question was focused on the relation between sustainable fish labels and consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP). The findings showed how, overall, consumers have positive perceptions regarding sustainable fish products and show a willingness to pay a premium price for the attribute of sustainability. According to the results, the country of origin attribute was found to be the most important attribute in relation to consumer choice. The results indicated a high WTP for local fish products, relative to imported alternatives. Consumers prefer wild-caught fish for its perceived quality, better safety and health aspects, and taste perception than the farm-raised option. As for animal welfare, the results show that consumers are willing to pay a moderate premium price for products that have an improved fish welfare or those that avoid by-catch, such as products with eco-labels like “turtle safe”. With regard to organic labels, the studies identified a positive organic price premium for fish products. However, organic labels do not play a major role in consumer choice, when compared with other attributes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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26 pages, 3087 KiB  
Review
COVID-19 Drives Consumer Behaviour and Agro-Food Markets towards Healthier and More Sustainable Patterns
by Valeria Borsellino, Sina Ahmadi Kaliji and Emanuele Schimmenti
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8366; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208366 - 12 Oct 2020
Cited by 109 | Viewed by 15302
Abstract
This study examines the extant state of research into our understanding of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in its early stages on food-purchasing behaviour. As such, it includes a summary and categorisation of the findings, extending to consumption preferences worldwide. After the [...] Read more.
This study examines the extant state of research into our understanding of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in its early stages on food-purchasing behaviour. As such, it includes a summary and categorisation of the findings, extending to consumption preferences worldwide. After the indiscriminate stockpiling of food, which was witnessed in many countries following the implementation of the lockdown, the impact of COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease-2019) on consumer habits has inversely varied in function of personal attitudes, individual and household experiences, and characteristics. Specific contexts, and the financial, economic, and logistic nature of these contexts, have also been found to be of relevance in examining the research relating to the coronavirus pandemic and food-purchasing behaviour. Concurrent with the pandemic, some worldwide trends have emerged—home cooking has been rediscovered, leading to an increase in the demand for staple foodstuffs, and purchases from small, local retailers and online food shopping have been accorded preferential treatment. Despite price volatility and concern about future household incomes, a significant proportion of consumers have shifted to buying healthier, more sustainable food. Moreover, food wastage has seen a notable decrease in volume. Such an occasion should be strategically exploited by manufacturers and retailers in satisfying this consumer demand. Finally, the COVID-19 crisis would seem to offer an unparalleled opportunity to re-engineer the agro-food market by driving the transition toward more sustainable supply and production patterns. Thus, stronger and more equitable partnerships between farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and citizens may be in the process of being forged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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27 pages, 1902 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Drivers and the Interventions towards Sustainable Food Security in the Food Supply Chain
by Hao Yuan Chan, Sarina Abdul Halim-Lim, Tai Boon Tan, Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman, Adi Ainurzaman Jamaludin and Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar
Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 7890; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12197890 - 24 Sep 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5102
Abstract
The sustainability of food security is a global concern, and one of the priorities related to it is the ability to identify effective efforts that can protect food security along the food supply chain (FSC). The present study demystifies the relation of sustainability [...] Read more.
The sustainability of food security is a global concern, and one of the priorities related to it is the ability to identify effective efforts that can protect food security along the food supply chain (FSC). The present study demystifies the relation of sustainability and food security and structurally identifies the sustainable drivers, and the pragmatic interventions that can critically contribute to the sustainability of food security within each stage of the FSC. A systematic review of articles from six databases was implemented. Thematic analysis was engaged to detect the sustainable drivers and interventions practised at each stage in the FSC for food security purposes. Six main themes of the drivers and interventions were derived from the analysis: food security governance involvement, input resource management, output management, information sharing, income, and technology. The result identifies the potential that quality management has on the mediating effect towards sustainable food security, through which a conceptual model for sustainable food security in the FSC was thus developed. It is deduced that mapping and categorizing the drivers and intervention of sustainable food securities could help deepen the understanding of effective and innovative practices towards food security in the FSC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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20 pages, 341 KiB  
Review
Unconventional Methods of Preserving Meat Products and Their Impact on Health and the Environment
by Mariusz Rudy, Sylwia Kucharyk, Paulina Duma-Kocan, Renata Stanisławczyk and Marian Gil
Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 5948; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12155948 - 23 Jul 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6989
Abstract
A dual objective of food storage is to retain nutritional value and safe consumption over time. As supply chains have globalized, food protection and preservation methods have advanced. However, increasing demands to cater for larger volumes and for more effective food storage call [...] Read more.
A dual objective of food storage is to retain nutritional value and safe consumption over time. As supply chains have globalized, food protection and preservation methods have advanced. However, increasing demands to cater for larger volumes and for more effective food storage call for new technologies. This paper examines promising meat preservation methods, including high pressure process, ultrasounds, pulsating electric and magnetic field, pulsed light and cold plasma. These methods not only make it possible to obtain meat and meat products with a longer shelf life, safer for health and without preservatives, but also are more environment-friendly in comparison with traditional methods. With the use of alternative methods, it is possible to obtain meat products that are microbiologically safer, whilst also high quality and free from chemical additives. Moreover, these new technologies are also more ecological, do not require large quantities of energy or water, and generate less waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
31 pages, 4549 KiB  
Review
Agri-Food Markets in Qatar: Drivers, Trends, and Policy Responses
by Tarek Ben Hassen, Hamid El Bilali and Mohammed Al-Maadeed
Sustainability 2020, 12(9), 3643; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093643 - 1 May 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 10655
Abstract
Agri-food markets are vital in achieving food security, especially for resource-poor, food-importing countries such as Qatar. The paper provides an overview of the evolution of agri-food markets in Qatar and explores the implications of past and ongoing changes in terms of food security [...] Read more.
Agri-food markets are vital in achieving food security, especially for resource-poor, food-importing countries such as Qatar. The paper provides an overview of the evolution of agri-food markets in Qatar and explores the implications of past and ongoing changes in terms of food security and food system sustainability. In particular, the review analyzes drivers of changes, trends, and challenges as well as policy responses to address the emerging challenges while ensuring the country’s food security. It draws upon a systematic review of scholarly literature indexed in the Web of Science as well as data from gray literature (e.g., reports) and databases (e.g., FAOSTAT). Different drivers (e.g., population growth with huge expatriate inflow, urbanization, income increase) affected the functioning of agri-food markets as well as the structure of the food chain (viz. production, processing, distribution, consumption) in Qatar. In addition to drivers, the food-related trends were also shaped by numerous environmental (e.g., land/water scarcity), economic, health, and trade challenges. To ensure long-term food and nutrition security for its population, Qatar implemented various policies and strategies (e.g., National Food Security Strategy 2018–2023). In this context, agri-food markets, as functional links between production and consumption, can foster transition towards sustainable food consumption and production patterns in Qatar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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35 pages, 1471 KiB  
Review
Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns
by Valeria Borsellino, Emanuele Schimmenti and Hamid El Bilali
Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062193 - 12 Mar 2020
Cited by 140 | Viewed by 24504
Abstract
In recent decades, the confluence of different global and domestic drivers has led to progressive and unpredictable changes in the functioning and structure of agri-food markets worldwide. Given the unsustainability of the current agri-food production, processing, distribution and consumption patterns, and the inadequate [...] Read more.
In recent decades, the confluence of different global and domestic drivers has led to progressive and unpredictable changes in the functioning and structure of agri-food markets worldwide. Given the unsustainability of the current agri-food production, processing, distribution and consumption patterns, and the inadequate governance of the whole food system, the transition to sustainable agriculture and food systems has become crucial to effectively manage a global agri-food market able in supporting expected population growth and ensuring universal access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all. Based on a critical review of the existing international literature, the paper seeks to understand the evolutionary paths of sustainability issues within agri-food markets by analyzing their drivers and trends. An extensive analysis was conducted highlighting the development and importance of the body of knowledge on the most important sustainability transition frameworks, focusing mainly on the relationship between markets, trade, food and nutrition security, and other emerging issues within agri-food markets. Finally, the study makes suggestions to extend the research in order to improve basic knowledge and to identify opportunities to design meaningful actions that can shape agri-food markets and foster their transition to sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns: Trends, Drivers and Challenges)
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