Agricultural Industry Research Articles

Terroir takes on technology: Geographical indications, agri-food innovation, and regional competitiveness in Europe

In the agri-food sector, firms and local systems can utilize both Geographical Indications and technological advancements as key strategic assets for growth in many European regions, but the combined contribution of Geographical Indications and innovation activities to the economy of European regions is still poorly investigated. This study aims to understand how Geographical Indications and agri-food innovation affect the competitiveness of the agriculture and food industry in European regions and how these strategies interact. To achieve this goal, a longitudinal and original dataset has been organized, including data related to Geographical Indications and agri-food patents from 265 European NUTS-2 regions between 1996 and 2014. The data for Geographical Indications and agri-food patents are collected from the eAmbrosia and OECD RegPat databases, respectively. The results show that Geographical Indications have a positive and significant impact on regional competitiveness, while the effect of agri-food innovations is controversial. The implications of these findings in terms of policy design are further discussed.

Quality attributes of software architecture in IoT-based agricultural systems

Software architecture forms the cornerstone for achieving and ensuring various software quality attributes. It encompasses the collected requirements of the product, serving as a blueprint that delineates quality features for all project stakeholders, along with methods for measurement and control. Despite the significant increase in IoT-based agricultural systems, there is a dearth of studies on the quality elements of their software architecture. To address this need, this study offers an overview of components and services tailored to address specific quality attributes pertinent to agriculture systems. It identifies, investigates, and presents quality attributes influencing the design of software architecture for IoT-based agriculture systems. This paper identified and discussed several quality attributes, including performance, scalability, flexibility, interoperability, productivity, extensibility, and security, and mapped them to corresponding components of the IoT-based agriculture software architecture. Also, several issues were identified and discussed for the software architecture quality of IoT-based agriculture systems, such as real-time processing and interoperability due to the various devices and protocols utilized in these systems. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for developing, executing, and refining IoT-based agricultural systems to fulfill the changing requirements of the agriculture industry.

Protecting place: Norway, spatial imaginaries, and the governance of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in pig and poultry farming

Norway has undertaken specific governance measures to eradicate and control MRSA and ESBL E. coli, two AMR bacterium, in pigs and poultry respectively. These measures are unique in the context of AMR governance in Europe and globally, and extend AMR governance in agriculture beyond a focus on reducing antibiotics use, towards direct efforts to control the prevalence of two AMR bacteria of concern. Based on interviews with public health, animal health, and agricultural industry organisations, this article contributes to a growing body of literature examining practices and policies of AMR governance and work on the intersection between spatial imaginaries and AMR governance. The article specifically analyses the different discursive dimensions of a dominant spatial imaginary encompassing Norway as a protective, protected and purifiable space. Within this context, AMR bacteria, as a wicked problem eluding human boundaries and barriers, is imagined as being directly actionable because the Norwegian agriculture and its spatial vulnerabilities are positioned as sufficiently stabilised that they can now be controlled. Broader agricultural and AMR governance arrangements in turn work to sustain social and material barriers to new AMR bacteria (re-)entering Norway. This sustained mode of action has arguably succeeded in reshaping Norwegian agriculture to the exclusion of these AMR bacterium from pigs and poultry. These efforts reinforce the spatial imaginary and protectionist regulatory practices that sustain Norway as a protected place.

Does Scaling Up Pig Farming Promote Carbon Neutrality Among Pig Farmers?

Pig farming is a major source of carbon emissions in China's livestock industry, and the promotion and application of carbon neutral technologies dedicated to carbon reduction and sequestration is a key measure to promote the realization of carbon neutrality in pig farming industry. In the absence of a system for carbon emission reduction in agriculture, it is important to explore whether large-scale pig farming can spontaneously promote the application of carbon neutral technologies by pig farmers. Combined with the technical background of carbon neutrality in pig farming industry and using the field survey data of 468 pig farmers in Shandong Province, this paper empirically analyzed the effect of large-scale pig farming on the carbon neutral behavior of pig farmers. The findings are threefold. Firstly, because of the effect of economies of scale in the application of carbon neutral technologies, large-scale pig farming can promote the carbon neutral behavior of pig farmers. However, the effect of economies of scale in the application of carbon neutral technologies has a boundary, and the annual output of pigs should be maintained at 3000 to 4999. Secondly, among the effects of pig breeding scale on the application and its degree of composting project, state of planting and breeding cycle has no regulating effect. Thirdly, among the effects of pig breeding scale on the application and its degree of biogas engineering, both state of planting and breeding cycle and subsidy for construction of biogas digester have negative regulating effects. In this paper, the pig farming industry is taken as a typical example to reveal the endogenous incentive mechanism of promoting agricultural carbon emission reduction, which provides theoretical reference and experience enlightenment for the formulation of effective policies to promote agricultural carbon neutrality, which are different from industrial industries.

The Influence of Eco-Control, Company Size, Environmental Performance on Sustainability Reporting Disclosure

Sustainability reporting in Indonesia has become a mandatory report published by financial institutions and public companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Obligations related to sustainability reporting refer to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (PSAK) No.1 Revised 2019, namely that companies are required to disclose additional reports related to environmental life. Under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2021 standards, the information on a company's applicant list can build stakeholder trust, maintain reputation, increase company value and demonstrate company accountability. Factors that can encourage disclosure of sustainability reporting are Eco-control, company size and environmental performance. One industry that is closely related to the environment and natural resources is the agricultural industry, apart from having a positive impact, there are also negative impacts that also cause harm to the environment. The sample in this research is agricultural sector companies listed on the IDX for 2018-2022. The research uses multiple linear analysis methods with SPSS 23 statistical software. After testing the hypothesis, the results obtained are that Eco-control has a positive influence on sustainability reporting disclosures, while the company size variable has no influence on sustainability reporting disclosures, starting with the environmental performance variable. .

Valorization of animal waste proteins for agricultural, food production, and medicinal applications

IntroductionAnimal waste proteins have been increasing in the past decade, along with consumer demands. Their huge volume and the environmental issues caused by improper treatment probably pose a massive threat to human health. These animal waste proteins contain many valuable bioactive peptides and can be used not only as nutrient substances but also as primary functional ingredients in many industries, including agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. However, the advancement of the value-added application of animal waste proteins within the past 10 years has not been elucidated yet. In this regard, this paper scrutinized the studies on the applications of hydrolysates and peptides from animal waste proteins throughout the last decade, hoping to display a whole picture of their value-adding applications.MethodsThe Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched from January 1, 2013, to December 12, 2023. This review included field trials, in vitro and in vivo assays, and in silico analysis based on literature surveys or proteolysis simulation. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by Journal Citation Reports, and the rationality of the discussion of studies included.ResultsNumerous studies were performed on the application potential of hydrolysates and peptides of animal waste proteins in agricultural, food, and medicinal industries. Particularly, due to the nutritional value, safety, and especially competitive effects, the peptide with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, or antithrombotic activities can be used as a primary functional ingredient in food and pharmaceuticals.DiscussionThese value-added applications of animal waste proteins could be a step towards sustainable animal by-products management, and simultaneously, open new avenues in the rapid development of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. However, further studies on the bioavailability and structure-activity relationship are required to verify their therapeutic effects.

Web-based Palm Oil Seedling Sales Information System (Case Study: CV. XYZ)

Oil palm seedling sales are one of the important aspects of the agricultural industry in Indonesia. However, conventional sales processes often encounter various obstacles, such as limited access to information for consumers, difficulties in inventory management, and low operational efficiency. To overcome these problems, this study aims to develop a Web-based Oil Palm Seedling Sales Information System at CV. XYZ. We designed this system to offer a comprehensive solution for sales management, encompassing stock recording and real-time transaction processing. This study uses a system development method with the waterfall method, in which the development stages include requirements, system design, implementation, verification, and maintenance. We collected data through direct observation at CV XYZ, interviews with management and customers, and related literature studies. Users then tested the prototype to identify potential problems and gather feedback for system improvement. According to the study's findings, the implementation of this web-based information system has resulted in increased efficiency in sales and inventory management. Users can easily access product information, place orders, and track the status of their orders. In addition, this system also allows integration with payment gateways, so that the transaction process becomes faster and safer. This system simplifies customer data management, sales recording, and financial report analysis from a management standpoint. At CV. XYZ, the development of the Web-based Palm Oil Seedling Sales Information System positively impacted operational efficiency and effectiveness. This system not only increases customer satisfaction by providing faster and more transparent services, but it also helps management make more accurate decisions based on available data. We need to add more advanced data analysis features to forecast sales trends and market demands, and integrate the system with e-commerce platforms to broaden our market reach.

The Real Objectives and Interests to Continue the War in Ukraine of the Deep Neoliberal Neo-Fascist Mafia and the us and European Leaders -For aFull Production -Industrial Agriculture, Consumer, Military, Economic, Digital Buyout and Takeover of Europe and Other Countries by Deep Mafia Companies, Causing of Crises in Europe, Africa and Part of the Implementation of Plans to Impose aNew

The Real Objectives and Interests to Continue the War in Ukraine of the Deep Neoliberal Neo-Fascist Mafia and the us and European Leaders -For aFull Production -Industrial Agriculture, Consumer, Military, Economic, Digital Buyout and Takeover of Europe and Other Countries by Deep Mafia Companies, Causing of Crises in Europe, Africa and Part of the Implementation of Plans to Impose aNew

Decision Support System for the Assessment and Enhancement of Agrobiodiversity Performance

The industrialisation of agriculture and changes in production systems have contributed to a biodiversity decline worldwide. Developing accurate and adequate assessment methods can encourage farmers to support more sustainable agricultural management. This study presents a decision support system to promote agrobiodiversity that incorporates not only a quantitative assessment of relevant indicators of agrobiodiversity performance but also provides enhancement practice recommendations and associated benefits, presenting an action plan in order of priority. Additionally, the decision support system allows a visual comparison between biodiversity composite indicators and indicators representing pest control and crop yield. Since grape cultivation is considered one of the most intensive agricultural systems, thus significantly impacting biodiversity, the elaborated decision support system was tested on a viticultural agroecosystem in the demarcated Douro region in Portugal. The results demonstrated the decision support system functioning according to the selected methodology and allowed the identification of future lines for investigation. During the analysed period, the following were verified: an increase of 2% in the biodiversity indicator, 130% in harvest yield, and 2077% in the enemy-to-pest ratio. It is expected that the elaborated DSS will offer a significant contribution by bridging communication gaps on alternative management options to improve biodiversity performance in agricultural systems.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Turnover Intentions among Field Technicians: A Case Study in Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several disruptions, necessitating adaptation to the current circumstances. The concept of the “New Normal” has been introduced to facilitate coexistence with the virus. Nevertheless, numerous industries saw significant impacts, both in terms of financial losses and personnel attrition. This development has a significant impact on the agriculture industry, particularly on field technicians (FTs). The present study seeks to understand the factors that influence the inclination to leave one’s job among field technicians. A purposive sampling strategy was used to choose fifty-three participants who were then requested to complete a survey-type questionnaire on various factors including perceived supervisor support, workload, perceived alternative jobs, perceived benefits, COVID-19, and job satisfaction. A SmartPLS structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that job satisfaction did not operate as a mediator in the relationship between turnover intention and its determinants, such as workload, supervisor support, benefits, and employment alternatives. Furthermore, this study verified that the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 epidemic did not influence the connection between job satisfaction and turnover intention. This study represents one of the initial investigations conducted on workers in the Philippine farm sector during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the discoveries could be utilized to assess the distinct circumstances arising from the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

Development Of Smart Greenhouse Farming Based On Internet Of Things

This project aim is to develop smart greenhouse farming based on IoT system for monitoring the quality for the plant which use sensor and Node-RED as a website for monitoring. The monitoring system using microcontroller such as humidity sensor,soil moisture to control the condition of soil moisture level. The phenomenon of greenhouse plants is particularly significant since it has the potential to help improve the economy and cut manufacturing costs. Given the agricultural industry's lack of human resources, one of the cultivation techniques that have to be improved is hydroponic plants, also known as greenhouse plants. Hydroponic plant technology can be used in conjunction with hydroponic plants. Tropical greenhouses have various advantages in plant cultivation as well as practical manufacturing potential.This technology can be utilized to apply according to plant demands to maximize yield in agriculture. The project employed is a tool for monitoring soil moisture that is based on a prototype using an online platform for monitoring humidity and plant quality, and it can assist farmers in decreasing the budget for production.

The economic butterfly effect of agriculture supply chains: A comparative assessment of the United States of America and Nigeria

This study will seek to explore the disruptions and enhancements that can occur in the agricultural supply chains of the United States of America and Nigeria, which can cause the butterfly effect and subsequently affect economic results in both countries. Using case studies, economic modeling, and a qualitative analysis of government documents and academic sources, this comparative study explores the link between agriculture and other industries in the US and Nigeria. According to the paper, there is need for proactive administrative interferences and advocacy for technological advancement in efforts to enhance supply chain robustness against future shocks such as climate change, trade policies or pandemics. Responding to the negative economic externalities and maximizing the potential benefits entails comprehending how minor events in agriculture can cause ripple effects throughout the economy.

Estimation of Ammonia Emission Inventory Using Life Cycle Assessment Based on Livestock Manure Flow: A Case Study of the Manure Management Sector in Korea

Ammonia is one of the precursor gases in the formation of particulate matter (PM) that reacts with nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides in the atmosphere. Based on the Clean Air Policy Support System (CAPSS) of Korea, the annual ammonia emissions amounted to 261,207 tons in 2020 and the agricultural source (manure management sector) contributes the highest proportion of the ammonia inventory. However, the methodology for the study of ammonia emissions in Korea has some limitations regarding the representativeness of the sites selected and the reliability of the measurement method. In this study, we aimed to recalculate the ammonia emissions from the livestock industry in Korea using the UK’s estimation method, which uses the life cycle assessment of livestock manure. Three major animal types, i.e., cattle (beef cattle and dairy cows), pigs and chickens, and three major processes based on the manure flow, i.e., housing, manure storage and treatment and land application processes, were considered. The total ammonia emissions were estimated to be approximately 33% higher than the official ammonia emissions stated by the CAPSS. For the manure flow, the ammonia emissions were the highest from land application processes. The ammonia emissions from dairy cow and poultry manure were much higher than those stated by the CAPSS, while the emissions from beef cattle and pig manure showed similar levels. The methodology used in this study can offer an alternative approach to the ammonia emission estimation of the manure management sector in the agriculture industry of Korea. Korean emission factors based on the manure flow should be developed and applied in the future.

Isolation, identification, and pathogenicity of two novel goose astrovirus from goslings with severe gout in China

Goose astroviruses (GAstVs) are important pathogens which can cause gout in goslings leading to huge economic losses for the goose farming industry in China. In 2023, an infectious disease characterized by visceral gout broke out in commercial goose farms in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces of China. In this study, two GAstV strains of GXNN and GDCS were successfully isolated from these two disease-ridden goose farms. The complete genomic lengths of these two strains were 7166 bp, and phylogenetic analysis showed that they were both GAstV-2 subtypes. The 3-dimensional structures of the capsid protein were predicted and six characteristic mutation sites at amino acid positions 60, 61, 228, 229, 456 and 523 were found within the strong antigenic regions. A recombination event occurred at 6833-7070 nt between the GAstV TZ03 and Turkey astrovirus CA/00 and this was detected in both the GXNN and GDCS strains. Another recombinant event occurred at 63–2747 nt between the GAstV XT1 and GAstV SDPY and this was detected in the GDCS strain. When 1-day-old goslings were infected with the novel GXNN and GDCS strains, they showed severe visceral gout. This was accompanied by enlarged spleens, liver hemorrhages and urate deposits in the kidneys and ureters and their blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly elevated. The mortality rates of the GXNN- and GDCS-infected groups were pathogenically high at 80 % and 60 %, respectively. These results will promote our understanding of the evolution and epidemic potential of GAstVs in China.

IoP (Internet of Pigs): Design and Implementation of an Automatic Swine Feeder, Waterer and Shower System for a Livestock Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Conversion of manual application to automatic operation in pig feeding enables the pig farm industry to advance into new practices. The efficiency and profitability of pig farm practices could be enhanced with improved technology. This study aims to develop, design, evaluate and implement the IoP (Internet of Pigs): An Automatic Swine Feeder, Waterer, and Shower System for a Livestock Multi-Purpose Cooperative and use it to increase livestock productivity. Using an IoT Application, the owner can control the mobile app and monitor the level of feeds on time. This project can be used by the owners to automate pig feeding from afar which can highlight a range of issues such as feeding on time and consumption of feeds. To build the device, the developers used Arduino Nano, Esp8266 as the microcontroller, wiper motor and motor driver to rotate the conveyor, relay to give a needed voltage in the motor, IR sensors to monitor the level of feeds, water pump to dispense water and shower, and RTC(Real-Time Clock) to control the time. Results show that the project is capable to feed, water and shower the pigs in the indicated period as well as the automation and monitoring of the feeding system using a mobile application.

Identification of a conserved B-cell epitope on the capsid protein of porcine circovirus type 4.

Porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4) is a novel circovirus. Although PCV4 has been identified in several countries, including China, Korea, Thailand, and Spain, no vaccine is available. Given the potential pathogenic effects of PCV4 on pigs, PCV4 could threaten the global pig farming industry, highlighting the urgency for further investigation. Thus, epitopes of PCV4 remain to be determined. Our finding of a conserved epitope significantly advances vaccine development and pathogen detection.

A novel composite edible film based on quince seed gel and whey protein concentrate as affected by transglutaminase crosslinking

SummaryThe development of edible films, which serve as a safe alternative to synthetic polymers by utilising by‐products from the agricultural industry, has become a focus of research as they contribute to the sustainable use of resources. In the present study, quince seed gel (QSG) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) (1:1 w/w) were used as base components to develop edible films using glycerol as a plasticiser. The proteins were sonicated to denature and then the proteins were modified by cross‐linking with the enzyme transglutaminase (TGase). The thickness, moisture content, solubility, permeability and digestibility of each edible films were investigated. In addition to the morphological, mechanical, optical, thermal and structural properties, the edible films were further characterised. The thickness, moisture, water vapour and oxygen permeability and the water solubility of the films were positively influenced by the cross‐linking and the digestibility of proteins decreased with the cross‐linking. A remarkable change in the secondary structures was observed in the FTIR spectra of the films. The stronger networks and their smooth surface of crosslinked films were confirmed by AFM images. The results of this research shows that QSG/WPC films cross‐linked with TGase have potential for use in food packaging systems due to their advantages and may be an attractive alternative to synthetic materials in further studies.

Supporting farmers in coping with water extremes: aligning farmer needs and advisor confidence, skills, and expertise

Abstract Temperate regions, where water supply has not historically been a limiting factor in agriculture or other industries, are expected to face new challenges related to water availability and use. It is important to investigate the gap between farmers’ need for professional support around water management and the services that agricultural advisors can provide. Needs assessments generally consider one of these topics or the other, though we suggest a deeper understanding of the two together is called for. Here, we report on a farmer survey conducted in the state of Maine in the United States (n = 174) and a survey of agricultural advisors conducted in twelve northeastern states (n = 381). By comparing two investigations, we find (a) opportunities for outreach programs both targeted towards the needs of specific agricultural sectors, and (b) professional development topics for agricultural advisors to close the gap between current capacity in the region and farmer needs. Based on these results, we suggest a framework informed by theories of social learning for targeted outreach. We propose that this approach can serve as a model for moving forward with program development in agricultural services into the future, both in the United States and around the world.

Analysis of Blockchain Technology Challenges and Potential Research Directions Faced by the Agricultural Industry

Analysis of Blockchain Technology Challenges and Potential Research Directions Faced by the Agricultural Industry

Types of stress and methods of stress reduction in cattle

Recently, stress has become the most urgent problem of modern animal husbandry. With the industrialization of agriculture, this problem is becoming more and more acute, as a result, livestock enterprises and farms suffer significant economic losses. Throughout its life, the animal is exposed to numerous stressors that have a completely different nature of occurrence, but invariably lead to the same changes in the body. The animal noticeably loses weight, weakens, its resistance to diseases decreases. A review of scientific sources on some types of stress loading on cattle: heat stress, transportation stress, pre-slaughter stress is given. According to many studies, the stress state of an animal depends on feeding and maintenance by 70-80% and only 20-30% on genetics. The body of farm animals is constantly affected by various environmental factors. These include production technology, method of maintenance, density of accommodation, size of groups, microclimate of premises, type and level of feeding, biological full-value of diets, methods of preparation and distribution of feed, quality of drinking water, veterinary and preventive and zootechnical measures (vaccination, sanitary treatment of animals, weighing, castration, etc.). When the above factors change, certain reactions occur in the animal body. The nature of stress can be different: mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, mental. Knowledge of the causes of stress, the patterns of its course, its consequences, outlined in the mentioned scientific sources, will allow rational use of the proposed ways to reduce the adverse effects of various stress factors on animals to preserve their health and high productivity.