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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 23130

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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
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue comprises a selection of papers from the EAAE Seminar on Agro-Food Policy Modelling as an Effective and Expeditious Response to Today’s Urgent Issues, 9–10 September 2021, Chania, Greece.

In the present economic, political, societal and environmental landscape beset by the COVID-19 pandemic, the plethora of challenges and issues that have emerged and need an immediate and urgent response is more intense than ever. Policymakers, international organizations and governmental or non-state institutions around the globe are seeking effective and sustainable policies as they try to tackle severe issues that affect all aspects of the economy and agriculture, including the food sector. The urgent issues of climate change, obesity, food waste and sustainability are now at the epicenter of the political debate for a new and effective agricultural policy in Europe. Political developments such as trade negotiations, the post-Brexit economic landscape in Europe and global and regional political disruptions are integrated into the political agenda worldwide.

The seminar aims to bring together scholars and researchers that will exchange ideas, practices and research initiatives that cover all relevant current modeling developments to assist with policymaking decisions in agriculture and the agri-food industry in response to the urgent issues of the global economy and the subsequent prevailing societal and environmental conditions. In particular, the seminar aspires to create a forum to enhance modeling development for policy design, application and monitoring on a global scale. Papers selected for this Special Issue will be subjected to a rigorous peer-review process with the aim of a wide dissemination of valuable research results.

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

Advances in agro-food policy modeling
Problem-solving modeling
Current policy-related sustainability issues
Agro-food chain sustainability
Climate change and agro-food system
Impact assessment
Societal and agro-food linkage

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clustering Sustainable Destinations: Empirical Evidence from Selected Mediterranean Countries

by Kyriaki Glyptou, Nikos Kalogeras, Dimitrios Skuras and Ioannis Spilanis

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5507; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095507 - 04 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1652

Abstract

Within the globalized tourism market, tourism destinations have the option to turn to sustainability as a conceptual and management framework for their unique branding and identity proposition. This research highlights the importance and utility of sustainability branding that stems from clustering tourism destinations based on the similarities of their tourism performance attributes. The study builds on secondary data from 11 coastal destinations in 8 Mediterranean countries. The analysis leads to the formulation of three main sets of evaluation indicators: (a) environmental footprint; (b) destination dependency on tourism; and (c) locals’ prosperity, incorporating elements of social and psychological carrying capacity. Findings identify three to four distinct destination clusters based mainly on the attributes of destinations’ cultural and natural attributes, seasonality of supply, typology of prevailing accommodation and tourist profile. From a theoretical perspective, the research identifies key clustering attributes of sustainable destinations that could inform management interventions around destination branding and competitive sustainability performance positioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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18 pages, 909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Should We Cry over the Spilt Milk? Market Power and Structural Change along Dairy Supply Chains in EU Countries

by Daniele Cavicchioli, Luca Cacchiarelli, Alessandro Sorrentino and Roberto Pretolani

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4756; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084756 - 15 Apr 2022

Viewed by 1985

Abstract

A “first-pass” test on a set of monthly prices index series from 2000 to 2015 was applied to detect market power exertion in the dairy value chain of 25 EU countries. Due to econometric and theoretical restrictions, the test yielded conclusive findings only in 11 over 25 EU Countries. Such results show that in Austria, Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia, the downstream sector exerts market power. Other EU countries (Spain, UK, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Sweden) are characterised by perfectly competitive dairy chains. These results were consistent with the findings of previous studies based on structural and mark-up models. Results of the market power test in the subsample of 11 countries have been related to various structural characteristics of the dairy chains. Market power exertion is negatively related to the average farm size. Such variable may be seen as a proxy of the degree of supply concentration provided by Producers Organizations (POs) to increase the bargaining power of the farm sector along the food chain. To test such a hypothesis, comparable data on supply concentration by POs across EU Countries are necessary. On the other hand, the structural change, represented by the increase of average farm size over time and the concentration rate in higher classes (above 250,000 € of Standard Output) is almost unrelated to the perfectly competitive conduct along EU dairy chains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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13 pages, 816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Role of the Young Farmer Scheme in the Export Orientation of Greek Agriculture

by Christos Staboulis, Dimitrios Natos, Alexandros Gkatsikos, Efthimia Tsakiridou, Konstadinos Mattas, Waldemar Bojar, Piotr Baranowski, Jaromir Krzyszczak, Obdulia Parra Rivero and Álvaro Ojeda Roldán

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063287 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2194

Abstract

The present paper attempts to investigate whether the Sub-Measure 6.1 “Start-Up Aid for Young Farmers” payments of the 2014–2020 Rural Development Programme have a role to play in explaining Greek farms’ export orientation and export performance through a statistical analysis of farm-level data. The results demonstrate considerable differences in farm structures between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries and provide support for the contention that beneficiaries are more likely to operate more productive and economically efficient farms. However, the results also provide a sobering assessment of the role of the young-farmer-related subsidies in stimulating export orientation and export performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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12 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Impact Assessment of the Young Farmers Scheme Policy on Regional Growth in Greece

by Alexandros Gkatsikos, Dimitrios Natos, Christos Staboulis, Konstadinos Mattas, Michail Tsagris and Apostolos Polymeros

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2882; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052882 - 02 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2277

Abstract

Generation renewal in farming is an urgent matter for European policy institutions that strive to maintain social cohesion and improve economic development in rural areas. Aids to young Europeans to enter the agricultural business sector have been available since 2000 to counter the negative effect of an aging rural population. This study examines for the first time the impact of the Pillar II policy measure for generation renewal on regional economic growth. The well-established input–output method was selected to estimate the income and employment effects of the policy measure, and it served as a concrete impact analysis tool. Within the AGRICORE project study for the Young Farmers Scheme in Greece, two input–output models were constructed for Thessaly and Central Macedonia, the two most agriculturally oriented regions (NUTS-2 level), to estimate multipliers and elasticities for an ex-post impact analysis of the payments of Measure 6.1 "Start-Up Aid for Young Farmers" for the CAP 2014–2020 period. Results indicate that regional output and employment are significantly benefited from the generation renewal policies while income generation is positive but at a lesser extent. Furthermore, indirect jobs created in rural areas equal to 20% of the direct employment expressed as the number of new entrants. Consequently, the Measure proves to stimulate regional output, refresh the agricultural population and enhance rural employment, and it can be a useful tool for policy makers to support rural welfare and maintain social and economic cohesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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18 pages, 716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Market Concentration, Producer Organizations, and Policy Measures to Strengthen the Opportunities of Farmers for Value Addition—Empirical Findings from the Austrian Meat Supply Chain Using a Multi-Method Approach

by Simon Pröll, Heidelinde Grüneis and Franz Sinabell

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042256 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2331

Abstract

Improving market access and opportunities for value addition for small-scale food producers and family farms and properly functioning food commodity markets are among the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. Market structure and market concentration are important aspects that could make this goal attainable. In a case study, we explore the current conditions of pork and beef farmers in Austrian meat markets by combining a quantitative approach with qualitative inquiries. The quantitative analysis shows that the concentration of meat markets has been increasing in recent years. The rates of change differ in various segments of the value chain and across the types of markets. These results are the starting point for a qualitative analysis of the competitive situation in the observed markets. One finding is that in each market prices are set in idiosyncratic ways. Another one is that producer organizations are an appropriate means for small-scale and family-run farms to strengthen their position in the value chain. We conclude that policy initiatives to improve market access and value addition for farmers need to be complemented by targeted dissemination activities and that competition analyses should apply multi-method approaches similar to the one used in this analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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12 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Food Consumption Behavior in the Quarantine Period Applied during the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Outbreak in Turkey

by Asli Zuluğ, Dilay Merve Temur, Sevda Kaya and Müge Ertem

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14041975 - 09 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2140

Abstract

The spread of coronavirus worldwide has affected consumer behavior in many ways. This paper tries to investigate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on food consumption behavior of consumers. Food consumption motivation data were assessed and compared before, during, and after the quarantine. An online survey was conducted among about 900 people from 54 different cities in Turkey, between April and May 2020, trying to understand consumers’ changing behavior in their food choices, preferences, and habits during the pandemic period. The aim of this paper is (i) to examine how consumer preferences were influenced by the COVID-19 quarantine period, using an ordered probit analysis, and (ii) to identify differences in the preferences for the food itself, food disinfection and cooking, and shopping preferences before and during the quarantine. Finally, as per the consumers’ body mass index (BMI), correlation with their mood and eating frequencies was observed. The findings indicate that, under stress conditions, like the quarantine period, food preferences and eating behavior changed, and consumers put all those emotions and information into their consumption process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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12 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumers’ Willingness to Buy CRISPR Gene-Edited Tomatoes: Evidence from a Choice Experiment Case Study in Germany

by Linde Götz, Miranda Svanidze, Alain Tissier and Alejandro Brand Duran

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020971 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3381

Abstract

The CRISPR gene-editing (GE) breeding method is used to increase the resilience of high-yielding tomato cultivars against pests and diseases, reducing crop protection requirements. This study investigated consumers’ willingness to buy CRISPR GE tomatoes in a repeated discrete-choice experiment. We observed a strong positive effect of providing information on the CRISPR breeding technology, while the sensory experience of the CRISPR GE tomatoes in a visit to a greenhouse had a rather weak, predominantly negative effect on the participants’ willingness to buy CRISPR GE tomatoes. We found that roughly half of the 32 participants demonstrated constant CRISPR GE tomato choices during the experiments, and these participants were mainly employed as scientists. However, the rest of the participants changed their CRISPR GE tomato choices, with the majority showing an increase in their willingness to buy CRISPR GE tomatoes; these “changers” were dominated by non-scientists. Science communication on CRISPR GE breeding technology should target people with little knowledge about the technology, and consumers of organic tomatoes seem to have more specified, stable preferences regarding the technology. Further, scientific information about the CRISPR GE methodology should preferentially be provided when new technology and information about it are not yet widespread and people have not yet formed a strong opinion about the technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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23 pages, 1187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Firm Readiness to Adopt Cluster-Based Innovative Projects: A Segmentation Analysis

by Kaoutar Jamai, Ali Abidar, Hans De Steur and Xavier Gellynck

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020947 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

As innovation has garnered substantial attention on corporate success and sustainability, organizations must evaluate internal contexts to determine potential innovative practices and benefits. Firms need to investigate the determining factors of innovation preparedness as organizational innovation practices are catalyzed through internal elements. This study evaluates small and medium firms’ readiness to adopt and execute collaborative innovative projects within a future cluster and its impacts on organizational advantages, intentions, and attributes. Thereby, three dimensions were considered in examining organizational preparedness, namely, climate, culture, and motivation. A total of 70 firms operating in the labeled agri-food sector in Morocco were interviewed and homogenously classified using integrated hierarchical and non-hierarchical algorithms, following a segmentation approach. Three segments were identified, stressing the degree of organizational readiness to undertake innovative projects within future service clusters. The segments varied according to the firm’s sub-sector, experience, and resources. Considering the association of readiness with benefits and practical aims, the results broaden firm preparedness understanding to adopt innovative projects. The results also illustrate the relevance of adapting both innovative and beneficial project arrangements for firms with minor to moderate experience while addressing current issues across different segments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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14 pages, 5048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Redistribution and the Abolishment of Historical Entitlements in the CAP Strategic Plans: The Case of Greece

by Dimitrios Kremmydas and Konstantinos Tsiboukas

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020735 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1532

Abstract

A key issue in CAP strategic planning in Greece is the treatment of historical entitlements. An unequal level of payments per hectare is difficult to justify in terms of the CAP’s rationale, and so the abolishment of these entitlements seems to be the most reasonable option. However, for historical reasons, this abolishment may result in a transfer of payments from smaller to larger farms and between different agricultural sub-sectors which could in turn lead to negative effects on the incomes of small farms and lead to farmers leaving the sector. We simulate the change to a flat rate payment in order to quantify these effects, then explore the possibility of employing the new obligatory redistribution measure, termed complementary income support, to mitigate any negative effects. We conclude that redistribution is, indeed, a powerful tool for fine-tuning decoupled payments if historical entitlements are to be abolished. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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10 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Farmers’ Adoption Decisions towards Precision-Agricultural Practices in Greek Dairy Cattle Farms

by Georgios Kleftodimos, Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Christina Kleisiari, Aristotelis C. Tagarakis and Dionysis Bochtis

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010411 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2078

Abstract

Nowadays, the sustainability of Greek dairy cattle farms is questionable due to low competitiveness and high GHG emissions. In this context, the BIOCIRCULAR project, funded by the EYDE ETAK, developed a series of alternative practices focusing on precision agriculture principles. However, the adoption of any practice from farmers is not a given, and depends on several determinants. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine farmers’ adoption decisions regarding precision-agricultural practices in Greek dairy production systems, as well as the economic and environmental impacts of this adoption. In order to achieve this, a bio-economic model was developed based on mathematical programming methods. The proposed model simulates a large number of dairy cattle farms with or without crop production, including different management strategies and their relevant costs, and provides an environmental assessment of the adopted practices based on GHG emissions. Moreover, in order to analyze farmers’ adoption decisions, different policy measures, linked to various environmental outcomes, were examined. The results highlighted that the adoption of precision-agricultural practices led to significantly better economic and environmental outcomes. Furthermore, it was found that different levels of incentives can be efficiently targeted to encourage the adoption of new feeds and, more broadly, to secure the sustainability of the sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Pressing Sustainability Issues through Agro-Food Policies)

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