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Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 17600

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Konstadinos Mattas

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: agricultural policy; food policy; sustainability; rural development
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Dr. George Baourakis

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Guest Editor

Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, 73100 Chania, Greece
Interests: food marketing; supply food chain analysis; management
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Dr. Stefanos A. Nastis

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: agricultural economics; health and environmental economics; sustainable development
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue comprises a selection of papers from the 182nd EAAE Seminar on “Sustainability via biodiverse agri-food value chains”, 14–15 September 2022, Chania, Greece.

In a rapidly changing environment where wildfires, desertification and floods, disease outbreaks, increasing trade costs, and food insecurity prevail, new strategies and policies are needed to face these pressing issues. Consequently, policy makers, international organizations, and governmental or non-state institutions around the globe are striving to address this imminent threat of environmental degradation, economic downturn, and social unrest through a series of policy tools, strategies, and initiatives.

The European Green Deal aspires to tackle these challenges by adopting policies that promote biodiversity, sustainable production, and efficient distribution. However, biodiversity conservation not only relates to natural habitat protection but also to crop and livestock diversification, nutritional and dietary habits, water and energy savings, and economic resilience against unexpected risks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of resources, and political instability.

Thus, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy aims to reduce these risks and to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly by 2030. In addition, technological progress allows for the improved management of the economic, social, and environmental aspects of biodiversity by utilizing resources efficiently, creating new products and services, and securing social inclusion in a timely and low-cost manner.

Therefore, both empirical and methodological research papers are equally welcome.

Prof. Dr. Konstadinos Mattas
Dr. George Baourakis
Dr. Stefanos A. Nastis
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

biodiversity and sustainable production
farmers’ perception of biodiversity
role of trade and supply chains
climate change and biodiversity
biodiversity and agricultural intensification
water–energy–food nexus and biodiversity conservation
policy tools to assess biodiversity enhancement
Industry 4.0 and biodiversity
impact of biodiversity on consumer preferences
health, dietary choices, and diverse food consumption
youth behavior towards food biodiversity
biodiversity and economic growth

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Impact of Short Food Supply Chains: A Case Study in Parma (Italy)

by Rosalia Filippini, Filippo Arfini, Lisa Baldi and Michele Donati

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11557; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511557 - 26 Jul 2023

Viewed by 980

Abstract

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are advocated as strategies to improve the sustainability of the agro-food system. The recent literature claims that SFSCs are examples of social experimentation and innovation. By scaling up the positive elements of niche alternative food networks, SFSCs can serve as a basis for changing the overall agri-food system. However, their economic impact remains a matter of debate. Local multiplier methods have been used to measure the economic impact of economic sectors at a regional scale. In the case of SFSCs, multiplier methods need to be developed at a local scale and are highly data demanding. This analysis measures the local financial flow created by the MercaTiAmo project by applying the Local Multiplier 3 (LM3) method. MercaTiAmo is organized by a group of citizens and farmers and arranges farmers’ markets three days per week in the city of Parma (northern Italy). To measure the financial flow created by the initiative, data were collected from 10 farmers representing 70% of the farmers participating in the project. The method takes into account the total annual turnover (Round 1), the local expenses of the farmers (Round 2), and the local expenses of the farmers’ suppliers (Round 3). The results suggest that farmers with a higher turnover (Round 1) and percentage of direct expenses in the local area (Round 2) also show higher values of LM3, thus suggesting a higher economic impact, while Round 3 does not affect LM3. The novelty of the study relies on the fact that here the local multiplier method is applied for the first time at the farm level, providing precise information and data on farmers’ upstream supply chain, which can be used to inform policymakers and initiators of SFSCs. Moreover, the study provides a detailed description of the main categories of costs for farmers and which categories of costs are more suited to be locally based. For this reason, the study contributes to the debate on the economic impact of SFSCs in the local area. The method can also be used to provide information to consumers on the economic impact of alternative food networks and local food production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains)

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18 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Behavioral Intentions of Food Tourists Who Visit Crete

by Georgios Angelakis, Yari Vecchio, Christos Lemonakis, Georgios Atsalakis, Constantin Zopounidis and Konstadinos Mattas

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8961; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118961 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2034

Abstract

Food tourism has been growing globally in recent years. Food tourism is considered as special interest tourism, attracting tourists who have a great interest in food. Tourists spend a significant percentage of their budget on the purchase of local food products and related food activities, contributing to the sustainable development of the touristic destination in the process. This survey took place in Crete, Greece, throughout the touristic period of 2021, and 4268 valid questionnaires were completed by international tourists. For the data analysis, the Structural Equation Model and an extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model, based on subjective norms, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and satisfaction, were used to better understand the consumers’ intentions to revisit and recommend the region of Crete. The outcomes of the research pinpointed that the perceived quality and perceived value of local foods positively influenced satisfaction, which, in turn, evoked favorable intentions to revisit and recommend Crete as a touristic destination. Moreover, while satisfaction, attitude, and subjective norms seem to be the most significant drivers affecting positive behavioral intentions, perceived behavior control seems to have had no significant impact. The implications and limitations of the survey, as well as future recommendations, are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains)

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19 pages, 2128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Sustainability with the Triple-Layered Business Model Canvas: Insights from the Fruit and Vegetable Industry in Spain

by Samir Mili and Tasnim Loukil

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6501; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086501 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3351

Abstract

Developing more sustainable business models (BMs) has become increasingly crucial for the survival of agri-food industries as environmental and social pressures are escalating, and the fruit and vegetable (F&V) industry is no exception to this pattern. However, sustainable business modelling is still poorly understood despite its importance to managers, scientists, and policymakers confronting the complexities of business environment changes. The purpose of this research was to explore new approaches for the transition toward more sustainable BMs in the Spanish F&V industry. We used the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) methodological framework and data gathered from different sources to elucidate how sustainability concerns are integrated in BMs for F&V in a way that can deliver value on a triple bottom line of economic profit, environmental protection, and social fairness. The study focuses first on the F&V sector as a whole and then on a selected Spanish F&V company taken as functional units of analysis, respectively. Results indicate that, overall, sustainability goals can be represented appropriately within the TLBMC framework both at sector and company level, allowing guidance of the creative process of communicating and implementing business model (BM) improvements. This is despite the challenges encountered in terms of complexity of the F&V industry and the limited data for several areas, especially in the environmental and social layers. The sectoral perspective helps to portray the whole picture of the impacts associated with sustainable F&V production and marketing, which is a prior step that supports companies to embed sustainability concerns in their business system. New BMs can be generated by innovating strategically in a series of domains to improve F&V value propositions in terms of sustainability targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains)

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18 pages, 3860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Case Study Analysis on Agri-Food Value Chain: A Guideline-Based Approach

by Yarkın Akyüz, Havva Ece Salali, Pelin Atakan, Cihat Günden, Murat Yercan, Lampros Lamprinakis, Signe Kårstad, Irina Solovieva, Nadja Kasperczyk, Konstadinos Mattas, Dimitra Lazaridou, Gizem Yener, Ahmed Alayidi, Ilia Kunchulia, Lado Basilidze and Marija Knez

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6209; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076209 - 04 Apr 2023

Viewed by 5175

Abstract

This study aims to identify the methods and associated indicators that are commonly used in value chain analyses (VCA) and to determine the areas of interest that have been excluded. Value chain analysis generally includes four different dimensions, which are institutional/functional, economic/financial, social, and environmental. This study has two main sources of literature. The first is the guidelines and the other is case studies on value chain analysis. The case study review is limited by the time between 2000 and 2022. The results showed that the researchers mainly focused on the institutional/functional analysis of the value chain, which is the first step of the analysis. Studies were mostly concentrated on the mapping of value chains, which includes the mapping of agents, core activities, and the marketing channels and flows of products. The second important area of interest is economic/financial analysis. Value added analysis is a top research area on the economical side of the value chain (VC). Consumer behavior and financial analysis are also included in the case studies. The research on consumer behavior of the value chain analysis has focused on the preferences, attitudes, and behaviors of the consumers. Financial analysis is another area of interest which generally concentrates on the cost of intermediate inputs, total output value, net present value, internal rate of return, cash flows and cost of fixed assets, and break-even point. The social and environmental sides of the value chain have been studied with less attention. This is much more important for a sustainable food VC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains)

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12 pages, 1124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hesitations and Aspirations of Farmers in Nature-Protected Areas

by Angela Turck and Wiltrud Terlau

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3196; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043196 - 09 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1324

Abstract

Pursuant to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, one pivotal target is to halt biodiversity loss. This paper’s objective is to analyze why and how German farmers hesitate to implement more than the prescriptive measures with regard to cross compliance and direct payments under the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and what their aspirations are for possible incentives to bring biodiversity into focus. By applying a mixed methods approach, we investigate the experience of individual farmers by means of a qualitative approach followed by a quantitative study. This analysis sheds light on how farmers perceive indirect influencing factors and how these factors play a non-negligible role in farmers´ commitment to biodiversity. Economy, policy and society are intertwined and need to be considered from a multi-faceted perspective. In addition, an in-depth analysis is conducted based on online focus group discussions to determine whether farmers accept financial support, focusing on both action- and success-oriented payments. Our results highlight the importance of paying attention to the heterogeneity of farmers, their locations and, consequently, farmers’ different views on indirect drivers influencing agricultural processes, showing the complexity of the problem. Although farmers’ expectations can be met with financial allocations, other aspects must also be taken into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains)

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15 pages, 1102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Causes and Conditions for Reduced Cultivation and Consumption of Underutilized Crops: Is There a Solution?

by Marija Knez, Marija Ranic, Mirjana Gurinovic, Maria Glibetic, Jasna Savic, Konstadinos Mattas and Murat Yercan

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043076 - 08 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Underutilized crops are described as plant species that were once popular but have since been neglected by mainstream agriculture for several reasons. A widespread monoculture agricultural revolution and a tendency toward more high-yielding varieties were the main reasons for the underutilization of certain crops. Remarkably, underutilized crops have endured even without formal support, which indicates that besides their exceptional nutritional value and beneficial effects on human health they contain desirable traits that could be useful for building resilience and adaptation to climate-changing environments. As such, the re-establishment of these plants to the global food system is desired. To find solutions for overcoming the obstacles for the reintroduction of these crops and to bring the neglected species back to cultivation and utilization, a comprehensive understanding of the potential reasons for the reduced cultivation of these crops is necessary. In this article, potential reasons, causes, and conditions for the decreased cultivation and consumption of certain crops are discussed with a presentation of case studies of the following species: buckwheat, lentils, green leafy vegetables, sow thistle, grass pea, cucumber melon, and eggplant. Finally, potential solutions for overcoming the identified obstacles associated with both the cultivation and consumption of certain underutilized crops and neglected species are provided. Documented benefits of the production of various crops in agricultural production systems and the beneficial effects of increased consumption of these crops for human health should stimulate and encourage people from various disciplines, i.e., farmers, researchers, agronomists, nutritionists, and policymakers to join the efforts to bring neglected species back to cultivation and consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains)

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Review

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18 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessReview

Underutilized Vegetable Crops in the Mediterranean Region: A Literature Review of Their Requirements and the Ecosystem Services Provided

by Dimitrios P. Platis, Eleni Papoui, Filippos Bantis, Andreas Katsiotis, Athanasios Koukounaras, Andreas P. Mamolos and Konstadinos Mattas

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4921; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064921 - 09 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

By 2050, the increasing demand for food will put additional pressure on natural resources. Underutilized crops, such as wild vegetables, are an essential component of the Mediterranean diet and are widely correlated with the traditional cuisine of Mediterranean countries. They could be widely associated with resistance to abiotic stress and enhanced genetic diversity, and could provide various ecosystem services. Their cultivation could support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the UN and the current EU policies related to environmentally friendly agriculture. Based on an extensive literature review, the aim of this paper is to summarize the environmental and ecological requirements of specific Mediterranean underutilized vegetables, the provisioning and regulating ecosystem services that could be derived from their cultivation, and their potential use. It is concluded that thorough planning of underutilized crop cultivation could enhance the provisioning and regulating ecosystem services that positively affect Mediterranean agriculture. However, further research should be carried out regarding their environmental and economic impact in order to assess the environmental and socio-economic effects of underutilized crops cultivation. This could lead to designing future policies that support underutilized crop cultivation and consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability via Biodiverse Agri-Food Value Chains)

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