Demand For Products Research Articles

Trends and innovations in mycorrhizal biofertilizers: a technological prospecting study

Exponential population growth, combined with the reduction of arable land, has created a need for increased agricultural production within a smaller physical space and with limited water and nutrient resources. In this context, biofertilizers have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to meet the demand for technologies and products that enhance productivity. The objective of this study was to map the production of technological knowledge and identify the main characteristics of innovation assets developed in the field of biofertilizers, with a particular focus on mycorrhizal biofertilizers, during the first decades of the 21st century. To achieve this, data was collected from international databases, including the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), as well as from the national database of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in Brazil. The search was conducted using simple and combined queries with the keywords "Mycorrhiza" and "Biofertilizer," followed by quantitative and qualitative analyses. The results indicated that the primary patent applicants in this field are companies and universities, predominantly located in North America and Asia. The highest concentration of patent publications occurred between 2010 and 2021, particularly in relation to new biofertilizer compositions and the optimization of production processes for these compounds. Although new technologies in the field of mycorrhizal biofertilizers can be observed, there are still unexplored avenues, and new initiatives will be important for the emergence of innovative solutions.

Production of a Wood–Plastic Composite with Wastes from Disposable Masks and Corrugated Cardboard: A Sustainable Post-Pandemic Approach

The increasing demand for disposable textile products, personal care items, and electronic commerce has led to a substantial rise in waste generation, particularly from nonwoven fabric masks (wNWFs) and corrugated cardboard (wCC). This study assessed the feasibility of utilizing these waste materials, which were produced in significant amounts during the COVID-19 pandemic, as both a matrix and reinforcement filler in wood–plastic composites (WPCs). The WPC was fabricated using either two extrusion cycles or thermokinetic homogenization, with both processes being followed by hot pressing. The formulations consisted of virgin polypropylene (vPP), wNWF, and wCC in proportions of 45, 45, and 10 wt %, respectively. The results demonstrated that the composites produced via two extrusion cycles exhibited a tensile strength that was 85% higher and three-point flexural strength three times greater than those produced through thermokinetic homogenization. These findings contribute to advancements in scientific and technological knowledge and offer an efficient solution for managing these types of waste, which continue to be generated post-pandemic.

IMPACT OF QUALITY CERTIFICATION ON THE VISIBILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS OF COFFEE PRODUCTION IN CERRADO MINEIRO

The demand for sustainable agricultural practices and products that meet ethical criteria has grown among consumers, making certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance and UTZ essential for producers seeking to stand out in the market. This study is justified by the need to understand how certifications can add value to coffee and influence the profitability of producers, in addition to promoting practices that guarantee the economic and social sustainability of rural communities. The general objective was to investigate the impact of certifications on the visibility and competitiveness of coffee from the Cerrado Mineiro region. The methodology adopted was qualitative, with documentary analysis and literature review, following ethical guidelines and without direct interaction with producers. Data were collected from reports, academic articles and statistics from relevant institutions. The results indicated that certified coffees tend to achieve prices up to 30% higher than non-certified coffees, reflecting the willingness of consumers to invest in products that meet quality and sustainability standards. In addition, certifications encouraged the adoption of more responsible agricultural practices, generating social and environmental benefits for producing communities. The study concludes that quality certifications are essential for the competitiveness of coffee farming in Cerrado Mineiro, recommending continued support for these practices to promote a sustainable and ethical production model.

Agricultural irrigation development in Castilla y León (Spain): driving forces and outcomes for landscape and sustainability in the 21st century

ContextAgriculture relies on irrigation in many parts of the world, and the need for irrigation is increasing due to rising demands for agricultural products and climate change-induced alterations in rainfall patterns. However, irrigated agriculture has been found to damage ecosystems and threaten landscape sustainability.ObjectivesAgainst this background, there has been a recent development towards large-scale irrigation in Spain. The aim of this study is to understand this development at the landscape level and its impact in the context of landscape sustainability.MethodsWe focused on two study sites in Castilla y León using a mixed-methods approach. We studied driving forces, landscape changes, and sustainability outcomes through document analysis, interviews, and aerial photograph analysis.ResultsThe development of a landscape-level underground pipe network took place at one study site and is planned for the second study site. Interviewees perceived institutional and social driving forces as particularly influential and technological driving forces as less influential. Political and economic driving forces were often interlinked. The irrigation development tied to land consolidation led to landscape changes, such as the removal of trees and increases in field size. Thus, in terms of environmental sustainability, trade-offs were found, while social sustainability outcomes were mainly positive. The impact on farmers’ economic security varied.ConclusionsFor further landscape-level irrigation developments, we recommend integrating preserving seminatural habitats and the structural diversity of the agricultural landscape in planning processes. We also recommend a shift towards more water efficient crops, evapotranspiration management, and a new funding scheme for farmers to offset rising electricity costs.

Soil organic carbon stocks as driven by land use in Mato Grosso State: the Brazilian Cerrado agricultural frontier

To address national and global demand for agro-based products, agricultural expansion has rapidly become a norm in Brazil since 1950s to date. In recent decades, agricultural expansion and technological advancement have placed the country among the top producers and exporters of agricultural products. The paradigm shifts in farming system from conventional to integrated approach has brought significant changes in land use, which consequently influenced carbon sequestration and soil organic carbon (SOC). This is more prevalent in the State of Mato Grosso, one of the most producers of food in Brazil. On this background, we hypothesized that though forests have potential for SOC stock, which decreases due to conversion to cropland but in longer-term with sustainable management, carbon might accrual significantly in cropland. Therefore, this paper aimed to unveil the nexus between long term land use and carbon stock changes and estimate future SOC stocks in Mato Grosso State of Brazil. To achieve this aim, a hybridization of machine learning and the InVEST prediction models was applied to estimate the land use changes and the SOC stocks between 1990 and 2020 and estimate for 2050. The study revealed that between 1990, 2020, and 2050, croplands increased significantly by at least 78%, pastures decreased by 32%, while forests decreased marginally by about 4% due to agricultural expansions. However, in 1990 and 2020, the SOC stock was slightly up to 147.34 Mg ha−1, it recorded an increase after a longer-time (i.e., in 2050). This increase was substantially under the forests, and marginally in the croplands. Climate-smart agricultural systems such as crop-livestock forest, integrated crop-livestock, and other conservation agricultural practices have great potential to contribute to sustainable development by increasing the levels of carbon in agricultural soils especially, after a longer period. Therefore, agricultural policies geared towards low carbon agriculture should be fully integrated into the various government decision making processes as this will guarantee food security and maximize soil carbon sequestration and stocks in the long term. Simultaneously, it is crucial to promote the dissemination of best practices for implementing and sustaining conservation efforts, thereby safeguarding the carbon stocks established to prevent their depletion. This will also support the Brazilian government in achieving its Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) through agricultural soils.

Selection indexes in terms of functional features in modern dairy cattle breeding in Europe

Abstract The increase in demand for dairy products requires continued progress in dairy farming for a sustainable supply. Europe, known as the world's leading milk producer, plays a key role in meeting this growing demand. Modern dairy farming has moved beyond its historical focus on milk yield and now focuses on functional traits such as udder health, fertility and calf survival. As a result, selection indicators have become essential tools, combining multiple attributes to support selective decisions. However, these rates show considerable variability across countries, reflecting their distinct breeding goals. Poland's production and functionality (PF) Index emphasizes production and functional traits to enhance dairy cattle. Portugal uses the total economic merit (M€T) and total performance index (IPT) for a broader assessment covering a wider range of traits. Ukraine is transitioning towards a more comprehensive breeding system incorporating stress tolerance and longevity. Factors such as climate change and the need for sustainable practices drive this evolution, underscoring the economic importance of traits beyond mere production. Future trends may include features such as feed efficiency, methane emissions reduction and stress resistance. Diverse breeding objectives across countries lead to different selection index constructions, essential for effective selection, ranking and breeding of superior individuals. This comprehensive review offers insight into constantly evolving dairy farming strategies in Europe, with a focus on Poland, Portugal and Ukraine, while highlighting the key role of functional traits in shaping the future of dairy farming.

Tourism and farmers' economic transformation: lessons from North Toraja

Farm diversification is becoming increasingly important for farmers in developing countries to improve economic resilience, especially with the increasing instability of agricultural markets. Agritourism, as one of the diversification strategies, can provide farmers with an alternative source of income. However, the factors influencing this diversification decision, particularly in rural areas such as North Toraja, Indonesia, still need to be fully understood. This qualitative research aims to understand the factors that influence farmers' livelihood diversification decisions in North Toraja, focusing on the role of agritourism and its implications for economic resilience and sustainable development. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 North Toraja farmers who have yet to diversify their businesses. The results showed that farmers' diversification decisions are influenced by several factors, including internal motivation (such as income generation opportunities and lifestyle needs), resource availability (land, capital, skills), market conditions (demand for agricultural products and agritourism services), and accessibility (strategic location and good access). The analysis also revealed that 83% of farmers were motivated by income generation opportunities, while 60% considered capital and location important factors in diversification. Farm diversification through agritourism provides additional income opportunities and contributes to farmers' economic resilience. This research emphasizes that diversification decisions are complex processes influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors. The results of this study provide insights into the dynamics of farmers' diversification decisions and provide policy implications to support sustainable rural development through agritourism.

Influence of Terroir on the Grain Composition, and Volatile Profile of Irish Grain (Wheat) New Make Spirit

Terroir refers to the combination of environmental factors, such as climate, soil, and agricultural practices, that shape the characteristics of a crop, contributing to the unique qualities of the final product. The concept has been traditionally linked to wine, but some recent findings suggest that it also holds importance for distilled spirits. The expanding Irish distilling sector is shifting towards local raw materials such as wheat and rye, driven by regulatory changes, economic benefits, and consumer demand for sustainable local products. This research examines the effects of wheat variety, geographical location, and harvest year on grain composition and volatile composition of the new make spirit. For this study, twenty lab-scale wheat whiskey samples were produced from five different wheat varieties grown at two different locations in Ireland over two consecutive years. The wheat samples were analysed for grain composition and the volatile profiling of new make spirit samples by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of fifty-one volatile compounds were detected, with ethanol, ethyl acetate, phenyl ethyl alcohol, and 3-methyl-1-butanol being predominant. Principal component analysis revealed that both the harvest year and geographical location moderately influenced the volatile compound distribution of the new make spirit, which is explained by a 43.25% variance. ANOVA analysis revealed that grain composition was significantly influenced by harvest year, location, and wheat variety. The 2020 samples showed higher protein and β-glucan content, whereas samples from the location Tipperary had higher starch content. This study indicates that terroir—specifically seasons (year) and geography (location)—affects the characteristics of wheat-based Irish whiskey, highlighting opportunities for distillers to differentiate their products by leveraging local environmental factors.

Valorizing Waste Streams to Enhance Sustainability and Economics in Microbial Oil Production.

Driven by demand for more sustainable products, research and capital investment has been committed to developing microbially produced oils. While researchers have shown oleaginous yeasts and other microbes can produce low-carbon footprint oils by leveraging waste streams as energy sources, previous analyses have not fully explored the quantity of available waste streams and in turn economy-of-scale enabled on capital and operating expenses. This paper makes parallels to 2G ethanol facilities, enabling a data-driven understanding of large-scale production economics. Production costs are broken down for a variety of scenarios. The analysis finds that reaching price parity with large-scale commodity oils (e.g., palm oil, high-oleic cooking oils, biofuels feedstock oils, lauric acid) is not possible today and unlikely even under aggressive future assumptions about strain productivity. Instead, commercial production must be targeted at end markets where sustainability-conscious consumers are willing to pay the price premiums identified in this paper.

Effect of Size Reduction Processes on Rice Flour Properties and the Quality of their Bakery Products

Currently, there is an incremental demand for ricebased products among health-conscious consumers in the dynamic food market. The method and the machinery used in the size reduction processes have a crucial impact on the physicochemical properties of rice flour, thereby affecting the quality and consistency of the final products. Consequently, certain starch modification techniques can be implemented to eliminate some baker-unfriendly properties associated with rice flour. This brief review is focusing on literature pertaining to different rice milling techniques, certain physicochemical and functional flour properties, a comparison of rice flour properties relevant to different rice milling techniques, the relationship between different rice flour properties and their effect on the quality of bakery products, and finally the improvement of flour properties by different starch modification techniques.

Processing, Value Addition and Post-Harvest Technology of Tomato: A Scoping Review on Global and Indian Perspective

India, with its favorable climatic conditions, is a major producer of tomatoes, ranking second globally. However, the tomato processing sector in India is underdeveloped, with only 1% of the produce being processed compared to developed nations such as Italy (64.02%), Spain (39.41%) and the United States (10.34%). Of the more than 180 million tonnes of tomatoes produced annually, around 40 million tonnes are processed. India's substantial tomato output, which occurs primarily in the winter, has made it a prominent participant in the global tomato processing industry. This would help the Indian market utilize tomato-based goods throughout the off-season. Lycopene, a beneficial compound, is found to be higher in processed tomato products compared to fresh tomatoes. Prominent companies in the Indian tomato processing industry include Hindustan Unilever, Nestle India, Mother Dairy, and Dabur India. Despite the potential, the sector faces challenges such as inadequate processing facilities and limited varieties suitable for processing, leading to substantial post-harvest losses. The demand for tomato-processed products in India has been increasing at 30% annually in recent years, with a rising variety of products being offered. Increased support, improved supply chain management, and adoption of advanced processing techniques could reduce wastage, add value, and enable India to become a prominent player in the global tomato processing industry. With the adoption of modern technologies such as automated sorting, grading, and cold storage facilities, the efficiency of the tomato processing industry can improve. This would reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better quality control.

EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF WHOLE GRAINS AND LEGUMES

Grain products are a fundamental element in ensuring food security for the population. In recent years, the demand for whole grain products has significantly increased. Whole grain products are highly nutritious due to their balanced content of amino acids and other macro- and microelements. The aim of this study is to investigate the chemical and amino acid composition of whole grain raw materials such as triticale grain of the «Dauren» variety, buckwheat grain of the «Dikul» variety, and lentil grains of the «Sakura» and «Shyrayly» varieties. The chemical research revealed that whole leguminous crops have a high protein content, which is approximately twice as high as that of whole grains, with protein content values of 28,75% and 24,67%, respectively. The analysis of the conducted studies showed that the amino acid composition of the proteins in whole grains and whole leguminous crops is characterized by a high content of essential amino acids. Leguminous crops have a higher content of arginine and lysine compared to whole grains. Whole leguminous crops have a higher protein content than whole grains, making them important for increasing the nutritional value of food products when mixed. Additionally, various processing methods and their effects on preserving nutritional properties were studied.

Comparative Ecotoxicity Assessment of highly bioactive Isomeric monoterpenes carvacrol and thymol on aquatic and edaphic indicators and communities

The growing demand for sustainable natural products to replace harmful synthetic ones requires comprehensive ecotoxicity assessments to ensure their eco-friendly nature. This study explored for the first time the changes in microbial community growth and metabolic profiles from river and natural soil samples exposed to the two structural isomers, thymol (THY) and carvacrol (CARV), utilizing Biolog EcoPlate™ assays and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for taxonomic analysis. In addition, we addressed existing ecotoxicity data gaps for these two compounds by using aquatic (Daphnia magna and Vibrio fischeri) and soil (Eisenia fetida and Allium cepa) indicators. Results show acute toxicity of both CARV and THY on all indicators. V. fischeri (LC50=0.59 mg/L) >D. magna (4.75 mg/L) >A. cepa (6.47 mg/L) for CARV, and V. fischeri (LC50=1.71 mg/L) >A. cepa (4.05 mg/L) >D. magna (8.13 mg/L) for THY. E. fetida showed LC50 = 7.68 mg/Kg for THY and 1.04 for CARV. River and soil microbial communities showed resilience, likely because they contain taxa capable of biodegrading these products. No significant growth inhibition effects were observed up to 100 mg/L, though substrate utilization decreased at higher concentrations, particularly for polymers and amines in soil microorganisms and polymers in aquatic communities. Soil microorganisms were more affected than aquatic ones, with CARV being more toxic than THY (EC50120h = THY 94.13 and CARV 29.79 mg/L in soil microorganisms). These findings suggest that an increase in the consumption of these products and their subsequent ecotoxicity effects from environmental discharge should still be monitored before being ruled out. However, long-term effects are unlikely due to microbial degradation of these natural products, potentially reducing risks to other target species and opening the way for their use as substitutes for commercial antibiotics.

Emerging non-thermal treatment approaches for camel milk: A review

Camel milk (CM) has recently gained popularity in international dairy markets. According to projections, the global market for CM products is expected to reach USD 18.3 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 % during the forecast period. The increasing demand for CM among people with lactose intolerance is expected to positively impact the industry. Despite efforts to develop a range of products from CM, its processing is generally considered challenging, and the resulting products are not comparable to those made from bovine milk. For decades, the dairy industry has relied primarily on conventional methods to process various dairy products; however, these methods can affect the organoleptic quality and nutritional profiles. This review focuses on innovative non-thermal processing methods for CM, including high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasonication, UV pasteurization, cold plasma technology, and microwave processing. These approaches can provide viable alternatives to thermal treatments, offering several benefits, such as enhanced nutrient retention, improved organoleptic properties, and better microbial safety, thus supporting the industry's growth in response to increasing consumer demand for high-quality dairy products.

Impact of a natural rubber-based scratcher as an environmental enrichment on the scratching behavior, cortisol level, and semen quality of stable male goats

Background and Aim: Goats are valuable livestock because they can generate meat and milk for human consumption. Goat husbandry is becoming more intensive due to the growing demand for goat products, which may impact animal welfare and natural behavior. This study aimed to investigate the impact of natural rubber (para rubber)-based scratchers as an environmental enrichment on scratching behavior, cortisol levels, and semen quality in stable bucks (male goats/goats). Materials and Methods: Nine male goats were used in this study. Scratching behavior and cortisol levels were used as welfare indicators, whereas semen quality was evaluated as an indicator of reproductive potential. These indicators were analyzed before and after scratcher installation. Results: After installing the scratchers, the goats showed a significant increase in scratching behavior and a notable decrease in cortisol levels (p < 0.001). Notably, the goats exhibited a marked preference for scratching against the scratcher (p < 0.001) compared to the stable. They significantly preferred using their heads for scratching (p < 0.001) instead of other body parts. In addition, goats preferred to scratch on the softest rubber scratchers at specific installation locations (p < 0.001). Although there was a slight improvement in semen quality, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A natural rubber-based scratcher can increase scratching behavior and reduce cortisol levels, indicating its potential to improve the welfare of farm goats. Selecting an appropriate hardness and preferred location is essential to ensure that the scratcher effectively encourages animals to use it. Keywords: cortisol, goat, para rubber, scratcher, semen quality.

An EPQ Model with Varying Demand for Uncertain Quality Products

Objectives: This article delves into a production inventory model centered on non-deteriorating items amidst fluctuating demand. Methods: To minimize the total cost using the sine function as a demand function. Findings: In the manufacturing process, there's a chance of product damage, resulting in the final products being either flawless or flawed. Quality assessments occur during production to distinguish the flawless ones for immediate sale, while the flawed ones are marked down for later sale. “In this article, we use a sine function for demand which will increase first, and after a certain point it starts decreasing”. Novelty: The existing method has discussed only increasing or decreasing demand, but the current study deals with both increasing as well as decreasing at the same time. Applications: Seasonal methods like umbrellas, Christmas decorative items, crackers, etc., have increasing demand for the particular season. Keywords: Production Model, Fluctuating Demand, Sine function, minimizing Total Cost, Flawless items

FITOCOSMÉTICOS: BENEFÍCIOS DE COSMÉTICOS DE ORIGEM NATURAL NA ESTÉTICA

The introduction of this article presents the current context of the cosmetic market, highlighting the growing demand for products that are both effective and sustainable. The aim of this literature review is to compile and critically analyze existing scientific studies on the pharmacological, therapeutic, and chemical properties of three specific medicinal plants. The review seeks to identify the main applications of these plants, highlight the bioactive compounds present in each, and discuss advances related to their potential use, emphasizing the key properties of each plant. The cosmetic benefits were categorized into properties such as hydration, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions. The results indicated that phytocosmetics show similar efficacy to synthetic cosmetics in terms of skin hydration and treatment, with the added advantage of being less aggressive and causing fewer allergic reactions. Furthermore, phytocosmetics demonstrated a significantly lower environmental impact, particularly in terms of biodegradability and the absence of toxic substances. The conclusion emphasizes that, although both types of cosmetics are effective, the growing trend towards the use of phytocosmetics is justified by their health and sustainability benefits.

Mechanically Flexible, Large-Area Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Dendritic Au Films for Reproducible Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of Nanoplastics.

The escalating crisis of nanoplastic pollution in water and food products demands the development of novel methodologies for detection and recycling. Despite various techniques available, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is emerging as a highly efficient technique for the trace detection of micro/nanoplastics. However, the development of highly reproducible and stable, flexible SERS substrates that can be used for sensitive detection in environmental medium remains a challenge. Here, we report a fabrication of large-area, three-dimensional (3D), and highly flexible SERS substrate based on porous dendritic Au films onto a flexible indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate via facile, thermal evaporation of Au over the vacuum-compatible deep eutectic solvent (DES)-coated glass substrate and subsequent direct transfer process. The as-fabricated 3D dendritic Au/ITO flexible substrates can be used for ultrasensitive SERS detection of crystal violet (CV) as probe analyte molecules with the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 6.4 × 10-15 M, with good signal reproducibility (RSD of 11.3%). In addition, the substrate showed excellent sensitivity in detecting nanoplastics such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (200 nm) and polystyrene (100 nm) with LODs reaching up to 0.051 and 8.2 μg/mL, respectively. This work provides a facile approach for the preparation of highly flexible plasmonic substrates, showing great potential for the SERS detection of a variety of environmental pollutants.

What do urban consumers want? Findings from a discrete choice experiment on the preference for locally produced staple food in Central Africa: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

ABSTRACT A discrete choice experiment in Kinshasa (DRC) investigated urban consumers' preferences between imports and local options for five staple foods – cassava, rice, maize, sugar and cooking oil – under a random utility model. We also examined how distance, packaging and price influenced consumer choice. To assess whether preferences could be manipulated, we introduced two treatment groups – local, import – and a control group. We did not find support for a preference for imports. Instead, there is a statistically significant preference for local products, with the exception of sugar. Respondents are willing to pay 28% more for local food, a premium quantified at 1540 CF (.93 USD) per kg for maize and 1091CF (.66 USD) per litre for oil. Packaging is an attribute of influence as the willingness to pay (WTP) in full remains positive when products interact with packaging and with price. There is demand for local products for which consumers are willing to pay a premium. Yet, DRC imports 1.5 billion dollars of food yearly with only 10% of its arable land exploited. The increased urban consumption of imports does not signify a bias against local products, but rather points to structural issues undermining local supply. DRC needs to develop local value chains linking rural farmers to urban markets through the transformation of local foods to meet urban needs and to convert the WTP into a producer surplus benefiting rural livelihoods.

Improving truck service performance in transporting rock aggregate using Genetic Ant Colony Algorithm

Inter-island shipment requests for rock aggregate products are served through the terminal for their own needs (TFON). The high demand for rock aggregate products causes many ships to queue up to be loaded. However, this condition is not comparable to the availability of dump trucks used to serve loading and unloading activities. This study aims to improve the performance of dump truck service in transporting rock aggregate so that the number of dump truck vehicles and optimal loading and unloading service times from the stockpile to ship at TFON are obtained. The research location was carried out at active rock mining companies in the Central Sulawesi region. The data collection method is carried out using field surveys (observations) using a time recording device by recording the process of transporting rock aggregates from the stockpile location to the ship in TFON and collecting secondary data on the demand for rock aggregates to be transported. The analysis method uses the hybrid Genetic Ant Colony Algorithm (ACO-GA) method namely a combination method between the Ant Colony Optimization algorithm and the Genetic Algorithm which aims to maximize the optimal number of trucks used in the transportation process and minimize the time in the loading and unloading process. The results showed that there had been an increase in service performance of the dump truck used in transporting rock aggregate with the longest distance of 2.3 km with a total of 5 dump trucks. The number of dump trucks of 5 units was selected because it falls within the fitness value criteria which is closest to the optimum value or equal to the value of the resources owned. Meanwhile, the optimal loading and unloading process time is in the range of 1.81–3.34 working days