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Sustainability
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Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation
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Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 March 2023) | Viewed by 63486

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Maurizio Canavari

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Interests: marketing and innovation in agricultural and food value chains; behavioural economics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Martin Hingley

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Guest Editor
Lincoln Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
Interests: marketing; retailing; supply chain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eliseo Luis Vilalta-Perdomo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
Interests: industrial and systems engineering; logistics and supply chain management; Industry 4.0; community operations research; systems thinking
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Digitalisation has the potential of transforming agriculture and the food industry. The rapid evolution of digital technologies is creating opportunities for new agricultural and food business models that can support the quest for more sustainable and safer food production.
Innovation through digitalisation can be incremental, allowing the evolution of traditional farm/food business models, or disruptively, through triggering the creation of brand-new models or the recovery of abandoned, old ones, which are enabled by the new digital technologies.
In any case, increased digitalisation presents challenges that can affect and deeply modify value creation processes, pressuring farms and food companies to reflect on their current business model and explore new opportunities to better cope with sustainability-related issues such as, for instance, low-input agriculture, less polluting production processes, the livelihood of rural communities, the value-enhancement of local food specialties, and enabling smart and short food supply chains. Business size also seems to be an important factor when evaluating technology-based projects, as funding has been seen as a barrier to implementing digitalisation initiatives. However, collaborative frameworks could help to overcome limitations due to small business size.
Phenomena like data exchange and interconnections in agriculture and the food value chain are already showing their potential in the agri-food industry, while other digitalisation-related technologies are making their way.
The main challenge for the agri-food businesses in a strongly digitalised environment is how to design robust and economically viable farm/food business models, which also produce environmental and social benefits.
The objectives of this Special Issue are to provide a thorough analysis of the status, potential, challenges, and recent developments of sustainable farm and food business model innovation and to open a discussion for new ideas.
We invite researchers and experts to submit original research and review articles that can describe the state of the art and further stimulate investigations in the field.
Manuscripts based on integrated and interdisciplinary approaches, discussing the links between sustainability and digital innovation adoption in farming, as well as between sustainability and business, policy, and institutional adaptation to digitalisation in agriculture are particularly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Maurizio Canavari
Prof. Dr. Martin Hingley
Dr. Eliseo Luis Vilalta-Perdomo
Guest Editors

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

  • business model innovation
  • managerial, social, economic and ethical aspects of technology
  • smart farming and smart food production
  • sustainable supply chains
  • open innovation and innovation networks
  • information systems
  • decision support systems and decision aid tools
  • precision agriculture and precision manufacturing
  • sensors, data, and observation technologies
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Industry 4.0 (I 4.0)
  • robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles
  • Internet of Things
  • big data
  • blockchain and traceability

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 373 KiB  
Article
Digital Agriculture and Labor: A Few Challenges for Social Sustainability
by Louisa Prause
Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115980 - 26 May 2021
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 7508
Abstract
Academic and political debates on the digitalization of agriculture have addressed sustainability mainly from an ecological perspective. Social sustainability, particularly questions of labor, has been largely neglected in the literature thus far. This is particularly problematic since digitalization could fundamentally change farming practices [...] Read more.
Academic and political debates on the digitalization of agriculture have addressed sustainability mainly from an ecological perspective. Social sustainability, particularly questions of labor, has been largely neglected in the literature thus far. This is particularly problematic since digitalization could fundamentally change farming practices and labor processes on farms, with possibly far-reaching consequences for rural development, rural communities as well as migrant laborers. Looking at the case study of Germany, this article asks how digital technologies are changing labor processes on horticultural and arable farms. The aim of this paper is to bring labor into the debates around agriculture and digitalization and to offer a detailed picture of the impacts of digital technologies on labor in agriculture. The case study builds on fourteen in-depth interviews conducted from June 2020 to March 2021, participant observation, and digital ethnography. The results show new forms of labor control and an intensification of the work process linked to methods of digital Taylorism, as well as risks of working-class fragmentation along age lines. A deskilling of workers or farmers due to digitalization has not been observed. The suggestion of an increased dependency of workers due to the loss of employment opportunities in agriculture is contested. The results stress the importance of designing agricultural policies that foster fair and equitable working conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
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23 pages, 1157 KiB  
Article
Resilience and Digitalization in Short Food Supply Chains: A Case Study Approach
by Rosario Michel-Villarreal, Eliseo Luis Vilalta-Perdomo, Maurizio Canavari and Martin Hingley
Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115913 - 24 May 2021
Cited by 67 | Viewed by 9122
Abstract
The interest in short food supply chains (SFSCs) has grown significantly in the last decade, notably in respect of their potential role to achieve more sustainable food chains. However, a major barrier to achieving sustainable supply chains is the uncertainty associated with supply [...] Read more.
The interest in short food supply chains (SFSCs) has grown significantly in the last decade, notably in respect of their potential role to achieve more sustainable food chains. However, a major barrier to achieving sustainable supply chains is the uncertainty associated with supply chain activities. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the different resilience capabilities that SFSCs possess and the potential role of digital technologies as enablers of SFSCs’ resilience. Using a case study research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted in two SFSCs in Mexico. Collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings suggest that SFSCs possess the supply chain resilience (SC resilience) capabilities investigated here, namely flexibility, redundancy, collaboration, visibility and agility. A key finding is the importance of low-cost digital technologies (including freeware and social media) that can support flexibility, collaboration, visibility and agility. These findings raise important implications for SFSCs actors exploring opportunities to improve their collective resilience. This study expands the current literature by proposing a conceptual framework that summarizes a wide variety of strategies that support SC resilience capabilities in the context of SFSCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
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20 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
Cooperatives in the Wine Industry: Sustainable Management Practices and Digitalisation
by Barbara Richter and Jon H. Hanf
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105543 - 16 May 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4224
Abstract
In Europe, cooperatives have a long tradition and are widespread in the agricultural sector. Cooperatives in the wine sector of some EU countries even surpass a market share of more than 50%. In Germany, the first wine cooperative was established in 1868 in [...] Read more.
In Europe, cooperatives have a long tradition and are widespread in the agricultural sector. Cooperatives in the wine sector of some EU countries even surpass a market share of more than 50%. In Germany, the first wine cooperative was established in 1868 in the Ahr region. Despite the decline in the number of cooperatives, of members and of the vineyard area cultivated by cooperatives, wine cooperatives are still accountable for roughly a quarter of the German vineyard area. Due to developments in the field of sustainability and digitalisation, cooperatives are facing increasing pressure. Based on the definition of cooperatives by the International Co-operative Alliance, one can conclude that cooperatives are a sustainable form of enterprise. A previous study from 2019 showed that sustainability and digitalisation were not mentioned by cooperative management as important topics in the competitive analysis. Also, sustainable management practices have not been analysed explicitly for wine cooperatives so far. We therefore consider sustainability and digitalisation in the context of the strategic management of wine cooperatives. Our article does not aim to show further development in the areas of sustainability and digitalisation but rather to unveil existing managerial practices in order to provide a basis for management decisions. As only limited knowledge exists, a qualitative approach was chosen. Interviews were conducted with the management of wine cooperatives (n = 13) and representatives of the regional and national cooperative associations, which in turn represent the wine cooperatives as a whole (n = 4). A data content analysis was performed. The results describe state of the art of sustainable management practices and digitalisation in wine cooperatives. Even if the understanding of sustainability and digitalisation is quite similar among the respondents, the operationalisation in the cooperatives differs strongly. However, it is clear that innovation, adaptability and sustainability are strongly interlinked. Options for future research and the limitations of the study are provided as well. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
17 pages, 1258 KiB  
Article
Analyzing AgriFood-Tech e-Business Models
by Maro Vlachopoulou, Christos Ziakis, Kostas Vergidis and Michael Madas
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5516; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105516 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8896
Abstract
The agribusiness sector shows tremendous growth and sustainability prospects by exploiting the challenges of “AgriFood-Tech” business models in the digital environment, by encouraging innovation, accelerating institutional and structural change, enhancing productivity, and introducing new products and services to the market. The purpose of [...] Read more.
The agribusiness sector shows tremendous growth and sustainability prospects by exploiting the challenges of “AgriFood-Tech” business models in the digital environment, by encouraging innovation, accelerating institutional and structural change, enhancing productivity, and introducing new products and services to the market. The purpose of this study is to investigate different types of “AgriFood-Tech” digital models and analyze their role in the agribusiness and AgriFood sector. Based on relevant literature research, the authors present and discuss five indicative examples of “AgriFood-Tech” models, using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework. The methodology included the analysis of the components of innovative AgriFood innovative business models paradigms, such as distribution channels, key partnerships, customer selection and relationships, financial viability, and value proposition. The goal was to explore their building blocks and the required decisions that create, deliver, and capture value. Our findings highlight the importance of specific features of the models, including online sharing of information between the stakeholders, online searches of agri-products, and logistics services in the agribusiness sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
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21 pages, 2659 KiB  
Article
E-Commerce in the Retail Chain Store Market: An Alternative or a Main Trend?
by Christina Kleisiari, Marie-Noelle Duquenne and George Vlontzos
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4392; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084392 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 10905
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of important aspects leading to the further development of e-trade in the retail market and to identify the rationale behind consumer preferences. The degree of total service (adequacy of staff, reception) and the [...] Read more.
The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of important aspects leading to the further development of e-trade in the retail market and to identify the rationale behind consumer preferences. The degree of total service (adequacy of staff, reception) and the overall satisfaction regarding the facilities (organization and hygiene level of the supermarket) are the main factors influencing consumers’ decisions for their purchases. Other important components are the degree of coverage of needs in quality products, the intention to use an online store, the interest of consumers in finding quality and safe food, having at the same time information about their prices and possible offers. A quite important criterion is the degree of physical accessibility to the store. The main norm about using e-trade platforms instead of physical presence in supermarkets is quite low. It is tested though if there are significantly different approaches among customers of different firms, with no surprising results to be obtained. Customers familiarized with e-shopping, to a greater extent, are highly educated but quite sensitive to price issues as well. Τhe findings of this survey reflect the consumers’ decision-making process to familiarize and use electronic platforms, instead of visiting physical stores for shopping, based on a group of motives and anti-motives relative to this alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
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18 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
Expert Insights on the Impacts of, and Potential for, Agricultural Big Data
by Rim Lassoued, Diego M. Macall, Stuart J. Smyth, Peter W. B. Phillips and Hayley Hesseln
Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2521; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052521 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5862
Abstract
Advanced digital technologies are rapidly permeating agriculture from laboratory to field. Machine-based breeding, robotics and big data technologies have deeply transformed not only production systems but also the way scientific research is conducted. How are digital applications revolutionizing people’s jobs and skills? What [...] Read more.
Advanced digital technologies are rapidly permeating agriculture from laboratory to field. Machine-based breeding, robotics and big data technologies have deeply transformed not only production systems but also the way scientific research is conducted. How are digital applications revolutionizing people’s jobs and skills? What are the challenges and opportunities for managing and sharing agricultural big data? This article addresses these and other questions by surveying international experts in plant biotechnology. Results show that digital innovations in the form of decision-support tools are perceived as promising. Most surveyed experts anticipate the deployment of big data analytics and artificial intelligence to boost agricultural productivity. Another key finding is that substantial physical investment, specialized human capital and effective data governance are critical to successful implementation of technological innovations associated with big data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
22 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Blockchain and Its Impacts on Agri-Food Supply Chain Network Management
by Michael Paul Kramer, Linda Bitsch and Jon Hanf
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042168 - 18 Feb 2021
Cited by 75 | Viewed by 10680
Abstract
Blockchain is an emerging meta-technology and considered a new institutional technology with the potential to change the governance of vertically integrated food supply chains. This paper investigates the effects on coordination mechanisms in vertically cooperating agri-food networks that result from the implementation of [...] Read more.
Blockchain is an emerging meta-technology and considered a new institutional technology with the potential to change the governance of vertically integrated food supply chains. This paper investigates the effects on coordination mechanisms in vertically cooperating agri-food networks that result from the implementation of different blockchain technology platform types (BCTPT). The research is based on an extensive literature overview and exploratory use cases of BCTPT implementations in the agri-food industry which are presented to illustrate the applicability of the findings. Our analysis shows that BCTPT predominantly differentiate through the coordination mechanisms exerting of power, information sharing, decision-making, and collective learning benefits. We also reveal that blockchain use cases with high success rates typically operate in a vertical ecosystem where a focal firm assumes the responsibility for coordinating the activities in the supply chain network. These use cases are typically operationalized in tracking and tracing applications as well as in provenance-based information provision, which either operate in vertically coordinated private blockchain or consortium-type blockchain platforms. We conclude that the choice of a specific BCTPT with its respective coordination mechanisms is a key determinant of the economic success of the intended use case, the efficient management of the supply chain network, and eventually for the chosen digital business model. This paper will close a research gap, as the potential impacts of different blockchain technology platform types on digital agri-food business models and its supply chain management have scarcely been researched. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
18 pages, 1907 KiB  
Article
Social Networks as Drivers for Technology Adoption: A Study from a Rural Mountain Area in Italy
by Rosalia Filippini, Maria Elena Marescotti, Eugenio Demartini and Anna Gaviglio
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9392; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229392 - 11 Nov 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3547
Abstract
Innovation processes includes social and communicative elements. The role of innovative technology for the development of farming systems is investigated in literature, but only a few studies deal with the influence of networks on the adoption of technologies by farmers. The aim of [...] Read more.
Innovation processes includes social and communicative elements. The role of innovative technology for the development of farming systems is investigated in literature, but only a few studies deal with the influence of networks on the adoption of technologies by farmers. The aim of this paper is to verify if the adoption of smartphones for professional reasons by farmers is influenced by the networks to which farmers belong, the socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers, and their farm’s size. The case study is in the Valtellina valley, a rural mountain area in the north of Italy, where 53 livestock farmers were interviewed. The methodology is based on two steps. First, social network analysis is applied to diagnose the relationships of farmers in terms of connectivity and closeness and to detect the centrality measures of farmers in three different social relationships: production networks, market networks, and information exchange networks. A multiple linear regression model is then applied to test whether centrality measures of the three networks, the farmers’ socio-demographic characters, and the farm’s features drive the adoption of smartphones for professional reasons. Results suggest that the centrality measures in production networks positively drive the adoption of smartphones, while the centrality measures of market and information exchange networks do not have the same effect. At the same time, the farmers’ age negatively affects the use of smartphones for professional reasons, while the size of the herd, and the education and gender of farmers have no significant influence. The study contributes to the debate around the Agricultural Knowledge Innovation System and supports local policies based on the inclusion of farmers in the technological development in rural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm and Food Business Models under Digitalisation)
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