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3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2020) | Viewed by 36879

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Horațiu Felix Arion

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economic Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: agribusiness; economy of local food; agri-food value-chain; agritourism; rural tourism; rural development; agrifood management; traditional food; localized food; bioeconomy; rural community government
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will include papers covering a wide range of aspects related to strategies for sustainable development in agri-food supply chains. Activity in this area is still rare and poses a challenge both for scientists and practitioners.

The processes occurring in the global economy necessitate the reorganization of logistical processes in an environmentally friendly way, for example, by reducing the number of journeys, planning shorter transport distances, having more direct shipping routes, improving packaging quality, having transparency in all processes "from farm to fork", as well as improving the use of existing resources. The aim of the forum is to present the results of scientific research and practical experience in the logistics of agri-food chains. We invite you to share your experiences in this area.

Papers presenting solutions in this field related to balancing agri-food supply chains (AFSCs), reducing losses and waste in the processes of food processing and distribution, maintaining high standards and food security, and addressing the problems of traceability and CSR and LSR concepts are especially welcome.

Papers selected for this issue may also address methodological development in assessing the sustainability development of agri-food logistics, including holistic methods and other modeling approaches.

Prof. Dr. Felix Arion
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • sustainable development
  • agri-food supply chains (AFSCs)
  • logistics processes
  • CO2 reduction
  • loss and waste of food
  • traceability
  • quality standards
  • food safety
  • CSR and LSR concepts for AFSCs

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 2172 KiB  
Article
Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC) as Local and Sustainable Systems
by Sebastian Jarzębowski, Michael Bourlakis and Agnieszka Bezat-Jarzębowska
Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4715; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114715 - 9 Jun 2020
Cited by 135 | Viewed by 13892
Abstract
We distinguish different types of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC); nevertheless, their common main characteristic relate to reduced numbers of intermediaries between farmers/food producers and consumers. The aim of the paper is to present the SFSCs as local and sustainable food systems with [...] Read more.
We distinguish different types of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC); nevertheless, their common main characteristic relate to reduced numbers of intermediaries between farmers/food producers and consumers. The aim of the paper is to present the SFSCs as local and sustainable food systems with their possible development. The SFSC idea follows the concept of sustainability, which is based on three pillars: environmental, social, and economic. In the paper, the authors also highlight other barriers to growth, and challenges faced by local food systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains)
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19 pages, 1367 KiB  
Article
Intellectual Capital: ISVA, the Alternative Way of Calculating Creating Value in Agricultural Entities—Case of Poland
by Magdalena Kozera-Kowalska
Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2645; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072645 - 26 Mar 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2733
Abstract
In the knowledge-based economy, knowledge is regarded as a strategic resource that helps entities to become market leaders. This strategy has been successfully used for years by companies operating in various sectors of the economy. The exception, however, is agriculture, which has been [...] Read more.
In the knowledge-based economy, knowledge is regarded as a strategic resource that helps entities to become market leaders. This strategy has been successfully used for years by companies operating in various sectors of the economy. The exception, however, is agriculture, which has been seen for years as a sector with low knowledge intensity and is one that is skeptical about the possibility of using knowledge. This is important especially in that the use of it is, for many managers, still unconscious, and, therefore, this factor remains unused in practice. This paper describes the Intellectual Sources of Value Added (ISVA), an alternative method for analyzing the productivity of tangible and intangible inputs affecting the value-adding process in agricultural holdings. The reasons for developing the concept of that indicator were the imperfections found in the Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC™), a widely adopted method authored by A. Pulić. However, the index of efficiency of intellectual capital (VAIC), recognized as suitable for research purposes, demonstrates certain methodological imperfections, including the simultaneous use of resource- and flow-based values. In addition to certain relevant reservations, the above has other consequences, including the declining trend followed by the efficiency of working capital calculated using this formula. In a situation where working capital is observed to grow, this would mean that funds are irrationally invested in assets with a decreasing capacity to add value. This results in drawing a false picture of economic realities of agricultural holdings which, by nature, demonstrate a high share of physical asset consumption in total production costs. As another consequence, the calculated value of the indicator becomes unacceptable in the long run. The use of the ISVA indicator allowed the author to obtain homogeneous results in terms of methodology and confirming the regularities observed in practice. In addition, the research confirmed not only the fact that agricultural enterprises have intellectual capital resources, but also the high efficiency of their use, exceeding the efficiency of use of traditional ones. It also indicates the desirability of continuing research using measures that will enable the monitoring of intellectual capital and their use in agricultural enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains)
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20 pages, 4371 KiB  
Article
Location of Cows and Pigs in Suburban Areas of Polish Metropolitan Centers
by Benedykt Pepliński
Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2619; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072619 - 26 Mar 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2727
Abstract
The main aim of this paper was to assess the impact of socioeconomic and agricultural factors on cow and pig density in suburban areas located up to 50 km from the 11 biggest cities in Poland. This study relied on data retrieved from [...] Read more.
The main aim of this paper was to assess the impact of socioeconomic and agricultural factors on cow and pig density in suburban areas located up to 50 km from the 11 biggest cities in Poland. This study relied on data retrieved from all municipalities located within 50 km from central cities. The impact of the previously mentioned socioeconomic and agricultural factors was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression analysis. This study shows that the lowest cow and pig density was recorded in the two inner rings. From 1996 to 2010, the gap between them and the levels recorded in other rings became much more pronounced. The analysis only corroborated the high correlation between livestock (cow and pig) density and the share of corresponding livestock farms in the total number of farms as well as the average herd size. Regarding other agricultural and socioeconomic factors, the correlation was weak or low except for a moderate correlation between the entrepreneurship indicator and pig density. The regression analysis demonstrated that the share of cow and pig farms in the total number of farms, average herd size, residential housing density, and unemployment rate had a significant impact on the density of animal groups considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains)
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10 pages, 1912 KiB  
Article
Problems of Sustainable Transport of Large-Sized Roundwood
by Katarzyna Mydlarz and Marek Wieruszewski
Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052038 - 6 Mar 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2749
Abstract
When considering the economic and environmental aspects of forestry, especially the issues related to timber harvesting, emphasis should be placed on the importance of the availability of raw material resources for the sustainable flow of goods. It would also be difficult to disregard [...] Read more.
When considering the economic and environmental aspects of forestry, especially the issues related to timber harvesting, emphasis should be placed on the importance of the availability of raw material resources for the sustainable flow of goods. It would also be difficult to disregard certain issues related to transport, which play a key role in the efficient flow of wooden raw materials. It has to be noticed that timber transport options are limited by a number of factors, including the considerable fragmentation of wood resources and the lack of adequately developed railway transport facilities. This paper focuses on issues related to the road transport of timber carried out by transport companies. Observations to date of large-sized roundwood (thicker than 14 cm and longer than 3 m) transport in Poland indicate a relatively frequent occurrence of overloaded vehicles, exceeding the permissible total weight limit. Empirical evidence also suggests that in many cases, it is an effect of improperly endorsed standards with regard to the density of the transported material. Moreover, there is a clear correlation between the loading volume and economic as well as environmental factors. Therefore, the aim of this article was to show both the current situation in the transport of bulky timber and to present the possibilities for its optimization, from the point of view of locational, economic and environmental factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains)
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12 pages, 3890 KiB  
Article
Eco-Efficiency in Measuring the Sustainable Production of Agricultural Crops
by Rafał Baum and Jerzy Bieńkowski
Sustainability 2020, 12(4), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12041418 - 14 Feb 2020
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4359
Abstract
Agriculture is one of the main factors with a direct impact on the natural environment (soil, water and air). An increased interest in the environmental impact of agricultural production results is due to—among other factors—significant human interference in the natural circulation of nutrients, [...] Read more.
Agriculture is one of the main factors with a direct impact on the natural environment (soil, water and air). An increased interest in the environmental impact of agricultural production results is due to—among other factors—significant human interference in the natural circulation of nutrients, posing a potential threat to the balance of ecosystems. Under current conditions, it is necessary to develop comprehensive diagnostic methods to control production processes in a way that would reduce costs and environmental burden throughout the product’s life cycle. Only a holistic approach that integrates environmental and economic analysis meets the criteria of analysis complexity, which is one of the main goals of methodical analysis of sustainable development. The article presents the results of the integrated environmental and economic assessment of selected crops. Maize and rapeseed production were assessed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methodologies. The analysis was carried out on farms representing plant- and animal-based farming types. The conclusion presented in the study was based on the data from a study group consisting of 69 private commercial farms located in two regions of Poland. The calculated carbon footprint of both of winter rape and grain maize production was found to be higher in animal farming types. Pig farming type presented the highest overall costs of these crops, based on the approach of the LCC. Inclusion of carbon sequestration to the assessment of greenhouse warming potential allowed for the reduction of the net global warming potential (GWP) impact associated with the production of the analyzed crops. In both crops, mineral fertilization was the main factor influencing both the total carbon footprint and the LCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains)
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34 pages, 7028 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Reporting as a Mixture of CSR and Sustainable Development. A Model for Micro-Enterprises within the Romanian Forestry Sector
by Marian Socoliuc, Cristina-Gabriela Cosmulese, Marius-Sorin Ciubotariu, Svetlana Mihaila, Iulia-Diana Arion and Veronica Grosu
Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020603 - 14 Jan 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5506
Abstract
In the last decades, the issue of the behavior geared towards society and the environment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has created a new niche for economic researches. Most studies point out that entities operating in the forestry sector, despite having difficulties [...] Read more.
In the last decades, the issue of the behavior geared towards society and the environment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has created a new niche for economic researches. Most studies point out that entities operating in the forestry sector, despite having difficulties in applying valid corporate social responsibility (CSR) instruments, are concerned about the role they play in society. Therefore, they tend to develop their business by giving importance to the principles of sustainable development. The aim of the paper was to propose an econometric model to report the sustainability of non-financial performance for the companies operating in the forestry field. The main objectives of the study focused on defining and analyzing the studied problem through the specialized literature, defining and conceptualizing the statistical model in order to identify the risk factors and vulnerability, influencing the forestry sector in Romania. In this context, based on a sample of 248 Romanian active companies in the forestry sector in four distinct sectors, we calculated a number of indicators specific to the forestry sector in order to identify the risks and vulnerabilities and analyze the entities associated with this sector. Our research led us to the conclusion that, as far as the forestry sector is concerned, the companies that operate in Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community (NACE) 240 and NACE 210 have registered superior results compared to the average in regards to the vulnerability of the sector, while those that operate in NACE 220 and NACE 230 focus mostly on those vulnerabilities regarding the risk zone of their sustainable development. The study could be useful both to stakeholders by giving them the possibility to identify those entities, classified according to the NACE code, taking into account the sector vulnerabilities and the risks associated with the profile market, as well as to the state that could influence through economic policies the sectors in which vulnerabilities are manifested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains)
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14 pages, 711 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Energy Autarky and the Evolution of German Bioenergy Villages
by Dariusz Pieńkowski and Wojciech Zbaraszewski
Sustainability 2019, 11(18), 4996; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11184996 - 12 Sep 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3908
Abstract
The concept of an autarky has a long history and meaning related to its negation and unpopularity. In liberal schools of economics, autarky is usually considered from the perspectives of economic trade protectionism, closed economies, and threats to welfare. Nevertheless, the concept of [...] Read more.
The concept of an autarky has a long history and meaning related to its negation and unpopularity. In liberal schools of economics, autarky is usually considered from the perspectives of economic trade protectionism, closed economies, and threats to welfare. Nevertheless, the concept of autarky has gained a new meaning, understood as the local utilization of renewable energy resources from the perspective of their inter- and intragenerational distribution. Local action is shaped by the global perspective. This research consists of three steps. First, a model of energy autarky has been offered based on the system theory. The model shows the variety of the structures and features of energy systems offered in today’s debates on energy autarky. Second, the key postulates of sustainable development have been presented to define an autarkical sustainable energy system. Finally, the concept of bioenergy villages in Germany has been presented to illustrate the approach to energy autarky. The research shows that the concept of autarky and single solutions, such as the use of renewable resources, are not themselves a success from the perspective of sustainable development; this misunderstanding is well illustrated by the evolution of the German concept of bioenergy villages into smart villages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3rd International Forum on Agri-Food Logistics Towards the Sustainability of Logistics in the Agri-Food Supply Chains)
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