Consumption Of Agricultural Products Research Articles

The Effects of International Orientation on the Dimensions of the Environmental Performance of Agri‐Food Companies: A Chilean Perspective

ABSTRACTLike other Latin American economies, Chile has significantly increased its presence in international agriculture markets. Agricultural commodities are primarily developed within specialized exporters or multinational enterprises and exported to several different countries. In Chile, the fruit sector accounts for almost half of total exports. Internationally oriented companies explore business opportunities in foreign markets and invest adequate resources in international operations. In addition, more internationally oriented companies could be more inclined to invest in green practices due to external pressures and, consequently, achieve higher environmental performance. In this context, environmental performance is related to the extent to which available natural resources are protected during the production, delivery, and consumption of agricultural products. To the best of our knowledge, there is scattered evidence of the relationship between international orientation and the environmental performance of agri‐food companies, especially in Latin America. Grounded on the natural resources‐based view theory, this study assessed the effects of environmental collaboration on five dimensions of environmental performance (greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, food loss and waste, food quality and safety, and water footprint management) in agri‐food companies with a survey with Chilean firms. Data were analyzed using the partial least square—structural equation modeling. We found that international orientation positively influences all five dimensions of environmental performance. Our study identified that the dimension most impacted by international orientation is water footprint management, and the least impacted is food quality and safety. With the aid of multi‐group analysis, we concluded that there are no significant differences in these relationships between micro/small and medium/large companies. A significant difference was observed in food loss and waste between fruit and nonfruit producers. We expect the outcomes of this study will support exporting‐related decisions and public policies in Latin America.

Occurrence and Fate Analysis of Mycotoxins in Maize During the Post-Harvest Period

The consumption of agricultural products contaminated with mycotoxins poses a significant threat to the health of both humans and animals. Maize frequently becomes contaminated with toxic fungi while it is still growing in the field. Therefore, more proactive measures should be implemented to reduce mycotoxin levels during the storage and processing of maize after harvest. This article analyzes the prevalent mycotoxins found in maize, specifically aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the occurrence of mycotoxins in maize during storage, as well as fate analysis of them during processing. It summarizes the impacts of storage time, environmental conditions, storage methods, and agricultural practices on mycotoxin occurrence during storage in the post-harvest period. Furthermore, the different distribution of mycotoxins across various fractions during both dry- and wet-milling processes in the post-harvest processing period is analyzed. Additionally, the strategies to control mycotoxins in maize are also proposed during the post-harvest period. This review offers valuable insights for future research on mycotoxin contamination in maize during the post-harvest period.

Evaluating the environmental effects of open dumps and waste farming: A case study

Dhapa, the landfill situated in Kolkata, is a very active site for municipal dumping. A humongous amount of municipal solid waste is added in this dump daily and the nearby farmlands produce a significant yield for the local population. The current study seeks to examine the environmental associated with leachate migration due to open dumping of unsorted solid waste in Dhapa, Kolkata, India. Also, the second goal of the study is to assess the risk to public health associated with the consumption of agricultural products possibly contaminated with heavy metals through soil and groundwater. The seasonal soil and groundwater sample, and samples of products grown near the landfill were collected around the periphery of Dhapa. The presence of heavy metals in the samples was determined using classical methods in a specialized laboratory. The soil and groundwater results compared to FAO/WHO, and BIS/WHO was found that toxic metal Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb & Hg were present in high concentrations. For the vegetables grown at the site fields, multiple samples were collected as multiple different vegetables are grown around the year, it was found that mainly Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb and Hg exceeding Indian permissible standards of consumptions many fold. Finally by the use of multiple indices like Average Daily Dose (ADD) & Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) along with Hazard Quotient (HQ) it was found that carcinogenic risk, on human health, was highest in the ground water and vegetables. The current study fills the gap associated with the scientific substantiation of actively developing environmental hazards at the regional level.

The analysis of the agricultural market conditions in Central Asian countries

This article is focused on analyzing the market conditions for agricultural products in Central Asian countries. The study was conducted in order to identify the current state and prospects for the development of the agricultural sector in the region. The authors analyzed the volume of production and consumption of agricultural products, market structure, trends in price dynamics, as well as domestic and external demand for agricultural products. Special attention is paid to the role of international cooperation and cooperation of entrepreneurs in the development of the agricultural sector. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the development of the agricultural sector in Central Asian countries. The purpose of the study is to determine the optimal range of agricultural products, study options for their possible processing into a finished product in order to create an effective production chain within the framework of cooperation between entrepreneurs in Central Asian countries based on an analysis of the market conditions for agricultural products in these countries. The analysis of domestic and external demand for agricultural products will assist in developing strategies to increase export opportunities and attract investment. The findings of the study can be used by Central Asian governments to make informed decisions in the field of agricultural policy and entrepreneurship support. In addition, the research will help strengthen international cooperation and cooperation between entrepreneurs in the region, which will lead to sustainable development of the agricultural industry.

EVALUATION OF LOCUST BEAN POD ASH AS MINERAL FILLER IN HOT MIX ASPHALT

An increase in the consumption of agricultural products generates large quantities of waste daily. The husks of the locust bean seeds when removed from the plant are littered in the environment which negatively affects the environment. In this research, locust bean pod ash (LBPA) was used as a mineral filler in hot mix asphalt. Physical and chemical tests were done on the aggregate, bitumen and LBPA, showing adequacy for use in asphalt concrete production. All tests were conducted in accordance with relevant standards. LBPA was admixed with granite dust from 0–50% (at intervals of 10%) with varying bitumen content from 4–7% (at 0.5% intervals). For this experiment, the Marshall mix design method was used. The Marshall stability of samples containing LBPA improved by 19%, from 8.16kN to 9.67kN. Similarly, Marshall flow decreased by 19% from 3.4 mm to 2.75 mm. The density-void analysis of the asphalt samples also revealed an improvement. The microstructural examination revealed an enhanced structural arrangement due to the flocculation of the LBPA particles. Overall, the hot mix asphalt samples meet the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing specifications for flexible pavement-wearing courses. It was determined by the study that adding 40% LBPA with 60% granite dust at 5% bitumen content would improve the performance of hot mix asphalt.

Quantification of sources and potential risks of cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and arsenic in agricultural soils in a rapidly urbanizing region of southwest China: the case of Chengdu.

Rapid urbanization a major factor affecting heavy metal contamination on suburban agricultural soils. In order to assess the dynamic contamination of heavy metals in soil from agricultural land bordering a rapidly urbanizing area and the transfer of human health risks from contaminants in this process, 186 and 293 soil samples from agricultural land in suburban Chengdu were collected in September 2008 and September 2017, respectively. Several indicators, such as the integrated pollution index (PI) and the potential ecological risk index (RI), were employed for analyzing the heavy metal contamination levels, and the APCS-MLR receptor model were applied for analyzing the heavy metal sources. As a result, mean concentrations for five elements did not exceed the national soil pollution risk screening values in the two periods mentioned above. Nemerow's composite contamination index revealed an increase in soil contamination of arable land after 10 years of urbanization, with 3.75 and 1.02% of light and moderate sample plots, respectively, by 2017. The assessment for potential ecological risk indicated an increased level of eco-risk to high for most of the sample plots. Based on the APCS-MLR model, the origin and contribution to the five elements varied considerably between the two periods mentioned above. Among them, soil Pb changed from "industrial source" to "transportation source," soil Cr changed from "natural source" to "transportation source," and As and Hg changed from "industrial source" to "transportation source." As and Hg were associated with agricultural activities in both periods, and Cd was derived from industrial activities in both periods. The study suggests that inhalation has become a major contributor to non-cancer health risks in urbanization, unlike intake routes in previous periods, and that the increase in cancer risk is mainly due to children's consumption of agricultural products with As residues. The change in the main source of As to "transportation" also indicates a decrease in air quality during urbanization and the development of the transportation industry. This study provides a reference for the governments of rapidly urbanizing cities to formulate relevant highway and agricultural policies to safeguard the health of the people based on the current situation.

Региональные подходы к управлению агропредприятиями в контексте формирования национального продовольственного рынка Foodnet

Introduction: the authors summarized the positions of foreign and domestic researchers regarding the strategic management of the national food market for the production and consumption of agricultural products. Objectives: to analyze the transformation of the national food market and to identify trends in the further formation and development of the national Foodnet market in the context of digitalization and ensuring food security of the Russian regions. Methods: interviewing top management of leading participants in the Russian regional Foodnet market. Results: the study presents data on the cast value of the main segments of the global and national food markets. Three scenarios were identified that are likely to be implemented in the process of transformation of agricultural sector of the Russian regions. The research results demonstrate that key players in agriculture are focused on maintaining high autonomy in agriculture. Conclusions: the empirical study showed that the most important factors in the transformation of strategic management in the Foodnet sector, according to respondents, are the digitalization of agriculture, government policy, the macro- and microenvironment of the businesses in changing geopolitical situation and intensive shifts that have created a new reality of national food security.

Regional development of the agricultural industry, taken into indicators and their targets of the level and quality of life of the rural and urban population

The relevance is due not only to a broad discussion of the problem of quality and standard of living, taking into account the consumption of agricultural products. In the context of a post-pandemic reality and a special military operation, economic stability and social well-being of rural and urban populations become priority issues. In addition, in the context of rapid technological and social development, it is important to constantly update data and analyze the current state of the situation in order to competently adapt policies and programs for social support of rural and urban populations to changing conditions. Goal: to explore the concept of quality and standard of living of the rural and urban population of the region, taking into account the consumption of agricultural products. Methods. Indicators and targets for the level and quality of life, taking into account the consumption of agricultural products, including the decile coefficient of income differentiation, the Gini coefficient, the Lorenz coefficient, life expectancy and GRP per capita. Scientific novelty. The level and quality of life of the rural and urban population, taking into account the consumption of agricultural products in conditions of economic crises. Results. The analysis allows us to identify the main problems facing the rural and urban population of the Chelyabinsk region, including insufficient income, instability of the economic situation and threats to maintaining the existing standard of living. The need for increased attention to maintaining the well-being of rural and urban populations and reducing the number of people with incomes below the subsistence level in the region is emphasized.

A study on consumers’ attitude towards purchase decisions on environmentally friendly rice

The consumption of agricultural products provides tremendous advantages. The consumers’ attitude towards environmentally friendly food purchasing including rice has recently developed. The higher increase in income the higher need for the quality of rice will be. The objective of the study is to describe the consumers’ attitudes toward purchase decisions on environmentally friendly rice in Toboali Bangka Selatan. Judgment sampling was applied as the sampling collection method. Questionnaires using a face-to-face approach, observation, and focus group discussion were employed as the data collection technique. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used in data processing. The study found that the majority of the respondents were female, as a housewife 24-40 years old, graduated from high school, with Rp. 1.500.000 – Rp.2.500.000 as the monthly income. The majority of farmers purchased environmentally friendly rice for daily consumption at a rice mill owned by Mr. Imam because the price was cheaper compared to other stores around Rias village, the packaging size and the rice itself were considered new. In general, the environmentally friendly consumers gained a positive attitude toward rice bought in Inpari 36 as a type of rice.

The Main Trends in the Development of Agricultural Production in the World and Russia

The article examines the trends in the production of the main types of agricultural products in the world based on the analysis of the OECD-FAO forecast for the next decade 2023–2032. According to this forecast, by 2032, world agricultural production in value terms will increase by 17 %. The strengthening of the role of developing countries in the production of agricultural products is the main trend in the development of world agricultural production, which is based on population growth, the need to ensure food security in connection with the sanctions policy of Western countries, which led to a change in trade relations and disruption of logistics supply chains of products. According to the OECD-FAO forecast, the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the countries of Africa, will provide more than 70 % growth in crop production. Developing countries will account for about 60 % of livestock production by the end of the decade. The main growth factor will be an increase in crop yields and animaproductivity based on the intensification of production and an increase in the level of scientific and technological support for the industry. The article also examines the main trends in the development of production and consumption of agricultural products in Russia for the next decade and determines the level of self-sufficiency in basic food products, which Russia will reach by 2032.

Research on Marketing Strategy Innovation of Agricultural Products under the Background of Digital Economy

Based on the research background of digital economy, this paper puts forward the basic idea of agricultural products marketing model, focusing on the key words of "flow", "big data", "cross-border" to promote the innovation of agricultural products marketing strategy. And on this basis, this paper explores five modes of agricultural products marketing innovation: promoting the whole process of visual marketing of agricultural products, relying on social platform personal IP marketing of agricultural products, live broadcast + factory + farm marketing mode, agricultural products crowdfunding platform sales mode, agricultural products + adoption marketing mode and agricultural products F2C marketing mode. In order to effectively promote the operation of these modes, this paper also puts forward three countermeasures and suggestions from the aspects of brand building of agricultural products, value perception of agricultural products and innovation of agricultural products consumption scene.

Humidity Control for Air Circulation in the Drying Process

Recycling exhaust air is acknowledged as a method to reduce the energy consumption of agricultural products in the dryer. This study investigates the performance of an air circulation system at a laboratory scale and develops a feedback control compensator for optimizing the drying air circulation process. A servo motor is employed to drive a valve, to feed the exhaust drying air with high temperature and humidity back in different proportions. The system is controlled using an Arduino DUE microcontroller, which communicates data with MATLAB/Simulink. The system identification methodology is employed to analyze the mathematical model of the system. The result indicates that the response of the system meets the acceptance criteria when the percent overshoot is less than 25%, and the settling time is within 60 seconds (with a 2% error tolerance). Evaluation of control system performance during equilibrium employs R2 and RMSE values.

De novo creation of popcorn-like fragrant foxtail millet.

Popcorn aroma is a valuable flavor quality in cereals, but, despite more than ten thousand years of millet domestication, millet lacks traits that confer this desirable aroma. Here, we developed a popcorn-scented millet, providing an important resource for future breeding.

Construction of Agricultural Products Logistics Network in Hebei Province Based on Improved Gravity Mode

Solving the problems of “agriculture, rural areas” has always been the top priority of national development work and the focus of social attention. Logistics, as the “third source of income”, can give full play to the role of logistics to enable agricultural products to obtain higher returns in the case of high production. In the context of the increasing demand for high-quality life, it is particularly important to reduce the consumption of agricultural products in the transportation process and ensure the quality of fresh agricultural products. A reasonable logistics network system can effectively reduce costs, save manpower and promote the increase of farmers’ income. Based on the research of factor analysis and gravity model, this paper adopts 11 prefecture-level cities in Hebei Province as research samples, and studies the economic development level of each city in Hebei Province, the scale and level of logistics industry development, the demand degree of agricultural products, and the supply degree of agricultural products as four indicators, and constructs a regional agricultural product logistics quality index system. The logistics quality and logistics gravity of agricultural products were calculated, the results of the model were graded, the regional logistics network of agricultural products was drawn and analyzed based on the logistics gravity strength, and some suggestions were put forward to improve the development of regional logistics network of agricultural products. Based on this, this paper believes that only by vigorously developing the construction of agricultural logistics network system can agriculture get better development, and in promoting the development of agriculture, it can optimize and upgrade the local logistics infrastructure and drive the regional economic development.

Analysis of the level of consumption of basic foodstuffs by the population as the most important component of food security in the region

Relevance. In the implementation of state social obligations, food security plays a special role, since through the food supply system, human needs for food products are met. The purpose of the work is to analyze the level of consumption of basic foodstuffs by the population and determine further ways to solve the problem of food supply in the Bryansk region.Methods. The following methods of economic research were used in the article (within the framework of a systematic approach): monographic, comparative, economic and statistical.Results. The standards of consumption of basic foodstuffs in Russia are considered, a comparative analysis of Russian standards with those of other countries is carried out. The per capita consumption of basic foodstuffs in the Russian Federation and the Central Federal District is analyzed. Аn objective analysis of the level of consumption of agricultural products by the population of the Bryansk region, which allows us to determine the state and prospects for the development of key sectors of the agricultural sector and the achievement of import substitution policy. The study period covers 2005–2021. Regional peculiarities of ensuring food security are revealed. A negative aspect is the problem of economic availability of food in the region in the necessary volumes and assortment for the population with low incomes, which is due to rising inflation and a decrease in real incomes. The directions allowing to increase the efficiency of ensuring food security of the region are proposed.

Evaluation of convolutional neural network for non-destructive detection of imidacloprid and acetamiprid residues in chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) based on visible near-infrared spectroscopy

Consumption of agricultural products with pesticide residue is risky and can negatively affect health. This study proposed a nondestructive method of detecting pesticide residues in chili pepper based on the combination of visible and near-infrared (VIS/NIR) spectroscopy (400–2498 nm) and deep learning modeling. The obtained spectra of chili peppers with two types of pesticide residues (acetamiprid and imidacloprid) were analyzed using a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). Compared with the commonly used partial least squares regression model, the 1D-CNN approach yielded higher prediction accuracy, with a root mean square error of calibration of 0.23 and 0.28 mg/kg and a root mean square error of prediction of 0.55 and 0.49 mg/kg for the acetamiprid and imidacloprid data sets, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that the combination of the 1D-CNN model and VIS/NIR spectroscopy is a promising nondestructive method of identifying pesticide residues in chili pepper.

Assessing the Impact of Rural Development for the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Russian Federation

Assessing the Impact of Rural Development for the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Russian Federation

Assessing the Sustainability of the Consumption of Agricultural Products with Regard to a Possible Reduction in Its Imports: The Case of Countries That Import Corn and Wheat

The main goal of this study is to develop and apply a toolkit for assessing the sustainability level of countries that import certain types of agricultural products with regard to a possible reduction in the volume of such imports. An indicator was proposed for evaluating sustainability. A model of its decomposition was built, which made it possible to reveal the hierarchy of factors of the formation of the specified sustainability. The concept of sustainable growth in consuming a certain agricultural product by a group of importing countries was developed. In particular, such growth conditions were formalized. Approbation of the formed methodological principles was carried out on two groups of countries that import corn and wheat. In particular, it was established that an increase in the relative vulnerability level of countries to a reduction in imported food supplies is negatively correlated with an increase in the relative level of adaptation of countries to such a reduction. It was also found that as of 1 January 2023, the resistance level of the studied countries to a reduction in corn and wheat imports has significantly decreased. Proposals are developed to increase the resilience level of food-importing countries to possible disruptions in their import supplies.

Radiological assessment of irrigation water used in Rustenburg, South Africa.

Water is an essential input in agricultural production, which is why it plays an important role in food security. According to the World Bank, water irrigated agriculture represents about 20% of the total cultivated land and 40% of the total food produced globally. This makes water a direct and indirect route of radiation exposure to humans via contact, ingestion and consumption of agricultural products. Radiological assessment of irrigation water around Rustenburg, one of the mining and industrial cities in South Africa, is investigated in this study. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in irrigation water samples were determined using the total mass elemental concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium, measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The activity concentrations of 238U and 40K range from 1.24×10-04 to 1.09×10-02Bq/l, and 7.07×1000 to 1.32×10+01Bq/l, with mean activity concentrations of 2.78×10-03 and 1.16×10+01Bq/l, respectively. The activity concentration of 232Th was found below the detection level in all sampled irrigation water. Estimated annual effective dose because of ingestion because of 238U and 40K was also found to be below 120μSv/y for 238U and 232Th, 170μSv/y for 40K and a total of 290μSv/y by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. The estimated radiation dose and lifetime cancer risk indices indicate insignificant radiological risk, making the irrigation water safe for domestic and agriculture purposes.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY MODEL IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF UKRAINE

The urgency of studying the issues of the development of the circular economy in the agro-industrial complex is caused by the demand for national and international food security, the importance of preserving the environment in conditions of irrational environmental management, the need to harmonise the economic, ecological and social spheres of human activity involved in the production, sale and consumption of agricultural products. The purpose of the study is to justify a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the circular economy model in the agro-industrial complex, in the context of ensuring food independence, economic security of the country and achieving the goals of sustainable development. In the course of the research the general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, statistical methods (comparison, analysis of absolute and relative values) and graphical methods were used in the evaluation of indicators of organic waste management of agricultural production, methods of a systematic approach – to justify a set of priority measures in the process of implementation of the model of circular economy in the agro-industrial complex. The information base for the research: legislative and regulatory acts; official materials of the State Statistical Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Based on the results of the research, a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the principles of circular economy in the agro-industrial complex was formed. The key factor is an effective public policy capable of ensuring high rates of development of innovative resource-saving technologies and the introduction of circular business models. State activity includes the development of tax, credit and pricing policies to stimulate the implementation of circular economy principles. It is important to develop and approve strategic plans, legislative and regulatory acts that regulate activities in the field of circular economy and are adapted to the standards and norms of the legislation of the European Union. The activities of agricultural enterprises should be directed towards cooperation with scientific and educational institutions in order to solve the problems of introducing innovations and improving the qualifications of employees, technical and technological modernisation, establishing partnership relations with investors, raw material suppliers and local self-government bodies. Ultimately, the implementation of these measures will contribute to the growth of the competitiveness of the domestic agricultural sector, the growth of investment attractiveness and the preservation of the environment.