Agro-food System Research Articles

RESEARCH OF AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS IN ACHIEVING THE SDGs

The article examines the problem associated with the need to develop approaches that ensure an optimal combination of the directions of development of both the agro-food system itself and the rural territories interconnected with it.. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the presented developments are aimed at solving strategic tasks, overcoming barriers and barriers that can have a more significant and long-term impact on the course of reproduction processes in agro-food systems. In the future, in order to achieve the SDGs, it is advisable to adapt these approaches to the structure of a specific agricultural sector of the region's economy, taking into account territorial and sectoral specifics, as well as infrastructure development.

Strategic Directions for the Development of Institutional Management Mechanisms and Adaptation of the Population of the Region to Them

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the tools for developing regional directions for the development of institutional management mechanisms and adaptation of the population to them based on the strategic priorities of the state. The problem of working out strategic directions for the development of the region is connected with the differences, peculiarities and capabilities of each territory of the country. The adoption of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 2020 “On the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030” required changing the regional goals and directions of territorial development. The relevance of the study is related to the aggravation of socio-demographic problems that negatively affect the well-being and health of people, labor efficiency and entrepreneurship, and the adaptation of the population to modern threats. Hypothesis – the effectiveness of strategic directions for the development of institutional mechanisms for managing the region and adapting the population to them is proposed to be carried out on the basis of balance sheet structures.Methods: balance method, index method, structural method, comparative estimates and methodology of official statistics.Results. The main strategic directions for the development of institutional management mechanisms of the subsidized region have been worked out, which include: preservation of the population, health and well-being of people; accelerated development of the militaryindustrial complex and the agro-food system; creation of a comfortable and safe environment for life, successful entrepreneurship and digital transformation. The theoretical scheme of strategic directions of economic development based on the balance of interests of employees and employers is substantiated. Based on the assessment of the state of the regional economy of the Kurgan region, strategic directions of economic development for the period up to 2030 are substantiated.Conclusion. The advantage of this approach is the ability to take into account the peculiarities and differences in the functioning of management mechanisms and adaptation to them of the population of the country’s regions. Strategic directions of the region’s development will allow organizing further research to solve the problems of population reproduction, quality of life and sustainability of the functioning of the economy, in the long term to determine the effective and negative factors affecting the living conditions of people.

Комплексная оценка продовольственного обеспечения населения Республики Башкортостан в условиях новых системных вызовов

Abstract. The aim of the study is to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the food supply of the population of the federal subject (on the example of Bashkortostan) in the context of external and internal systemic challenges and restrictions. The article updates that the observed conditions for the development of the agro-food system at the national level and at the level of federal subjects are accompanied by unprecedented changes that are directly related to the emergence of new challenges, trends and threats, the active introduction of innovative and digital technologies in food of animal origin. The conceptual and theoretical and methodological basis of the study was the fundamental provisions of modern theories of the development of the agro-food market and food supply for the population, human capital, economic growth and sustainable functioning of rural territorial entities. Methods. As a means of instrumental and methodological apparatus of research, a systematic approach was used in combination with the following methods: monographic, abstraction, graphic visualization, generalization and systematization, comparative analysis. A comprehensive study of food supply for rural and urban residents of the Republic of Bashkortostan is based on the results of a content analysis of current trends, problems and strategic prospects for the development of agriculture and the agro-food market in the region. Results. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of the provision of the population of the Republic of Bashkortostan with food of animal origin (meat and meat products, milk and dairy products) was carried out. The key problems hindering the development of the livestock and poultry complex of the republic are identified. The dynamics of indicators reflecting the number of livestock, the productivity of livestock and poultry in the agro-formations of the region is considered. An assessment of individual social indicators of the functioning of rural territorial entities at the regional level is given. A detailed analysis of the balance of resources (production, imports and exports) of meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, formed on a republican scale, was carried out. Practical proposals have been developed aimed at improving the criteria and parameters of self-sufficiency of the population of the federal subjects of our country with certain types of agro-food products. The scientific novelty lies in the substantiation of new provisions aimed at the effective assessment of the food supply of the population of the federal subject with food of animal origin in the face of modern challenges, threats and restrictions.

An exploration of agro-food chain distributive, procedural and interactional fairness in food products

Fairness and ethical values in agro-food chain lay at the center of the current debate on agro-food chain sustainability. The food labels may contain elements focused on agro-food chain management fairness practices. The objective of the present study is to explore what types of fairness agro-food companies value in the food products they commercialize, and if the characteristics of agro-food companies have a relationship with the type of fairness valued. The research study collected 226 commercialized food products containing information on the agro-food chain fairness practices companies adopted to produce the food products. Data elaboration included a cluster analysis to identify groups of fair products, and a multinomial logistic regression to explore the relationship between the identified clusters and fairness types, organic, nutritional and functional claims, and price. Results support that fairness-oriented products provide information on different types of fairness that is distributive, procedural, and interactional. Some products provide economic information on the distribution of price between upstream and downstream actors. Other products focus on procedural and interactional fairness practices, such as dignity, respect and transparent relationship in agro-food chain; technologies used in the production and distribution of the product; and ethical certifications that companies hold. Fairness-oriented information differ depending both on the type of chain actor commercializing the product, and on the type of brand, that is whether commercial brand or private label. The main conclusion is that companies convey fairness-related information to consumers differently according to company’s role in the agro-food chain. Yet, there is need to exploit further the potential role of fairness practices in defining effective business strategies to contribute to higher equity and sustainability in the agro-food system.

Attracting Investment for Rural Development: Introduction of Organic Agriculture and ESG Principles in Kazakhstan

Today, the market for organic products is one of the most dynamic in the world. The prerequisites for this are the growing consumer demand for food that is environmentally friendly and safe for human health. In Kazakhstan, despite the existing problem, the development of organic production in the agro-food system appears promising and, if implemented in compliance with environmrntal, social and governance (ESG) principles, can be beneficial for the country, which determines the relevance of the study. The purpose of the study is to analyze the possibilities of investment incentives for organic agriculture for the sake of the development of Kazakhstan's rural areas and the implementation of ESG principles. The study employs the following general scientific methods: a) theoretical: analysis of scientific sources; b) empirical: the focused interview method (focus group), an online expert survey; c) mathematical and statistical methods of data analysis; triangulation method. The study concludes that Kazakhstan has considerable potential for the development of organic agriculture. The production of organic products in Kazakhstan is an extremely promising area that can promote the competitiveness of agricultural products, significantly improve the country's image on the world stage, and facilitate the development of market infrastructure and sustainable development of the country as a whole.

Fieldwork at Its Best: Community Engagement Through a University Campus Garden

Abstract This paper describes social science professionals acquiring skill sets in co-curricular environments. Understanding the agro-food system while growing fresh produce with students, faculty, and staff in a campus garden raises issues on the environment, food security, culture, and time management and broadens people's skills in gardening. Authors draw from their experience working on a campus garden, at a farmers market, at a local food pantry, in their home community, and during research conducted in France on food and among food providers and others from North Carolina.

When the Sugar Runs Out: Transitioning Agricultural Systems and Their Effect on Dietary Diversity in Yaguajay, Central Cuba

The past years have shown the widespread vulnerability of agro-food systems and rural diets to external perturbations such as wars, climate events, and pandemics. Experiencing numerous obstacles, Cuba constitutes an example of success in the transition to agroecological sustainability models. This article characterizes how processes of agricultural change, local development, and industrial degrowth have impacted food availability and dietary diversity among rural livelihoods in the municipality of Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus, for the past forty years (1980s–2020s). It integrates findings from focus groups, repeated nutritional surveys, and interviews carried out between 2016 and 2022 among residents of the towns of Yaguajay and La Picadora. The goal is to identify effects and response strategies within agro-food systems of rural populations. Distinguishing between periods of abundance and shortage, our findings show two counterpoints: intensive sugar monocrop cultivation, which resulted in high dietary variety; and economic crises in the 1990s and during the last period of the pandemic, which have led to significant dietary adjustments. The article concludes by underscoring the importance of comprehensive assessments of dietary strategies to elicit what agroecological transitions mean for local realities and of the value of food consumption and small-holder production experiences to understand the limits to sustainable transformations.

Management mechanism for the formation of an inclusive model of the develop-ment of business structures of agribusiness

Agriculture is an integral part of inclusive development, as it is 2-4 times more effective in reducing poverty than other sectors based on the same level of investment. The study of realities and the search for drivers of the development of the agro-food system requires the adaptation of the research methodology of inclusive growth (in particular, concepts, criteria, indicators, evaluation methods, etc.) following the tasks of sustainable development of the agro-food system under modern economic conditions. Only inclusive growth will ensure the realization of the threefold task of food independence physical and economic availability of food for all sections of the population. The paper examines the main theoretical provisions of forming an inclusive model of the development of entrepreneurial structures of agribusiness and their role in the formation of management decisions. Systematic management of the specified process involves an expanded view of agribusiness and satisfying interests in developing business, society, and the state. It was emphasized that an essential component of the management mechanism for the formation of an inclusive model of agribusiness development is implementing an inclusive investment project by a business entity, that is, a project aimed at satisfying the interests of business, society, and the state. It is proven that the goal of management is the inclusive development of the business structure through specialization in economy, quality, creative differentiation, and, first, in the product offering. After satisfying the consumer's interests, business, society, and the state are involved in harmonious development. According to the type of inclusive investment project, the entrepreneurial structure of agribusiness chooses the type of inclusive development model in the market of products and services. The work considers an inclusive model of enterprise development that satisfies the interests of business in long-term profitability, society in clean air, and the state in environmentally friendly energy sources. The mechanism implements the conditions of a synergistic effect from the influence of the factors of increasing demand and stimulating it with the offer to implement the processes of self-regulation, self-management, and self-organization. Keywords: management mechanism, inclusive model, microeconomics, planning, agribusiness, increasing demand.

The impact of Covid-19 on Nigerian food systems

The Nigerian food system is facing major challenges with high population growth, a high number of people living in extreme poverty, rapid urbanization, and stagnating agricultural productivity. Socioeconomic status is a key indicator of the Nigerian food system. This paper aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerian food systems. These reviews were obtained from white papers written by organizations like the United Nations (UN), and other studies on food systems, agriculture, and the socioeconomic status of Nigerians concerning the COVID-19 pandemic were reviewed. In recent years, the world has recorded several incidences of disasters that have disrupted the food system, leading to evidence of food insecurity. The most recent is the outbreak of COVID-19, which is more than just a disease. It resulted in the combined disruption of global economic and social stability. The food system and all that is dependent on it were severely affected by COVID-19. The global situation of poverty and malnutrition was exacerbated as a result of the direct and indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a phone interview, it was recorded that 37% of Nigerian households experienced a drastic drop in income, pushing many to the brink or into the threshold of poverty. Many of the Nigerians interviewed agreed that the quantity and quality of their diet had diminished in comparison to the same period in the previous year. Another survey in Nigeria reported that 23.8% of its respondents reduced the portion of their meals, 20.8% reduced their frequency from 3 to 2 meals per day, and 13.8% substituted highly nutritious foods with less nutritious and cheaper ones to cope with hunger during the Pandemic. To cushion the impact of COVID-19 on Nigeria's food systems, there is a need to reinforce the existing incentives for restructuring Nigeria's economy away from reliance on oil. Further, remittances from other countries would also contribute towards the development of local sectors such as agriculture and food manufacturing companies, which can generate employment and feed Nigeria’s growing population. Also, the development of the agro-food system will necessitate investments in research and rural infrastructure. In this way, federal and state policies can aid recovery from COVID-19 and help Nigeria build more resilient food systems. Key words: COVID-19, Pandemic, Nigeria, Food systems, Agriculture, Food security, Food safety, Socio-economic impact

Food, Climate Change, and the Challenge of Innovation

Climate change is a shift in the climate’s condition that lasts for an extended period, usually decades or longer, and that may be detected by changes in the mean and variability of its parameters. The full spectrum of players and their related value-adding activities, that are a part of the food supply chain, including the disposal of food items derived from agriculture, forestry, or fisheries, are collectively called food systems. Food systems are a component of their larger economic, social, and environmental contexts. Finally, food security is the condition in which all individuals consistently have physical and financial access to adequate safe, nutritious food that satisfies their dietary needs and food choices for an active and healthy life. Climate change and its relationships with food systems and security are complex since food systems significantly contribute to climate change. However, climate change impacts food systems unpredictably, leading to food insecurity through adverse impacts on the four dimensions of food security: utilization, access, food availability, and stability. Climate change adaptation plans are urgent and include measures such as flood and climate protection, waste management and recycling, climate-smart agriculture, and analytical climatic conditions innovation equipment on agricultural processes and activities. Nevertheless, addressing the climate crisis and its adverse impacts on food security through the activation and promotion of innovation needs reliable information and intervention in many different but interconnected fields, such as institutional design, philanthropy, novel partnerships, finance, and international cooperation. In this context, this paper analyses the relationship between climate change, agriculture, and global–local strategies to ensure food security and also discusses policies’ role in fostering innovation for supporting local agro-food systems and their capacity to sustain societal needs.

An Assessment of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict on the European Cereal Exports Using Network Theory

Abstract Cereal grains are basic nutrients in the human diet. Given the production capacity gap between countries, food security is subject to global challenges. The Russian invasion of Ukraine from February 2022 has inevitably raised concerns on the resilience of the agro-food system. In this paper, we use network theory to examine the export flows of the European producers of wheat, maize, and barley. Based on annual data from the United Nations Comtrade database, we build specific weighted and directed networks to comparatively assess the dynamics of cereal exporting patterns. We employ centrality metrics for network statistics and modularity for community detection. The central hub for all three cereals remained unchanged. Our results show the following core countries Russia for wheat, France for barley and Ukraine for maize. Their main export destination is also the same, from Russia to Türkiye, France to China and Ukraine to China respectively. Compared to the previous year, several destinations including low-income countries worldwide did not appear as recipients of the Ukrainian exports, but additional countries located in Europe and interconnected by land emerged as partners. This study provides a general assessment of the European exports to support a better understanding of the community structure under the Russo-Ukrainian conflict setting.

Including citizens through co-design in a participatory research project to explore innovative agro-food systems: the case of future dairy livestock systems

IntroductionLivestock farming and its negative impacts are increasingly criticized by society; its evolution toward more sustainable systems is therefore a key aspect of the transition of agro-food systems. It is necessary to rethink livestock systems' research and innovation processes and develop innovative solutions. Including citizens, non-professionals of the sector, who are less influenced by the current organization of the agricultural sector could be an opportunity to generate innovative solutions, but they have been kept away from research and innovation processes so far.MethodsIn this context, we implemented a co-design process involving researchers, livestock professionals, and citizens in a participatory research project aiming at producing knowledge and developing innovative solutions for the future mountain dairy systems. For this, we have adapted the KCP design method known to promote the exploration of innovative solutions, support the agro-ecological transition, and build a common horizon.ResultsThe analysis of this collective dynamic and its outputs allowed us to highlight the positive contribution of citizens during the design process, even if they are not livestock experts. The citizens participated in the formulation of new knowledge by questioning the researchers and livestock professionals and were less influenced by the current system. This contributed to the exploration of original and varied solutions for livestock farming systems.DiscussionThis experimentation offers perspectives for including citizens in agro-food systems research and innovation process. It also opens up interesting perspectives for the fields of citizen science and co-design research.

Opportunities for higher education institutions to develop sustainable food systems in Africa

An African Vice-Chancellors' Regional Food Systems Dialogue was hosted with the aim to provide a multi-stakeholder platform for stakeholders to explore various existing and emerging approaches that have the potential to deliver sustainable solutions at scale and encourage collaborative actions to directly transform Africa's agriculture and food systems. Various food system experts and leaders from policy research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders participated. A lack of coherent linkages among stakeholders, youth restlessness, and silos within and between higher education institutions were some of the challenges identified to hindering the much needed transformation. Poor links with ministries and political red tape, inadequate programme funding and capital for coping with rising input costs, as well as unsustainable resource mobilization were also reported as having a negative effect. To address these, stakeholders must embrace collaboration and transdisciplinary practices, mobilize resources, and harness partnerships for greater leverage. In addition, a systems-thinking approach to dealing with complex issues should be adopted, while partners co-design and co-create research initiatives. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Big Data were identified as key enablers that can ensure relevant research with appropriate translation into practice while maintaining quality and excellence. This research—together with society-relevant curriculums with emphasis on agricultural sciences and practical on-farm skills—must inform policies and practice. Higher education institutions must be committed to driving the sustainable food system transformation agenda in partnership with other stakeholders. Institutions must be at the forefront of reimagining the sector's role when it comes to transdisciplinary knowledge co-creation aimed at strengthening the continent's agro-food systems.

Circular bio‐economy in aquaculture

Circular bio‐economy in aquaculture

Fertilization strategies for abating N pollution at the scale of a highly vulnerable and diverse semi-arid agricultural region (Murcia, Spain)

Overuse of N fertilizers in crops has induced the disruption of the N cycle, triggering the release of reactive N (Nr) to the environment. Several EU policies have been developed to address this challenge, establishing targets to reduce agricultural Nr losses. Their achievement could be materialized through the introduction of fertilizing innovations such as incorporating fertilizer into soils, using urease inhibitors, or by adjusting N inputs to crop needs that could impact in both yields and environment. The Murcia region (southeastern Spain) was selected as a paradigmatic case study, since overfertilization has induced severe environmental problems in the region in the last decade, to assess the impact of a set of 8 N fertilizing alternatives on crop yields and environmental Nr losses. Some of these practices imply the reduction of N entering in crops. We followed an integrated approach analyzing the evolution of the region in the long-term (1860–2018) and considering nested spatial- (from grid to region) and systems scales (from crops to the full agro-food system). We hypothesized that, even despite reduction of N inputs, suitable solutions for the abatement of Nr can be identified without compromising crop yields. The most effective option to reduce Nr losses was removing synthetic N fertilizers, leading to 75% reductions in N surpluses mainly due to a reduction of 64% of N inputs, but with associated yield penalties (31%–35%). The most feasible alternative was the removal of urea, resulting in 19% reductions of N inputs, 15%–21% declines in N surplus, and negligible yield losses. While these measures are applied at the field scale, their potential to produce a valuable change can only be assessed at regional scale. Because of this, a spatial analysis was performed showing that largest Nr losses occurred in irrigated horticultural crops. The policy implications of the results are discussed.

Nesting nitrogen budgets through spatial and system scales in the Spanish agro-food system over 26 years

Along its route through the agro-food system nitrogen (N) can be wasted, heightening diverse environmental problems. Geopolitical instabilities affect prices of N fertilisers and livestock feed, challenging production systems and increasing their need to reduce N waste. The analysis of N flows is essential to understanding the agroenvironmental performance of agro-food systems to detect leakages and to design strategies for reducing N pollution while producing feed and food. Sectorial analyses can mislead conclusions, prompting the need for integrated approaches. We present a multiscale analysis of N flows for the 1990–2015 period to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish agro-food system. We constructed N budgets at three system scales, namely crop, livestock and the agro-food system, and at two spatial scales: national and regional (50 provinces). The big picture shows a country with increasing crop (575 to 634 GgN/yr) and livestock (138 to 202 GgN/yr, edible) production and nitrogen use efficiency improvements, especially for certain crop and livestock categories. Nevertheless, this falls short of reducing agricultural surpluses (812 GgN/yr) and external dependency, which is closely related to the externalisation of certain environmental impacts (system NUE, from 31 % to 19 % considering externalisation). The regional picture shows the contrasted operation between provinces, assigned to three agro-food system categories: fuelled by synthetic fertiliser (29 provinces), grassland inputs to livestock (5 provinces) or the net import of feed (16 provinces). Regional specialisation on crop or livestock production was reinforced, hampering good recirculation of N through livestock feed from regional cropland and their N fertilisation by regional livestock excretion. We conclude that pollution and external dependency need to be further reduced in Spain. To do so, the big picture of the full system is paramount but must be adapted to the regional particularities.

Reflecting on the Concept of Local Agroecological Food Systems

Despite the extensive literature on Local Agro-food Systems (LAFS), which involves research on local food identity and organisational proximity, the environmental sustainability of these systems has rarely been addressed. This paper develops a new concept called Local Agroecological Food Systems (LAEFS), which focuses the research not only on local food identity, but also on agroecological principles. We aim to conduct a reflexive review of the literature on the conceptual factors attempting to describe the particular characteristics of LAEFS (distinguishing these from LAFS). We explore five axes of analysis: (a) to establish a compromise at the local level between agro-food sectoral specialisation on the one hand and greater cultivated biodiversity and a more diversified economic structure on the other; (b) to geographically and commercially shorten food channels to the fullest extent; (c) to construct new institutional formulae in the fields of logistics, distribution and public procurement for the scaling up of sustainable food; (d) to develop a participatory, bottom-up, multi-stakeholder and multi-level territorial governance; and (e) to reduce the metabolic profile of food systems by reorganising rural-urban linkages. One of the principal objectives of LAEFS should involve redesigning agricultural and food systems at a scale greater than that of the farm (territory or landscape). This requires both a major public policy push and sustainable territorial governance that incorporate an approach based on territory, food systems and agroecology.

Agriculture system: structure and features of functioning

The article examines the theoretical foundations of the agro-food system (AFS) formation and a comprehensive description of its constituent elements, which include the evolution of scientific concepts, principles, and priority tasks in the aspect of implementing the principles of sustainable development. Approaches to understanding the category of AFS are summarized, a system that covers the processes of production, distribution, exchange and consumption of goods, as well as connections and relations between producers and consumers of material goods and services. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the principles of the formation and development of the AFS in the context of sustainable development paradigm and sustainability in order to ensure food security of the country and the world based on the structural and functional definition of its constituent elements and highlighting the interdependence and interrelationships between them. The general concept of AFS is presented and it is roposed to determine its sustainability on the basis of the concept of sustainable development, provision of conditions for the extended reproductive process of resources, rational placement of agricultural production and balanced development of crop and animal husbandry. AFS models are summarized and similarities and differences between them are highlighted in terms of organization of activities, consumer behavior, etc. The AFS is considered on the basis of the structural and functional content of its components and the main participants are characterized, whose activities are aimed at ensuring the reproduction process, the formation of a self-sufficient food balance and a reasonable amount of export potential. The classification features of the AFS as an integrated multi-sectoral system are summarized and its main characteristics are outlined in the aspect of realizing the socio-ecological and economic goals of sustainable development. The definition of the AFS as a set of business entities that carry out business processes and activities from the production of agricultural products to their consumption, processing and disposal of waste in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, which contributes to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), is proposed. A multi-level system of the AFS is presented, which allows for a comprehensive analysis to identify dependencies, connections and influences between its participants. Key words: agro-food system (AFS), production and marketing chain, sustainable AFS, AFS participants, business processes, traditional AFS, modern AFS, mixed AFS.

Measuring technical efficiency of Spanish pig farming: Quantile stochastic frontier approach

AbstractThe pig meat production plays a significant role in the Spanish agrofood system. The assessment of the efficiency performance with which farmers are operating is necessary to define adequate policy and management strategies. In this context, this study aimed to determine the technical efficiency (TE) performance of pig farms and to examine the key factors that may affect the production system in Spain. To do so, the analysis relies on the quantile stochastic frontier model using a sample of Spanish pig farms. Results show a significant difference between production frontier parameters across the selected quantiles, which support the relevance of using the quantile regression approach. The optimal quantile for the stochastic frontier indicates an average TE level of 75%. In addition, empirical findings suggest that pig farmers in Spain give more importance to the adoption of high technology to improve their economic and technical performance as well as their competitiveness at the European pig market.

Assessing the Interlinkage between Biodiversity and Diet through the Mediterranean Diet Case.

The adoption of healthy and sustainable diets and the transition to sustainable food systems is of principal importance in order to counteract the double burden of climate change and noncommunicable diseases. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been widely recognized as a biodiversity and healthy nutrition resource to support sustainable development and food security. This study explored biodiversity in terms of food plants species, subspecies, varieties, and races, and also addressed food plant diversity differences between the MD and Western-type consumption patterns. It was funded by the EU BioValue Project, aiming to promote the integration of underutilized crops into the food value chains. Using a 2-stage scheme, data were selected from MEDUSA and Euro+Med databases (including 449 species, 2366 subspecies, varieties, and races). Furthermore, 12 countries from North Africa and Europe were classified in 2 groups according to their subregional attributes and their traditionally most prevalent dietary pattern (MD or Western-type diets). Statistical analysis showed that the mean of the majorly cultivated food plants in the MD was significantly higher than its counterpart in the Western diet. Furthermore, no statistical difference was detected in the averages of native food plants between the MD group and the Western diet group, implying that the higher diversity in food plants observed in the MD seems to be attributed to crop utilization rather than crop availability. Our findings indicated the interlinkage between biodiversity and prevailing dietary patterns and further underlined that biodiversity could constitute a prerequisite for dietary diversity and hence nutrition security. In addition, this study demonstrated that diets and nutrition should be approached in a broader way within the context of both agro-food and ecological systems.