Editorial

Multiple global crises have highlighted the fragility and the volatility of global food systems, particularly evident during shocking and extreme weather events, combined with the remnants of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current exacerbation of the conflicts around the Mediterranean area.

Food production, smallholder farmers, fishing communities and other businesses/producers at local and national level are increasingly vulnerable and are the first to suffer the negative effects of climate change (water stress, salinization, desertification…), environmental pollutions, unsustainable practises and rising costs of inputs (energy, fertilizers and improved seeds…); at the same time, global food systems contribute up to a third of greenhouse gas emissions, induce up to 80% of biodiversity loss and utilize up to 70% of the available freshwater resources. Nowadays the majority of the vertebrate animal population on our planet represent farmed animals. These farms contribute to GHG emissions, use several hundred liters of drinking water to produce one kilogram of meat and can contribute to deforestation.

The global commitment of the international community for a shift towards more sustainable food systems has increased significantly over recent years, with numerous UN and Ministerial Declarations, international reports and scientific articles supporting this transformational change. Nowadays, it’s clear that more sustainable food systems will be vital for all populations of the world. Moreover, the Mediterranean region is facing unprecedented and interdependent environmental, economic, and social challenges that affect food security, health, nutrition, and sustainability, and thus the livelihoods of all Mediterranean people.

Mediterranean countries exhibit significant diversity in demographic, cultural, and governance aspects. The region also experiences pronounced disparities in economic growth and development, both between nations and within individual countries, particularly between rural and urban areas.

Population growth, unequal demographic changes, urbanization phenomena, and globalization trends are all driving increased food demand and affecting food choices, resulting in profound changes in the food production/transformation processes, as well as in the food consumption patterns and lifestyles. In the region, the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet, diet-related illnesses are rising to alarming levels, particularly among young people. Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are spreading rapidly, imposing a growing burden on public health systems. Simultaneously, in certain areas, the specter of hunger and famine is re-emerging due to devastating conflicts. Finally, the agriculture and fishing sectors are increasingly struggling to attract new talent and inspire vocations. The lack of appeal is NEW MEDIT N. 3/2024 2 attributed to the demanding nature of the work and the low social status often associated with these professions. Consequently, many young people are turning away from these fields in search of careers perceived as more rewarding or prestigious. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of these essential industries and fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

To accelerate more sustainable development in the Mediterranean region, fostered by the 2030 Agenda, transformative changes in food systems are imperative.

Urgent action is requested to face escalating water scarcity, degradation of land and marine resources, impacts of climate change, and progressive nutrition unbalances. Additionally, challenges such as youth and women unemployment, demographic shifts towards urbanization, vulnerability of rural livelihoods, political conflicts, and distress migration underscore, also in this region, the necessity for immediate intervention. It’s essential to address these issues while acknowledging the diverse cultural dimensions across the region. In order to move towards more sustainable food systems, it is essential to foster innovative multi-stakeholder strategies and transdisciplinary knowledge by means of combined actions among the countries of the Mediterranean. On this purpose, a heightened emphasis on scientific research and data collection for impact assessment is necessary, alongside capacity building and innovation efforts encompassing technological, institutional, and social dimensions.

In this context CIHEAM following the previous declarations of the meetings of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers of the CIHEAM Member countries, the Matera G20 statement and the independent dialogues of the Summit 2021 of UN on Food Systems interprets the transition towards Mediterranean Sustainable Food Systems as a whole, a conceptual model but also a functional product of innumerous real actions in which the production of food moves towards human consumption in respect of the environment, durable management of natural resources, social and economic considerations, rural and urban community dynamics, trade practices, food distribution, access, and ultimately, human wellbeing.

In a synthetic way, we strongly believe that food systems connect two large biological entities. From one side Nature, which includes land and water, soils, biodiversity and climate: on the other side Human beings in variable frameworks of socio-economic and cultural drivers. A very simple equation links the production and the consumption of food. The relationship though is extremely complex either because the production of food is related to intricate systems of different domains or because the consumption is not simply an individual act but involves aspects and conditions.

The focus towards sustainable and resilient food systems also reflects a cultural and social change on the demand side of food goods to allow a greater sustainability of the Mediterranean food system, and at the same time, to improve human health.

But to change the demand for food, it is necessary to act on that part of the food system where the consumer makes his choices to buy, prepare, consume food, i.e. the so-called “food environment”, which also includes nutritional, cultural and social actions. Only by creating a new sustainable food demand will it be possible to transmit those necessary signals to influence the way of production, thus creating newer supply and value chains.

Thus, the concept of sustainability is combined diet patterns in which solutions are explored to face the problems of malnutrition in its various forms, while addressing the loss of biodiversity and the erosion of indigenous and traditional food cultures.

A sustainable diet can help reduce the use of water and minimize CO2 emissions, promote food biodiversity and enhance traditional and local foods thanks to their numerous varieties, which are also nutritionally rich.

In the process of transformation and adaptation of the agri-food system of the south-eastern Mediterranean countries, also the organization of the supply chain takes on particular importance. It is estimated that only a small part of the food expenditure incurred by consumers contributes to remunerating farmers, when they represent a very high part, on average 25%, of the employed population. This discourages farmers from investing in innovations and increasing commitment to the productivity, quality and sustainability of agricultural production. Therefore, this requires greater attention from public decision makers in allowing a fair and profitable distribution of value among actors along the supply chain.

Multiple innovations technological, social and organizational, will be needed to achieve the most suitable conditions for guaranteeing food security in the Mediterranean region. Science and innovation will play a fundamental role in this process.

The mechanisms and strategies of the EU agricultural policy were deliberately not taken into consideration in this special issue of New Medit, as they are well known and debated between the first pillar of direct aid and the second pillar of rural development.

The aim was to focus attention on the agri-environmental and rural development policies of the South-East Mediterranean countries in order to increase the knowledge and strategic orientations of the individual countries and undertake a coherent and effective Euro-Mediterranean cooperation activity.

This can be achieved by focusing on promoting human development, strengthening regional integration South-South and supporting sustainability, creating synergies and promoting projects that stimulate social and inclusive development, thus integrating migration into regional development and integration. In this context, we ask ourselves what role Europe will play in building a renewed Mediterranean cooperation? The establishment of the new European Commission has given positive signals in this regard with the promise of a new separate portfolio dedicated to the Mediterranean that bodes well for a new perspective of cooperation.

In this context, CIHEAM, in its institutional mission, has promoted this special issue in order to provide an analytical framework of knowledge of the conditions of the agri-food system and the relative forms of intervention of the policies applied in the various countries of the Mediterranean region

The 5 Times of the Biosphere – Risks for Mediterranean civilisation and sea biodiversity

Geology, Palaeontology and History can be brought together under the auspices of biogeography, the ‘frontier’ disciplines, to guide us in the explanation of the orders and disorders of a World in perpetual movement through the theory of the ‘5 Times of the Biosphere’. The subject of Fernand Braudel’s geohistorical work, the Mediterranean sea and the Mediterranean region are like the cradle of a renewed reflection on Time and its rhythms in the light of climate change and rising salt water levels, which are accelerating at an alarming rate. This calls into question the biogeographical characteristics of the Grande Bleue or Big Blue and its shores. Global warming is thus likely to seriously weaken civilisations whose sustainability depends to a large extent, and even essentially, on the availability of water and an atmosphere that is simply breathable and physiologically bearable.

Agri-Food Policy Trends and State of Sustainable Food System in Türkiye

Over last two decades, the research and evaluation paradigm in agri-food sector has shifted towards comprehensive perspective called sustainable food system. The heavy pressure on earth bio-capacity and massive environmental externalities, biodiversity loss, climate change impacts on agricultural supply and food security, food safety and health issues, and consumers’ cultural concern are major factors induced to change the perspective from agri-food supply chain to sustainable food system. Although the sustainable food system perspective has become important paradigm in researches and impact evaluation studies on agri-food system recently, the studies at this perspective are missing in Türkiye. The aim of this study is to fulfil this gap in literature and provide evidences for policy makers.

This study evaluates the food system and agri-food policies in Türkiye consisting of the state of the agri-food sector, historical evaluation of agri-foo policy transform, climate change policies and environment, rural development measures, agri-food policy impact studies, and the performance level of sustainable food system indicators. Türkiye initiated the process of transformation of food systems in 2019 with an aim “to create sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems”. National Program for Agricultural Support Policy is announced each year as a Presidency Decision. The scope of agricultural support measures and its relative importance in GDP has not considerable changed much for over three decades. Nevertheless, it has been observed a positive development in most of the sustainable food system indicators. However, especially food and nutrition indicators have not considerable improved and it has been even worsened in some subcategories during the last decade.

Although national policy agenda and documents cover the transition towards sustainable food system, monitoring-evaluation system and assessment of national agri-food policies considering sustainability dimension data and indicators is lacking.

Agrifood Policies and Challenges of the Agrifood System in Egypt

Agrifood policies shape the different stages of the agrifood sector from production to consumption. In Egypt, the agrifood system is a key player in the Egyptian economy
providing jobs and income, mainly for rural and vulnerable households. Though the system in not on full potential and face several challenges. Challenges include climate
change, water and land scarcity, rising population, poverty and inequality. Over the years, several agrifood policies had been implemented to overcome these challenges.
Agriculture and food subsidies, land tenure and crop procurement are the main policies applied by the Egyptian economy. Instead of the drawbacks of some of the policies in the sector, Egypt succeeded in increasing agricultural production and ensuring access to food.

Agri-Food Policy Trends in Algeria: Selected Explorations

This study addresses the urgent need to enhance food security in Algeria, exacerbated by nearby economic and geopolitical instabilities. It investigates six critical challenges, beginning with an overview of agricultural settings in Algeria. First, it questions the prioritization of strategic sectors, compelling a thorough reevaluation. Second, it highlights ongoing rural development issues, emphasizing insufficient investments in infrastructure. Third, it addresses price stability management by reconsidering the efficacy of different storage mechanisms. Fourth, the study examines agrarian structures, advocating for a meticulous evaluation to optimize land market efficiency. Fifth, it explores irrigation water management, questioning concerns of abundance and scarcity. Lastly, it confronts climate change challenges, emphasizing the need for more resilient agricultural practices.

By analyzing these fundamental aspects, this study aspires to offer insights that can inform strategic policies and public interventions, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of Algerian food security in light of current and future challenges.

Agri-Food Trends and Policy: Green Deal Challenges and Opportunities in EU preaccession countries (Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia)

The EU pre-accession economies, namely Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, rely heavily on agriculture, a key employer in rural areas. The agriculture in these countries challenges slow productivity, lack of infrastructure, and poor access to finance and markets. EU membership aspirations and the European Green Deal influence regional agricultural policies, emphasizing sustainable practices and organic farming. The need for balanced increase in production and demand, improved supply chains, and compliance with EU standards is evident. Although, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) emphasizes the countries commitment to agriculture sustainable agriculture, yet implementation is inconsistent due to low level of support for agriculture and rural development in terms of environmental benefits, and for organic agriculture specifically. Developing marketing channels, financial support, and educational activities is crucial for sustainable transformation. Further research on economic viability and behavioral factors affecting environmentally linked policy adoption is necessary to inform policy interventions.

Analysis of the Moroccan agri-food system through national accounting “2015 Social Accounting Matrix”: The role of the wheat sector in the agri-food complex

This paper evaluates the role of wheat in Moroccan agriculture. A social accounting matrix for 2015 disaggregates soft and durum wheat, focusing on agriculture and the agri-food industry. Results show that soft and durum wheat account for 19% of agricultural product resources. Their production contributes 21% to agricultural valueadded, represents 3% of national value-added, generates 16% of agricultural wages, and 17% of agricultural capital. The industrial processing of these wheats contributes only 5% of the total value-added in the agri-food industry, generating 4.3% of labor and 5% of capital in this sector. Multiplier effects indicate that soft and durum wheat impact production activities by 2.66 and 2.6, respectively. An additional 1% injection would lead to an 84% increase in soft wheat production, a 16% rise in value-added, and a 26% increase in household income. For durum wheat, production would rise by 75%, value-added by 13%, and household income by 22%.

Comparing the multiplier effects of wheat processing to production activities, the processing industry has a greater impact on production, value-added, and household income. These findings underscore the significant role of wheat in Morocco’s agricultural and agri-food sectors, highlighting its economic and social importance. The multiplier effects suggest strategic investments and policy decisions could optimize benefits from wheat production and processing activities.

Improving agricultural policies to enhance food security in Tunisia: a retrospective and prospective analysis

This paper explores the evolution and future perspectives of agricultural policies in Tunisia, focusing on their role in enhancing food security. The agricultural sector, while contributing around 9% to GDP and employing 16% of the active population, faces numerous challenges including water scarcity, climate change, and economic pressures from international trade. The study identifies that despite economic diversification, agriculture remains crucial for rural livelihoods and food security. Also,
the paper critiques existing policies, particularly the inefficiencies in subsidies and the complexity of administrative procedures, which disadvantage small farmers. The
analysis underscores the need for policy reforms aimed at improving farmers’ incomes, reducing policy costs, and enhancing efficiency. Recommendations include developing infrastructure, promoting modern agricultural technologies, and adjusting trade policies to better balance export promotion with import substitution. The study concludes that a dynamic and transparent agricultural policy, responsive to international changes and inclusive of all farmer categories, is essential for sustainable agricultural development and food security in Tunisia.

Agricultural and food business dynamics in the Mediterranean region: Identifying key indicators for sustainable supply chain systems originated by small-scale farming production

Fruit and vegetables play a crucial role in ensuring food and nutrition security, and developing more sustainable value chains in agriculture and the agri-food sector. To support a greater supply of fruit and vegetables, small farmers’ production is fundamental and needs to be integrated into stable value chains to maintain market, logistics and quality conditions. This article develops a theoretical framework based on the conditions, strategies and performances of supply chain systems, combined with the elicitation of expert opinion, to identify key variables for the specific analysis of fruit and vegetable supply chains. Empirical data was retrieved from eight supply chains in five Mediterranean countries to identify the most relevant issues related to their conditions, strategies and performances. Three different types of supply chains were included: 1) Short food supply chains, 2) Green public procurement, and 3) Exportoriented supply chains. This research made it possible to identify key indicators for the analysis of fruit and vegetable supply chain system dynamics. The variables identified in this study may contribute to prospective research for the assessment of fruit and vegetable supply chain sustainability and to the development of policies that encourage the adoption of environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible practices, thus contributing to the long-term sustainability of Mediterranean fruit and vegetables supply chains.

Sustainable food systems. Change of route in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean region is facing growing intertwined challenges, within a complex and rapidly changing Mediterranean scenario, including water scarcity, land degradation, climate change, the rise of non-communicable diseases, social and economic discrepancies and immigrations, impacting food security, health, nutrition, and sustainability, and the livelihoods of all Mediterranean people.

The Mediterranean is historically the meeting area of ancient millenary civilizations, characterized by a multiplicity of countries with marked environmental, cultural, social, economic and political differences. Located at the crossroads between Africa, Asia and Europe, today the Mediterranean is a region where growing interdependent challenges are undermining the sustainability of food systems, and negatively impacting on their populations and natural resources.

Population growth with demographic changes, urbanization, and globalization, are all driving increased food demand and influencing food choices, which have resulted in profound changes in food production/processing patterns, in food consumption patterns and lifestyles.

The Mediterranean is marked by the heterogeneity among, and within, its countries and a growing gap between the advanced economies in the Northern shores and the less developed ones in the Southern/Eastern ones. Across the Mediterranean region, there is an “inegalitarian drift” in the current relations between Northern Mediterranean countries and Southern-Eastern ones, where many difficulties are encountered due to the existing economic, social/cultural disparities and conflicts, with an ever-growing gap between developed economies and those that are less so.

The GDP (Gross Domestic Product)/per capita highlights a profound difference between Mediterranean economies which inevitably has repercussions on the social, environmental, and social dimensions of people livelihoods.

The region is marked by a “nutrition transition state” in which the prevalence of undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight) and micronutrient deficiencies are overshadowed by the prevalence of overweight, obesity and diet-related chronic non-communicable diseases with undesirable impacts on the health and related public expenditure. The growing erosion of the Mediterranean diet heritage, by the loss of its adherence among Mediterranean populations, is alarming as it has undesirable impacts not only on health and nutrition, but also on social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability dimensions in Mediterranean countries.

Accelerated climate change has further exacerbated existing environmental problems in the region that are caused by the combination of changes in drought and desertification processes, increasing pollution and declining biodiversity.

Disruptions of imports from Ukraine and Russia has further exposed Mediterranean countries to food shortfalls with increasing in prices, with combined effects on production cuts, export restrictions, energy prices and difficulties in logistics with negative impacts on both producers and consumers, worsening food insecurity in the region.

A change of route

The book Sustainable Food Systems. Change of Route in the Mediterranean, edited by Sandro Dernini and Roberto Capone and published in 2024 by CIHEAM Bari, offers a unique multi-perspective, with multiple trajectories, essential for comprehensively tackling these pressing challenges, integral to Mediterranean food systems. Coping with these interdependent challenges is crucial with a Mediterranean Sustainable Food System (SFS-MED) vision oriented towards accelerating in the region the United Nations Agenda 2030, by aligning global and local objectives and expediting the Agenda at the country level.

The book presents 21 original contributions from different perspectives by leading experts, who participated as moderators of thematic sessions at the Third World Conference on the Revitalization of the Mediterranean Diet, entitled A Change of Route Towards More Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems in the Mediterranean Countries. The Mediterranean Diet as a Strategic Resource for Accelerating the Agenda 2030 in the Region, organized at the CIHEAM Bari Institute in September 2022. It also represents the continuation of an intense collaboration that has lasted for several years with these authors.

The book addresses together the sustainability of the whole food system, from production to consumption, and acknowledging inter-relationships ecosystem-dependent and inter-dependencies of different sectors, with local specificities as well as regional and global complexities impacting Med food systems and diets.

Tackling food systems transformation in the Mediterranean region requires considering sustainable food systems as a whole, rather than their separate parts, and going beyond disciplinary approaches and silos.

There is a need to take into consideration a web of interconnected and interdependent components within a decision-making environment concerning food systems that is very fragmented, and where there is a wide range of voices from different interest groups and agendas, with diverse institutional and agroecological constraints in countries and territories on all shores of the Mediterranean.

The book advocates for a change in the mainstreaming narrative surrounding the Mediterranean diet, positioning it not just as a healthy dietary pattern but also as sustainable diet model, a strategic sustainable lever for accelerating the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Mediterranean countries. It highlights the need of a change of perception on the Mediterranean diet as a strategic resource of sustainable development for Mediterranean countries by linking together sustainable food consumption and sustainable food production. The book offers SFS-MED innovative approaches and operational proposals for fostering synergies across sectors and providing guidance for decision-makers and stakeholders interested in advancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the region.

The book advocates for a “Change of Route”, requiring a new transdisciplinary rethinking, a change in the mindset overcoming silos of disciplines, different levels of specialization, and fragmented sectoral approaches. It highlights the need to bring together sciences and humanities and connecting the peoples, through transdisciplinary cross-cutting research on overlapping areas and multistakeholder initiatives such as SFS-MED Platform and living labs for enabling necessary conditions for an effective SFS-MED shift at country and regional levels.

The centrality of the Mediterranean consumer and of the so called “food environment” is highlighted in the book within this “Change of route” by taking into high consideration existing inequalities between Northern and Eastern Med countries, and differences in terms of food consumption, marked by different abilities to consume, and especially in large urban agglomerations.

The book as a “white paper”, as a foresight exercise, provides useful food policy operational proposals, integrating different agriculture, environmental, economic, health/nutrition and cultural Med dimensions, with a focus towards improving food systems towards sustainability in the Med countries, with attention of offering economic and social opportunities, particularly for small-scale farmers, fishermen, youth, and women in areas highly affected by migration.

Building-up an SFS-MED CIHEAM Vision 2030

The CIHEAM Secretary-General Teodoro Miano within his opening address “Moving Forward” to the book chapter “Challenges and Solutions: From Theory to Action” outlines an innovative SFS-MED vision by presenting a holistic conceptual model based on the connections of food systems with two large biological entities, on the one hand Nature and on the other hand Human Beings, in a complex equation through which to link food production and consumption in a sustainable manner.

The complexity of the relationship stems from two main factors: Firstly, food production is intricately linked within various domains. Secondly, consumption extends beyond individual acts, encompassing socio-economic factors inherent to its environment. The conventional model of connection between fundamental or applied research on one side and private businesses on the other side has shown clearly a very limited utility in producing growing and empowering steps for the benefit of local and regional communities.

The importance of strengthening the SFS-MED platform, which brings together the CIHEAM, the FAO, the Union for the Mediterranean and the Prima Foundation, under the umbrella of the United Nations Program for Sustainable Food Systems One Planet Network, is highlighted in the CIHEAM vision for more inclusive multi-stakeholder collaboration as a fundamental element for coping with the complex scenario facing Mediterranean countries by liaising all interested stakeholders, from policymakers and researchers to producers and consumers, towards a sustainable transformation of food systems and diets in the region, to drive to the SDGs achievement in the Mediterranean countries, refreshing the concepts generated by the declaration of the Matera G20 meeting.

Increasing awareness and mobilizing action regarding the pivotal role of consumers in the transformation of SFS-MED is a challenging task within the framework of sustainable consumption and production (SCP). This necessitates the establishment of a new, innovative SFS-MED food environment as part of the implementation of actions within the SFS-MED Platform.

The SFS-MED Platform provides a collaborative space for discourse and knowledge exchange on various facets of food policies, regulatory frameworks, natural resource utilization and management, food production techniques, transformation processes for both food and non-food items, consumption patterns, and the facilitation of conducive conditions for business development. Moreover, it actively promotes trade relations and international partnerships while advocating for sustainable solutions across social, economic, and environmental dimensions within the Mediterranean countries and the broader region.

The need of a novel approach is highlighted for a different working environment in which all actors and stakeholders share various approaches, backgrounds and experiences and actively co-plan solution-based procedures and actions. Complexity should be faced with complex tools and methodologies.

The CIHEAM vision 2030 for Mediterranean sustainable food systems aims to encourage the transition from an exclusively agri-food production approach to sustainable food consumption by placing the Mediterranean diet (as a sustainable diet) at the center of this new dynamic.

Conventionally, the consumer is considered very important because, through his own choices, he plays a leading role in directing production, since it is the consumer who chooses the products based on different variables. (Origin, method of production or their producer, the way they buy, transport, store, cook and consume food, disposable income, socio-economic status, religion, culture, marketing, etc.). But what emerges from reading the book is that in the transition towards more sustainable food systems, the main protagonist is no longer the consumer, but the “Food Environment”, i.e. mean: “the physical, economic, political and socio-cultural environment, in which consumers interact with the food system to make decisions regarding the acquisition, preparation and consumption of food”.

Building-up the SFS-MED CIHEAM Vision 2030, by acting together on the “Natural Resources” and the “Food Environment” could be an important contribution for a food systems transformation towards sustainability in the region, as well as, in the countries and contributing, at the same time, to the revitalization” of the Mediterranean diet, as a model of sustainable and healthy eating for the 21st century.

Sustainability, circular economy and bioeconomy: A conceptual review and integration into the notion of sustainable circular bioeconomy

National legislation and international regulations are pushing societies to become more sustainable while meeting socio-economic demands. People are becoming more aware of their environmental impact and want more sustainable products and processes. However, the terminology around sustainability, circular economy and bioeconomy can be unclear and there is confusion about their boundaries and interpretation. This article aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse within the scientific community by providing a clear and widely accepted definition of a sustainable circular bioeconomy, as well as insights and policy recommendations to facilitate its development into practice. The sustainable circular bioeconomy is combination of circular economy and bioeconomy concepts that can contribute toachieving sustainability. The adoption of this concept can significantly contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals related to responsible consumption and production, industry, innovation and infrastructure, poverty reduction, social equity and environmental protection.

Covid 19 crisis: what lessons on the role of the informal economy in the Tunisian date value chain?

The objective of this article is to revisit the debates around the role of the informal economy in the structuring of agricultural value chains. We are learning lessons from the Covid-19 crisis and the role played by the informal sector during this crisis in the Tunisian date sector. The crisis has revealed its fundamental role, particularly in commercial intermediation activities, which requires a rethinking of public policies aimed at eradicating the informal economy. We highlight the dilemmas that public authorities may face in their strategy for regulating informality. Radical strategies to
eliminate this phenomenon would have the effect of paralyzing a certain number of transactions in the supply chain and increasing the vulnerability of formal actors. Conversely, a tolerant policy towards the informal economy could be risky in the long term and could compromise the sustainability of the sector. The paper gives recommendations for the gradual integration of the informal economy into the formal system based on both reducing incentives for the informal sector and strengthening the capacities of formal stakeholders to reduce their dependence on the informal sector.

The Croatian Consumer Responses to the European GIs scheme of wine labeling

The EU GI scheme has enabled Croatian producers to new creative marketing, increasing label diversity. The aim of this study is to explore consumer attitudes toward the Traditional terms and the PDO/PGI terms implemented in wine labeling after Croatia’s access to the EU. The results of 428 wine consumers’ questionnaires were analyzed regarding age, gender, and subjective knowledge. The awareness of the meaning of PDO/PGI and certification differ among consumers; women and younger demonstrated a lower understanding of new labels. Understanding Traditional terms is much better, but younger are less familiar with their qualitative meanings. Trust in the labels significantly increases with age. Attitudes toward the PDO/PGI and Traditional
terms with respect to age and gender do not significantly affect behavior in wine purchases. Whether buying wine for themselves or as a gift, consumers have similar approaches to these labels, indicating the deep and strong influence of inherited tradition. However, the importance of PDO differs significantly depending on subjective knowledge. The research findings signal the need for consumer education and promoting the PDO’s meaning and value.

Determinants and Performances of Food Security in the Middle East and North Africa Region Countries

The current food security situation in the MENA region is surrounded by uncertainty and bleak due to several domestic and global challenges, such as a rapid increase in population growth rate, a global slowdown in economic growth rate, climate change impacts, a reduction in water resources, the spreading of political instability, the prevalence of malnutrition, low food production, high food import dependency, weak drinking water and sanitation services. This paper aims to shed light on the food security situation in the MENA region by investigating the determinants of food
security and then measuring the food security performance of each MENA country. The study contributes to tackling the current food security situation in the MENA region by focusing on investigating the food security determinants and weights by using multiple regression analysis to understand the role of macroeconomic factors in improving food security performance in the MENA countries. The findings confirm that in terms of food availability and access, the MENA countries have decent stability on those dimensions, while food utilization and stability dimensions in MENA countries have poor performance.

Impact of agricultural advisory services and innovativeness on perceived farms’ performance: case of dairy milk farms in Northern Algeria

Agricultural advisory services play a crucial role in rural development, particularly in supporting smallholder farmers. This study aims to explore i) the impact of agricultural advisory services and strategic orientations, including market orientations and innovations, on farmers’ perceived performances, and ii) the role of advisory services on stimulating these strategic orientations. The focus pertains to a sample of 146 dairy farms in Tizi Ouzou region in northern Algeria. A SEM (Structural Equation Modelling) model using Smart-PLS software was performed. The results show that innovativeness and the access to necessary advices, influenced by the degree of access to various advisory systems, significantly and positively impact perceived performances. By catalyzing innovations, agricultural advisory services also exert an indirect influence on farms’ performance. The farmers which are open to innovations tend to have a positive view of their farm’s performance. This underscores the importance of supporting and strengthening agricultural advisory systems to meet local demands, encourage innovative practices and enhance overall performance.

Can fruit be more sustainable? A study on consumer preferences towards the use of natural preservatives in chierries

Consumer awareness on how food is produced, the effects of food consumption on health and the environment is growing, and with it the importance of sustainability and sustainable production. In this context, fruits are one of the healthiest and most demanded food products, but also, they are highly perishable, requiring the use of chemical preservatives to extend their shelf life. The latter is inconsistent with consumer demands for healthy and sustainable food products and paves the path for the development of natural harmless preservatives. Therefore, it was deemed
necessary to study consumers’ preferences towards different factors determining a sustainable approach in fruit production and distribution, such as the use of natural preservatives, the local/regional origin, or the organic production. Results reveal a growing interest in society for the use of natural versus artificial preservatives, linked to the increasing awareness of their benefits for health and the environment. However, there are also barriers that prevent these novel products from becoming more extended, such as the existence of a price premium which may turn many consumers away.

Structure and dynamics of date export sector in Algeria, 2000-2018: A quantitative study

This study conducts a quantitative analysis of the date export sector in Algeria over a 19-year period, spanning from 2000 to 2018, utilizing data sourced from the different official organizations. The study explores the structure and dynamics of date exports, and further employs the gravity model as an econometric tool in order to identify key determinants influencing trade patterns. The main findings of this study are twofold. Firstly, it reveals a pronounced and positive growth trajectory in the propensity to export Algerian dates over the past decade, highlighting a promising upward trend in the sector’s development. Secondly, the study establishes a significant correlation between the observed date export patterns and the predictions of the gravity model, further affirming the model’s relevance in explaining the dynamics of the date export sector. The findings contribute valuable evidence for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to enhance Algeria’s position in the global date market and facilitate sustainable growth in the export sector.

Technical and economic evaluation of the olive oil value chain in the semi-arid zones: The case of the Tiaret region (Western Algeria)

The development of agriculture in the world’s arid regions has always faced specific economic and environmental constraints. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the olive oil value chain in the semi-arid zones of Algeria (Tiaret); by carrying out a technical and economic analysis of this sector, in order to establish optimization strategies. The data was gathered through surveys of local olive growers and oleifactors. The results showed that olive growing in semi-arid areas is a profitable and economically efficient activity. Thus, one hectare of olive trees grown in a semi-arid area brings in nearly 7000 €/year to olive growers of the region, with a high economic efficiency coefficient reaching 4.4 in intensive systems. The encountered constraints are mainly localized upstream of the value chain and particularly affect the cultivation techniques used. Indeed, the production costs represent nearly 70% of the total charges. They are mainly affected by the costs of harvesting, phytosanitary treatment, and irrigation, which occupy 25%, 18%, and 16% of direct costs, respectively. The principal component analysis confirmed the results of the economic study on the data set.

Explorer le comportement des consommateurs vis-à-vis des aliments agroécologiques en Algérie: Profil sociodémographique, motivations et contraintes à la consommation

The aim of this article is to analyse the behaviour of consumers of agroecological products in Algeria. The analysis is based on data from a direct survey of 40 consumers of agro-ecological products who are adherents of the solidarity initiative for authentic farmers in Algiers, and another online survey of 315 individuals. The main results show that: more than a third of those surveyed online regularly consume agroecological foods; consumption of these foods varied according to age, income level and household structure; the motivations are mainly linked to the expected health
benefits and quality of the food; the constraints on consumption are the lack of availability and the high prices of these products on the domestic market. Despite the limitations to the generalisation of the results, this exploratory research provides useful information for economic operators to develop marketing strategies and indicates the action’s levers of public authorities to design and implement policies to promote sustainable food

From conventional to smart: Farmers’ preferences under alternative policy scenarios

This study investigates the impact of ex-ante policy scenarios on conventional farmers’ intentions to adopt smart farming applications and identifies influential factors. Through survey data collected from 117 conventional farmers, three scenarios (no support, cash support, credit support) were presented to determine their intention to adopt smart farming. The findings reveal that financial support significantly boosts farmers’ intention to adopt these technologies. Additionally, farm income, knowledge, and inheritor positively influence adoption, while education and age hinder it. To promote the adoption of smart farming systems, we recommend providing educational programs to increase farmers’ knowledge and offering financial benefits to offset the costs of purchasing and installing the systems. Our findings are relevant for developing countries, such as Türkiye, that are transitioning to smart farming and can inform policies that facilitate the adoption of smart farming systems.

Etude expérimentale des performances technicoéconomiques et environnementales de l’agriculture de conservation dans les régions semi-arides en Tunisie

Conservation agriculture, based on direct seeding, offers an ecological production method based on an integrated and sustainable management of mulch and soil resources. The techno-economic and environmental impacts of this production alternative are variable depending on the production system and the agroecological zone. This work aims to assess different impacts of conservation agriculture compared to conventional agriculture, using a set of agronomic, economic and environmental indicators at the scale of an experimental station. The experimental device combines a set of crop rotations, in rainfall and irrigated system under conventional and conservation agriculture. The analytical methodological framework used the tools of descriptive statistics and multidimensional analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA). Results show the added value of conservation agriculture, which has higher economic and agronomic performance and positive environmental benefits.

Financial Distress in European Vineyards and Olive Groves

This study focuses on the prediction of financial distress of agricultural firms operating in the vineyards and olive crops sectors in Mediterranean countries, specifically in Portugal, Spain, and Italy, which are crucial for the production of these crops. The sample size of the study is 5,057 firms. Twelve models are presented, estimated from subsamples of combinations between countries and crops. Logistic regression is used for the estimation of these models. The accuracy of the models is evaluated, considering the importance of misclassification costs. Additionally, the areas under the ROC curves are calculated and compared in a dynamic of possible combinations between crops and countries. The study concludes that there are differences between the two sectors, as well as across countries, and suggests that dedicated models for each country or crop may improve the the models’ accuracy.

Determining the Factors Affecting the Climate-Friendly Innovative Technology Usage Levels of Sheep Farms

Climate-friendly smart agriculture (CSA) describes a set of interventions aimed at sustainably increasing productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The aim of this study was to calculate the climate-friendly innovative technology usage indexes of sheep farms in Konya and to determine the affecting factors. Neyman allocation sampling method was used to determine the 151 sheep farms. As a result of the study, it has been determined that 5.96% of the enterprises are low level, 87.42% medium level and 6.62% high level climate-friendly innovative technology users. The general average of Climate-Friendly Innovative Technology Usage Index (CFITU) of the sheep farms is 52.88% and they are medium level climatefriendly innovative technology users. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors influencing the level of CFITU in sheep farms. The results showed that the dependent variable was explained by 7 independent variables with a percentage of 32.5%. Providing education and financial support to farmers in the region regarding climate change perception and technology usage will enhance the level of CFITU in enterprises.

Treatment and reuse of water: Economic Feasibility and assessment of Water Pricing Policies in Ouardanine irrigation district (Tunisia)

Treated wastewater reuse is a valuable water source in water scarcity conditions. If its technical feasibility is largely demonstrated, less attention is paid to the economic assessment. By applying an ex-post Cost-Benefit Analysis to Ouardanine irrigation district, in eastern Tunisia, the economic feasibility of wastewater treatment and reuse in irrigation was assessed. Data on costs and benefits were evaluated throughout the lifespan of the project and four scenarios – no treatment, treatment, treatment with reuse, and treatment with reuse without considering the environmental benefits – were considered. The results prove that: the project is economically profitable for all scenarios except the first; it is still profitable with an increase in costs or a decrease of benefits up to 30%; farmers are the main beneficiaries of the project which is financially not viable for both the treatment plant company and the public body charged of the distribution of water; the affordability of the treated wastewater price depends on the cropping pattern: with increased water pricing peach growers will still have substantial benefit while olive growers will reduce significantly their benefits.

Explaining drivers of farmers’ willingness for early adoption of enhanced irrigation technologies: case of Tunisia

The objective of this paper is to identify the influencing factors of farmers’ willingness for early adoption of enhanced irrigation technologies in Tunisia. We estimate a multinomial logit model with data from 931 farmers in Central (Chebika) and Northern (Fernana) of Tunisia. Regression results reveal that early adoption is positively influenced by levels of extension service quality, trust in farmers’ associations and extension agents, farmer’s perception towards the innovation, credit access, and off-farm income. However, it is negatively affected by market access issues, risk aversion, and age. Risk, trust, and perception towards technology are important factors in driving early adoption decision. The findings imply that farmers training on water conservation technologies, financial support for innovation adoption, awareness of young farmers about the opportunities of agricultural innovation, incentives to farmers’ associations in order to improve their market access, and inclusive participatory approaches during technology generation and transfer are all accelerators of early adoption speed of innovations by farmers.

Impact of Young Farmers Supports on the Young Farmers’ Willingness to Continue Farm Activities: A Case of TR52 Region in Türkiye

There has been an increase in the demand for agricultural products and different support programs are implemented by countries to keep a sufficient, economically active population in agriculture. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of the Young Farmer Support Program (YFP) in Türkiye. The primary data for this study was obtained from face-to-face surveys conducted with 155 young farmers. The logit model was used to analyse the factors affecting the willingness of young farmers to continue agricultural activities. The results showed that about half of the young farmers were not satisfied with the provided support, and 23.7% of them considered exiting the agricultural sector. The results of the Logit model showed that the satisfaction from the Program, the presence of social facilities in the rural areas, crop diversity, agricultural insurance, and investments in the farms were statistically significant and had an impact on the willingness of young farmers to continue their farm activities. Diversifying and expanding the scope of support policies for young farmers could make significant contributions to keeping young farmers in the agricultural sector and rural areas.

Work and Living Conditions of Syrians in Turkey and Their Situation in The Agricultural Sector

The purpose of this research is to find out how Syrians with temporary protection status in Turkey live and work, as well as how they are treated in the agriculture industry, from the point of view of Syrians. The study used a survey-based approach to collect primary data from 210 Syrian asylum seekers residing in Hatay province, which hosts a substantial population of Syrian refugees, accounting for 18% of the province’s total population. The researchers employed the Simple Random Sampling Method to select the participants, ensuring a representative sample from the overall Syrian refugee population in the region. While a notable proportion of respondents (37%) reported having no major problems at their workplaces, a substantial portion (44%) faced significant challenges. These challenges encompassed issues such as low wages, heavy workloads, language barriers hindering communication, social exclusion, and a lack of access to social security benefits. The research brought attention to the vulnerable position of Syrian refugees in the labor market and the need for comprehensive measures to improve their working conditions and overall well-being.

Assessing technical efficiency and its determinants for dairy cattle farms in northern Algeria: The two-step DEA-Tobit approach

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the technical efficiency of dairy cattle farms in Tizi Ouzou region as one of the main dairy basins in Algeria. To do so, a two-step analysis was applied. First, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to quantify the technical efficiency of dairy cattle farms. In the second step, a Tobit model to examine factors affecting farms’ technical efficiency is used. The analysis used cross-sectional data collected from 146 dairy cattle farmers. The study found that the average technical efficiency under VRS assumption is relatively high, suggesting that farms can reduce their inputs by an average of 17% while maintaining the same level of output. The study also highlights the crucial role that agricultural advisory system and traditional insemination play in enhancing technical efficiency. In this region, where cattle breeding is traditionally practiced on a small scale, increasing herd size can result in reduced performance. The study also recommended that agricultural policies should be adapted to local specificities and that a more supportive strategy should be adopted for small-scale family dairy farms instead of promoting the large farm model.

SUSTAINABILITY DETERMINANTS IN THE IBERIAN WINE INDUSTRY

The objective of this study is to determine the factors that explain the orientation, of the wine industry and at firm level in Portugal and Spain for adopting policies to improve sustainability, identifying similarities and differences between the two countries. The study focuses on two countries that account for a relevant part of the global vineyard surface area, wine production and wine exports. The database for the empirical analysis has been constructed through a survey conducted among wineries of the two countries during 2020 and 2021, for which a total of 568 valid responses were obtained. From the quantitative analysis, based on three Box-Cox left-hand-side models, it can be concluded that those wineries that invest the most in their growth and anticipate future challenges are more inclined towards adopting sustainability policies. The study also reveals notable differences between the two countries as the determinants that drive sustainability are more varied in the Spanish wineries than in those of Portugal.

La sécurité alimentaire au Nord Cameroun: une approche d’analyse quantitative

Food security assessment is complex and its multidimensional nature does not make it easy to quantify. In Cameroon, the persistence of food insecurity despite the efforts made is more worrying and its measurement constitutes an obstacle. The objective of this work was to build a proxy representative of the food situation within households. Clearly, the aim was to propose a method for estimating an aggregate proxy for food security at household level (IASA) and to analyze the determinants that result from it. Using a principal component aggregation approach, the IASA was estimated following a standardization process. The Tobit model has identified the factors that influence food security. The results revealed that the approach to estimating the IASA based on all of the components of the PCA is likely to provide a relevant proxy and more representative of the food situation than does one based exclusively on a single component. The social anchoring of the household, the workforce, the diversification of agricultural and pastoral activities and especially the agropastoral income are the main predictors of food security, while the level of vulnerability, the marital status (widower) and land conflict are the risk factors that degrade food well-being. The actors involved in the fight against food insecurity should consider the multidimensional aspect by integrating in the proxy estimate all the main components resulting from the PCA extraction, so that it accurately reflects the food situation.

Evolution of global grain trade network and supply risk assessment based on complex network

The global distribution of grain resources is uneven, and this paper analyzes the evolution of the global trade network of wheat, corn and rice from 2012 to 2021, based on the complex network . At the same time, a global grain trade supply risk assessment index system was established to assess the supply risk of the main import trade countries of wheat, corn and rice in 2021, and the following conclusions were obtained. The trade relationships of corn was the most dense, and the trade connectivity between countries was the highest, while the trade group differentiation of rice was the highest, and the trade group characteristics were more prominent. Canada, America, Australia, Russia, Argentina, Ukraine, Brazil, India and China were the major grain export countries. Italy, America, France, Germany, the Netherlands and South Africa occupied the important positions in the global grain trade network. The supply risk of wheat trade gradually increased with the import volume from high to low. The supply risk of rice was higher than that of wheat and corn as a whole, and the high risk was mainly concentrated in countries with high import trade.

Tracking on food and agriculture-related SDG indicators in the Mediterranean region

The Mediterranean region is facing important socioeconomic, demographic, environmental and geopolitical dynamics, leading to a continuous rise in food requirements. These interlinked challenges are embodied in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN member states in 2015 and built around 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim of the study is to classify countries of the Mediterranean region, based on their agriculture and food related SDGs progress, in order to understand the key implementation strategies, define the gaps between countries and identify priorities for action. To classify countries, a cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance is used, followed by the ANOVA. The analysis shows that the level of food security is a discriminating factor for the clustering of countries: a clear gap emerges between the countries of Western Europe and those of the MENA area. The transition towards more sustainable food production and consumption models has also reached different stages in the various countries of the area, representing a further element of distance.

Competencies of Western Balkan farmers for participating in short food supply chains: honey case study

The paper aims to examine the impact of different beekeepers’ characteristics on their perceptions of two personal competencies required for successful participation in short food supply chains (abbr. SFSCs): (1) Communication and marketing knowledge and skills, and (2) Available time to cultivate communication with customers and sell honey. Data was collected using survey research, and the total sample included 1,081 beekeepers in the region of the Western Balkans. Multinomial logistic regression was used for data processing. According to the Nagelkerke R2 the model explained a high percentage of the variance of both analyzed dependent variables. The results indicate that beekeepers perceive both competencies as strong to medium strong. The first competency is more likely to be evaluated as strong to very strong by young beekeepers and those who perceive distance to consumers as a small or no barrier to honey sale. The strongest predictor for the second competency is family labour. The value Exp(B) shows that beekeepers with abundant family labour are 19.1 times more likely to perceive available time as a strong to very strong competency in direct sales.

Covid 19, Taxes Trump et Brexit: Comparaison des effets sur les exportations françaises de vin entre vignerons indépendants et coopératives vinicoles

In this paper, we aim at assessing the effects of the 2019-2020 context (Covid 19, Brexit, Trump Taxes) on exporting activities of wine companies, relying on a survey carried out on French exporting wine companies. The aim is also to observe possible different effect on independent wineries and cooperatives. On a theoretical level, we adopt the institutional approach often mobilized in the field of international management which we will complete with recent work on the effects of disturbances in the institutional context and crisis management. Five main results have been obtained: (1) effects that were generally mastered by both independent wineries and cooperatives; (2) additional pressure on exports from the domestic market; (3): contrasting effects of changes in the institutional environment, with marked importance for disruptions due to the health crisis; (4) significant and differentiated adaptations of companies, and finally, (5) a distinct resilience according to territorial anchoring and export strategies with marked differences between independent wineries and cooperatives.

Evaluation économique des services écosystémiques et du coût de non action en Tunisie : Cas du bassin versant O.Lachbal

The present study is inspired by a current scientific debate around the economic valuation of soil ecosystem services. It details the estimation of the services identified in the watershed O.Lachbal and develops projections in order to analyse the total economic value trajectory in the absence and presence of water and soil conservation measures according to the evolution of water erosion, so as to reveal the cost of non-action related to soil degradation. This assessment help to clarify the picture of the benefits provided by each service. The total economic value of ecosystem services is estimated at TND 5.98 million (2022). The majority (60%) of this value is made up of direct use benefits (provisioning services), while indirect use benefits (regulating services [34%] and support services [6%]) constitute only 40% of the total value. The study of the evolution of the aggregate benefits made it possible to estimate the economic impact of combating degradation over 21 years and to identify the cost of non-action associated with soil water erosion. The results of the study show that progressive mitigation of soil water erosion leads to the stabilization of ecosystem functions and subsequent conservation of ES, while the opposite case of this scenario reveals an average cost of non-action 5 times higher than the total economic value of the current year (TND 30 million). In view of this problem, public intervention remains essential, and this study explored a concave relationship between the cost of non-action and the degree of degradation achieved or to be avoided, given that erosion is considered to be a natural phenomenon that can be controlled, but cannot be avoided, offering a decision key in relation to monetary availability.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior in Agricultural Pesticide Use of Kiwi Farmers

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of producers in pesticides use. The study was conducted in 7 provinces of Türkiye (Yalova, Bursa, Ordu, Rize, Mersin, Samsun and Sakarya) where are significant potential in Türkiye’s kiwi production and these provinces constitute approximately 90% of Türkiye’s total kiwi production in terms of production. According to the findings of study, the average age of the producers was 50.2 and the average of their agricultural activity period was 24.8. The average land size of the producers is 32.4 decares, the average fruit land is 22.9 decares and the average kiwi cultivation area is 14.7 decares. While 60% of the producers stated that they obtained pesticides and fertilizers from agrochemical dealers, 33.7% of them applied spraying when they first observed the disease, 40.1% of the producers stated that they determined the time and pesticide amounts to be used according to their own experiences. It has been determined that approximately 92% of the producers think that the agricultural pesticides used have negative effects on human health. To mitigate the negative effects of agrochemical overuse on both human health and the environment, policy makers and agricultural institutions should prioritize educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness among farmers.

Consumers’ perceptions about probiotic food products and their effects on purchase intention: A case study of Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey

The aim of this study is examining consumers’ preferences and behaviors about probiotic foods (PFs) in Turkey, and analysing the relationships between some factors such as consumer perception, knowledge level, income level, and purchase intention. According to the research results, among the PFs, sour milk products such as; cheese, conventional yogurt, and ayran (yogurt drink) were found to be the most frequently consumed probiotics. On the other hand, the consumption level of other common commercial probiotics like probiotic yogurt and supplements were found quite low. It was determined that consumers have a high awareness level of the benefits of PFs and that they consume these products with confidence. According to the analysis results, statistically significant and positive correlations were found between consumers’ knowledge level and consumers’ perceptions of benefit and necessity. In terms of purchase intention, statistically significant and positive correlations were found between “purchase intention” and some variables such as; “knowledge level”, “income level”, perceptions of “benefit” and “price sensitivity”.

Somalia consumers’ camel meat consumption satisfactions under climate change

Global climate change has rapidly changed consumers’attitude and behavior toward food products by affecting significantly their supply and demand. In this context, it was planned to determine the main factors affecting camel meat consumption satisfaction of Somalia consumers under the climate change conditions. The maim material of the research was obtained from 385 households residing in Mogadishu, Somalia in 2022. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Two-step Cluster Analysis were used to explore Somalia consumers’ camel meat consumption satisfaction. The results of the study highlighted that the low and middle-income consumers focused on healthy diet willingness under the hedonic quality attributes mitigating the ecological footprint in livestock on their camel meat consumption satisfaction. On the other hand, it was also analyzed that the high-income segment yielded more importance to their sensory and real quality attributes through the animal care and feeding management strategies adapted to climate change.

Forecasting the dynamics of farm income: the case of the olive sector in Spain

The objectives of this paper are to determine the factors that influence interannual movements of farms between income categories, and to forecast future income categories of farms under several different market, climate, and policy scenarios. To achieve these goals, a methodology combining the Markov chain model with a partial proportional odds model is proposed. Spanish olive farms are taken as an illustrative case study. The results show that the income dynamics of these farms are mainly influenced by off-farm uncontrollable factors such as the output prices, the weather conditions, and the policy support. Moreover, farm-, farmer-, and management-specific factors also play a relevant role.

Costs and Benefits of Sustainability-Oriented Innovation in the Agri-food Industry: A Review

In light of the increasing demand for sustainable development, the agri-food industry is under pressure to make the transition towards sustainability. Innovation has been identified as a key driver for this transformation. However, the agri-food industry, which n many countries is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, is highly sensitive to the benefits, costs and potential risks of sustainability-oriented innovation.
At the same time, because of the low propensity of countries in the Mediterranean region to innovate, an in-depth exploration of innovation is necessary. This paper presents a review of the costs and benefits of specific sustainability-oriented innovations, not only economic but also social and environmental, to provide a guide for researchers and adopters of sustainability-oriented innovations in the Mediterranean region. To achieve this goal, this paper classifies the elements being reviewed according to the nature of the innovation and stages of the product life cycle it overs. This paper has implications for farmers, business managers, regulators and policy makers in the Mediterranean region.