Agri-food Products Research Articles

Концепція маркетингової логістики продукції рослинництва та її роль у економічній діяльності сільськогоспо-дарських підприємств

This study adopts a unique approach, drawing on the dialectical method of cognition, fundamental economic theory, marketing, and logistics principles, as well as the works of domestic and foreign scientists. The focus is on the formation of marketing logistics concepts for agricultural enterprises in crop production in the agri-food products market, presenting a fresh perspective that will intrigue and engage the reader. To carry out the research, various general and special scientific research methods were used, including theoretical generalization and comparison (formulation of conclusions and terminology in marketing logistics), monographic (in-depth study of marketing logistics), historical-retrospective (analysis of marketing logistics development), heuristic (assessment of marketing logistics processes in agri-food product markets), graphic (representation of research results and economic process trends), etc. The ‘supply chain of agro-food products’ and its economic significance are explained in detail, making the audience aware of its crucial role. The study establishes the crucial role of logistics in supplying agri-food products for ensuring global food security and promoting competitiveness in Ukraine’s agricultural sector. An analysis of the functions of marketing and logistics of agricultural enterprises revealed a strong connection between the two. Typically, this relationship is demonstrated through elements of the marketing mix, such as product and pricing policies and distribution policies. The product policy in marketing is identified as the most significant element of the marketing mix for agrarian sector enterprises. The author’s definition of the economic essence of the concept of “marketing logistics” is proposed, which performs the management function of coordinating and coordinating marketing and logistics activities in food supply chains and is focused on methods that ensure an adequate level of customer service to provide competitive advantages to enterprises of the agrarian sector in the markets of agri-food products. The concept of marketing logistics for an agricultural enterprise was developed to improve the effectiveness of logistics functions in agrarian formations and implement marketing-based logistics activities. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the long-term evolution (1961-2021) and price forecast (2023-2031) for agri-food products in real terms. It also offers insights into the structure of global consumption of agri-food products according to needs (food needs, animal feed, biofuel, other needs) in 2019-2021, and a forecast of its development for 2031 based on data from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This information will keep the audience informed and prepared for future developments in the agri-food industry. Keywords: marketing logistics, logistics supply chains of agri-food products, world prices for agri-food products, grain crops, corn, food safety, the complex marketing of an agricultural enterprise, the concept of marketing logistics of an agricultural enterprise.

Occurrence and risk estimation of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol in oats, wheat flour, and cereals consumed in Chile during 2016–2022

Mycotoxin contamination in agricultural products is a significant food safety and public health concern globally. However, little is known about the occurrence and levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) in agri-food product in Chile. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) were employed to analyze the levels of ZEN and DON in oats, wheat flour, and cereals marketed in Chile and assess the exposure of Chilean individuals through the consumption. The presence of ZEN and DON during 2016–2022 was not considerable. Nonetheless, a higher prevalence of DON was observed in wheat flour (6.1 %) than in cereals (1.2 %) in different regions of Chile, without concentrations exceeding national regulations (750 ngg−1). The only positive sample for ZEN exceeded the international regulations (75 ngg−1) for cereals by 30-fold (2302 ngg−1). The Estimated daily intake (EDI) and Hazard quotient (HQ) for DON indicated no risk to human health. Meanwhile, the EDI for ZEN exceeded the Tolerable daily intake (TDI: 250 ngkg−1 day). Consequently, the HQ for ZEN was 7.7 (2–5 years) and 4.3 (6–13years), indicating a risk to children and adolescents, which are vulnerable age groups. We recommended increasing the frequency of mycotoxin monitoring for highly consumed agri-food products, considering that Chile is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change that promote the natural proliferation of mycotoxins.

Border carbon adjustments in agri-food markets: Not as effective as one might think

Abstract Using the EU as case study, we simulate the impact of border carbon adjustments on agri-food markets. While border carbon adjustments alleviate adverse carbon price impacts on EU agricultural competitiveness and emission leakage, our simulation results also reveal that (i) border carbon adjustments may diminish domestic mitigation efforts, thereby partly offsetting benefits from reduced emission leakage, and (ii) trade diversion further undermines global emission reduction. The results indicate that border carbon adjustments on agri-food products in major exporting countries with emission-efficient production systems may not reduce global emissions as effectively as commonly assumed, highlighting the importance of emission efficiency improvements especially in developing and emerging countries.

NFTs for certified products: a heritage to protect on the “table” of the metaverse

ABSTRACT Certified products in agri-food are characterized by high quality and a strong territorial connection. This work explores the possible creation of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) for certified products in agri-food, due to the uniqueness and the artwork dimension attached to the product they identify. Questionnaires were submitted to explore the knowledge of NFTs and the propensity to purchase NFTs for certified agri-food products. We employ a proper Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and verify the predictive accuracy with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach. The adequate receptivity of these technologies to the public is demonstrated and it is emphasized how Agriculture 4.0 can adapt NFT for certified products to enhance local development and increase the knowledge and blockchain system behind certified products. Direct implications include the potential for reinvestment in the activities of agri-food companies and consortia by positioning in the virtual space. Future research could focus on testing pilot projects and verifying the results of this preliminary study.

Organic Agriculture as a Future Strategy for Sustainable Farming

Abstract Organic agriculture, as a holistic system, aims to maximize the productivity of agricultural sector by integrating tradition, innovation and science, helping to improve the quality of agrifood products reaching the market. One of the most rapidly evolving sectors in the EU is the organic manufacturing industry. Due to the increased interest of consumers it has had a significant increase in the last decade. This paper offers a detailed perspective on organic agriculture in Romania in the context of current European development. We present essential information about the organic sector, current legislation and market data, at national and European level. Official data show that organic agriculture has registered an increase in plant and animal production in recent years in Romania. Although it represents a small part of the cultivated area and total production, organic agriculture is attracting attention due to the principles of sustainable development and the associated economic opportunities.

Sustainable Consumption Patterns: Evaluating Consumer Preferences and Barriers in the Adoption of Organic Versus Conventional Agri-Food Products

Abstract This study delves into how consumers view and choose between conventional agri food items focusing on the factors that influence their purchasing decisions amidst growing concerns about climate change and sustainability. By gathering insights from a focus group of 21 individuals, the research uncovers a clear preference for products due to perceived health and environmental advantages. Consumers recognize the quality, taste and nutritional value of items, which justifies their higher price points. Nonetheless challenges like affordability, limited availability and lack of information pose obstacles to adoption. The paper underscores the importance of an approach to promote product consumption through government initiatives awareness efforts, education programs and cost saving production methods.

Effective measures and tools to support the export of domestic agri-food products in the context of international requirements

A comprehensive analysis of the regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Belarus regarding support for the export of agricultural and food products is presented, and issues of organizational and financial measures are considered in detail. Current tools for stimulating exports are proposed for implementation in domestic practice to support enterprises exporting agri-food products in the context of international requirements and taking into account current trends in the world market.

Development of quality and safety regulation strategy for food and agricultural products in the EU

The features and trends of quality and safety regulation system for food and agricultural products in the EU are identified. Key stages of its development and the main strategic documents in above mention area are determined. Analysis of the goals and methods of European regulation policy of the agri-food products quality and safety has been carried out.

Features of State Support for the Agricultural Sector in Russia and Other Countries in the Context of Structural Changes in the Economy

The implementation of structural changes in the economy is conditioned by modern conditions characterized by numerous challenges of a geopolitical, socio-economic and climatic nature, endangering the national security of States. This is manifested in changes in the distribution of factors of production, in the production of gross value added by sectors, the search for new markets for products, which causes the transformation of conditions that determine economic dynamics, that is, an increase in the importance of some sectors and a decrease in the importance of other sectors. Thus, in Russia in 2023 there was a large-scale structural shift, with the manufacturing industry becoming the main driver of the economy. There is a potential for economic growth in the country based on structural changes caused by a change in the technological level of production and the transformation of foreign economic relations, which is true for all sectors of the economy, including the agricultural sector. Currently, this sector is particularly faced with issues of ensuring food security, maintaining agricultural producers’ incomes, technological sovereignty, introducing resource-saving technologies, establishing new transport and logistics routes, diversifying production in accordance with changing demand, increasing the competitiveness of agri-food products on the world market, and exporting products with high added value. In the current circumstances, government regulation is especially necessary aimed at improving the institutional conditions for the development of the agricultural sector of the economy and the agri-food market, creating an effective management apparatus at the governmental and regional levels for the successful implementation of strategic directions for the development of the sector, including increasing costs for basic science and long-term technological developments and the development of industrial cooperation both within the country and with foreign partners.

Food Hubs and the Role of Small Farmers in Sustainable Agriculture

This paper analyzes the role that food hubs (FHs), a new system for organizing the distribution of agri-food products, could have in order to increase the competitiveness of marginal farmers. The research was carried out through interviews with 20 farmers in conditions of economic “marginality” in the Province of Palermo, Italy. Results show that FHs can represent a new perspective to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of small farms that are unable to compete with large-scale distributors. FHs foster a “strategic network” which involves all the players in the supply chain, from the manufacturing companies to the consumer’s table, and they are a source of co-production of “shared value”. Results also show that FHs have positive economic, social and environmental impacts and they could represent an important opportunity for family farms and the territories affected by rural exodus.

ROMANIAN VEGETABLES – A TRADE BALANCE ANALYSIS

In the post-accession period, along with the repositioning of various crops and expansion of cereals and oilseeds production, areas under vegetables and potatoes and their respective productions decreased. Nevertheless, demand increased in quantities, as well as in quality and diversity, and the result was a significant increase in imports. The present paper makes a detailed analysis of the main trends of trade flows in vegetables and potatoes, in terms of values, quantities, prices, directions and composition. The results show a significant increase in the share of imports in the availabilities of agri-food products for consumption, along with an increase of trade deficit for almost all kinds of vegetables.

Current Perspectives on the Development of Food Packaging in Local Agri-Food Systems: an Integrative Review

Objective: This study aims to consolidate a theoretical framework on the development of food packaging within the context of family farming and local agri-food systems, focusing on a critical analysis of the existing literature. Theoretical Framework: The study addresses active and intelligent packaging, new bioactive materials, and biopolymers, focusing on food quality and safety. It also explores strategic design, environmental impact, food waste, emerging trends, consumer behavior, circular economy, and the role of packaging in territorial sustainability and local food entrepreneurship. Method: The methodology consisted of applied, exploratory, and descriptive research, using longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. An integrative review was conducted, initially including 755 articles indexed in databases such as "Periódicos CAPES", "Web of Science", "Scopus", and "Science Direct", of which 47 texts were selected based on the "PRISMA 2020" protocol. The analysis of the selected articles was supported by the "Parsifal" tool, generative artificial intelligence solutions "SciSpace-Copilot" and "ChatGPT-4", and the "VOSviewer" software for graphical-bibliometric analyses. Results and Discussion: The importance of technological innovations in packaging was identified, highlighting sustainable practices and the challenges to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of agri-food products. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the need for innovations in packaging design to enhance competitiveness, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate technical, environmental, and consumer aspects. Originality/Value: It contributes to the literature by mapping technological innovations in packaging and their applications in local agri-food systems, providing insights into the integration between technology, sustainability, and food systems.

The significance of organic farming in the European Union from the perspective of sustainable development

This study aimed to evaluate the status of organic farming in the member states of the European Union, drawing on its potential and selected elements of the organic agri-food products market. To this end, we used several partial indicators and a synthetic measure, which allowed us to create a ranking of the member states depending on the development level of organic farming. The survey showed a 50% increase in the utilised agricultural area allocated for organic farming in the EU from 2015 to 2021 and a 69% increase from 2012 to 2021. So far, the only member state to meet the target set by the Green Deal, that is, 25% of organic UAA, has been Austria. Considering the synthetic index, Portugal is a leader of organic farming development. In addition, differences exist between EU member states in consumers’ expenditure on organic products.

Seeding innovation: the role of internal and external digital data in agri-food product innovation

PurposeSince previous literature provides fragmented and conflicting results about the use of digital data for product innovation, the article aims to comprehensively explore and shed light on how agri-food firms utilise external and internal digital data sources when dealing with different product innovations, such as incremental, architecture and radical innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts an exploratory multiple-case study and a theory-building process, focussing on the agri-food industry. We collected primary and secondary data from eight manufacturing companies.FindingsThe findings of this research show an empirical framework of six agri-food firms’ digital data utilisation behaviours: the supervisor, the passive supervisor, the developer, the passive developer, the pathfinder and the conjunction behaviour. These digital data utilisation behaviours vary according to a combination of data sources, such as internal data related to inside phenomenon measures (e.g. data generated by sensors installed in the production plan) or external data (e.g., market trends, overall sector sales), and innovation purposes.Practical implicationsThis article offers guiding principles that assist agri-food companies when utilising internal and external digital data sources for specific product innovation outcomes such as incremental, architectural and radical innovation.Originality/valueThe significance of external and internal data sources in stimulating product innovation has garnered substantial attention within academic discussions, highlighting the critical importance of analysing digital data for driving such innovation. Nonetheless, the predominant approach is to study a single innovation outcome through the lens of digital technology. In contrast, our study stands out by adopting a fundamental perspective on data sources, enabling a more nuanced explanation of the overall product innovation outcomes within the agri-food sector.

European Integration, Opportunities and Risks of Business and Agriculture in Albania

The Integration Process of Albania in the European Union started in 1993 and is considered a long road with many challenges. The signing of the Stabilization-Association Agreement in 2006 is the most important moment of this process, including the harmonization of legislation, to prepare the final EU membership process. This article analyses business opportunities and risks, mainly those of the agri-food sector on its way to the EU. In this framework, trade agreements with the EU and Free Trade Agreements (CEFTA) have influenced the liberalization of trade for agri-food products, intensifying and increasing the level of trade with Europe and the countries of the region. This article also deals with the identification of comparative advantages for the agri-industry sector, where facing the regulated European market, not only challenges are analyzed, but also serious limitations, increasing the need for a structural change in trade relations. In the focus of this paper, are the economic and regional strategies, as well as the progress of the business and agri-food processes, also addressing the trade flows of Albania with the countries of the region and the EU. The analysis of this paper consists of three main premises: 1) in the framework of European integration, costs and benefits in terms of economy and business are more visible in the medium and long term; 2) the integration in the medium term brings a higher economic growth for the countries that aspire to join the EU; and 3) the European integration makes the economy more efficient, bringing about an increase in the ratio of investments, in relation to income, through the reduction of risk with a tendency to increase capital and income per capita (European Commission Report, 2023). The analysis of empirical data shows that the results are not as convincing as expected, thus confirming other previous studies by experts in the field. The main conclusion of this paper is that the integration process has influenced reforms and economic policies in terms of formal and content, both in terms of costs and benefits. In substantive terms, the data analysis shows that the process of European integration has served as a strong impetus for the development of institutions in the country, inter-institutional coordination, the establishment of new institutions, the improvement of human resources, local markets, and the increase of absorptive capacities of funds from the EU. On the other hand, it is concluded that in specific areas of domestic business, such as agri-industry, the effects of EU integration are either not felt yet or are minimal.

Gold nanoparticles-doped MXene heterostructure for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of fumonisin B1 and ampicillin.

Early transition metal carbides (MXene) hybridized by precious metals open a door for innovative electrochemical biosensing device design. Herein, we present a facile one-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-doped two-dimensional (2D) titanium carbide MXene nanoflakes (Ti3C2Tx/Au). Ti3C2Tx MXene exhibits high electrical conductivity and yields synergistic signal amplification in conjunction with AuNPs leading to excellent electrochemical performance. Thus Ti3C2Tx/Au hybrid nanostructure can be used as an electrode platform for the electrochemical analysis of various targets. We used screen-printed electrodes modified with the Ti3C2Tx/Au electrode and functionalized with different biorecognition elements to detect and quantify an antibiotic, ampicillin (AMP), and a mycotoxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1). The ultralow limits of detection of 2.284pM and 1.617pg.mL-1, which we achieved respectively for AMP and FB1 are far lower than their corresponding maximum residue limits of 2.8nM in milk and 2 to 4mgkg-1 in corn products for human consumption set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the linear range of detection and quantification of AMP and FB1 were, respectively, 10pM to 500nM and 10pgmL-1 to 1µgmL-1. The unique structure and excellent electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx/Au nanocomposite suggest that it is highly suitable for anchoring biorecognition entities such as antibodies and oligonucleotides for monitoring various deleterious contaminants in agri-food products.

Рrospects for expanding the export of agricultural food products of the Republic of Belarus to the markets of Asian countries

In the context of economic challenges and sanctions restrictions, multi-vector foreign trade and development of new segments of the world market remain a priority task of the state foreign economic policy of the Republic of Belarus. Asian countries, characterized by a large population, growing demand for these products against the background of an insufficient level of self-sufficiency, diverse taste preferences of consumers, as well as an increase in their purchasing power, are considered as one of the directions for the geographic expansion of exports of agri-food products. Under conditions of the unstable general economic and agrarian situation on the continent, Vietnam, Iran, China, and Singapore are our country’s key trading partners among Asian countries. This requires a comprehensive study to determine the further interaction of these countries with the Republic of Belarus. Scientific results are presented, including the justification of customs-and-tariff and non-tariff conditions for access to the markets of Vietnam, Iran, China, and Singapore, as well as a developed set of effective ways for promoting Belarusian agri-food products on the territory of these states. In addition, a forecast of export supplies of domestic products was carried out, taking into account the specifics of trade policy and trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Belarus as a member state of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Asian countries under study. Practical implementation of the results obtained will allow Belarusian exporters to create competitive advantages based on the application of preferential terms of trade, increasing the efficiency of financial and non-financial instruments, expanding organizations’ access to support mechanisms, development of agricultural commodity distribution network, introduction of information, communication and digital tools for sales and marketing policies.

Marketing logistics support for the export of cereals from Ukraine under the conditions of marital state

The research paper aims to improve the marketing logistics processes to support grain export supplies from Ukraine during martial law conditions. Research methodology. The research was based on the dialectical method of cognition, fundamental economic theory, logistics, and marketing. It also drew from scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists on the issues of marketing logistics and the formation of supply chains for agri-food products. The research utilized a wide range of general and specialized methods, including in-depth monographic study of assigned tasks, theoretical generalization and comparison, historical-retrospective analysis of the development of marketing, sales, and logistics management, functional-cost and statistical analysis, heuristic assessment and analysis of logistics processes in the agricultural sector, correlation-regression analysis, and graphic representation of research results and economic trends. Research results. The critical aspects of the influence of Russian military aggression on essential logistics functions and costs for logistical support of export supplies of corn from Ukraine, as well as its main competitors, are determined based on the application of the Aglink-Cosimo economic-mathematical recursive-dynamic partial equilibrium model. Elements of scientific novelty. Using the Aglink-Cosimo model, we developed several scenarios to predict the impact on the harvest and export levels of all crops in Ukraine and the level of wheat exports from Ukraine in 2022/23 MR and world wheat prices. If Ukraine loses its export opportunities completely, it will result in a 19% increase in the world price of wheat. Practical relevance. The practical significance of the results is the development of science-based proposals for improving marketing logistics support for agricultural enterprises specializing in corn-producing for grain. Keywords: marketing logistics, export, logistics supply chains, grain crops, corn, logistics costs, alternative logistics routes, Grain Corridor, Aglink-Cosimo economic-mathematical model.

Valorization of Peach Fruit and Wine Lees through the Production of a Functional Peach and Grape Juice.

The valorization of agri-food products not only represents important economic and environmental benefits but can also be a source of potentially profitable, functional, and safe ingredients. This study aimed to valorize peach fruit and wine lees (WL) by producing functional juice. WL were incorporated at different concentrations (1.5 and 2%; w:w) in unpasteurized peach and grape juice and subsequently stored under refrigeration (5 °C). The antimicrobial activity of WL in peach and grape juices was assessed against Listeria monocytogenes and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as physicochemical, nutritional microbiological, and sensory acceptability. The maximum addition of WL to the juice (2%) showed a significant inhibitory effect against L. monocytogenes (4-log reduction) and increased the content of total soluble solids (TSS) (10%), total polyphenol content (TPC) (75%), and total antioxidant activity (AOX) (86%). During storage, AOX, TPC, TSS, pH, and titratable acidity (TA) remained stable. A significant correlation was observed between TPC and AOX. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and yeast counts increased during storage. Fifty-seven percent of tasters (n = 26) rated the functional juice positively. Thus, these agri-food products could be useful for producing functional juices with a longer shelf life, contributing to their valorization.

There's Something in What We Eat: An Overview on the Extraction Techniques and Chromatographic Analysis for PFAS Identification in Agri-Food Products.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of anthropogenic chemicals used in a range of industrial processes and consumer products. Recently, their ubiquitous presence in the environment as well as their toxicological effects in humans have gained relevant attention. Although the occurrence of PFASs is widely investigated in scientific community, the standardization of analytical method for all matrices still remains an important issue. In this review, we discussed extraction and detection methods in depth to evaluate the best procedures of PFAS identification in terms of analytical parameters (e.g., limits of detection (LODs), limits of quantification (LOQs), recoveries). Extraction approaches based on liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), alkaline digestion, and solid phase extraction (SPE), followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis are the main analytical methods applied in the literature. The results showed detectable recoveries of PFOA and PFOS in meat, milk, vegetables, eggs products (90.6-101.2% and of 89.2-98.4%), and fish (96-108%). Furthermore, the low LOD and LOQ values obtained for meat (0.00592-0.01907 ng g-1; 0.050 ng g-1), milk (0.003-0.009 ng g-1; 0.010-0.027 ng g-1), fruit (0.002-0.009 ng g-1; 0.006-0.024 ng g-1), and fish (0.00369-0.017.33 ng g-1; 0.05 ng g-1) also confirmed the effectiveness of the recent quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method (QuEChERS) for simple, speedy, and sensitive ultra-trace PFAS analysis.