Food Products Research Articles

Natural or organic? How framing impacts choices of sustainable food and wine products

PurposeThe paper investigates the choice preferences of Gen Z individuals between products labelled as “organic” versus products labelled as “natural”. While the former category guarantees production standards set by EU legislation, no codified standard exists for natural products. Understanding whether consumers value the difference is important for policy and marketing reasons.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a between-subject laboratory experiment. Participants are undergraduate students from a medium-sized university, randomized into two conditions. In both conditions, individuals choose between a conventional product and a sustainable one. In the first condition, we frame the organic product as “organic”. In the second condition, we frame the same organic product as “natural”. We always refer to the conventional product as “conventional”. This methodology is applied to a choice regarding wine and a choice regarding food. Choices are incentive-compatible, as one participant is randomly selected in each session to receive the chosen product.FindingsWe find no significant difference between the frequency of choices of the product framed as organic and the one framed as natural, neither for wine nor for food.Originality/valueThe paper tests in a controlled and incentivized laboratory experiment the choice differences regarding products framed as organic versus products framed as natural. The results provide policymakers and marketers with a better understanding of the effects of sustainability labelling on consumer behaviour. The policy implications of our results, which we discuss in the paper, are relevant and multifaceted.

A Fuzzy Logic Approach to Performance Evaluation of Genomics-Driven Crop Improvement

Genomics-driven crop improvement has emerged as a revolutionary approach to enhance yield, resilience, and nutritional value in agriculture. However, traditional performance evaluation methods often must catch up with agricultural systems' complex, multifaceted nature. This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based framework to assess the performance of genomics-driven crop improvement initiatives. By integrating fuzzy logic, we can effectively manage uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in agricultural data, allowing for a more nuanced evaluation of crop traits, environmental factors, and management practices. The paper begins by elucidating the fundamental principles of genomics-based agriculture and its impact on crop development. It then delves into the theoretical underpinnings of fuzzy logic and its applicability in modeling the multifaceted aspects of crop growth, encompassing genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. Through a synthesis of existing research and empirical data, the paper illustrates the effectiveness of fuzzy logic in capturing the nuances of crop development processes, including germination, flowering, and yield formation. This paper underscores the pivotal role of fuzzy logic analysis in advancing genomics-based agriculture, offering insights into the dynamic interactions shaping crop development and facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable and resilient food production systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Results indicate that the fuzzy logic approach enhances the accuracy of performance assessments and facilitates better decision-making in crop management.

Rethinking Freshwater Cage Aquaculture: A Case in Ghana

Lakes around the world, including Ghana’s Lake Volta, are facing insidious threats from pollutants due to high dependency on aquatic ecosystems. Cage aquaculture is expanding across Africa because of its potential to address food insecurity, provide livelihoods, and boost local economies. However, the uncontrolled expansion of cage aquaculture can have significant negative impacts on water resources, including environmental footprints that threaten biodiversity. Given the intensification of cage aquaculture for tilapia farming on Lake Volta, we advocate for a transition to inland-integrated aquaculture systems that promote circularity. Strengthening stakeholder collaboration is essential for enhancing competence in mapping inland aquaculture areas, identifying eco-friendly alternatives and reinforcing aquaculture regulations, with particular emphasis on cage culture on Lake Volta. These strategies can reduce the pressures imposed by tilapia cage farms on the lake while promoting best management practices. Additionally, capacity building must be an ongoing process to address knowledge gaps, including the development of effective preparedness plans executed during emergencies. The ongoing pollution from illegal mining in the Black Volta River, a tributary of Lake Volta, along with endemic diseases in the lake, further compounds fish health and welfare issues. This underscores the urgent need to implement inland transition strategies to protect the lake, mitigate disease spread, and ensure safe fish food production.

Wastewater desalination for irrigation in inland regions

ABSTRACT Desalination using membrane processes is increasingly being implemented in coastal regions of the world to meet the water needs of the growing population. The use of this water treatment option to meet the growing water needs in inland regions, however, is impeded by the cost and regulatory challenges associated with responsible disposal of the concentrate brine. For inland regions of Australia, the use of evaporation ponds (EPs) is the only available brine management option. The high cost associated with construction and the high land requirements for EPs necessitates low waste brine volume production. This desktop study investigated the feasibility of achieving very high water recoveries and very low waste brine volumes in the reverse osmosis desalination of municipal wastewater for irrigation of crops near the inland town of Horsham, Victoria, Australia. Interstage lime and soda ash softening was selected as the means of removal of the scalants that prevent the achievement of high water recovery. It is hoped that this study will provide valuable information to aid in the planning of water reclamation operations for agricultural applications in inland areas at a time of increasing demand for water for food production and forecasts of population growth and climate change.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in tomato juice by combined treatment of ethanolic clove extract and mild heat

The combination of plant extracts with mild heat treatment is a promising strategy for obtaining microbiologically and chemically safe food products. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic clove extract against Escherichia coli O157: H7 in nutrient broth, buffer, and tomato juice. Clove extract at 0.4% concentration showed significant E. coli O157: H7 population reduction in all media tested. E. coli O157: H7 was most sensitive to the ethanolic clove extract in nutrient-deficient media but demonstrated relative resistance in nutrient-rich media and tomato juice. Moreover, we evaluated the potential of clove extract as a preservative in tomato juice stored at cold storage temperatures of 4 °C and 15 °C. The clove extract exhibited stronger inhibitory effects against the pathogen in tomato juice stored at 15 °C than at 4 °C. Additionally, we assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of clove extract in combination with mild heat treatment against E. coli O157: H7 in tomato juice. The combined treatment of 0.05% clove extract with mild heat at 60 °C for 30 min achieved a 5-log reduction in the E. coli population in tomato juice. Our findings present a potential hurdle technology against E. coli O157: H7 in tomato juice processing by employing a combination of naturally sourced antimicrobial agents from clove and mild heat treatment. This approach can be effectively adopted by large-scale industries and small-scale local juice vendors to ensure the safety of tomato juice products.

Enhancing food sustainability in the acute hospital setting - a nurse-led study of patient food.

Intensive global food production causes soil, water and air pollution, which has a negative impact on our health and future ability to produce sufficient nutritious food. Plant-based diets have the potential to reduce the environmental damage associated with the global food chain. The project sought to understand drivers of food waste and to improve food sustainability in a busy, tertiary referral hospital in England. Ward-level food waste was quantified. Qualitative data were collected using informal interviews with staff and additional data utilised the patient feedback survey. Ward-level food packaging waste and patient food choices were quantified using data on patient menu choices. The carbon footprint of patient food choices was calculated. Beef was the most popular menu choice, and was the main contributing factor to the high environmental impact of the hospital food chain. Increasing the visibility of vegetarian options on the menu led to a four-fold rise in these meals being chosen, which reduced the carbon footprint of the patient meal service. Recycling food packaging was also started, but there are challenges to widespread implementation. The project was successful, but it remains a starting point from which to increase food sustainability across the NHS and care sector catering provision.

Egg Yolk, a Multifunctional Emulsifier: New Insights on Factors Influencing and Mechanistic Pathways in Egg Yolk Emulsification

Egg yolk is a highly effective natural emulsifier used in various food products. Its emulsifying properties are influenced by food product chemical conditions, and processing methods. Nevertheless, to effectively utilize egg yolk in food products, a more comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial. This review discusses recent developments regarding how factors like pH, ionic strength, thermal treatments, enzymatic treatments, and novel non-thermal treatments affect egg yolk emulsifying properties. It also explores the underlying mechanisms involved in egg yolk emulsification. Food products involve different ingredients leading to varying pH values and ionic strength, which affect egg yolk protein adsorption and emulsion stability. Processing steps like thermal treatment can damage egg yolk proteins, reducing their emulsifying capabilities and leading to unstable products. Incorporating sugar, salt, and amino acids can enhance egg yolk’s resistance to heat and preserve its ability to form stable emulsions. As an alternative to thermal treatment, non-thermal techniques such as high-pressure processing and high-intensity ultrasound can be employed to preserve egg yolk. Furthermore, forming egg yolk–polysaccharide complexes can enhance egg yolk emulsifying properties. These advancements have facilitated the creation of egg yolk-based products such as high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs), low-fat mayonnaise, and egg yolk gels. A comprehensive understanding of the emulsifying mechanisms and factors involved in egg yolk will be instrumental in improving food quality and creating novel egg yolk-based products.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Production by Procyanidins Present in Annona muricata and Uncaria tomentosa Aqueous Extracts

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), primarily produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, is the most dangerous mycotoxin for humans and contaminates a variety of crops. To limit fungal growth and aflatoxin production in food and feed, research has been increasingly focusing on alternatives to pesticides. Studies show that some aqueous plant extracts with strong antioxidant properties could significantly impact AFB1 production, representing an eco-friendly and sustainable method to protect crops. The present study demonstrates that aqueous extracts of Anonna muricata (AM) and Uncaria tomentosa (UT) inhibit AFB1 synthesis in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.25 and 0.28 mg dry matter per milliliter of culture medium, respectively. This effect correlates with the presence of polyphenols and, more precisely, with condensed tannins. It is also related to the subsequent antioxidant activity of both extracts. A bio-guided fractionation followed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of the active fractions identifies procyanidins and, more precisely, catechin (5.3% w/w for AM and 5.4% w/w for UT) and epicatechin (10.6% w/w for AM and 25.7% w/w for UT) as the major components in both extracts. The analysis of how pure standards of these molecules affect AFB1 production demonstrates that catechin plays an essential role in the inhibition observed for both plant extracts, since the pure standard inhibits 45% of AFB1 synthesis at a concentration close to that of the extracts.

Rice Response to Struvite and Other Phosphorus Fertilizers in a Phosphorus-Deficient Soil Under Simulated Furrow-irrigation

AbstractWastewater-recovered phosphorus (P), in the form of the mineral struvite (MgNH4PO4⋅6H2O), may provide a sustainable alternative to decreasing rock-phosphate reserves. Struvite can be generated via precipitation methods, potentially reducing the amount of P runoff to aquatic ecosystems. The objective of this greenhouse tub study was to evaluate the effects of chemically- and electrochemically precipitated struvite (CPST and ECST, respectively) on above- and belowground plant response in a hybrid rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar grown using furrow-irrigation compared to other common fertilizer-P sources [i.e., triple super phosphate (TSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP)]. Rice was grown in tubs in controlled environmental conditions in a greenhouse for a full growing season in a P-deficient, silt-loam soil (Typic Glossaqualfs). Plant nutrients (i.e., N. P. K. Mg, Zn) were determined at the end of the growing season through Mehlich-3 extraction. Below- and aboveground rice dry matter (DM), root-P concentration and uptake, aboveground tissue-P uptake, total aboveground and total plant DM, grain yield, and grain P uptake from CPST and ECST did not differ from DAP or TSP. However, aboveground tissue-P concentration was greater (P < 0.05) from TSP (0.05%) than from ECST, CPST, and the unamended control (UC). Total aboveground (i.e., vegetative plus grain) tissue-P uptake was largest (P < 0.05) from TSP (4.8 g m− 2), which did not differ from DAP or CPST, and was at least 1.1 times greater than from ECST and the UC. Despite only a few differences from the UC, the many similar rice responses among struvite and other common fertilizer-P sources suggest that struvite, especially ECST, is a potential alternative fertilizer-P source that warrants further research into struvite’s role in food production.

Molecular characterization, carbohydrate metabolism and tolerance to abiotic stress of Eremothecium coryli endophytic isolates from fruits of Momordica indica.

Yeasts are unicellular fungi that occur in a wide range of ecological niches, where they perform numerous functions. Furthermore, these microorganisms are used in industrial processes, food production, and bioremediation. Understanding the physiological and adaptive characteristics of yeasts is of great importance from ecological, biotechnological, and industrial perspectives. In this context, we evaluated the abilities to assimilate and ferment different carbon sources, to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, and to tolerate salt stress, heavy metal stress, and UV-C radiation of two isolates of Eremothecium coryli, isolated from Momordica indica fruits. The two isolates were molecularly identified based on sequencing of the 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. Our isolates were able to assimilate nine carbon sources (dextrose, galactose, mannose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, melezitose, and pectin) and ferment three (glucose, maltose, and sucrose). The highest values of cellular dry weight were observed in the sugars maltose, sucrose, and melezitose. We observed the presence of hyphae and pseudohyphae in all assimilated carbon sources. The two isolates were also capable of producing amylase, catalase, pectinase, and proteases, with the highest values of enzymatic activity found in amylase. Furthermore, the two isolates were able to grow in media supplemented with copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc and to tolerate saline stress in media supplemented with 5% NaCl. However, we observed a decrease in CFU at higher concentrations of these metals and NaCl. We also observed morphological changes in the presence of metals, which include changes in cell shape and cellular dimorphisms. The isolates were sensitive to UV-C radiation in the shortest exposure time (1min). Our findings reinforce the importance of endophytic yeasts for biotechnological and industrial applications and also help to understand how these microorganisms respond to environmental variations caused by human activities.

A Combination of Camera and Pitfall Traps: A Method for Monitoring Ground-Dwelling Invertebrates in Farmlands

Ground-dwelling invertebrates are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, soil health, and food production in agricultural ecosystems; however, their diversity is declining globally. Despite advancements in data science and modern monitoring technology, conventional methods remain predominant in the current field investigations of ground-dwelling invertebrates in farmlands. This study aimed to develop simple, convenient, and automated methods to assess ground-dwelling invertebrate biodiversity in farmlands. Both camera and pitfall traps were used to monitor ground-dwelling invertebrates in two farmlands in Ningbo City, China. Over four experimental periods, lasting 34 days in the vineyard farmland and 32 days in the watermelon farmland, the camera traps detected a relatively high density of invertebrates, although the relative dominance of ant density was overestimated in both farmlands. Both methods revealed similar temporal dynamics of the ground-dwelling invertebrates during the four periods in the vineyard farmland. However, only camera traps recorded the temporal dynamics of the invertebrates at daily, hourly, and minute resolutions in both farmlands. Conclusively, this study demonstrates that combining camera and pitfall traps provides an effective method for monitoring the temporal dynamics of ground-dwelling invertebrates in farmlands, offering high-quality data useful for ecological research and biodiversity protection in agricultural management.

Carotenoid and Phenolic Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of 23 Cultivars of Corn Grain and Corn Husk Extract

As a byproduct of corn processing, corn husk is usually burned or disposed of. To make a better use of corn husk, its bioactive components need to be further explored. In this work, the carotenoids and phenolics of the extracts from the corn grain and corn husk of 15 different yellow corn and 8 different waxy corn were identified and quantified, and their antioxidant activities were assessed. The results showed many considerable variations in carotenoid contents. Four types of carotenoids were observed only in both yellow corn and black waxy corn. The highest lutein and zeaxanthin contents were both observed in yellow corn husks. Lutein dominates in yellow corn, ranging from 494.5 μg/g dw to 2870.8 μg/g dw, which is followed by zeaxanthin, ranging from 63.0 μg/g dw to 360.2 μg/g dw, and finally β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. The total content of polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) of the husk from 13 yellow corn cultivars, as well as the TPC of husk from 8 waxy corn cultivars, were all higher than those of their corn grain, with the highest TPC found in waxy corn husk. Additionally, a total of 20 phenolic compounds were identified, and ferulic acid showed the highest content and reached 1101.9 µg/g dw in a waxy corn husk. The average antioxidant activity of a waxy corn husk was 25–65% higher than that of a yellow corn husk, and the highest values were observed in the husk of the waxy corn cultivar Huhong 1. These results suggested that corn husk is a rich source of lutein and phenolics and provided excellent cultivars as a reference for functional food products in agriculture and the food industry.

Antioxidant effect and inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production of sea mustard fractions from Busan, Korea

We investigated the chemical characteristics and nitric oxide (NO) production and antioxidant effects of sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) fractions obtained from Taejongdae in Busan, Korea. Dried sea mustard was extracted using different solvents, and antioxidant effects was evaluated based on the radical scavenging and DNA oxidation assays and the effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Total phenolic content was significantly higher in the 85% aq. MeOH fraction than that in the other factions. The 85% aq. MeOH fraction was more effective in scavenging free radicals than other fractions, as assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2.2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS) assays (P<0.05). All sea mustard fractions decreased H2O2-induced cellular ROS production compared to the control (P<0.05), however, the 85% aq. MeOH fraction exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on ROS production among all fractions. Moreover, the 85% aq. MeOH fraction significantly inhibited genomic DNA oxidation. In addition, we measured NO levels to determine the potential anti-inflammatory effects of fractions from sea mustard and observed the highest level of activity in case of the 85% aq. MeOH fraction. These results indicated that the antioxidant effects of sea mustard are associated with its higher phenol content. This study proposes that processed food products supplemented with sea mustard can be developed into functional foods to promote the health of the local populations.

Maize intercropped with Panicum maximum cultivars and Pigeon pea improves silage yield and quality

Integrated systems are efficient technologies used for diversifying production and promoting agricultural sustainability. The benefits of double intercropping are well-established in research. With advancements in sustainable food production technology, some studies have explored triple intercropping by adding legumes. However, triple intercropping methods must be comprehensively understood. This study aimed to evaluate the production of dry mass, fermentation profile, and nutritive values of silage from maize based intercropping. The experiment was conducted in the field, in Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, State of Goiás, Brazil, where we assessed silage production and quality in monoculture and intercropping systems, in a randomized block complete design with three replications. We evaluated 8 treatments, consisting of silage from: maize monoculture; Tamani guinea grass monoculture; Quênia guinea grass monoculture; Zuri guinea grass monoculture; Pigeon pea monoculture; maize + Tamani guinea grass + Pigeon pea; maize + Quênia guinea grass + Pigeon pea and maize + Zuri guinea grass + Pigeon pea. The results showed that maize silage intercropped with cultivars of Panicum maximum (Tamani, Quênia and Zuri guinea grasses) and Pigeon pea increased silage mass production by 37.8% and the crude protein content at 25.1% compared with that of the monoculture maize silage. It also improved the fermentation characteristics of silage, reducing 5.1% of pH, 32.5% of buffering capacity, 28.9% of ammoniacal nitrogen in total nitrogen, 15.7% of effluent production, and 20.0% of dry matter losses, compared with those of grass and legume silage in monoculture. Thus, the silage produced by the triple intercropping proved to be an efficient technique for sustainable forage production.

Soil microbial biodiversity supports the delivery of multiple ecosystem functions under elevated CO2 and warming

The contribution of the soil microbes to agroecosystem multifunctionality under global change remains poorly understood. Here, based on data from a field experiment involving elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and warming in a rice-wheat agroecosystem, we found that soil microbes influence the impact of climate change on agroecosystem functions. The stability of food production during the rice season increased under elevated CO2 but decreased under warming, with no significant changes in the wheat season. The interactive influences of elevated CO2 and warming on agroecosystem multifunctionality were found to be minimal. The abundance of soil fungi and nematode was associated with agroecosystem stability during the rice and wheat seasons, respectively. Soil archaeal diversity and bacterial abundance were linked to agroecosystem multifunctionality in the rice and wheat seasons, respectively. Our work proves the positive effects of soil microbes on agroecosystem functions and highlights the implications of maintaining microbial diversity for agroecosystem health under climate change.

Contemporary Methods and Novel Approaches in the Identification and Quantification of Foodborne Pathogens

Foodborne pathogens are a continuous problem attracting the attention of public health institutions, microbiologists and food producers globally. The scientific community has therefore been focused for years on finding “new” and “better” methods, all in an effort to detect foodborne pathogens in the timeliest manner possible. It should be emphasized that the development of molecular genetics – the use of genetic information of biological macromolecules in routine testing in particular – has led to a revolutionary turn in biological science research. Almost all procedures detect different bacterial genetic footprint or biomarkers, which makes bacterial isolation unnecessary. However, these recent studies of “fast microbiological methods”, which require only a fewhours, rather than a few days, have not supplanted the classic way of microbiological food testing, i.e. the classic microbiological methods and the gold standard. The new methods are therefore faced with high requirements such as great detection limits, speed of analysis, relatively low costs and high sensitivity to identify various foodborne pathogens. Some of them provide the possibility of monitoring the pathogens, which is an important part of establishing a pathogen control network in the agri-food production chain at the international level. In this comprehensive literature review the authors present and review identification and quantification methodswith emphasis on the most important EU foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichiacoli – STEC, Yersinia and Listeria). Methods have been divided into two large groups – Contemporary methods (Immunoassays and Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Novel approach methods (Biosensors, Bacterial typing, and Omics), and assessed by their functionality, advantages and disadvantages.

Transitioning practices of vegetable small-scale actors in Vietnam: an interplay of food safety, labor demand, and soil environment

AbstractFood safety is a critical and persistent issue that challenges the sustainability of agri-food systems in Vietnam. The government has launched multiple food safety initiatives, but there is limited understanding of their contribution to changing the practices of small-scale producers and distributors. This study explores these changing practices by applying Social Practice Theory (SPT) to analyze the transitions in everyday routines of small-scale vegetable producers while being embedded in socio-institutional contexts of agri-food system transitions. We conducted semi-structured interviews and survey with small-scale food producers and distributors in Hanoi, Vietnam to examine the transitions in production and post-production practices over the last 20 years and the intersection between smallholding practices and cross-level dynamics. The study revealed, contrary to some common perceptions, that smallholder producers are transitioning towards food safety, with the use of more bio-pesticides and eco-friendly pest control methods. The smallholders also reproduce a variety of (sustainable) intensification practices, including crop rotation, organic fertilization, and soil cultivation, to sustain soil fertility and save labor. However, there are no clear patterns of change for post-production practices, although they have been diversifying under the impacts of urbanization. The findings highlight the interplay of food safety, labor, and soil environment in shaping the transitions of smallholder practices. We suggest that success in improving safety in production practices is feasible, but that this requires more thorough interventions in distribution and consumption practices to transform the food systems at large.

How does blockchain-based food traceability system drive consumers’ repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions toward organic food: a curvilinear role of producer-retailer (in)congruence

PurposeThis research applies the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework to explore how blockchain-enabled traceability influences trust in organic food producers and retailers, which impacts consumers’ purchase behaviors and subsequent outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a purposive sample of 5,326 Vietnamese consumers, multiple linear and polynomial regression with response surface analysis were employed to examine the hypotheses.FindingsBlockchain-enabled traceability significantly enhances trust in both producers and retailers, which congruently and incongruently influences organic food purchase behaviors. This behavior also drives consumers’ word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions. Serial mediation analysis confirms blockchain’s impact through trust and purchase behaviors.Research limitations/implicationsStakeholders should adopt blockchain to boost transparency and trust, which increases consumer engagement. Policymakers can support this transition through regulations and incentives to enhance food security and sustainability.Originality/valueThis study expands on blockchain research by applying the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework in the organic food supply chain, showing how blockchain-enhanced trust synergistically affects consumers’ purchase behaviors, word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.

Psychological Factors Influencing Willingness to Purchase Wild–Edible Plants and Food Products from Wild–Edible Plants

Modern agriculture faces many challenges. At the same time, it is necessary to provide healthy and sustainable food for humanity in growing conditions that are facing numerous problems, including climate change. Different strategies can be applied to deal with climate change, such as using different crop technologies. In this context, the application of wild–edible plants as a source of biodiversity, vitamins, and minerals for the human diet is interesting. Consumers’ behaviour toward wild–edible plants is a relatively new topic in marketing research, so this paper investigated the impact of certain psychological factors on consumers’ willingness to purchase wild–edible plants and food products. The study was performed on a sample of consumers of produce from farmers’ markets in Istria County, Croatia, and the data were collected via a questionnaire. The univariate and multivariate analyses provided evidence that consumers’ purchase intentions are determined mainly by their positive attitudes regarding trying new and unfamiliar foods. Furthermore, customers’ intentions to purchase food products containing wild–edible plants were determined by their attitudes regarding wild–edible plants and their subjective knowledge.

Right to Food Policies, Justice and Sovereignty in Nigeria

This study assessed the right to food policies, justice and sovereignty in Nigeria. The main areas of concentration were: introduction, meaning of food policy, some food policies in Nigeria, types of policies, audit of right to food policies in Nigeria, past policy articulations (1900 – 1999), food policy articulation and policy thrust in 2003, food policy legislations, sovereignty of food and agricultural development among many others. The study indicated that food policy is a public declaration that conveys the decisions to pursue a specific course of action aimed at improving food production practices, ensuring output growth and the overall development of the food sector. Some food policies in Nigeria are; food crop production policy, livestock production policy, food commodity storage policy among others. The study identified three types of polices namely; position declaration, policy statements and discussion papers. Past policy articulations are: Timber/non timber policy 1937, food policy 1946 and food policy for the western region 1952. Some policy legislations were identified, namely: adulteration of produce ordinance No.67 of 1917; 29 of 1920, 8th November 1917, Weight and measurements Act No. 32 of 1974 to June 1975 and River Basin Development Authorities Act No.35 of 1st October, 1986. Some inventory of right to food sovereignty strategies in Nigeria includes: Sovereignty strategy formulations, commodity boards, National Accelerated Food Production Project (NAFPP), National Livestock Development Project (NLDP), Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) and Green Revolution among very many others. One major problem of food policy implementation is lack of a well-defined programme. In conclusion, Right to Food Policy, Justice and Sovereignty Implementation means money spent, laws enforced, employees hired, plan of action formulated and carried out successfully for the development of the Nigerian food sub-sector. But the problem with Nigerian food policies is the structure among which is the absence of central coordinating members. Also, the study recommended that there is the need for government to set institutions that will monitor the planning and execution of food polices projects. Key words: Agricultural Development, Food, Justice, Legislations, Nigeria, Policies, Rights, Sovereignty