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Transition of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains: Business and Governance Solutions from Agricultural Primary Production to Food Consumption

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 August 2023) | Viewed by 10352

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Iuri Peri

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95128 Catania, Italy
Interests: food policy; valorisation and protection of food quality products; sustainability in agri-food systems

Dr. Paolo Prosperi

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Guest Editor

Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM-IAMM), UMR MOISA, 34093 Montpellier, France
Interests: agricultural and food economics; sustainable food systems; sustainable agri-food value chains

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Policy trends and changing demand patterns towards sustainability goals are putting pressure on the food system, including on the actors of the agri-food supply chain and on consumers. Within this context, the transition of agri-food value chains towards sustainability is driven by both supply and demand. On one hand, changing consumption patterns of proactive consumers differentiate the demand of sustainable food, while other consumers are exposed to a great deal of information about the sustainability of products, leading to confusion and uncertainty. Furthermore, agri-food value chain actors can be active key changers when they propose sustainable products and practices, while in other cases they are obliged to adapt their strategies, coordination and relational configurations to respond to the sustainability requirements driven by consumers, value chains dynamics or policies. Therefore, if sustainability is an overarching, essential and acknowledged goal that food systems need to reach in a context of increasing environmental degradation, economic uncertainties and social inequalities, the consequent pressure that is exerted on food system’s stakeholders needs to be taken into account when considering their potential ecological, social and business performance, as well as the viability of their adaptation to overall sustainable practices. Within this context, the understanding of governance issues across value chains and the design of organisational and governance arrangements are the key to lessening the pressure exerted on food system actors and, therefore, to guaranteeing the sustainability of agri-food value chains.

The aim of this Special Issue, therefore, is to gather innovative theoretical development, methodological propositions, as well as case-study research findings to explore how agri-food value chain stakeholders and consumers trigger or adapt to the achievement of sustainability goals, including the analysis of connected policy frameworks and governance arrangements.

Taking a multidisciplinary approach, articles may include the following topics:

Policy and transition dynamics for sustainable agri-food systems;
Circular economy and agro-ecological approaches in food supply chains;
Sustainable and innovative business models in food systems;
Evolving food consumption patterns in changing food systems;
Alternative Food Networks activities, impacts and related sustainable performance;
Analysis and development of governance arrangements for sustainable agri- food value chains.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Iuri Peri
Dr. Paolo Prosperi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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 agri-food systems
governance
value chains
food policy
circular economy
business models

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers and Levers in the Development of the Value Chain of Organic Vegetables in Romania

by Iulia Sorina Dan and Ionel Mugurel Jitea

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12321; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612321 - 13 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1191

Abstract

As people become more and more aware of health issues, environmental protection, and climate change, there is a major shift to organic food consumption in our society. Among the main organic products consumed, we highlight vegetables because they are a major source of vitamins and minerals. The paper aims to carry out an analysis of the value chain of organic vegetables in Romania. This study presents the results of the analysis of the value chain of organic vegetables regarding aspects such as chain mapping, governance structure, and chain modernization. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key chain actors. The research shows that the value chain of organic vegetables in Romania is simple and short; in 45.5% of cases, there is only a distributor between the producer and the final customer. The processing function being poorly developed, 90% of the vegetables get to be marketed fresh. The study identified the main barriers to the development of this system, namely low demand for organic products and high legislative volatility. Key actors also suggested some levers to overcome barriers, such as campaigns to inform and educate consumers about organic products and their benefits and better targeted public policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains: Business and Governance Solutions from Agricultural Primary Production to Food Consumption)

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16 pages, 790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Search of the Niche—Targeting Lamb Meat Consumers in North-East Germany to Communicate the Ecosystem Services of Extensive Sheep Farming Systems

by Anne Wiedemann, Josephine Lauterbach and Anna Maria Häring

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 10849; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410849 - 11 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1008

Abstract

Extensive sheep farming systems provide numerous ecosystem services, most of which consumers are not aware of. Consumers’ subjective quality perception relates to intrinsic and extrinsic quality attributes. Extrinsic quality attributes, like animal welfare, conservation of biodiversity, and regional and sustainable lamb meat production, meet the expectations of meat consumers. Communication of quality attributes can support consumers’ willingness to buy and pay a premium price, as well as producers’ economic viability. Previous studies focused on consumers’ perception of intrinsic quality attributes, while it is our objective to analyse the target group-specific communication of extrinsic quality attributes of extensive sheep farming. An online survey with 387 valid respondents included lamb meat consumers in Berlin-Brandenburg and revealed their consumption patterns. The sample is representative of Berlin-Brandenburg in net household income, population division and gender, while academics and respondents over 50 years were overrepresented. The survey addressed demographics, meat consumption and purchasing behaviour, preferences for different lamb meat products, purchasing motives and barriers, perception of communication messages and personal initiative for the purchase of regional lamb. Via Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis, we identified two key target groups for regionally produced lamb meat: “Foodies” and “Cooking enthusiasts”. Guided by Alphabet theory with its specific focus on Knowledge, Information seeking behaviour and purchasing Habit, we derive recommendations for target-group-specific communication of regionally produced lamb meat. “Foodies” showed a high potential for direct marketing and personal storytelling of sheep farmers. “Cooking enthusiasts” are best addressed through print and online marketing with a focus on cooking and personal health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains: Business and Governance Solutions from Agricultural Primary Production to Food Consumption)

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21 pages, 763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Effectiveness of Agricultural Cooperatives by Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from a Micro-Level Survey in North-Eastern South Africa

by Paean Hugo Nyawo and Oluwasogo David Olorunfemi

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10354; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310354 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2492

Abstract

The importance of agricultural cooperatives and other community-based organizations in facilitating sustainable agricultural development in South Africa cannot be downplayed. The aim of the study was to analyse smallholder farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in rendering support services to their enterprise in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to elicit data from a sample of 120 smallholder farmers drawn from 150 farmers—members who were currently active members of agricultural cooperatives. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data that were analysed using descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the member farmers’ perception of cooperative effectiveness. The findings revealed that although agricultural cooperatives in the area rendered some level of support services to their members, the majority of the respondents perceived their cooperative as ineffective in rendering some key support services to them that could potentially improve their livelihoods. The results of inferential analysis indicate that factors such as farm size, level of education, household size, farming experience, major crop grown/animal reared, number of cooperative members, support services received index, and satisfaction of leadership processes were significant socioeconomic and institutional factors that influence respondent’s perception. The study recommended increased government public recognition and support for agricultural cooperatives development, increased resource base through more access to grant and donations, and improved linkages between cooperatives and extension agencies as a means of improving the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in the area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains: Business and Governance Solutions from Agricultural Primary Production to Food Consumption)

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18 pages, 4746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Containerized Grain Logistics Processes for Implementing Sustainable Identity Preservation

by Young Joo Kim and Byung Kwon Lee

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013352 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2613

Abstract

Grains are often exposed to unprotected environment during post-harvest logistics processes. Since grains are usually accommodated in silos on farms, when importing grains, they are transported to silos or yards at ports by heavy vehicles, and imported to another country (or region) by bulk carriers. Thereafter the grains are stored at silos and transported in bulk or tone-sacks by heavy vehicles. The grain quality often deteriorates due to unprotected storage and transportation environment through the logistics processes, whereby they become affected by insects, pests, rancidity, discoloration, and so on. This study examines a containerized grain logistics contributing to well-known identity preservation, analyzes the applicability in terms of logistics cost, and discusses potential effects on sustainability improvement by tracing and preserving the grains for a longer duration in well-protected spaces during the logistics processes. This study introduces the necessity of preservation containers to implement the containerized grain logistics to prevent quality deterioration. A comparative cost analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of the containerized grain logistics. According to the comparative analysis, conventional bulk logistics has benefits in shipping (76.2%) and storage costs (89%), whereas the containerized logistics has economic viability in tariff (23.2%) and infrastructure costs (51.2%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains: Business and Governance Solutions from Agricultural Primary Production to Food Consumption)

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Review

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24 pages, 1398 KiB

Open AccessReview

Revealing the Governance Dynamics of the Coffee Chain in Colombia: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Antonella Samoggia and Andrea Fantini

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13646; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813646 - 12 Sep 2023

Viewed by 2122

Abstract

Coffee is one of the most highly traded commodities in global markets. However, the coffee sector experiences significant value chain asymmetries and inequalities, both at the local and global levels. While market instruments may address these imbalances, there is an increasing recognition of the need for governance models that ensure fairness throughout the coffee supply chains, from agricultural production to the roasting and consumption of coffee. This article aims to provide a state-of-the-art review and analysis of research studies on governance dynamics within the coffee chain in Colombia. Colombia is a key coffee-producing country at the global level, with relevant coffee chain governance features. The review encompasses articles published from 2008 to 2023, a period that coincides with significant political and economic transformations in Colombia. The analysis and discussion of the findings highlight key issues and insights for further research to identify potential strategies promoting equity and sustainability within Colombian coffee chain governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains: Business and Governance Solutions from Agricultural Primary Production to Food Consumption)

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