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Srinivasan K, Yadav VK. Fresh bell peppers consumed in cities: Unveiling the environmental impact of urban and rural food supply systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172359. [PMID: 38615771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Agriculture and its supply chain pose significant environmental threats. This study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to explore the environmental impact of fresh bell pepper production and distribution, comparing Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) with Rural Long-Distance Food Supply Systems (RLDFS). Four UPA scenarios (hydroponics, soil-based greenhouse, open-field conventional, and organic) and two RLDFS scenarios (soil-based greenhouse and open-field conventional) are evaluated using SimaPro, incorporating inputs from UPA practitioners and rural farmers. Results reveal an energy demand range of 0.011 to 5.5 kWh/kg eq., with urban greenhouses exhibiting the lowest consumption and hydroponics the highest due to lighting, ventilation, and irrigation. Hydroponics exhibits a global warming potential of 7.24 kg of CO2 eq·kg-1, with energy demand contributing over 95 %, surpassing other scenarios by 7-25 times, necessitating reduction for sustainability. RLDFS's environmental impact is dominated by transportation (over 70 %), meanwhile other UPA systems are influenced by irrigation, infrastructure, and fertilizers. Despite challenges, UPA-hydroponics proves to be 1.7 to 4.3 times more land-use-efficient than other scenarios, emphasizing its potential. The study highlights the need to address electricity usage in UPA-hydroponics for carbon footprint reduction. Despite challenges, hydroponics could contribute to sustainable food security, and RLDFS does not significantly lag in environmental performance compared to UPA other than Ozone layer depletion criteria attributed to fossil fuel usage in transportation. These insights offer valuable guidance for urban development and policy formulation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting policies for agronomic and supply chain sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Srinivasan
- Production Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli 620015, India
| | - Vineet Kumar Yadav
- Production Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli 620015, India.
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Smutná Z, Vávra J, Duží B. An insight into market and non-market alternative food networks in Czechia during Covid-19 and beyond. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1327308. [PMID: 38379542 PMCID: PMC10876859 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1327308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic affected food systems in many countries and emphasized a lot of already existing social, economic and environmental agri-food problems. Alternative food networks (AFNs), praised for their ability to improve the food systems, were under stress, however, at the same time, the changed conditions may have opened new possibilities. In this paper we address the importance of AFNs during the pandemic and investigate how households have changed their participation in AFNs. Our research is novel by simultaneously focusing on both market and non-market AFNs which are often studied separately. Methods A representative questionnaire study of Czech households was carried out in Autumn 2021 to provide a case study of food and consumption behavior of the European country after several waves of Covid-19. Results and discussion Based on the responses of 515 participants, the results show that 68% of Czech households participate in some form of AFNs, be it shopping or food self-provisioning, i.e., non-market food procurement in the form of gardening. Focusing on the market AFNs, farmers' markets and farm gate sales are the most popular. Covid-19 and 2021 emerging economic pressures led to a decrease of consumption of organic food (22% of respondents) as well as fresh fruit and vegetables in general (10% of respondents) and a noticeable occurrence of food insecurity (18% of households). Based on these findings, the paper discusses the ability of AFNs to support food and nutritional resilience. Problems which may endanger market-oriented AFNs are discussed as well. Conclusion By addressing both market and non-market AFNs, the paper brings new knowledge into the food environment and agri-food policies research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeňka Smutná
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czechia
| | - Jan Vávra
- Department of Local and Regional Studies, Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Duží
- Department of Environmental Geography, Institute of Geonics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
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Elford A, Spence AC, Wakem A, Rozman M, Campbell KJ, Love P. Environmental sustainability and food provision in the early childhood and education setting. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2200-2210. [PMID: 37807888 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe environmentally sustainable (ES) and healthy food provision practices in childcare services in Victoria, Australia. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Childcare services providing food onsite. PARTICIPANTS Staff completed an online survey that explored ES food provision practices including purchasing seasonal/local food, food waste awareness/management, and food cost/child/d. A purposively sampled subgroup conducted weighed audits to determine compliance with guidelines and total waste, serving waste (prepared, not served) and plate waste. RESULTS Survey results found 8 % of services (n 129) had previously conducted food waste audits. Service audits (n 12) found 27 % total food waste (range: 9 % - 64 %). Statistically significant differences in plate waste were found between services who had previously conducted food waste audits (7 %) and those who had not (17 %) (P = 0·04). The most common ES practice was 'providing seasonal food'; the least common was 'maintaining a compost system' and 'less packaged foods'. Most services (95 %) purchased foods from supermarkets with 23 % purchasing from farmers' markets. This was statistically lower for regional/rural services (8 %), compared to metropolitan services (27 %) (P = 0·04). Twenty-seven per cent of services spent AUD2·50 or less per child per day on food. Only one audited service provided a menu compliant with childcare food provision guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Childcare settings procure and provide large volumes of food; however, food waste awareness appears limited, and environmentally sustainable food procurement practices may be less affordable and difficult to achieve. Understanding the impact of food waste awareness on food waste practices and food costs across time merits further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Elford
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison C Spence
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy Wakem
- Nutrition Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Karen J Campbell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Penelope Love
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
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Rotter A, Giannakourou A, Argente García JE, Quero GM, Auregan C, Triantaphyllidis G, Venetsanopoulou A, De Carolis R, Efstratiou C, Aboal M, Abad MÁE, Grigalionyte-Bembič E, Kotzamanis Y, Kovač M, Ljubić Čmelar M, Luna GM, Aguilera C, Acién Fernández FG, Gómez Pinchetti JL, Manzo S, Milašinčić I, Nadarmija A, Parrella L, Pinat M, Roussos E, Ruel C, Salvatori E, Sánchez Vázquez FJ, Semitiel García M, Skarmeta Gómez AF, Ulčar J, Chiavetta C. Identification of Marine Biotechnology Value Chains with High Potential in the Northern Mediterranean Region. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:416. [PMID: 37504947 PMCID: PMC10381324 DOI: 10.3390/md21070416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine (blue) biotechnology is an emerging field enabling the valorization of new products and processes with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. In the Mediterranean region, this innovation potential is not exploited as well as in other European regions due to a lack of a clear identification of the different value chains and the high fragmentation of business innovation initiatives. As a result, several opportunities to create an innovative society are being missed. To address this problem, eight Northern Mediterranean countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) established five national blue biotechnology hubs to identify and address the bottlenecks that prevent the development of marine biotechnology in the region. Following a three-step approach (1. Analysis: setting the scene; 2. Transfer: identification of promising value chains; 3. Capitalization: community creation), we identified the three value chains that are most promising for the Northern Mediterranean region: algae production for added-value compounds, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and valorization aquaculture/fisheries/processing by-products, unavoidable/unwanted catches and discards. The potential for the development and the technical and non-technical skills that are necessary to advance in this exciting field were identified through several stakeholder events which provided valuable insight and feedback that should be addressed for marine biotechnology in the Northern Mediterranean region to reach its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rotter
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Antonia Giannakourou
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Avenue, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Jesús E Argente García
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Murcia, Avda. Teniente Flomesta, 30003 Murcia, Spain
| | - Grazia Marina Quero
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council-Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Charlène Auregan
- Pôle Mer Méditerranée, Toulon Var Technologies, 93 Forum de la Méditerranée, 83190 Ollioules, France
| | - George Triantaphyllidis
- Laboratory of Fish Nutrition and Omics Technologies, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Iera Odos 86, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Venetsanopoulou
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Avenue, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Roberta De Carolis
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Via Anguillarese, 301, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Chrysa Efstratiou
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Avenue, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Marina Aboal
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Avda. Teniente Flomesta, 30003 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Esteban Abad
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Avda. Teniente Flomesta, 30003 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Yannis Kotzamanis
- Laboratory of Fish Nutrition and Omics Technologies, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Iera Odos 86, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Mate Kovač
- Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations and Investments-HAMAG-BICRO, Ksaver 208, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Ljubić Čmelar
- Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations and Investments-HAMAG-BICRO, Ksaver 208, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gian Marco Luna
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council-Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristóbal Aguilera
- Institute of Agri Food Research and Technology, Crta. Poble Nou 5.5 km, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain
| | | | - Juan Luis Gómez Pinchetti
- Spanish Bank of Algae, Institute of Oceanography and Global Change, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Muelle de Taliarte, 35214 Telde, Spain
| | - Sonia Manzo
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Via Anguillarese, 301, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Iva Milašinčić
- Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations and Investments-HAMAG-BICRO, Ksaver 208, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antun Nadarmija
- Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations and Investments-HAMAG-BICRO, Ksaver 208, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luisa Parrella
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Via Anguillarese, 301, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pinat
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council-Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Efstratios Roussos
- Laboratory of Fish Nutrition and Omics Technologies, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Iera Odos 86, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Colin Ruel
- Pôle Mer Méditerranée, Toulon Var Technologies, 93 Forum de la Méditerranée, 83190 Ollioules, France
| | - Elisabetta Salvatori
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Via Anguillarese, 301, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Francisco Javier Sánchez Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Avda. Teniente Flomesta, 30003 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Semitiel García
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Murcia, Avda. Teniente Flomesta, 30003 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio F Skarmeta Gómez
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Murcia, Avda. Teniente Flomesta, 30003 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jan Ulčar
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Cristian Chiavetta
- Department for Sustainability, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Via Anguillarese, 301, 00196 Rome, Italy
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Ardekani ZF, Sobhani SMJ, Barbosa MW, de Sousa PR. Transition to a sustainable food supply chain during disruptions: A study on the Brazilian food companies in the Covid-19 era. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION ECONOMICS 2023; 257:108782. [PMID: 36687333 PMCID: PMC9837209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2023.108782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought negative impacts to global supply chains, in particular to the agricultural sector. Although these companies have been developing programs to mitigate the impacts caused by COVID-19, researchers have been worried about a possible weakening of the adoption of sustainable initiatives due to a focus on dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. Grounded on the Resource Orchestration Theory, the goal of this study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on sustainable (environmental, social, and economic) performance in the context of agri-food supply chains. To do so, a questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 349 different medium and large agri-food companies in Brazil. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares technique. This study has found out that, under the impacts arising from COVID-19 pandemic (1) supply management and transportation and logistics management had a positive impact on food supply chains' sustainable performance; (2) the effects of relationship management and supply chain wide impact management were found to be negative on sustainable performance; and (3) the effects of demand and production management on sustainable performance were not considered significant. We propose a framework that clearly represents the relationship between the disrupted supply chain areas and sustainable performance through the development of orchestration capabilities. By knowing which kinds of impacts produce the most significant effects on sustainable performance, policy makers and managers will be able to make decisions and take actions to avoid negative effects and to improve firms' sustainable performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seyed Mohammad Javad Sobhani
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran
| | | | - Paulo Renato de Sousa
- Fundação Dom Cabral, Avenida Princesa Diana 760 Alphaville Lagoa dos Ingleses, Nova Lima, 34 018 006, Brazil
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Alam GMM, Khatun MN, Sarker MNI, Joshi NP, Bhandari H. Promoting agri-food systems resilience through ICT in developing countries amid COVID-19. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.972667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of literature has demonstrated COVID-19's harmful impact on agri-food systems, which are a major source of livelihood for millions of people worldwide. Information and communication technology (ICT) has been playing an increasing role in enhancing agri-food systems' resilience amid COVID-19. In this study, the PRISMA approach was employed to perform a systematic review of the literature from January 2020 to December 2021 on the overall impact of COVID-19 on agri-food system networks and ICT's role in enhancing agri-food system resilience in developing countries. This study reveals that COVID-19 has posed abundant obstacles to agri-food systems actors, including a lack of inputs, technical support, challenges to selling the product, transportation barriers, and low pricing. These impediments result in insufficient output, unforeseen stock, and revenue loss. COVID-19's restrictions have caused a significant food deficit by disrupting the demand and supply sides of the agri-food system networks. A high number of small-scale farmers have had to deal with food insecurity. As a result of the cumulative effects, actors in the agri-food system are getting less motivated to continue producing. This study also argues that many challenges in the agri-food systems can be overcome using ICTs, including maintaining precise farm management, product marketing, and access to production inputs. To assist stakeholders in coping with, adapting to, and building resilience in the agri-food system networks, this article emphasizes the critical need to turn to and expand the application of advanced agricultural ICTs to meet the world's growing needs for food production and to ensure the resilience and sustainability of farming systems, particularly in the face of a pandemic like COVID-19.
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Cattivelli V. Social innovation and food provisioning initiatives to reduce food insecurity during the Covid-19 pandemic. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 131:104034. [PMID: 36267360 PMCID: PMC9561455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines food provisioning initiatives that were implemented to reduce food insecurity during the period of the spread of Covid-19. Food insecurity increased sharply during this time, particularly among those who contracted the virus and had to remain in quarantine, and those who suddenly lost their jobs. As a possible solution to alleviate the problem, voluntary organisations collected food from stores with surplus produce (such as restaurants that were forced to close, supermarkets, etc.) and redistributed it to people in need. This redistribution occurred in several Italian cities, including Cremona, which was one of the first towns in Italy to be dramatically affected by the pandemic. Looking through the lens of social innovation theory, this paper analyses redistribution initiatives in this town and assesses their capacity to enhance their impact on social wellbeing and to involve local society in response to social challenges. Thanks to desk research and interviews with several volunteers, it demonstrates that these initiatives are good examples of social innovation, as they address emerging social challenges and generate benefits for the entire society (not just food aid recipients), reconfigure previous aid models, actively involve local population, and assume educational and social assistance purposes.
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Nielsen DE, Karamanoglu I, Yang Han H, Labonté K, Paquet C. Food Values, Food Purchasing, and Eating-Related Outcomes Among a Sample of Quebec Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2022:1-8. [DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2022-030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This investigation evaluated food values, food purchasing, and other food and eating-related outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada. The role of stress in eating outcomes was also examined. Methods: An online household survey was conducted among Quebec adults aged ≥18 years (n = 658). Changes in outcomes during, as compared to before, the pandemic were evaluated using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of free text responses. Eating outcomes by daily stress level (low, some, high) were assessed using Cochran–Armitage test for trend. Results: Most respondents reported increased importance and purchasing of local food products (77% and 68%, respectively) and 60% reported increased grocery spending (mean ± standard deviation: 28% ± 23%). Respondents with a higher daily stress level had a higher frequency of reporting eating more than usual compared to before the pandemic (low stress 21%, some stress 34%, high stress 39%, p-trend <0.0001). Free text responses described more time spent at home as a reason for eating more than usual. Conclusions: To support healthy eating during and post-pandemic, dietitians should consider patients’ mental/emotional well-being and time spent at home. Moreover, support of local food products may provide opportunities to promote healthy eating, sustainability, and post-pandemic resiliency of food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Catherine Paquet
- Faculté des sciences de l’administration, Laval University, Quebec, QC
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Zoll F, Kirby CK, Specht K, Siebert R. Exploring member trust in German community-supported agriculture: a multiple regression analysis. AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES 2022; 40:709-724. [PMID: 36373154 PMCID: PMC9638179 DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Opaque value chains as well as environmental, ethical and health issues and food scandals are decreasing consumer trust in conventional agriculture and the dominant food system. As a result, critical consumers are increasingly turning to community-supported agriculture (CSA) to reconnect with producers and food. CSA is often perceived as a more sustainable, localized mode of food production, providing transparent production or social interaction between consumers and producers. This enables consumers to observe where their food is coming from, which means CSA is considered suitable for building trust in food (production). However, it remains unclear how exactly members' trust in 'their' farmers is built. To determine the factors that predict members' trust in CSA and its farmers, and the importance of these factors when compared to each other, we conducted a quantitative study among CSA members in Germany and applied a multiple regression model (n = 790). The analysis revealed that trust in CSA and its farmers is influenced by "reputation", "supply of information", "direct social interaction" and the "duration of CSA membership". Other factors such as the "certification status of the CSA farm" and "attitudes toward organic certification" did not significantly predict trust. We conclude that producers' willingness to be transparent already signals trustworthiness to CSA members and is more important to members than formal signals. Other actors within the food system could learn from CSA principles and foster a transition toward a more regionalized value-based food system to help restore agriculture's integrity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10460-022-10386-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Zoll
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Caitlin K. Kirby
- Michigan State University, 354 Farm Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Kathrin Specht
- ILS – Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development, Brüderweg 22–24, 44135 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Siebert
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
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Allahyari MS, Marzban S, El Bilali H, Ben Hassen T. Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on household food waste behaviour in Iran. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11337. [PMID: 36387501 PMCID: PMC9641210 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aims to determine the influence of COVID-19 on consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to food waste in Iran. From April 24 to May 24, 2020, an online survey was conducted in Iran with a standard questionnaire delivered in Persian. Descriptive statistics and various non-parametric tests were used to analyse the survey results. The results reveal significant changes in how consumers shop and interact with food, with implications on household food wastage. Indeed, according to the survey findings: (i) Iran's households have a positive attitude toward reducing food waste; (ii) food waste dropped during the pandemic; (iii) consumers made fewer shopping trips and spent less on groceries during the pandemic; (iv) food waste did not increase during the month of Ramadan. The survey results provide valuable insights to reduce food wastage and address food security risks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. The paper results contribute to a better understanding of food waste management behaviours and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, which is paramount to designing effective, efficient, and sustainable recovery plans and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadegh Allahyari
- Department of Agricultural Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
- North-West University, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, South Africa
| | - Soroush Marzban
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran
| | - Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
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Consumer Attitudes as Part of Lifestyle in the COVID-19 Emergency. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14159521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic brought significant changes to the functioning of society. This article examines the opinion of consumers in south-eastern Poland on lifestyle elements such as shopping preferences, physical activity, holiday preferences and others, against the background of the COVID-19 situation. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between selected components included in the lifestyle of society in the context of the COVID-19 emergency situation. The research was conducted from 9 November 2020 to 17 January 2021. In order to identify the respondents’ attitudes and their perception of the issues discussed in this study, a questionnaire was created containing a number of theses formulations assessed by the respondents in terms of compliance with their beliefs. The evaluation was carried out using a seven-point bipolar Likert scale with a neutral value. The study was not probabilistic, therefore the inference applies only to the studied group. A total of 737 questionnaires meeting the research assumptions were collected. The form was used to identify ecological attitudes, shopping behavior, food preferences, physical activity and tourist preferences in the COVID-19 situation in which the research was conducted. Also identified were holiday destinations in 2019 and 2020, preferred diet type, and socio-demographic background: sex, age, place of residence and approximate per capita income. The research revealed that the purchasing behavior of the respondents was a predictor of their physical activity and tourist preferences. Studies have also shown that the food preferences of the respondents are an important part of their balanced lifestyle and depend on the sex of the person. The respondents preferred an active lifestyle as a form of pro-health activity when living in the situation of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents’ interest in domestic tourism also increased.
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Frank M, Kaufmann B, Ejarque M, Lamaison MG, Nessi MV, Amoroso MM. Changing Conditions for Local Food Actors to Operate Towards Agroecology During the COVID-19 Pandemic. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.866004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the novel character of disturbances caused by the pandemic in food systems, initial studies have been conducted to stress the reinforced urgent need for food systems' transformation toward sustainability. First assessments, conducted in the early months of the pandemic, found that local food actors responded to changing production and marketing conditions by implementing alternative practices under the umbrella of agroecology. However, given the unprecedented and dynamic character of the pandemic in regional situations, and related context-specific changes caused in food system actors' operations, case studies are needed to assess in more detail under which changing conditions food actors implemented alternative practices. Moreover, the maintenance of practices as conditions normalize, and food actors' transformative potential in relation to the principles of agroecology, need further assessment. In response to these emerging issues, we provide insights into our case study research conducted during 2021 in a local food system in Argentina. The aim of this research was to study how changing conditions triggered local food actors to (re-)frame their objectives and activities regarding marketing, and to assess the relevance of agroecological principles as a means of responding to changing conditions and to unfold longer-term transitions. We identified local producer shops (n = 5) and markets (n = 4) that were established or consolidated by self-organized producer groups (SOPGs) during the first months of the pandemic. Using semi-structured interviews with SOPG members (n = 12) and qualitative content analysis, we found that alternative practices were adopted in response to different changing conditions, and new needs and opportunities for producers and consumers brought about by the pandemic. Objectives pursued, and activities undertaken by the groups revealed reactive short-term mitigation strategies, and proactive longer-term transformative objectives. The relational analysis between practices and agroecological principles showed that the principles became important means of responding to changing conditions and to unfold longer-term transitions. The cases illustrate how local food actors operationalized agroecological principles, and in turn how principles can be used to investigate the nature and potentials of food actors' alternative practices, highlighting the relevance of agroecology to co-design sustainability transitions in local food systems and to mitigate possible future crisis.
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Merlino VM, Renna M, Nery J, Muresu A, Ricci A, Maggiolino A, Celano G, De Ruggieri B, Tarantola M. Are Local Dairy Products Better? Using Principal Component Analysis to Investigate Consumers' Perception towards Quality, Sustainability, and Market Availability. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1421. [PMID: 35681885 PMCID: PMC9179242 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumers are increasingly aware of the benefits of local foods in terms of quality, sustainability, animal welfare, and safety. This research addresses two main questions: (i) is the perception towards sustainability aspects of local dairy products related to individuals' preferences for milk and cheese quality aspects? (ii) are these perceptions related to people's socio-demographic characteristics? For this purpose, a choice experiment was conducted online in Apulia (South-East Italy) involving a sample of 543 respondents. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to analyze the consumer opinion related to dairy products' quality attributes, sustainability, and availability on the market. From the PCA, four main components (accounting the 64.5% of the total explained variance) were defined, highlighting non-overlapping choice styles of consumers, distinguished by attitudes primarily based on quality attributes of dairy products rather than sustainability characteristics or perceived higher quality of local products. Furthermore, the Availability request component described the consumer need for higher availability and/or visibility of local dairy products on the market. The effect of gender, age, and educational status of individuals emerged as significantly important for the resulting component definitions. The obtained results clearly suggest the need to increase the efficiency of communication strategies concerning local dairy products, as well as local dairy products' availability and visibility on the markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Maria Merlino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, L.go P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (V.M.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Manuela Renna
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (J.N.); (A.R.); (M.T.)
| | - Joana Nery
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (J.N.); (A.R.); (M.T.)
| | - Arianna Muresu
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, L.go P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (V.M.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandro Ricci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (J.N.); (A.R.); (M.T.)
| | - Aristide Maggiolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada prov.le per Casamassima, Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Celano
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Giovanni Amendola, 165/a, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy; (G.C.); (B.D.R.)
| | - Barbara De Ruggieri
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Giovanni Amendola, 165/a, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy; (G.C.); (B.D.R.)
| | - Martina Tarantola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy; (J.N.); (A.R.); (M.T.)
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Sustainable Development Practices of Restaurants in Romania and Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14073798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable development is a constant and a necessity of daily life in the restaurant industry. The restaurant industry has high consumptions of energy, water, detergents, and consumables, together with tremendous food waste. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted many acute sustainable development problems. In this context, this article analyzes the practices identified by restaurant managers that define their responsible behavior, and the significant changes made towards sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article presents the results obtained through qualitative research, carried out by semi-directive in-depth interviews, conducted with 56 restaurant managers from Romania. The answers obtained are based on five topics of discussion highlighting the managers’ growing interest in finding solutions to counteract negative effects on the environment, to ensure the wellbeing of customers and employees, and to increase the profitability of their company. The results obtained from the research reflect the thoughts and actions of restaurant managers in Romania, contributing to the body of knowledge in the understanding of sustainability practices in the foodservice sector.
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Behrendt G, Peter S, Sterly S, Häring AM. Community financing for sustainable food and farming: a proximity perspective. AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES 2022; 39:1063-1075. [PMID: 35340995 PMCID: PMC8938974 DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the German organic agri-food sector involves citizens through different community financing models. While such models provide alternative funding sources as well as marketing opportunities to SMEs, they allow private investors to combine their financial and ethical concerns by directly supporting the development of a more sustainable food system. Due to the low level of financial intermediation, community financing is characterized by close relations between investors and investees. Against this background, we apply the proximity concept from economic geography to explore spatial and relational aspects of community financing in the German organic agri-food sector. Based on a qualitative multiple case study approach, we find that the relevance of proximity is twofold. While different forms of proximity between SMEs and their potential investors are key success factors, proximity is also considered as one desired outcome of community financing. Furthermore, our results reveal that the extent to which SMEs rely on particular proximity dimensions distinguishes two different approaches to community financing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde Behrendt
- Unit Policy and Markets in the Agro-Food Sector, Faculty of Landscape Management and Nature Conservation, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Schicklerstraße 5, 16225 Eberswalde, Germany
| | - Sarah Peter
- International Perspectives, Agricultural Policy and Rural Development, Institute for Rural Development Research at Goethe University Frankfurt, Kurfürstenstraße 49, 60486 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Sterly
- International Perspectives, Agricultural Policy and Rural Development, Institute for Rural Development Research at Goethe University Frankfurt, Kurfürstenstraße 49, 60486 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Häring
- Unit Policy and Markets in the Agro-Food Sector, Faculty of Landscape Management and Nature Conservation, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Schicklerstraße 5, 16225 Eberswalde, Germany
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Allam Z, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Chabaud D, Moreno C. The 15-minute city offers a new framework for sustainability, liveability, and health. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e181-e183. [PMID: 35278381 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zaheer Allam
- Chaire Entrepreneuriat Territoire Innovation, Institut d'Administration des Entreprises de Paris, Sorbonne Business School, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris 75013, France; Live Smart Research Lab, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Campus Universitari Mar, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Didier Chabaud
- Chaire Entrepreneuriat Territoire Innovation, Institut d'Administration des Entreprises de Paris, Sorbonne Business School, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris 75013, France
| | - Carlos Moreno
- Chaire Entrepreneuriat Territoire Innovation, Institut d'Administration des Entreprises de Paris, Sorbonne Business School, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris 75013, France
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Nielsen DE, Labonté K, Karamanoglu I, Han HY, Tavanaei M, Duhamel PG, Agellon LB, Paquet C, Dube L. Longitudinal Patterns of Food Procurement Over the Course of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From a Canadian Online Household Survey. Front Public Health 2022; 9:752204. [PMID: 35127611 PMCID: PMC8810501 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.752204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Consumer food procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic has been understudied. This investigation aimed to longitudinally evaluate food procurement patterns, concern of virus exposure in grocery retailers, and food access challenges over the pandemic among a sample of households in Quebec, Canada. Methods Online surveys were collected at three time points of the pandemic: first wave in spring 2020 (lockdown period), summer 2020 (deconfinement period), and second wave in winter 2021 (curfew period). Respondents were the household's primary grocery shopper (n = 491). Non-parametric tests and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to compare responses over time and to evaluate characteristics of respondents who regularly used no-contact grocery methods (store pick-up or home delivery). Results Frequency of in-store grocery shopping was lowest during the lockdown (once per week or less), and significantly increased over time to resemble pre-pandemic frequency. Concern of virus exposure in grocery retailers and disinfection/discarding of food packaging was highest during the lockdown, but significantly decreased over time. At all time points, use of public transit, walking or cycling for grocery shopping was associated with regular use of no-contact grocery methods (curfew odds ratio (OR): 3.13 (95% confidence interval 1.60, 6.14). Age (60 years+) was associated with regular use during the lockdown [OR: 2.27 (1.13, 4.59)]. Conclusion Among our sample, frequency of in-store grocery shopping was lowest and concern of virus exposure in stores was highest during the lockdown period. No-contact grocery use was associated with transportation mode and potentially with personal risk perception (age).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiva E. Nielsen
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Irem Karamanoglu
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hannah Yang Han
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mandana Tavanaei
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Paul-Guy Duhamel
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luis B. Agellon
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Paquet
- Faculté des Sciences de l'administration, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Laurette Dube
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Bastian GE, Buro D, Palmer-Keenan DM. Recommendations for Integrating Evidence-Based, Sustainable Diet Information into Nutrition Education. Nutrients 2021; 13:4170. [PMID: 34836423 PMCID: PMC8619516 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoption of more sustainable diets (SD) has the capacity to meet the needs of individuals without compromising future generations' abilities to do the same. Nutrition educators are ideal candidates for delivering SD education to consumers, yet evidence-based recommendations for the profession have not been crafted. The results of a thorough, narrative review of the literature performed in 2021 suggest there are five well-supported recommendations nutrition educators should consider incorporating in their work. They are (1) shift towards a plant-based diet, (2) mitigate food waste, (3) limit consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), (4) engage in local food systems, and (5) choose sustainable seafood. Each recommendation is discussed below in detail, to provide nutrition educators with a nuanced scope of the issue, after which suggestions for the inclusion of these recommendations, using an example of the authors' experiences from the US Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham E. Bastian
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Danielle Buro
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
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