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Sustainability
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Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development
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Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2024) | Viewed by 8763

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Victor Shi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Interests: supply chain management; management science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xiding Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Finance and Trade, Wenzhou Business College, Wenzhou 325015, China
Interests: corporate finance; green finance; supply chain finance; sustainable operations

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Increasing attention has been paid to food, supply chains, and sustainable development. The requirement of food security and the effective use of limited resources urges people to establish food supply chains that support sustainable development (Wu et al., 2018). In the process of supplier selection, the ability to reduce negative ecological impacts and promote sustainability are increasingly major criteria. The technology used during food supply chains’ operation (logistics, packaging etc.) also has an impact on sustainability. In particular, the sustainable development of food supply chains mainly focuses on reducing the adverse impacts of food production, processing, package, storage, transportation and sales on the environment while satisfying consumers’ needs and reducing waste as much as possible.

The food supply chain starts from raw material production and ends on the consumers’ table, and covers multiple dimensions and stages (Govindan, 2018). The achievement of the sustainable development of food supply chains requires the joint efforts of governments, enterprises and consumers. Coordinating different parties in the effort to achieve the sustainable development of food supply chains is beneficial to improving social welfare, optimizing economic and environmental utility, and protecting ecology (Moreno-Miranda et al., 2022). What effective measures that each party should adopt to meet sustainability and how to promote all parties’ active involvement have always been key issues in related research fields. However, there remain many problems and barriers to achieving this goal. Related research needs to mature.

This Special Issue of Sustainability titled “Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development” aims to explore different strategies and technologies for stakeholders to earn profits and achieve sustainability, as well as complicated relationships between farms and other food supply chain members. In this Special Issue, constructive theories, practical measures and meaningful findings will be presented. We are interested in review papers and qualitative and quantitative research papers, such as case studies and surveys.

This Special Issue welcomes submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • Food enterprises’ strategies to achieve sustainability and reduce loss.
  • Trade-offs between corporate social responsibility, environmental impacts and profits.
  • Technologies to improve food supply chain operational efficiency and achieve sustainability.
  • Innovative theories and approaches to coordinate all members vertically and horizontally.
  • Government efforts to reduce and mitigate food supply chains’ environmental impacts.
  • Public policies to encourage enterprises to make efforts.
  • Approaches to enhance consumer awareness of sustainability.

References

  1. Moreno-Miranda, C., Dries, L. Integrating coordination mechanisms in the sustainability assessment of agri-food chains: From a structured literature review to a comprehensive framework. Econ. 2022, 192, 107265.
  2. Govindan, K. Sustainable consumption and production in the food supply chain: A conceptual framework. J. Prod. Econ. 2018, 195, 419-431.
  3. Wu, P. J., Huang, P. C. Business analytics for systematically investigating sustainable food supply chains. Clean. Prod. 2018, 203, 968-976.

Dr. Victor Shi
Dr. Xiding Chen
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

  • food
  • supply chains
  • sustainable development
  • coordination
  • corporate social responsibility
  • social welfare

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 770 KiB  
Article
The Government Subsidy Policies for Organic Agriculture Based on Evolutionary Game Theory
by Xingyi Yang, Xiaopei Dai and Yijing Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2246; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062246 - 07 Mar 2024
Viewed by 750
Abstract
Organic agriculture is a sustainable form of farming that can protect the environment. However, the high production costs of organic agriculture deter farmers from switching to organic farming. To support the development of organic agriculture, many governments offer subsidies to farmers or retailers. [...] Read more.
Organic agriculture is a sustainable form of farming that can protect the environment. However, the high production costs of organic agriculture deter farmers from switching to organic farming. To support the development of organic agriculture, many governments offer subsidies to farmers or retailers. We develop an evolutionary game model to investigate the effect of government subsidies on organic agriculture and the conditions under which the government should subsidize farmers or retailers. We find that subsidizing farmers or retailers can promote agricultural development. Government subsidies lower the requirement for social responsibility and the premium that retailers offer. Furthermore, if the consumer’s social responsibility is sufficiently low, the government’s best choice is to subsidize retailers. If the social responsibility premium is medium, the government’s best choice is to subsidize farmers. Finally, higher subsidies motivate more farmers to produce organic products when the government subsidizes retailers. Conversely, if the government subsidizes farmers, it is more conducive to reducing the burden on retailers to purchase organic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development)
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26 pages, 1712 KiB  
Article
Monthly Pork Price Prediction Applying Projection Pursuit Regression: Modeling, Empirical Research, Comparison, and Sustainability Implications
by Xiaohong Yu, Bin Liu and Yongzeng Lai
Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041466 - 09 Feb 2024
Viewed by 606
Abstract
The drastic fluctuations in pork prices directly affect the sustainable development of pig farming, agriculture, and feed processing industries, reducing people’s happiness and sense of gain. Although there have been extensive studies on pork price prediction and early warning in the literature, some [...] Read more.
The drastic fluctuations in pork prices directly affect the sustainable development of pig farming, agriculture, and feed processing industries, reducing people’s happiness and sense of gain. Although there have been extensive studies on pork price prediction and early warning in the literature, some problems still need further study. Based on the monthly time series data of pork prices and other 11 influencing prices (variables) such as beef, hog, piglet, etc., in China from January 2000 to November 2023, we have established a project pursuit auto-regression (PPAR) and a hybrid PPAR (H-PPAR) model. The results of the PPAR model study show that the monthly pork prices in the lagged periods one to three have an important impact on the current monthly pork price. The first lagged period has the largest and most positive impact. The second lagged period has the second and a negative impact. We built the H-PPAR model using the 11 independent variables (prices), including the prices of corn, hog, mutton, hen’s egg, and beef in lagged period one, the piglet’s price in lagged period six, and by deleting non-important variables. The results of the H-PPAR model show that the hog price in lagged period one is the most critical factor, and beef price and the other six influencing variables are essential factors. The model’s performance metrics show that the PPAR and H-PPAR models outperform approaches such as support vector regression, error backpropagation neural network, dynamic model average, etc., and possess better suitability, applicability, and reliability. Our results forecast the changing trend of the monthly pork price and provide policy insights for administrators and pig farmers to control and adjust the monthly pork price and further enhance the health and sustainable development of the hog farming industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development)
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14 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Cassava Sales and Income Generation among Cassava Producers in South Africa
by Bernard Manganyi, Moses Herbert Lubinga, Bhekani Zondo and Ndiadivha Tempia
Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14366; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914366 - 29 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1452
Abstract
Assessing the factors influencing cassava sales and income generation among South African cassava farmers is critical for informed decision-making, policy formulation, targeted interventions, and the long-term growth of the cassava value chain. By recognizing these elements, stakeholders can improve market efficiency, increase income [...] Read more.
Assessing the factors influencing cassava sales and income generation among South African cassava farmers is critical for informed decision-making, policy formulation, targeted interventions, and the long-term growth of the cassava value chain. By recognizing these elements, stakeholders can improve market efficiency, increase income opportunities, reduce poverty, promote rural development, and nurture a sustainable and inclusive cassava value chain. This study examines factors that influence cassava sales and positive income generation along the cassava value chain. Using a simple sample method, we collected data from 240 farmers in the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. A logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of explanatory variables on the probability of selling cassava and earning a positive income. Findings show that having access to output markets, owning livestock, being a female, and having sizable land under cassava production enhances the possibility of cassava sales and generating a positive income. In contrast, age has a detrimental influence on cassava sales, while access to extension services and harvesting for household food consumption exhibited no substantial effects. The findings underline the importance of market access, gender equality, integrating livestock farming among cassava farmers, support for elderly farmers, and sustainable agricultural practices. To ensure the long-term positive generation of income by farmers and the sustainability of the cassava value chain, policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate and execute policies and interventions that address these essential concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development)
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21 pages, 2546 KiB  
Article
Allotment Garden Products as Contribution to Sustainable and Resilient Cities: An Analysis in Leipzig, Germany
by Lotta Schäfer, Janina Kleemann and Marcin Spyra
Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5598; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065598 - 22 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1605
Abstract
The food supply and the consumption of resources are already central challenges for the growing world population and increasing demands. Urban areas in particular face problems of resilience and sustainability. The development of alternative food systems by, e.g., urban gardening, can contribute to [...] Read more.
The food supply and the consumption of resources are already central challenges for the growing world population and increasing demands. Urban areas in particular face problems of resilience and sustainability. The development of alternative food systems by, e.g., urban gardening, can contribute to meet targets of sustainable consumption, inclusive economy, and resilient food systems of cities. Our research presents insights into the available harvest of products from allotments. In addition, the interest and motivation of gardeners to distribute products from their allotments was investigated. The analysis was based on a structured and standardized questionnaire with more than 90 allotment gardeners in Leipzig. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Our results showed that especially zucchinis, tomatoes, berries, and apples could be distributed to consumers; however, the greatest obstacle involves the legal framework to economically distribute products from these allotments. On the other hand, some respondents showed that income generation from allotment products is less important than the enjoyment of the garden and the charitable goal of action. They suggested an organized distribution system of surplus from allotments to particularly disadvantaged people. This paper encourages re-examination of the conventional urban–rural relations, the production–consumption relationships, and the norms of economic activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development)
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Review

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29 pages, 413 KiB  
Review
Lactic Acid Bacteria in Sustainable Food Production
by Kamila Rachwał and Klaudia Gustaw
Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083362 - 17 Apr 2024
Viewed by 304
Abstract
The main tenets of the sustainable food production model are to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of production and to use available resources more efficiently. The sustainable food production model allows companies to adapt their strategies to current challenges and requirements while maintaining [...] Read more.
The main tenets of the sustainable food production model are to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of production and to use available resources more efficiently. The sustainable food production model allows companies to adapt their strategies to current challenges and requirements while maintaining long-term production stability and competitiveness. To ensure that sustainable food chain participants implement appropriate practices, research is being conducted to develop new solutions. Among the important issues that are of great interest to researchers is the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria play a pivotal role in sustainable food production, encompassing environmental, economic, and social aspects. The following article highlights recent innovations and advancements in LAB applications, contributing to enhanced efficiency and sustainable development of food products. By fermenting food, LAB effectively enhances food safety, prolong shelf life, and augment nutritional values, while simultaneously eliminating or outcompeting foodborne pathogens, thus preventing food poisoning. This article underscores these often-overlooked aspects of LAB, such as the critical role of fermented food in sustaining humanity during challenging times, by providing essential nutrients, and supporting health through its unique preservative and probiotic properties. It also points out the lesser-known applications of these microorganisms, including the degradation of organic waste or biogas and bioplastics production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development)
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Graphical abstract

18 pages, 1212 KiB  
Review
Building Resilience in Food Security: Sustainable Strategies Post-COVID-19
by Mona Haji and Frank Himpel
Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 995; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16030995 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1443
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed formidable challenges to the food industry, exacerbating threats to food security worldwide. In response to this crisis, this comprehensive review systematically maps the existing literature concerning sustainability and resilience within the realm of food security. A meticulous [...] Read more.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed formidable challenges to the food industry, exacerbating threats to food security worldwide. In response to this crisis, this comprehensive review systematically maps the existing literature concerning sustainability and resilience within the realm of food security. A meticulous categorization of the identified papers is performed, focusing on elucidating the underlying causes of food insecurity, assessing their profound impacts on public health, delineating the requisite strategies and actions, and discerning the commonalities and distinctions between sustainability and resilience. Systematic searches across reputable databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Springer, were conducted to retrieve pertinent papers published from 2019 to 2022, specifically addressing the threats to food security in the post-pandemic landscape. From an initial pool of 105 papers, 26 met the stringent inclusion criteria for subsequent in-depth analysis and categorization, employing thematic content analysis to elucidate their thematic focus on causative factors, repercussions, mitigation strategies, and intersections between sustainability and resilience. Drawing insights from the amalgamated findings, this study proposes a holistic, systematic conceptualization for integrating sustainability and resilience principles within the food sector. This structure offers a roadmap for fortifying food security, ultimately advancing the cause of public health and well-being. It is poised to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, facilitating the exploration of sustainability and resilience in the context of food supply chains and providing policymakers with actionable insights for implementing these vital approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development)
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Other

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44 pages, 6161 KiB  
Systematic Review
Disciplinary Categorization of the Cattle Supply Chain—A Review and Bibliometric Analysis
by Hernando Barreto Riaño, John Willmer Escobar, Rodrigo Linfati and Virna Ortiz-Araya
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14275; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114275 - 01 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1439
Abstract
Global warming is a problem that threatens humanity, with livestock being one of the causes. A systematic literature review was carried out by using some appropriate elements of the PRISMA statement to identify disciplines that work to mitigate the effects of the livestock [...] Read more.
Global warming is a problem that threatens humanity, with livestock being one of the causes. A systematic literature review was carried out by using some appropriate elements of the PRISMA statement to identify disciplines that work to mitigate the effects of the livestock industry by organizing them according to their approach to addressing this problem. The main objective is to find information and classify the disciplines, papers, literature review methodologies, research gaps, authors, and journals developing the management of the cattle supply chain. This paper could analyze and mitigate the adverse effects on society and the environment generated by the industry, organizing them according to their approach. Twenty databases were consulted between March and May 2020, from which 146 review documents were chosen. The papers reviewed were published between 2003 and 2020. The eligibility criteria for selection were open access to the full text, publication in an indexed journal, and a focus on any discipline related to cattle. The unselected papers did not have DOIs or duplicates, and those focused on other types of meat and book chapters. Subsequently, the information in the selected papers was described and consolidated, and these papers had 602 authors and were from 99 journals. Next, a discipline categorization was proposed. The results were organized, showing that among all the analysis criteria, the category of veterinary medicine had the best results in terms of indicators; therefore, additional research is needed on the other disciplines, especially in culture, technology, management, quality control, tanneries, and transportation, as there was less research within these disciplines. It is recommended that research on a mix of the different proposed disciplines be conducted. The proposed categorization’s main contribution is to identify and group the cattle supply chain’s different disciplines and the definition of research gaps organized under a structure organizational management model. Finally, a multicriteria selection methodology must be used that prioritizes the discipline categories proposed in this review to guide future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food, Supply Chains, and Sustainable Development)
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