Sustainable Food Research Articles

Development of Vertical Farming Systems from Waste Polymers Using Additive Manufacturing Techniques

Driven by population growth, rising living costs, and the urgent need to address climate change, sustainable food production and circular economy principles are becoming increasingly important. Conventional agriculture faces significant challenges, including land scarcity, water shortages, and disrupted supply chains. As a solution, cities are adopting vertical farming to enhance urban food security and promote circularity. This research introduces FLOAT (Farming Lab on a Trough), an innovative vertical farming system made from bio-polymers and recycled polyethylene terephthalate glyco (rPETG) pellets from plastic bottles. FLOAT’s design emphasizes sustainability and closed-loop material usage. The study showcases the versatility of additive manufacturing (AM) in creating complex geometries with fully functional 1:1 prototypes. These prototypes highlight FLOAT’s potential as a scalable and adaptable solution for sustainable food production in urban settings, contributing to improved food security and environmental sustainability. By integrating FLOAT with conventional practices, we aim to exceed Singapore’s 2030 food security targets and achieve lasting urban food resilience. FLOAT aims to scale sustainable food production, fostering community ties with food, and nurturing future responsibility.

Influence of Corporate Environmental Responsibility on Dimensions of Brand Equity in the Sustainable Food Industry

The objective of this study is to propose a theoretical model where corporate environmental responsibility (CER) influences brand loyalty (BL), perception of brand quality (PQ), brand awareness (BA), and the comparison brand (BC). A survey was carried out using an online questionnaire, and information was collected from 267. The research focuses on people who stated they were consumers of the sustainable food brand in Lima. To test the hypotheses of the proposed research model, the data were analyzed using the partial least squares path modeling method with SmartPLS software. The results showed a significant positive effect of CER on BL, PQ, BA, and BC. In conclusion, it can be stated that organizations that adopt sustainable practices and promote corporate environmental responsibility (CER) not only contribute to caring for the environment but can also improve essential aspects such as the equity of their corporate brand. Therefore, organizations must recognize the importance of taking transparent actions to strengthen the perception of their brand equity related to corporate environmental responsibility. This can translate into stronger customer loyalty and a more prominent position for sustainable food products. This study encourages prioritizing environmental responsibility, understanding that beyond contributing to the care of the environment, it also strengthens relevant aspects within the brand identity.

Exposure dose, light distribution and wavelength affect the fate of introduced bacterial biological control agents in the phyllosphere of greenhouse grown tomato

Societal Impact StatementThe use of chemical plant protection products must be reduced to promote sustainability in food production. One possible alternative is biological control agents (BCAs), but their efficacy under commercial conditions does not always reach the standard of chemical control agents. Previously, light has been found to induce mechanisms in bacterial BCAs that can affect their distribution and establishment. This could promote BCA efficacy. We looked into how monochromatic and polychromatic (which is what growers use) light treatments affected the occurrence of three BCAs post‐application. By combining two non‐chemical methods: a biological (BCA) and a cultural (light) control method, this offers a new integrated pest control strategy.Summary The dynamics and functionality of beneficial and non‐beneficial, non‐phototrophic bacteria can be influenced by light quality. We investigated if light could aid the survival of three bacterial biological control agents (BCAs; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM7, Pseudomonas chlororaphis 50083 and Streptomyces griseoviridis CBS904.68) in the canopy of greenhouse‐grown tomatoes at four light treatments. Tomato plants were exposed to 50 μmol m−2 s−1 of either polychromatic light (white) or monochromatic light (blue: 420 nm, green: 530 nm and red: 660 nm) using DYNA LED lamps for a total of 48 h post foliar application of the BCAs. Leaves were harvested from two levels in the canopy at the top and middle of each plant at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h post inoculation. The occurrences of the BCAs were quantified by plate count and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). S. griseoviridis persisted under most treatments, whereas P. chlororaphis and B. amyloliquefaciens preferred the polychromatic and green light treatments as depicted by the viable count analyses. Significant differences between the DNA and cDNA concentrations were only noted for P. chlororaphis, with prominent wavelength effects. Light exposure dose, placement in the canopy and wavelength were found to be decisive factors for BCA re‐isolation, indicating that they have different optimal light environments.

Machine Learning-Aided Ultra-Low-Density Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Panel Helps to Identify the Tharparkar Cattle Breed: Lessons for Digital Transformation in Livestock Genomics.

Cattle breed identification is crucial for livestock research and sustainable food systems, and advances in genomics and artificial intelligence present new opportunities to address these challenges. This study investigates the identification of the Tharparkar cattle breed using genomics tools combined with machine learning (ML) techniques. By leveraging data from the Bovine SNP 50K chip, we developed a breed-specific panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Tharparkar cattle and integrated data from seven other Indian cattle populations to enhance panel robustness. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and principal component analysis were employed to identify 500 SNPs, which were then refined using ML models-AdaBoost, bagging tree, gradient boosting machines, and random forest-to determine the minimal number of SNPs needed for accurate breed identification. Panels of 23 and 48 SNPs achieved accuracy rates of 95.2-98.4%. Importantly, the identified SNPs were associated with key productive and adaptive traits, thus attesting to the value and potentials of digital transformation in livestock genomics. The ML-aided ultra-low-density SNP panel approach reported here not only facilitates breed identification but also contributes to preserving genetic diversity and guiding future breeding programs.

HARVESTING INSIGHTS: THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURAL FINANCE

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and agricultural finance has emerged as a transformative force in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of farming practices. This review article explores the multifaceted applications of AI technologies in agricultural finance, focusing on credit scoring, risk assessment, and financial decision-making for farmers and agricultural businesses. We examine the integration of machine learning algorithms and big data analytics in providing tailored financial products, enabling precision agriculture, and improving access to credit in under banked communities. By synthesizing current literature and case studies, we identify key challenges and opportunities, such as the need for data security, transparency, and the democratization of AI tools in rural finance. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of AI to address climate change impacts on agriculture and its implications for financing sustainable practices. This article aims to provide stakeholders in the agricultural finance sector—policymakers, financial institutions, and technology developers—with a comprehensive understanding of how AI can drive innovation and improvement in financing agricultural activities, ultimately fostering a resilient and sustainable food system.

What is happening to the European Union aquaculture production? Investigating its stagnation and sustainability

While global aquaculture production has been highly successful in terms of production growth in recent decades, most developed countries including the European Union (EU) have not participated in this development to a significant extent. As recently as the 1970s, several EU countries were global leaders in aquaculture production, primarily focusing on filter feeders such as mussels and oysters. However, aquaculture production in the EU has largely stagnated over the past few decades. Despite political support, investment and research efforts over the last three decades, environmental regulations and competition with other activities have slowed down or even halted production growth in many cases. Recent EU legislation aimed at boosting food security and sustainable food systems, recognise aquaculture as a major potential contributor, focusing for example on sustainable or low environmental impact aquaculture, e.g. the production of low trophic level species. In this context, this article aims to contribute to the understanding of the EU aquaculture sector by examining the stagnation in production and its causes. We investigate the evolution of the EU aquaculture production in weight and value, as well as its average trophic level, length and diversity of the species produced. Results indicate an increase in the diversity of species produced, but a decline in the production of low trophic level species over the last two decades, and an increase in more challenging high trophic levels species, raising the overall average trophic level of the production. The decline in mussel and oyster production is mainly due to environmental and, to a lesser degree, economic factors. The rapid growth of carnivorous fish, such as seabream, seabass and salmon has slowed down since 2000, mainly due to regulations aiming at limiting environmental impacts.

Animal welfare has priority: Swiss consumers’ preferences for animal welfare, greenhouse gas reductions and other sustainability improvements in dairy products

Animal welfare is at the forefront of the debate on sustainable food systems. However, animal welfare improvements often imply higher costs for producers. We explored whether Swiss consumers are willing to contribute monetarily to such improvements through an increase in prices of butter or milk. Based on a discrete choice experiment on 986 Swiss consumers, we investigated preferences for two animal welfare improvements in the dairy industry – loose housing and farm killing – as well as for organic production, origin of product, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. Furthermore, we investigated how consumers perceive a potential conflict between of GHG reductions and animal welfare concerns. Half of our sample faced increases in milk prices; the other half faced increases in butter prices. Findings indicate that animal welfare is of higher importance to consumers when compared to the other attributes under analysis. Consumers oppose GHG reductions associated with deteriorations in animal welfare and are willing to pay for improvements in housing conditions and a less stressful killing of the animals. Improvements in animal welfare could be crucial for dairy industry actors and provide strong arguments in communicating the benefits of dairy products to consumers.

An overview of hidden food allergens: need for change to the priority food allergen lists?

Many food allergens not actually included in the European priority list of allergenic foods have the potential to cause severe allergic reactions and could escape correct identification and behave as "hidden allergens". Moreover, the adoption in recent years of novel diets based on plant products and new sustainable foods or the use of specific food additives have contributed to the onset of new emerging allergens of public health importance. The knowledge of hidden allergens is important both for physicians and for patients to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of food allergies, in order to decrease eventual improper diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis. In this review, the characteristics of the most frequent hidden allergens and their diagnostic tools are described. A detailed history with a careful review of the ingredient lists, an understanding of possible cross-reactions or contaminations with other foods, together with an allergological evaluation consisting of in vivo or in vitro tests and, where necessary, an oral food challenge, are recommended for the successful identification of the culprit allergen. In future, it will be very important to implement these diagnostic tools, especially in the field of molecular allergology, and reporting allergens on labels should become mandatory.

Benefits and challenges of the public food procurement program: Perspectives of technicians and managers of family farmer organizations in Brazil

Public food purchase programs are a useful tool for promoting food security through rural development, supporting family farmers, and encouraging sustainable and healthy food production. The study aimed to analyse the characteristics of family farmer organizations associated with the Brazilian Public Food Procurement (PFP) program and the opinion of technicians and managers of the organizations regarding the benefits and challenges of the program. A cross-sectional study was conducted through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions regarding the characteristics of the organization and the food sales process, as well as the opinion about the benefits and challenges of PFP. The results were stratified according to the organization’s participation in the PFP. The chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test was applied. A total of 293 managers and technicians from family farmer organizations participated in the study. The majority of participants (71.7 %) reported their involvement in the PFP program. The study revealed that farmer organizations and public technical assistance agencies with larger memberships and employing conventional or mixed production methods were found to be more actively engaged in the PFP program across Brazil. Participants highlighted that direct sales under the program offer benefits to consumers, producers, and the environment. However, challenges identified include seasonal production constraints, bureaucratic hurdles in sales procedures, inadequate infrastructure for food storage and processing within farmer organizations, insufficient information from restaurants about purchasing opportunities, and a lack of support and technical assistance. These factors pose implementation challenges for the PFP program. While the PFP program shows promise in promoting direct sales and supporting local farmers, addressing the identified challenges will be crucial for its sustained success and broader adoption across different regions.

Sustainability and nutritional composition of food offer and choices in three hospital canteens in Italy

Diet is considered one of the most important determinants of health and at the same time a cause of climate change. We conducted a cross-sectional study in three Italian hospital canteens on five consecutive working days to investigate food offer availability and user choices in terms of nutritional intake and environmental impact. Photos of lunch trays were collected by the researchers and food offer and choices were analysed using the Italian Food Composition Database for Epidemiological Studies and the SU-EATABLE LIFE dataset. A total of 1227 lunch meals were analysed. The median energy intake ranged from 646 to 900 kcal/tray. The median energy content from lipids ranged from 32 to 40 %E and exceeded that from carbohydrates in one canteen. The median carbon and water footprint ranged from 773 to 1338 g CO2eq./tray and from 847 to 1229 L H2O/tray, respectively. Differences occurred depending on sex and typology of work. In conclusion, regardless of the differences in the number of food options offered in the three canteens, the choices tended to be suboptimal from a nutritional perspective. The most sustainable choices were made in the canteen without beef on offer. Measures should be taken to increase the variety of vegan and vegetarian options on offer and to improve food choices in terms of nutritional composition and environmental sustainability. This could be done through educational programmes focused on increasing awareness on their diet, and practical indications on how to compose a complete and low impact meal.

Non-financial reporting as an essential tool ensuring sustainable development and food security

Abstract The successful solution of food security problems largely depends on the joint efforts of participants in economic relations at the level of states, regions, and business entities. The results of food security policy management and the parameters of its further development should be reflected in non-financial reporting, which enterprises currently form on the basis of regulations of a recommendatory nature of various professional and public organizations. The generalization of the Russian and foreign practice of compiling non-financial reporting allowed us to substantiate the directions for improving the information support of enterprises in the field of environmental protection and the social sphere. The lack of uniform international standards for non-financial reporting is one of the main problems preventing the creation of comparable assessment information on the contribution of enterprises and States to solving environmental and social problems. A review of the survey results of various respondents regarding the importance of non-financial reporting and the convenience of its use by investors, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders showed the need to intensify work on the unification of ESG factor disclosure formats. The directions of development of the regulatory framework for non-financial reporting within the framework of the currently being developed industry-specific international standards for corporate non-financial reporting are proposed.

Can Culinary Medicine Training Provide Sustained Nutrition Knowledge and Food Resource Management Skills for Medical Education Students? Marshall Dietetics’ One-year Follow up Evaluation

Can Culinary Medicine Training Provide Sustained Nutrition Knowledge and Food Resource Management Skills for Medical Education Students? Marshall Dietetics’ One-year Follow up Evaluation

New dimensions in dining: A review of the gastronomic evolution of 3D printed foods from 2013 to 2024 and beyond

The development of 3D food printing is evolving, particularly in high-end restaurants, since 2013 when the first complex 3D printed chocolate concept for gastronomy was developed. In 2014, several 3D food printers were launched specifically to suit requirements from the culinary sector. These technology companies often partnered with renowned chefs who developed recipes, showcased the printers and served their food products in their restaurants. Chefs often worked in teams with e.g. food designers, technologists, engineers, and nutritionists to create dishes for events and for their own restaurant customers. From Michelin starred restaurants, pop-up events to pizzerias, 3D food printers were starting to make an appearance from 2015. Then with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, the type of 3D printed foods that chefs started to develop and serve would take a new direction. By 2017 3D printed foods which were suitable for specific diets, were emerging, such as those for people with dysphagia, allergies or intolerances. While some chefs, bakers and pâtissiers focused on designing foods to meet nutritional requirements, others were involved in the reduction of food waste in restaurants, or recipe development and design of sustainable protein-based foods. Other culinarians undertook to design novel and innovative foods for customers to enjoy as a dining experience. The gastronomic evolution of 3D printed food (3DPF) from 2013 to the present day is reviewed and developments which are likely to influence the culinary sector in the coming years are explored.

Sustainable Development Program: Synergism Integrated Farming System Implementation in Tambrauw, West Papua with A Holistic Approach

Indonesia, as an agricultural country with abundant natural resources, still faces the problem of poverty in various regions, especially in West Papua. The high poverty rate in this area is related to the low access to education, food security, and proper economic resources. In an effort to address these issues, the Integrated Farming System (IFS) is considered a potential solution to improve community welfare and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets. This study aims to identify the benefits, challenges and opportunities of IFS implementation in Tambrauw Regency, West Papua, with a focus on its contribution to the achievement of the five SDGs targets, including poverty and hunger alleviation, and improvement of quality of life and environment. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative study through literature review and secondary data analysis. Data were taken from various sources such as scientific journals, books, and official documents relevant to the research topic. The results show that the implementation of IFS in Tambrauw has the potential to increase agricultural and livestock productivity, create new jobs, and promote sustainable food production. In addition, the use of organic fertilizers and a holistic approach can have a positive impact on the environment and local communities. IFS is an effective program in supporting the achievement of SDGs through empowerment of local communities and sustainable use of existing resources. However, further support in the form of technological innovation and sustainable government policies are needed to ensure the long-term success of this program.

The Role of Biodiversity in Agricultural Resilience: Protecting Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Food Production

The Role of Biodiversity in Agricultural Resilience: Protecting Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Food Production

Small chemical molecules regulating the phytohormone signalling alter the plant's physiological processes to improve stress adaptation, growth and productivity.

Small chemical molecules are attractive agents for improving the plant processes associated with plant growth and stress tolerance. Recent advances in chemical biology and structure-assisted drug discovery approaches have opened up new avenues in plant biology to discover new drug-like molecules to improve plant processes for sustained food production. Several compounds targeting phytohormone biosynthesis or signalling cascades were designed to alter plant physiological mechanisms. Altering Abscisic acid synthesis and its signalling process can improve drought tolerance, and the processes targeted are reversible. Molecules targeting cytokinin, Auxin, and gibberellic acid regulate plant physiological processes and can potentially improve plant growth, biomass and productivity. The potential of molecules may be exploited as agrochemicals to enhance agricultural productivity. The discovery of small molecules provides new avenues to improve crop production in changing climatic conditions and the nutritional quality of foods. We present the rational combinations of small molecules with inhibitory and co-stimulatory effects and discuss future opportunities in this field.

Effect of Rural Banditry on Food Security and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

This research investigates how rural banditry hinders sustainable food security and poverty reductions in Nigeria. The Food and Agricultural Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the National Bureau of Statistics, the United Nations Development Programme, scholarly journals, and field surveys were the sources from which the data were gathered. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to farmers in six states via Plateau, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Oyo and Niger, in addition to a focused group discussion with selected farmers in each of the study areas. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that unemployment, poverty, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient security measures and lack of effective institutional coordination, create a network of individuals who support or engage in banditry; farmers experienced disruptions in farming activities, psychological distresses and loss of livestock. Among the socio-economic impacts of banditry include: loss of income and economic opportunities, displacement and migration of the rural population, reduced productivity and infrastructural degradation. These led to food shortages, hikes in food prices, malnutrition and increased poverty level in Nigeria. This study emphasizes the urgent need by the federal and state governments to tackle the problems of unemployment and poverty; develop infrastructure; increase security expenditure; and implement targeted rural development policies. These solutions will curb rural banditry, ensure food security and reduce poverty in Nigeria. Keywords: Rural Banditry, food security, poverty reduction, food production, development policies, farmers.

Characterization of Rapeseed Protein Supramolecular Structures Obtained by Aqueous Extractions

Aqueous extraction of rapeseed has the potential to produce mildly refined yet functional protein ingredients. However, the colloidal structures of these mildly refined ingredients are still not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this work was to examine the structures present in rapeseed extracts by analyzing their scattering characteristics across different length scales. Rapeseed protein concentrates were obtained after aqueous extractions at acidic (pH 5.7) or alkaline (pH 8.5) conditions. The structures were investigated using complementary techniques, cryo-transmission electron microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering and small angle neutron scattering. To understand the scattering contribution of various components at characteristic length scales, D2O contrast variation was performed, and SAXS analysis for extracts at pH 5.7 treated with pectinase were compared to those untreated. All suspensions contained globular proteins within a network of soluble polysaccharides as observed by Cryo-TEM. SANS analysis with different D2O/H2O ratios demonstrated that at low q, both proteins and polysaccharide contributed to scattering, suggesting the presence of large complexes containing both. The signal for pH 8.5 suspensions was mainly attributed to oleosomes. SAXS measurements agreed with the SANS data, and pH 5.7 suspensions measured after pectin hydrolysis revealed that the complexes were formed by rapeseed globulins (∼4 nm) and polysaccharide chains. This research highlights the importance of understanding the protein-polysaccharide interactions occurring in rapeseed aqueous extracts, to fully utilize these less refined fractions as value-added ingredients in future sustainable foods.

Mechanical properties, gas permeability and biodegradation mechanism of biobased poly(ester amide)s from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and amido diols for sustainable food packaging

The aim of this work was to evaluate the functional properties of a family of poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) for flexible food packaging applications. The polymers under study were previously synthesized via random copolymerization of furan 2,5-dicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) with different amounts of 1,10-decanediol and an amido diol (AD 46). Poly(decamethylene furanoate) (PDF) and poly(ester amide) 46 (PEA 46) were the reference homopolymers. PEA copolymers were compression molded into films and subjected to WAXS, DSC, SEM analyses and water contact angle, mechanical, gas barrier tests. The results showed a remarkable improvement in the functional properties of PEAs compared to those of PDF, with a decrease up to about 50% of O2 and CO2 transmission rates, which were found to be comparable to those of commercial PET. The mechanical properties of PEAs were also improved in comparison with PDF because of the increased toughness and higher resistance to plastic deformation, paired with elongation at break up to 650%. In order to assess the effects of contact with food, the prepared films were treated with food simulants. Moreover, the films were stored in conditions of controlled temperature and humidity, chosen to replicate real scenarios of application involving aggressive environmental conditions. After contact with food simulant liquids, the materials became more rigid and less ductile, but their gas barrier properties remained superior to those of commercially widespread polyolefins. Finally, films were subjected to composting tests: the higher the amido diol content, the faster the degradation rate, which occurred via a mechanism of bulk hydrolysis, because of the higher hydrophilicity of amide groups. Overall, the results highlighted the potential of PEA copolymers for the production of biobased, sustainable, flexible food packaging.

A Sustainable Approach to the Comprehensive Analysis of the Nutrient Content and Phytochemical Profile of Industrial Food Waste

This research paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the nutrient content and phytochemical profile of industrial food waste, focusing on key elements including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carbon, and hydrogen, as well as bioactive compounds. The study involves the characterization of various types of food waste streams to elucidate their nutritional composition and bioactive compound content. Analytical techniques such as NPK analysis, carbon and hydrogen analysis, and phytochemical qualitative analysis are employed to quantify and identify the presence of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds in the waste excrement materials. Additionally, present paper explores the potential value-added opportunities through product development using extracted bioactive compounds. Perspectives from recent research that advance knowledge of industrial food waste as a valuable resource for nutrient recovery and bioactive compound extraction, thereby fostering sustainable food waste management practices and promoting the development of value-added products for various industries.