Agri-food Products Research Articles

ЕКСПОРТНІ МОЖЛИВОСТІ УКРАЇНИ В КОНТЕКСТІ ПРОДОВОЛЬЧОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ КРАЇН АФРИКИ

Ukraine was and remains a guarantor of global food security. Our country is one of the leading exporters of agri-food products on the world market, traditionally ranking high among agrarian countries and being one of the ten largest global producers and exporters of grain, oil, and honey. The demand for Ukrainian agri-food products on the world markets determines the prospects for the development of the country's economy. Ukraine receives its main foreign exchange earnings from the export of agricultural food to geographical regions such as the EU, Asia, and Africa, which together import more than 94% of Ukrainian agricultural products. The search for new opportunities to expand sales markets for Ukrainian agricultural products and ensure Ukraine's interests in the global food security system remains relevant. The possibilities and effectiveness of expanding the export of Ukraine's agri-food products to the African market in modern conditions have been studied. The level of food security of African countries has been determined, and it has been established that the food problem for the African population is worsening, with their food security depending significantly on Ukrainian agricultural exports. The dynamics of export volumes of Ukrainian agri-food products by the main product subgroups for the African market for the period from 2021 to 2023 have been analyzed. Considering the positive export dynamics of Ukraine with African countries, the rapid economic and demographic growth of these countries, and the increasing need to import food products, the African market is an extremely promising market for the export of Ukrainian agri-food products. Ukraine's export capabilities in the context of ensuring food security of African counties, despite ongoing active hostilities, are quite high, and Ukraine's ability to transport products is also improving. It is evident that the expansion of the export of Ukrainian agri-food products to the African market supports the economic stability of Ukraine, the stability of world markets, and the food security of African countries.

ФАКТОРЫ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ ЭКСПОРТНОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ

One of the most important strategic directions of the state is the growth of the volume of agricultural products and food and the formation of a national export policy. Currently, the development of export activities in the agricultural sector of the economy is becoming one of the conditions for increasing the level of sustainability and stability of its economic growth. This is due to the fact that food around the world is an indicator of wellbeing, regardless of nation. Food is becoming practically the main strategic product. It, regardless of the socio-economic development of the state, becomes an effective means of confrontation between countries. It should be noted that the main role in the world market for food and agricultural raw materials is played by economically developed countries, which solve the food problem in their own interests. At the same time, despite the great agrarian potential, the competitive advantages of the state are manifested, as a rule, in the raw materials market of agri-food products, which becomes one of the main obstacles to the development of exports of agricultural products of any state. In addition, the low level of competitiveness of agricultural raw materials reduces the efficiency of their export supplies. A high level of competitiveness of agricultural products, raw materials and food can be achieved both by stimulating exports and through technical and technological modernization of agroindustrial products. It is also necessary to develop an export infrastructure, the task of which is to promote domestic products to the foreign market of agricultural products, raw materials and food. It is possible to increase the production of highly competitive, high-quality products intended for export only if there is an effective national export policy, which should be based on factors influencing the strategic directions of export of agri-food products.

Utilization of agri-food products as sources of high value-added bioactive compounds by using sustainable energy efficient eco-friendly technologies

Utilization of agri-food products as sources of high value-added bioactive compounds by using sustainable energy efficient eco-friendly technologies

Agri-Food Fraud in a Geographic Area in Relation to Global Health: A Probe into the Perceptions, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Concerns of Cameroonian

Objective: This study probes into the perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and concerns of Cameroonians on agri-food fraud intra-/inter-Cameroon trade borders about the local and global health of consumers. Results: Two hundred and two Cameroonians (56% male and 44% female; including business people, entrepreneurs, farmers, students, etc) responded to the online questionnaire. Many participants (81%) were interested in the origin and authenticity of food they consume. Their perception on authentic agri-food product is mostly influenced by feedbacks from other consumers (59%), besides other factors (price/cost, labeling, packaging, and taste). Most participants (58%) sought information about the food products from other consumers (46.4%), in addition to the internet, self-intuition, product labels, and from retailers and suppliers. Participants (54%) considered canned food, fish, red palm oil, honey, spices, milk, meat, palm wine, cookies, wine, brewed, and powdered products to be vulnerable to fraud. Participants specified that intake of authentic food makes consumers healthier (73%) and nurtures confidence in the brand (36%), while dietary exposure to manipulated foods may result in sicknesses (80%), and a decrease in consumers’ confidence in the food brand. Participants think agri-food fraud across Cameroon trade borders is commonplace (91%), as such food products should be bought cautiously (88%). The majority of participants indicated that to ensure the authenticity and safety of food products across the Cameroon trade borders, there is a need for proper regulations and standards (81%), effective traceability systems (69%), technology such as blockchain (48%), and multi-stakeholder collaboration (48%) including international collaborations focusing on shared intelligence (76%), unified food standards (53%), accompanied by joint inspections (59%) and data exchange (48%). Participants speculated that the global disease burden may be linked to the consumption of manipulated foods (91%). Conclusion: There is speculation on agri-food fraud in Cameroon and across its trade borders. Thus, there is a need for proper agri-food fraud information, education, and communication to improve consumers’ awareness and health protection. There is a needfor a wareness raising on agri-food fraud from multistake holder view-point (e.g. consumer advocacy groups) at national and international levels.

A review on the relation between European protected areas, farming systems and labelled agri-food products with a protected area logo

A review on the relation between European protected areas, farming systems and labelled agri-food products with a protected area logo

Вплив ТНК на сільськогосподарський експорт країн, що розвиваються

The article examines the impact of transnational corporations (TNCs) on agricultural exports of developing countries, with a special emphasis on their role in the formation and processing of agri-food products. In the context of globalization and technological change, agriculture has become an important sector of the economy of developing countries, providing economic development and job creation. TNCs, with their financial resources and technological know-how, have a significant impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of agricultural exports, although their impact is often indirect. The article analyzes the transformation of agri-food exports in the context of TNCs’ participation, as well as changes in the structure and volumes of agricultural exports in developing countries. Various forms of TNC participation are considered, including foreign direct investment, contract farming and control of cross-border supply chains. The author emphasizes the role of TNCs in providing the necessary resources for export activities, such as market information, technology and access to international markets. The article also notes that although TNCs significantly contribute to improving the efficiency of agricultural exports, their activities do not always meet the interests of long-term sustainable development of recipient countries. Particular attention is paid to the imbalance of benefits between TNCs and agricultural producers, which leads to significant economic and social challenges for developing countries. The conclusions of the article underline the importance of understanding the role of TNCs in shaping current trends in agricultural exports and the need for further research on their impact in the context of the post-COVID and security crisis.

АГРОПРОДОВОЛЬСТВЕННЫЙ ЭКСПОРТ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ: ВЫЯВЛЕНИЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РАЗВИТИЯ И РЕАЛИЗАЦИЯ ПОТЕНЦИАЛА

Agriculture is one of the priority areas for the development of the Russian economy, which accounts for about 4% of Russian GDP. Today, in a difficult geopolitical situation, the countries of the world (the majority) consider export activities as a key basis for the stability of the economy, support its development with the developed sets of measures. The purpose of the study was to identify current trends in the development of agro-food exports of the Russian Federation. Methods. The methods of system analysis, synthesis, generalization, and interpretation of the results were used in the work. In the course of the research, the systematization of statistical data, scientific publications of scientists on the topic of the presented work was carried out. Results. The current trend in the development of agro-food exports of the Russian Federation has been determined. Discussion. The goal was achieved by performing the following tasks: analysis of the share of exports of food products and raw materials for their production in the commodity structure of exports; assessment of the trend in the share of imports of food products and raw materials for their production from non-CIS countries in 2020-2022; determination of the vector of orientation of the benchmark of financial support for the promotion of Russian agro-food products. Conclusion. The study revealed a positive trend in the development of agri-food exports in the Russian Federation, characterized by a tendency to decrease the share of imports of food products and raw materials for their production from non-CIS countries in 2020-2022. It is stated that the benchmark of financial support for the promotion of Russian agri-food products should have a vector for the environmental friendliness of food products according to criteria in the leading importing countries of Russian agricultural products (China, Turkey).

Stakeholders' perception on the role of extensive livestock farming in the fight against climate change

Abstract Livestock farming is currently highly questioned and is considered by society to be one of the main precursors of climate change and innumerable environmental impacts. This social concern has marked a trend in public policies in Europe, promoting strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by controlling the carbon footprint of agri-food products. However, in certain regions, the perception of the main actors in the sector about the role that livestock farming plays in this fight against climate change and how new political trends point the way toward the sustainability of agrarian systems is still uncertain. In this study, the opinions of stakeholders of the agro-livestock sector on the role that extensive livestock farming plays in the current context of the fight against climate change and the demands for public policies to facilitate the adoption of mitigation practices were examined. A participatory research process through focus groups was used in this qualitative study. Specifically, five sessions were held at the beginning of 2022; the sessions were recorded, transcribed, and anonymized for further analysis. In these sessions, projective techniques were used, such as word association and sentence completion to understand stakeholders' perceptions of the role of extensive livestock farming in climate change. Brand mapping was conducted to determine the opinion on the profitability and GHG emissions of 10 livestock systems typical of the region and of eight quality labelling systems related to sustainability. Brainstorming was carried out to assess available practices for the adaptation of livestock farms and mitigation of climate change. Finally, there was an open debate regarding the demands for public aid for the implementation of mitigation practices. The word association technique identified concepts such as ‘Equilibrium’ in extensive livestock farming and concepts such as ‘Effects’, ‘Action’ and ‘Concern’ in climate change. For the term carbon footprint, the most mentioned concept was ‘ignorance’, and for common agricultural policy, the most mentioned term was ‘injustices’. The results of the brand mapping allowed us to determine the perception of the stakeholders regarding the profitability of the different extensive farm systems and on their GHG emissions, with the most extensive and traditional ones being perceived as the lowest emitters of gases but also the least profitable. For sustainable labels, stakeholders believed that labels contribute to profitability and lower GHG emissions. Strategies to adapt to climate change and reduce the impact of farms were focused on reforestation, grazing, and soil management, adjusting the livestock stocking rate and self-production of food on farms. The best mitigating practices proposed were the maintenance of the extensive livestock farming (4.69), improvement of accesses, livestock routes and roads (4.63), making and applying compost (4.50) and the simplified administrative procedures (5.00). In the prioritization of public aids, three categories were established based on the field of action: social/organizational measures (38 votes), economic measures (44 votes) and environmental measures (22 votes). The aid related to maintaining profitability and improving marketing, followed by aid to reduce bureaucracy and direct aid to extensive livestock farming, were identified as priorities. This study offers a detailed picture of how stakeholders in the agro-livestock sector see the role that extensive livestock farming plays in the fight against climate change. The best farm management practices and priority lines of public support that policy-makers can apply have been identified in this study and emanate directly from those who receive subsidies and make the decisions in their livestock farming to ensure their implementation more successful.

The air quality benefits of electric vehicles’ adoption in the short food supply chain

Concerns continue to rise about environmental sustainability and the impacts of traditional transportation systems. Exploring alternative solutions therefore becomes imperative. This paper aims to investigate the potential advantages of integrating battery electric vehicles into the agricultural short food supply chain with a specific focus on air quality improvements. In order to reach the research goal, this study gives a thorough and comparative environmental analysis based on a real-world test conducted under the EnerNETMob project financed by the InterregMed programme, in contrast to other studies that primarily relied on general parameters and simulations. This study illustrated that using an electric vehicle (EV), like the Nissan e-NV200, for short-distance transportation of agri-food products is not an environmentally sustainable solution instead of using a petrol-powered vehicle. However, as the distance travelled increases, the environmental impact of electric vehicles diminishes, surpassing that of internal combustion vehicles. This study holds significant theoretical, practical and policy implications that are worth considering.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL PECULIARITIES AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

This paper examines world trade in agri-food products in the context of international economic integration. This is due to the importance of foreign trade for the economic development of countries, especially in the context of globalisation, the increase in the number of integration groups whose participation affects the terms of trade of their member and non-member countries, and the aggravation of the food crisis. The purpose of this article is to identify the state and trends of world trade in agri-food products, taking into account regional characteristics and the participation of countries in integration groupings, and to determine their role in the future. Methodology. The research is based on a comparison of parts of individual regions and integration groups in world trade, identifying trends and features. The publication uses the methods of analysis, synthesis, generalisation, comparative assessment, and graphical methods, in particular, to identify the main trends, draw conclusions, etc. Results. The study shows that world trade in agri-food products is growing significantly, both globally and by region. The countries of Europe and the Americas are the main exporters, but the countries of Asia, South and Central America and Africa are the fastest growing exporters. However, the main suppliers remain the member countries of the most advanced integration groupings - the European Union, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). It is proposed to divide the main exporters into regions, integration groups and countries. The issue of food security is one of the most important in modern conditions and within the integration groups. It is advisable that they contribute to some extent to solving this problem at the regional level and in relation to third countries. To this end, it is advisable to develop measures to provide food aid to countries affected by natural disasters, climate change or other adverse circumstances on several fronts: within integration groups, in the region and at the global level. These groups are expected to remain among the largest suppliers of agri-food products in the future, and one of the main reasons for this is their participation in integration groups, which facilitates the liberalisation of the movement of new technologies, in particular to the agricultural sector.

TOOLKIT FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF BUSINESS IN THE SYSTEM OF INCLUSIVE CORPORATE MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANIES

The research subject is the social responsibility of agribusinesses in the context of current corporate governance practices. Methodology. The study uses the following methods of economic research: content analysis method (when processing scientific sources and reviewing thematic literature); abstract and logical method (when substantiating the defining principles and criteria of social responsibility of business entities in the agricultural sector); statistical observations and economical and statistical calculations (when analysing indicators of the achieved state of social responsibility of agricultural companies); abstract and logical method (when substantiating conclusions to the study). The research is aimed at finding tools to increase the social responsibility of agrarian business through the transformation of the corporate culture of agricultural management of Ukrainian companies. Conclusion. Ukraine has a strong agricultural potential. However, achieving national and global sustainable development goals, which are relevant shortly, requires a change in business values and strategic guidelines. Such values should be aimed at solving the problems of protecting the environment, preserving natural resources, improving the quality and safety of agri-food products, and improving the quality of life of the rural population. The solution to these problems is inextricably linked to voluntary, socially responsible agribusiness initiatives. The analysis carried out showed that there is a high level of agribusiness social responsibility in the management of the activities of large-scale agricultural enterprises in Ukraine, which is reflected in the voluntary non-financial reports. In small- and medium-sized agribusinesses, the perception of the need for social responsibility is limited and constrained by a lack of financial resources. The calculated indicators show a low level of social responsibility in the agricultural business of small- and medium-sized agricultural enterprises in Ukraine. The level of chemicalisation of agricultural production and ploughing of agricultural land is high. There are significant problems with the use of rural labour resources and the development of rural areas. The main problems were identified in the spectrum of irrational use of land and labour resources and the low quality of life of the population in rural areas of Ukraine. The processes of recognition of the values and benefits of socially responsible agribusiness in Ukraine are slow. As a tool for increasing the social responsibility of agribusinesses in Ukraine, a system of principles and criteria of socially responsible business is proposed for implementation in the corporate governance of Ukrainian agribusinesses.

High-throughput screening for aroma production in food fermentations

A microtiter plate (MTP) method was developed to screen 1064 unique microorganisms-substrate fermentations for production of 68 target aroma compounds. Based on the number of hits identified by GC–MS, 50 fermentations were repeated at 50-mL scale in flasks. Comparison of GC–MS data showed that scaling up from MTP to flask did not generally result in large differences between the volatile profiles, even with a wide variety of substrates (juice, food slurry and food side-streams) and microorganisms (yeast, bacteria and fungi) used. From the screening results, Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation of chilli pepper was further studied as a high amount of phenols, especially guaiacol and 4-ethylphenol, was produced after fermentation. From HPLC-MS and sensory analysis, capsaicin was shown to be a probable precursor for these phenols and a potential mechanism was proposed. The protocol described herein to screen aroma compounds from fermentation of agri-food products and side streams can support development of clean label flavourful food ingredients.

Italian Agri-Food Products Abroad: Word Formation Processes on Instagram

The present study focuses on the identification and categorization of some cases of lexical adaptation and innovation, i.e., compounds, acronyms and borrowings, in the American Instagram accounts of nine agri-food Italian companies selling their products worldwide. The aim of the analysis is to investigate how and to what extent word formation processes in advertising discourse contribute to enhancing Italian products abroad and to promoting the ‘made in Italy’ concept. Examples of adapted and new terms gathered from the Instagram profile pages will be presented and examined within the promotional framework. Their presence will be then contextualised outside the American photo and video sharing social networking service to hypothesise their future lexicalisation.

Rethinking the international competitiveness of olive oil in Spain and Chile: governance of sustainable practices

Abstract The international competitiveness of agri-food products is crucial for the economic growth of exporting countries, which is also closely related to critical aspects of sustainable development. This research aims to comprehensively understand the factors of international competitiveness in two contrasting cases: Spain as the world’s leading exporter and Chile as an emerging exporter of olive oil. This study takes a novel approach by including the governance of sustainable practices as part of the framework for analyzing international competitiveness. A mixed research method was used: firstly, quantitative indicators were estimated to compare the levels of international competitiveness of both countries; secondly, a qualitative analysis was carried out to analyze in depth the determinants of international competitiveness based on Porter’s Diamond Model. The results show that Spain has solidified its position as the world’s leading olive oil exporter. On the other hand, Chile still has a small market share; however, it already achieved its revealed comparative advantage in 2015. The potential causes of this performance were determined by the comparative study of the determinants of the competitiveness of Porter’s diamond model; “Factor conditions”, “Demand conditions”, “Firm strategy, structure, and rivalry”, “Related and supporting industries”, “Government” and “Chance”. In addition, both countries show the adoption of sustainable practices in their exports driven by subsidy policies, informal conventions, and consumer preferences. Finally, some relevant implications for management and public policy are highlighted.

Eco-design influence on the life cycle assessment of frozen cauliflower gnocchi: a comprehensive cradle-to-grave analysis.

Nowadays, when discussing agri-food products, it is important to talk about sustainable production methods. Environmental sustainability has become a production issue, especially when it comes to the design of a product, service, or process. Using frozen fresh cauliflower gnocchi marketed in different packaging and in different global areas as a case study, we aim to highlight the importance of the impact of product eco-design on the entire life cycle. The environmental impact of cauliflower gnocchi was assessed based on the life cycle assessment methodology. With the cradle-to-gate approach, the most influential factors are the cultivation, distribution, and packaging phases. Considering the cradle-to-grave approach, home storage has proven to be the most influential factor for a quarter of the entire life cycle of cauliflower gnocchi. The eco-design of packaging has demonstrated how, by analysing only the packaging, it is possible to achieve significant reductions in impact (-47%), but when compared with the entire life cycle these actions have no significant responsibility (approximately 10%). If, however, the field of action is broadened and eco-design solutions are sought to reduce the impact deriving from the conservation phase, the consumer has the ability, through their decisions, to reduce the impact relating to conservation as much as possible or to double the impact of the product life cycle. Overall, to promote prosperity while protecting the environment, according to Agenda 2030, the agri-food system must analyse the supply chains without neglecting any step involved in the life cycle of the product. The eco-design must go beyond the usual factors analysed and shall include downstream activities to aim for more sustainable products, including consumer behaviours, following the cradle-to-grave approach. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Mail: ved-apk@mail.ru Prospects for trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation in the agri-food sector: the regional aspect

A comprehensive analysis of export-import flows of agri-food products in mutual trade between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation in a regional aspect is presented. A detailed description of the food basket of the administrative regions of the countries is given, both in value and in physical terms.It has been determined that the formation of new growth points of the export potential of the administrative regions of Belarus should occur within the framework of the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the regions of Russia in the agri-food sector.

Caciocavallo Podolico Cheese, a Traditional Agri-Food Product of the Region of Basilicata, Italy: Comparison of the Cheese's Nutritional, Health and Organoleptic Properties at 6 and 12 Months of Ripening, and Its Digital Communication.

Traditional agri-food products (TAPs) are closely linked to the peculiarities of the territory of origin and are strategic tools for preserving culture and traditions; nutritional and organoleptic peculiarities also differentiate these products on the market. One such product is Caciocavallo Podolico Lucano (CPL), a stretched curd cheese made exclusively from raw milk from Podolian cows, reared under extensive conditions. The objective of this study was to characterise CPL and evaluate the effects of ripening (6 vs. 12 months) on the quality and organoleptic properties, using the technological "artificial senses" platform, of CPL produced and sold in the region of Basilicata, Italy. Additionally, this study represents the first analysis of cheese-related digital communication and trends online. The study found no significant differences between 6-month- and 12-month-ripened cheese, except for a slight increase in cholesterol levels in the latter. CPL aged for 6 and 12 months is naturally lactose-free, rich in bioactive components, and high in vitamin A and antioxidants and has a low PUFA-n6/n3 ratio. The "artificial sensory profile" was able to discriminate the organoleptic fingerprints of 6-month- and 12-month-ripened cheese. The application of a socio-semiotic methodology enabled us to identify the best drivers to create effective communication for this product. The researchers recommend focusing on creating a certification mark linked to the territory for future protection.

Hybrid System for Preserving Agri-Food Products

This article presents an experimental refrigeration plant equipped with a hybrid cooling system, which was developed at the Technical University of Moldova as a result of the cooperation of researchers from the Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Production Engineering Departments to study the cooling process of various agricultural products. All stages of conception, design, development of the refrigeration plant were carried out in laboratory conditions, and field tests were carried out both in laboratory and real conditions, within the framework of specialized enterprises in this field, to evaluate the effectiveness in relation to the practical application of the developed plant. The results of multiple series of experiments have shown that the use of the proposed plant significantly reduces electric energy consumption and environmental impact.

DIFFICULTIES IN THE ARTISANAL PROCESSING AND MARKETING OF LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN SENEGAL: CASE OF WOMEN PROCESSORS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF A GIE

For some time now, we have seen sustained development in agri-food product processing activities with the emergence of small and micro businesses. These processing activities are mainly carried out by women through GIEs. However, locally processed products have great difficulty making themselves known on the market due to several factors. This study thus focuses on the difficulties in the processing and marketing of locally processed products: the case of the GIE Takku Ligueey in Thiaroye. The methodology used consisted of conducting surveys among GIE members and consumers. The study showed a multitude of products manufactured and marketed by the GIE. Made up mainly of women, the GIE has developed artisanal processing and marketing techniques for various local products. Despite their efforts to offer healthy and safe foods to consumers, the women of the GIE encounter many difficulties, particularly in terms of supply, production and marketing.

ANALYSIS OF ROMANIA'S FOREIGN TRADE WITH MAIN PARTNER - FINANCIAL VIEWS ON THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR

According to the literature, Romania maintains a close trade relationship, in terms of agri-food products, with Germany, especially the import-export relationship, thus, Romania imports either in terms of value the most, or in terms of assortment diversification, most from Germany. Thus, in this paper, the aim is to carry out an analysis of all the chapters of the Combined Nomenclature, related to the agri-food sector to determine the key chapters in terms of demand in Romania, using the ABC method which can structure the range of products in three categories of importance.