Agri-food Business Research Articles

The Impact of E-Commerce Adoption and Carbon Emission Reduction on Green Supply Chain Performance in Agri-Food Business Sustainability

The Impact of E-Commerce Adoption and Carbon Emission Reduction on Green Supply Chain Performance in Agri-Food Business Sustainability

Innovation intermediaries and key-capability development: evidence from organisations in two Philippine agri-food business industries

ABSTRACT Innovation intermediaries can help boost and hasten the diffusion and adoption of technologies and practices in agri-food businesses, leading to better livelihoods, communities, and ecosystems. However, these organisations require several key-capabilities to ensure that their role performance leads to better innovation success for their stakeholders. This study employs a multiple case study approach to understand the key-capability building process and focuses on 18 innovation intermediaries in the rice and mango industries of the Philippines. The researcher finds that knowledge-building and management capabilities are essential and foundational across different organisation types. However, differences between organisations are seen in their networking-based capabilities. Moreover, the study finds four factors that may affect how innovation intermediaries build their key-capabilities. Additionally, evidence to support human resource development as a fifth key-capability and motivation as a third underlying capability was found. This study also provides policy and management implications for innovation intermediary key-capability development.

Toward a novel Sustainability Transparency Index for improved governance in agri-food value chains: A comparative study of Finnish and Ukrainian companies

The paper addresses ESG-based disclosure and transparency measurement in the context of a comparative analysis of Finnish and Ukrainian agri-food businesses based on the Sustainability Transparency Index (STI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Based on the normalization method, SDG-related text mining, and qualitative text analytics, the sustainability information of the largest agri-food companies was traced. Among GRI, ISSB, and ESRS disclosure standards, only GRI 13 has clearly established SDG alignment with most material stakeholders’ requests. The results of the study give a snapshot of sustainability transparency in the agri-food business in 2023, where the indices of Finnish companies are higher than those of Ukrainian ones, with clear SDG 12, waste and water management priority compared to SDG 2 and sustainable agriculture in Ukraine. Regulatory recommendations based on a comparative analysis of sustainability disclosure in both countries include better alignment with EU (Finnish) benchmarks, reporting and assurance practices for Ukrainian companies, and the incorporation of recent EU sustainability disclosure approaches for Finnish companies. Acknowledgment Inna Makarenko gratefully acknowledges the support of the Academy of Finland (Decision 353888).  

A Systematic Review of the Literature on Agri-food Business Models and Choice Experiments of Consumers

A Systematic Review of the Literature on Agri-food Business Models and Choice Experiments of Consumers

Technology and Big Data in Agriculture: an Analysis on Agriculture 4.0, Precision Farming, and the Role of SMEs in Driving Economic Growth

This paper discusses the role of technology and big data in the agri-food industry. With the world population growing rapidly, there is a need to produce more food to feed everyone. Agriculture is changing rapidly, and technology is playing a crucial role in this change. The concept of Agriculture 4.0 seeks to optimize every factor to minimize inputs and maximize efficiency. Big data is being collected to improve management and farm management. Precision farming is being used to predict crop development phases and yields. The European Union is lagging behind the US and China in terms of innovation and market evaluation. Innovation drives economic growth, and it goes beyond invention. Small and medium-sized enterprises are playing an essential role in driving economic growth, particularly in the agri-food business. To improve resilience and production efficiency in the agri-food business, there is a need to boost SMEs' competitiveness. The European agri-food business is lagging in terms of digitalization, but there is a significant potential for growth. Finally, technology and big data are playing a crucial role in the agri-food industry, and there is a need to evaluate contextual elements to improve farmers' technology use.

Competitive parity in chain management – factors that influence the long-term compliance with product and quality criteria along the chain

Abstract Focal firms in the agri-food business must take strategic measures to ensure certain product and quality characteristics along the value chain. This is necessary in order to be able to keep up with competitors in the long term. Research shows that competitive parity, in addition to competitive advantage, should be considered as a strategic dimension. In the production of food, often several actors are involved and the focal firm (that is primarily responsible for the product) must organize the business relationships along the chain in such a way that the desired outcome is achieved in the short and long term. The achievement and safeguarding of competitive parity have been little researched so far. Up to now, there has only been a systematic literature review on this topic. Therefore, this aim of this research is to examine which factors influence the construct of competitive parity. Based on the findings of the literature review and further literature on the management of value chains, a theoretical framework is developed. A first empirical application of the model makes it possible to derive recommendations for action for focal firms in the agri-food industry. Therefore, we conduct a quantitative survey in the wine industry. PLS-SEM is used to analyze the model, using SmartPLS software. This research is the first to empirically investigate the strategic relevance of competitive parity in the agri-food business. The results show that chain management needs to pay attention to competitive parity besides the competitive advantage. Whereas the measures of cooperation have a stronger effect on achieving a competitive advantage, the measures of coordination have a stronger effect on achieving competitive parity. The constructs of power and trust — in contrast to the existing basis of resources and capabilities in the company — seem to have a significant influence on cooperation and coordination.

Analyzing the Nexus Between Environmental Regulations, Green Supply Chain Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Agri-Food Business

Analyzing the Nexus Between Environmental Regulations, Green Supply Chain Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Agri-Food Business

The potential for blockchain to improve small-scale agri-food business’ supply chain resilience: a systematic review

PurposeWe conducted a systematic review to explore the potential for the application of blockchain technologies for supply chain resilience in a small-scale agri-food business context.Design/methodology/approachAs part of the research methodology, scientific databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to find relevant articles for this review.FindingsThe systematic review of articles (n = 57) found that the use of blockchain technology in the small-scale agri-food business sector can reduce the risk of food fraud by assuring the provenance of food products.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a few papers were directly from a small-scale agribusiness context. Key challenges that limit the implementation of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies include concerns over the disclosure of proprietary information and trade secrets, incomplete or inaccurate information, economic and technical difficulties, low levels of trust in the technology, risk of human error and poor governance of process-related issues.Originality/valueThe application of blockchain technology ensures that the risks and costs associated with non-compliance, product recalls and product loss are reduced. Improved communication and information sharing can increase resilience and better support provenance claims and traceability. Better customer relationships can be built, increasing supply chain efficiency and resilience.

МОДЕЛІ УПРАВЛІННЯ ДОДАНОЮ ЦІННІСТЮ У НІШЕВОМУ АГРОБІЗНЕСІ

The article examines the methodological approaches and models of added value management as a consumer’s value based on the ecosystem and marketing approach in the segment of micro and small agricultural business, which operates in the conditions of full-scale military invasion in Ukraine. The sociological study conducted in 2022-2023 among 100 managers and founders of domestic micro and small agricultural enterprises shows and explains value-added management models in the segment of niche agro-production business. Creating value for consumer’s approach is a methodological basis for sustainable competitive strategies development, which allows micro and small businesses to adapt to the external environment rapid changes and to be consistent in the long term period perspective both in conditions of the full-scale military invasions and in the post-war period. The agri-food market structural changes caused by the pandemic and full-scale military actions led to the domestic micro and small agricultural business strategy transformation. In conditions of full uncertainty and the threats of physical destruction, micro and small agro-enterprises that retained their production capacity showed adaptability to rapid market changes in comparison with large-scale agribusiness. Leaders of micro and small business actively studied and implemented innovative approaches to the management of material, financial and information flows, which directly affected their ability to produce added value. Running an agri-food business in Ukraine in modern realities requires the use of sustainable business practices that will ensure sustainability both in the short-term and in the long-term. The ecosystem approach to the added value management, as a value for the consumer, involves a comprehensive approach to the of available resources assessment, external threats and challenges, and development prospects. A marketing approach to the added value creation and treatment it as a value for the consumer allows to develop a differentiated strategy. Such approach allows to obtain more sustainable competitive advantages in comparison with the economic approach of added value creation and management. The strategy of increasing value of primary agricultural products by increasing the market value and product attractiveness through marketing tools allows to differentiate the product line and receive an additional premium.

Digital entrepreneurship in agrifood business: a resource bricolage perspective

PurposeThe aim of this research paper is to investigate entrepreneurial opportunities through digital technology among agrifood businesses. Specifically, the research paper uses resource bricolage theory to evaluate the various activities that agrifood businesses conduct through digital technology, and whether these businesses realise their full potential from these activities.Design/methodology/approachData are gathered from 22 semi-structured interviews with representatives of small agrifood businesses. Maximum variation sampling was used to ensure that respondents were representative of different types of agrifood businesses across the food supply chain. Interview data were analysed through thematic analysis.FindingsAgrifood businesses engage in a range of activities through digital technology, however, findings point to a continuum of different attitudes among respondents towards the adoption of digital technology, ranging from passive to proactive attitudes. Notable themes from the research identified efficiency and productivity, usability, marketing and connectivity as issues in the adoption of digital technology by agrifood businesses. However, these businesses were less likely to engage in cutting-edge technology activities.Originality/valueThis research contributes to emerging research on digital entrepreneurship, but particularly on digital entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector. This builds on existing debates relating to the passive nature of agrifood businesses towards growth opportunities. The use of research bricolage is also a novel theoretical approach to research on this topic. The development of a digital technology adoption continuum provides businesses and policymakers with a deeper understanding of how digital entrepreneurship opportunities can be harnessed.

Aligning Agri-food Business with Sustainable Development and Quality of Life in Rural Areas: Stakeholders' Perspectives from Greece

The present study examined how the agri-food enterprises in Greece affect the socio-economic life of rural areas and contribute to ensuring food security. It sought the extent of their contribution to the revitalization of the local community and residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, it focused on the policy measures needed to ensure that their operation protects the environment and reduces their environmental footprint. Additionally, this research explored agri-food enterprises’ impact in addressing the problems of rural societies in the context of their social responsibility. Qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with twelve central government and local self-administrative executives who formulate policies that shape or influence the agri-food sector and agri-food enterprises The study revealed that agri-food businesses play a major role in the rural economy. At the same time, they are a key factor in linking sustainable development to the well-being of citizens. It was also highlighted that agri-food enterprises in Greece continue to leave a large negative environmental footprint and therefore a change in the framework of existing policies is needed to make the latter effective. In this regard, measures are needed to support agri-food enterprises with certain financial instruments in order to enhance the reduction of their environmental footprint. Finally, the research indicated the need for further strengthening of agri-food enterprises' social responsibility toward rural residents. The contribution of this research has both theoretical and empirical value. It responds to the recent calls for greater investigation of agri-food enterprises and their contributions to sustainable development and rural residents’ quality of life as well. In this respect, the present primary study adds evidence to the international literature regarding the role of agri-food enterprises in the socio-economic life of rural areas by shedding light on various aspects while the findings can be used by the institutions (European, state, and local authorities) that are responsible for policy-making in the agri-food sector and agri-food enterprises respectively. Moreover, the findings can also be a valuable tool for the business world of agri-food entrepreneurship.

A systematic review of the literature on agri-food business models: critical review and research agenda

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify the way in which research on new business models in agri-food sector has been developed, in order to identify the main lines of work followed and determine a future research agenda in this field.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of the literature is carried out, by applying the PRISMA method to identify and classify the main articles published on agri-food business models in journals included in the Web of Science Core Collection database.FindingsThe systematic literature review has identified three main forms of business models in the agri-food sector: sustainable business models, technology-based business models and cooperative business models. The three types of new business models are complementary and can sometimes be adopted together. The identification of these types of business models and the variants included in each of them is a valid starting point for new developments in this field.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are those typical of any literature review and derived from the methodology used. The establishment of criteria relating to time, language, type of publication or database chosen means that this review may have left out relevant studies in this field of research. It is therefore recommended that new reviews be carried out with different criteria in the coming years in order to supplement the results obtained in this study.Originality/valueSome research gaps were identified that should be further explored in the future. First, the relationship between digitisation and technological innovation in agri-food business models and the level of implementation of sustainable objectives in these business models has not been researched thoroughly. In addition, and despite the fact that the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted innovation in agri-food business models, the authors have detected a lack of papers focused on solving problems arising from the shortage of raw materials or labour, possible energy crises or external dependence on local markets when it comes to meeting demand. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the limitations of international markets, mainly the European market, when it comes to dealing with problems arising from this type of crisis.

The Negative Impacts of Trust in Long-Term Agri-Food Business Relationships

Trust has been shown to be a key component of a successful business-to-business (B2B) relationship. However, recent studies have pointed to the potential adverse effects on different aspects of the relationship, with a lack of knowledge on how calculative trust and relational trust interact and their ramifications for long-term relationships, particularly in the agri-food context. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted among different members of the rainbow trout and lamb supply chains in Canada. The data indicated that both types of trust can coexist in a long-term relationship, and while calculative trust can give rise to adverse effects such as complacency and payment delays, relational trust can help alleviate some of those impacts.

Sustainable strategies of industrial tourism in the agri-food business: an exploratory approach

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the opportunities and potential of industrial tourism for the agri-food industry in the current post-pandemic scenario. Industrial tourism can favor appropriate behaviors by companies and tourists to address emerging challenges in the post-pandemic era, such as responsible production and consumption and the containment of waste production.Design/methodology/approachThe adopted research method is a case study with exploratory purposes, applied to an industrial tourism experiment called “Make it in Puglia” (Apulia Region, Italy). The case study was based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews.FindingsThis study analyzes how industrial tourism in active agri-businesses allows local areas to be enhanced while simultaneously improving and strengthening sustainable strategies and choices for organizations and customers, especially in the changing context of the post-pandemic era.Research limitations/implicationsThe country specificity of this project and the limited duration of the investigation in the post-pandemic period were the main limitations of this study.Practical implicationsIndustrial tourism in the agri-food business can contribute to a sustainable strategy for destination management based on new elements of attractiveness. Moreover, industrial tourism represents an opportunity for agri-food businesses, through the promotion of “business tours,” to respond to requests for more sustainable practices, especially considering that food waste and resource use efficiency have become a topic of growing concern.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first studies that considers industrial tourism as a strategy for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the agribusiness sector, as it analyzes industrial tourism as an instrument in the construction of a cohesive ecosystem where tourism, agri-food business and local communities together pursue preservation and safeguarding of the environment, heritage and territory.

Business models for sustainable food systems: a typology based on a literature review

The current state of the agri-food systems calls for more attention to sustainability. This article explores how diverse business models can contribute to sustainability in food systems, and develops a new business model typology in this domain in which the wider business ecosystem is taken into account. A systematic literature review is done and 37 articles are analyzed according to the business model types, their various sustainability dimensions and roles within the food system. Nine different business model types for sustainable food systems are identified: circular business models, place-based social food networks, new logistics or online food distribution business models, disruptive, sufficiency, inclusive, and family business models, the focal company, and regional food hubs. Collaborative approaches, clear sustainability visions, companies' values and continuous innovation are important factors for agri-food business models striving for sustainability. More in-depth single-country but also cross-country comparative and cross-disciplinary research is needed for understanding business models and their transitions toward sustainable outcomes within diverse and complex food systems.

Competitive parity as strategic dimension – little to gain, much to lose

Abstract It is essential for firms in the agri-food business to ensure specific product attributes in the long run and to avoid reputational damage. Competitive advantages cannot be achieved with such product attributes; however, they must be ensured to remain competitive in the long run. Searching for literature on competitive parity resulted to be very difficult and literature on competitive parity seems to merely exist in strategic management literature. The question arises as to whether competitive parity is also a strategic dimension to which companies must pay attention in strategic management, especially with regard to the allocation of scarce resources. Since the majority of firms in the agri-food business work together in supply chain networks, another research question arises: is competitive parity also relevant at the network-level? To answer these questions a systematic literature review, which is based on deliberately chosen leading journals in the field of strategic management and chain management, is conducted. Results on the firm-level and the network-level show that there is hardly any literature on competitive parity available. This paper aims to contribute to a better theoretical understanding of competitive parity in strategic management. It develops a theoretical frame of chain management which combines the aspects of competitive parity with those of chain management in the agri-food business. From this, managerial implications for focal firms in the agri-food industry as well as implications for future research in this field should be derived.

Competitiveness of Namibia’s Agri-Food Commodities: Implications for Food Security

The global literature widely uses Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Lafay Index (LFI), Export Diversification (EDI), Hirschman (HI), and Major Export Category (MEC) to analyze international trade flows, though agricultural trade, specifically agri-food commodities consisting of food and feed commodities, is neglected in empirical works. Furthermore, the determinants of Revealed Comparative Advantages and the Lafay Index have received little attention, with little focus on the relationships between food insecurity as measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the aforementioned factors, including the RCA and LFI indices as explanatory variables with other macroeconomic variables. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the competitiveness of Namibia’s agri-food products, the factors that influence it, and their implication for food security. This study attempts to answer which factors affect agri-food comparative advantage, which agri-food commodities have a comparative advantage and disadvantage, and what the implications are to food security. The study employed regression analysis, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and various indices. Revealed Comparative Advantage and Lafay Index indicated a mixed result during the study period. Export Diversification and Hirschman indices indicated a less concentrated trade structure throughout the study period. The results of the market structure of the international agri-food market estimated by the Major Export Category revealed that Namibia was unduly dependent on agri-food commodities incorporated in this study. The regression result showed a significant negative influence of labor and land productivity on the aggregated RCA and LFI for agri-food commodities. Land productivity and GDP per capita impact the degree of food insecurity in Namibia. The study concludes that Namibia was not dependent on international trade of agri-food commodities and had little bearing on food security. These analyses enlighten policymakers about the competitiveness of the agri-food business and its implications for food security through evidence-based policy development.

Hemp: An Alternative Source for Various Industries and an Emerging Tool for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Sectors

Hemp is a high-value crop that originated in Central Asia and is a historic but emerging cultivated plant. It may be grown for fiber, food, paper making, textiles, and therapeutic reasons. In the 21st century, market interest in hemp and its products has notably increased because seed portions can be utilized in the agri-food business, the woody component of the stem can be used in green buildings, the outer layer of the stems can be used in the textile industry, and the extraction of bioactive components from roots can play a vital role in the pharmacological industries. Hemp has recently been demonstrated to be a viable alternative for economies built on synthetic materials by the food, pharmaceutical, textiles, paper, building, and energy industries, among others. As a result, the goal of this study is to assemble the significant advancements in hemp, as well as to identify research gaps and research direction opportunities. The hemp plant will be provided more encouragement to be grown and be used. Many applications of hemp may be pushed to the next level for both producing a green environment and profit. A strong vision and a well-defined plan will pave the path for the discovery of new technologies and concepts.

Managing asymmetrical supply chain relationships: psychological ownership and commitment in the agri-food sector

PurposeIn this paper, the authors integrate the psychological ownership theory with the concept of commitment to contribute to the discussion on agricultural supply chain management. The purpose of this study is to examine how farmers experience their commitment to the business relationship with the processor and how this is conveyed through the routes of psychological ownership.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data are based on 14 in-depth face-to-face Finnish farmer interviews. To understand the farmers’ routes to psychological ownership, the critical incidents technique was used.FindingsAccording to the three routes to psychological ownership – control, profound knowledge and self-investment – the authors argue that farmers mainly consider their routes to be more or less blocked because of the asymmetrical power and information distribution in the business relationship with the processor. Furthermore, based on farmers’ perceptions of psychological ownership, the authors provide a farmer typology that reflects in the farmers’ willingness to commit to the business relationship. The identified types are named as satisfied, captives and leavers.Originality/valueBy integrating the theory of psychological ownership with the concept of commitment, this study provides a more robust understanding of how farmers experience their commitment to the business relationship, thus, contributing to the literature on supply chain management in the agri-food business context. Implementation of these findings can help business partners to proactively improve their business relationships through the perceived level of commitment and to deal with critical incidents influencing the effectiveness of the whole chain.

Social media on the route to circular economy transition from a dialogic perspective: evidence from the agri-food industry

PurposeThis paper investigates circular economy communications and stakeholder dialogic engagement with circular economy posts published by European agri-food companies on Twitter from the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the use of social media as a dialogic tool to activate circular economy engagement in order to involve all supply-chain actors on the route to a circular transition.Design/methodology/approachA coding framework based on the reclassification of the Glossary of Circular Economy, according to a 4-R paradigm (reduce, reuse, recycle and recover), was developed for the analysis. All tweets published by a sample of European agri-food companies, starting from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic until data extraction, were collected, purified and analysed.FindingsAgri-food companies showed a higher level of engagement through social media, even if mainly focused on “recycling” and “general circular economy” issues. In general, awareness among social network users of the need to be part of the circular economy transition emerged. Moreover, the highest percentage of posts published by the companies' Twitter accounts was informative rather than interactive. In addition, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the circular economy has arisen as a central topic of debate and a driver for the rethinking process of the agri-food business community.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this research represents the first study focused on circular economy engagement through social media from the company perspective in the agri-food industry.