Sustainable Food Consumption Research Articles

Ensifer adhaerens strain OV14 seed application enhances Triticum aestivum L. and Brassica napus L. development

Given the challenges imposed by climate change and societal challenges, the European Union established ambitious goals as part of its Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy. Focussed on accelerating the transition to systems of sustainable food production, processing and consumption, a key element of F2F is to reduce the use of fertilisers by at least 20% and plant protection products by up to 50% by 2030. In recent years, a substantial body of research has highlighted the potential impact of microbial-based applications to support crop production practices through both biotic/abiotic stresses via maintaining or even improving yields and reducing reliance on intensive chemical inputs. Here, we have characterised the ability of a new soil-borne free-living bacterium strain Ensifer adhaerens OV14 (EaOV14) to significantly enhance crop vigour index by up to 50% for monocot (wheat, Triticum aestivum L., p < 0.0001) and by up to 40% for dicot (oilseed rape, Brassica napus L., p < 0.0001) species under in-vitro conditions (n = 360 seedlings/treatment). The beneficial effect was further studied under controlled glasshouse growing conditions (n = 60 plants/treatment) where EaOV14 induced significantly increased seed yield of spring oilseed rape compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Moreover, using bespoke rhizoboxes, enhanced root architecture (density, roots orientation, roots thickness etc.) was observed for spring oilseed rape and winter wheat, with the median number of roots 55% and 33% higher for oilseed rape and wheat respectively, following EaOV14 seed treatment compared to the control. In addition, EaOV14 treatment increased root tip formation and root volume, suggesting the formation of a more robust root system architecture post-seed treatment. However, like other microbial formulations, the trade-offs associated with field translation, such as loss or limited functionality due to inoculum formulation or environmental distress, need further investigation. Moreover, the delivery method requires further optimisation to identify the optimal inoculum formulation that will maximise the expected beneficial impact on yield under field growing conditions.

To trust or not to trust? Trust landscape of organic animal husbandry: Mapping consumer attitudes and information demands in Germany

A mainly positive attitude of consumers towards organic animal husbandry with its higher keeping standards compared to the legal regulations is evident. However, less is known about consumers’ detailed expectations of organic husbandry and in particular their attitude and trust along the value chain of organic animal products. Which consumers trust the most, and how do they want to be informed about organic animal husbandry? Where along the chain are trust deficits that should be addressed in the future to support sustainable food consumption with high animal welfare standards? To answer these important questions a survey was conducted among 729 German meat consumers. Using a cluster analysis, various consumer groups were identified based on their trust levels. Further, these groups were characterized regarding their general attitude, their information behavior, their evaluation of current media reporting, and their preferred way to be informed (emotional/rational) about organic animal products. The results revealed three clusters that clearly differ in their trust level of organic husbandry. Respondents assigned to the first cluster are committed organic consumers with high trust and the most positive attitude. The second cluster, combines respondents who are generally open to organic meat consumption and showing the second highest trust level and positive attitude towards organic. They show a slight favor for a more rational presentation of information. The third cluster is the smallest and can be described as the skeptics with a low interest in organic. The results indicate a general moderate to high trust level along the value chain of organic animal products, with the highest trust in organic retailers and farmers and the least trust in processing and conventional retailers. These are important insights for the organic sector in order to improve consumer trust and therewith increase the market share of organic meat products.

Evaluation of factors related to organic food consumption and orthorexia nervosa tendencies.

The relationship between organic food consumption, awareness of reducing ecological footprint, and orthorexia nervosa (ON) tendencies has yet to be explored in detail. This study aimed to determine factors related to organic food consumption and ON tendencies in young adults. Also, the relationship between organic food consumption, awareness of reducing ecological footprint, and ON tendencies was investigated. This study was conducted with 887 young adults (58.4% female, 41.6% male, aged 18-25 years, mean age 20.8 ± 2.55 years). Study data were obtained with a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the Organic Food Consumption Scale (OFC), ORTO-11, and the Awareness Scale for Reducing Ecological Footprint (ASREF). While 17.2% were overweight or obese, 74.9% had a normal body weight. There were no differences by sex in terms of ORTO-11, OFC, and ASREF total scores (p > .05). Significant positive correlations were found between ASREF and OFC (p < .001), while negative correlations were found for ORTO-11 and OFC (p < .001). A higher ASREF and increased ON tendencies predicted increased organic food consumption (p < .05). Furthermore, higher organic food consumption behaviors and awareness of reducing ecological footprint predicted increased ON tendencies (p < .05). Findings from this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors associated with organic food consumption and ON tendencies among individuals. By shedding light on the interplay between ecological awareness, organic food consumption, and orthorexic tendencies, policymakers and health professionals can develop targeted interventions to promote sustainable and healthy food consumption.

Sustainable and healthy food consumption in Europe: an analysis of consumer purchase patterns, motivations and barriers towards foods from SFSCs

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to better understand European consumers' behaviour in relation to Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs), so as to provide insights to support their development as part of a sustainable food system. Specifically, it aims to analyse consumer purchase patterns, motivations and perceived barriers and to identify patterns of behaviour amongst different consumer groups.Design/methodology/approachAn online consumer survey was conducted in 12 European countries (n = 2,419). Quantitative data analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, was undertaken using SPSS.FindingsFour consumer clusters are named according to their behavioural stage in terms of SFSC engagement: Unaware Unengaged, Aware Unengaged, Motivationally Engaged and Executively Engaged. Unaware Unengaged and Aware Unengaged are in the non-engagement phase of behaviour. Motivationally Engaged are motivationally activated to engage in the behaviour but fail to do so consistently. Executively Engaged is the fully engaged cluster, being motivated to act and purchasing local food on a frequent basis. The results show an interesting interplay between motivations and barriers, i.e. higher scores for motivations and lower scores for barriers do not necessarily translate into higher purchase frequency.Originality/valueThe research gleans insights into the contextual factors that may inhibit SFSC purchases in different consumer segments. It offers practical implications for policymakers and others seeking to develop SFSCs as part of a sustainable food system.

Sustainable Food Consumption: Social Representations of Definitions, Drivers, and Obstacles

Sustainable Food Consumption: Social Representations of Definitions, Drivers, and Obstacles

Analysing Factors Driving Purchase and Consumption Behaviour Towards Organic Food

Personal health, food safety and environmental concerns significantly contribute to the purchase and consumption of organic food. Several countries, including India, are turning their attention to encouraging organic food farming and purchasing to comply with sustainable development goals. This research identifies and analyses the motivational factors critical to the purchase and consumption of organic food and also extends a roadmap to the food industries for sustainable growth. A list of factors driving the purchase and consumption of organic food was extracted from the literature. Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS), Fuzzy Simple Additive Weighting (Fuzzy SAW) and Borda method are used to prioritize the identified motivational factors followed by the sensitivity analysis to simulate dynamic various market requirements and challenges. The findings substantiate that chemical free, no artificial ingredients, good for body, healthy and awareness about health significantly influence the purchase and consumption of organic food products. To ensure sustainable production and consumption of organic food, it is vital for government policymakers, organizations involved in production, marketing and distribution of the organic food to understand and critically evaluate various factors affecting the purchase and consumption intensions of the consumers.

EXPLORING THE POTENTIALS OF CEREAL FOOD WASTE IN ANAEROBIC DIGESTION

Cereal food waste makes up a significant part of municipal solid waste, and its proper treatment has become an urgent issue due to its increasing generation. In Nigeria, where around 50% of municipal waste is organic, this study focuses on the need for effective waste management. It highlights the negative environmental and economic impacts of improper disposal methods. The study examines the potential of using cereal food waste in anaerobic digestion for biogas production. Cereal food waste was collected from student hostels at the College of Nursing and Midwifery Malumfashi, sorted, and converted into a composite for anaerobic digestion. An anaerobic digester was constructed using a 25-litre plastic container designed for batch loading. The anaerobic digestion process was carried out for 30 days. The results show that a total biogas volume of 14,634 mL was produced during this time. The daily biogas yields varied, reaching its highest point on the 5th day. This finding underscores the importance of addressing food waste in the cereal supply chain to ensure sustainable food production and consumption. The results demonstrate that cereal food waste has significant potential for biogas production, which can contribute to sustainable waste management and help address environmental challenges linked to food waste. Based on these findings, the study recommends promoting the use of biogas technology to improve food waste management, thus enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting economic development.

Extending the theory of planned behaviour to predict sustainable food consumption

Extending the theory of planned behaviour to predict sustainable food consumption

Structural topic modeling for corporate social responsibility of food supply chain management: evidence from FDA recalls on plant-based food products

PurposeThe rising number of food recalls has raised concerns about complexity, globalization and weak governance in the food supply chain. This paper aims to investigate the recall of plant-based products with data from the US Food and Drug Administration.Design/methodology/approachIntroducing the structural topic modeling method allowed us to test theories on recall in the context of sustainable food consumption, enhancing the understanding of food recall processes. This approach helps identify latent topics of product recalls and their interwoven relationships with various stakeholders.FindingsThe results answer a standing research call for empirical investigation in a nascent food industry to identify stakeholders’ engagements for food safety crisis management for corporate social responsibility practices. This finding provides novel insights on managing threats to food safety at an industry level to extend existing antecedents and consequences of product recall at a micro level.Practical implicationsFor practitioners, this empirical finding may provide insights into stakeholder management and develop evidence-based strategies to prevent threats to food safety. For public policymakers, this analysis may help identify patterns of recalls and assist guidelines and alarm systems (e.g. EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) on threats in the food supply chain.Originality/valueTwo detected clusters, such as opportunisms of market actors in the plant-based food system and food culture, from the analysis help understand corporate social responsibility and food safety in the plant-based food industry.

Greek primary school students’ moral judgments and motives about sustainable food consumption

Modern dietary habits pose large threats to the global vision for a sustainable food system transition, intensifying discussions around the urgency for educational initiatives that can promote more sustainable food consumption practices. However, research has not sufficiently studied food consumers' moral background, despite its strong influence on food choices, while relevant research on school-aged consumers is even scarcer. This study focuses on two individual ethical decision-making processes regarding food sustainability: moral judgments and moral motives. Data was selected using non-probability, opportunity sampling from 587 students attending the last two grades of primary school in the Region of Western Macedonia, Greece. Participants completed a Likert-scale questionnaire, which adopted a holistic approach towards food sustainability, incorporating the following 12 variables associated with all three domains of sustainability (environmental, societal, economic): Biodiversity, Carbon footprint, Soil, water and air conservation, (Food) loss and waste, Water footprint, Nutrition and health, Animal welfare, Workers' rights and safety, Cultural traditions, Food supply, Tax revenues and Profits, Jobs/incomes. In the moral motives scale, additional variables associated with non-moral considerations were also assessed: Sensory Appeal, Mood, Promotion, Social influence, Convenience and Familiarity. For the moral judgments scale, findings revealed low to medium scores for all the domains and among the variables associated with a sustainable food system, the lowest mean scores being recorded in those linked to the social dimension of sustainability. Regarding food consumption motives, results indicate that non-moral considerations prevail remarkably over moral ones and are linked to all three domains of sustainability. Statistical testing identified grade level, gender, place of residence and participation in environmental, health or food education school programs as factors influencing certain aspects of students’ moral thinking at a statistically significant level. Insights gained from this study can contribute to educational and other agendas aiming to promote sustainable food consumption.

Does Consumers' Cultural Background Affect How They Perceive and Engage in Food Sustainability? A Cross-Cultural Study.

Motivated by the evolving global food landscape and its detrimental impacts on society, the environment, and health, this research aims to understand consumer perceptions, preferences and involvement regarding sustainable food products and consumption practices. To this aim, three countries were chosen for their distinct economic, cultural, and demographic differences (Spain, Türkiye, and Colombia), enabling an exploration of how these factors influence sustainability perceptions. The results show high levels of awareness, knowledge, consumption, and willingness to switch to more sustainable habits, although differences between countries were also found (price sensitivity in Spain and demand for information regarding sustainable food in Colombia). In addition, a group of consumers has been identified that is influenced by health, shows positive behaviours and perceptions towards sustainable food, and is not price sensitive. The study is significant, as it addresses the information gap between consumers, producers, and policymakers regarding sustainable food awareness. It seeks to provide insights into cultural influences on sustainability perceptions and aims to assist in developing educational programs and policies to promote sustainable consumption.

Determinants of the intention to increase vegetable consumption in Vietnam and Switzerland

Increasing vegetable consumption can result in health benefits. In this context, this study aimed to identify predictors of the intention to increase vegetable consumption. Online surveys were carried out in Switzerland and Vietnam between November and December of 2022. Multiple regression analyses were applied to a sample of 1259 consumers to examine the factors affecting the intention to increase vegetable consumption. The results indicate that, in both countries, the intention to increase vegetable intake was positively influenced by the perceived vulnerability of insufficient vegetable intake and the self-efficacy of eating more vegetables. Furthermore, higher levels of employment among participants strengthened the intention to increase vegetable consumption. Heterogeneity among the studied countries was also observed. While the Swiss participants' intention to eat more vegetables was affected by familial hindering, the intention of the Vietnamese participants towards more vegetable intake was positively related to their interest in animal welfare. The variables response cost of eating more vegetables and biological sex were significant in the Vietnamese sample. We conclude that, for both countries improving consumers’ self-efficacy can result in increased vegetable consumption. Campaigns aiming to generate knowledge and improve cooking skills were suggested. The findings contribute to the current literature on sustainable and healthy food consumption.

Can digitalization improve agriculture? Exploring the impact of ICT on grain food production in SAARC countries

In the last two decades, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) has greatly enhanced the productivity of the global agricultural sector. There has been a substantial increase in global sustainable food production and food consumption. This research investigates the enduring impacts of ICT on grain food production in SAARC countries. This study employs balanced panel data from 2002 to 2019. In order to accomplish the objective of the research, we use the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR). The results indicate that the use of Mobile phones and the Internet has a significant and favourable effect on grain food production across all quantiles. Furthermore, the results of the causality tests validate a significant bidirectional causal relationship between Internet usage, cropland, fertilizer usage, rural labour, and grain food production. On the contrary hand, there is an unidirectional connection where Mobile phones use influence grain production. The study's results suggest that authorities of SAARC countries should invest supplementary resources to improve ICT infrastructure in rural regions. Therefore, farmers may improve their agricultural productivity and increase their revenue by using digital technology.

Toward sustainable food consumption: an indicator framework for a food provisioning sustainable consumption corridor (SCC)

Abstract Non-technical summary Growth in resource consumption and associated environmental degradation threatens food systems, with millions of people living in hunger globally, demonstrating the need for greater socio-ecological efficiency in food provisioning. This paper considers how sustainable consumption can ensure that human needs with regards to food provisioning (food security) are met within globally sustainable limits. It follows a sectoral approach to sustainable consumption corridors (SCCs), to develop an indicator framework for a food provisioning systems SCC. Technical summary Bridging social and ecological evaluations of sustainability in food systems has proved to be a challenge, illustrating the need for indicator sets which link environmental impacts and social achievement within a single framework. This work aims to fill that research gap by considering how the sustainable consumption corridor (SCC) framework can be used to examine the socio-ecological efficiency of food provisioning systems and developing a comprehensive SCC framework for food provisioning. The framework uses domains to define the minimum level of consumption needed to meet human needs (social foundation [SF]) and the maximum level of environmental impact the earth system can tolerate (ecological ceiling [EC]) while sustainably meeting those needs. It does so through the production of an indicator set for food provisioning systems that gives indicators and thresholds for the EC and SF domains within a single framework. This output is followed by a discussion of how this global SCC framework could be altered for use in different contexts, and suggestions for how such a framework could inform consumption linked sustainability policy. Social-media summary This work puts forth a sustainable consumption corridor framework to evaluate if food provisioning systems are meeting human needs within sustainable limits.

THE THERAPEUTIC EDGES OF MEDICINAL PLANT-DERIVED CUTLERY

This study explores the potential of utilizing medicinal plants in the development of edible cutlery, which offers a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use plastic cutlery. Medicinal plants are known for their diverse bioactive compounds, making them a promising source for producing environmentally friendly and biodegradable edible utensils. The investigation focuses on evaluating the nutritional value, safety, and sensory attributes of the edible cutlery. The results indicate that edible cutlery made from medicinal plants demonstrates promising potential as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to reduce plastic waste, while also offering potential health benefits through the ingestion of beneficial phytochemicals. This research contributes to the broader efforts towards sustainable food packaging and consumption practices, promoting a greener and healthier future.

Water scarcity and consumer behavior: an analysis of diet-related water footprint

Abstract Within the framework of an increasing water scarcity, fostered by the climate change, in this study we investigate the environmental impact associated with current food consumption by means of the Water footprint indicator focusing on the case of Italy. For the analysis of the real food consumption and its impact, we selected the Mediterranean diet as a benchmark, since previous evidence shows that Italians are shifting their dietary habits away from the traditional Mediterranean Diet in favor of dietary patterns rich in animal-based products, especially meat. To promote more sustainable food choices, we applied a Sustainable Diet Model to analyze alternative diets that can reduce the Water footprint associated with food consumption. The results of the analysis show that by adopting slight changes in the consumption of certain categories of foods, it is possible to reduce the Water footprint of diets. The findings of this research are useful for supporting policies for the promotion of sustainable food consumption that would lead to a reduction in the exploitation of a scarce resource such as water, improving the allocation of this resource and achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

Sustainable Food Consumption Behavior: What really matters!

Sustainable Food Consumption Behavior: What really matters!

Turkish Consumers’ Purchase Motivation towards Erzurum Stuffed-Kadayif with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) at the Dessert Retailers

Global climate change has rapidly changed consumers’attitude and behavior toward food products by affecting significantly their supply and demand. In this context, this study was planned to determine the main factors affecting Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchase motivation of Turkish consumers. The maim material of the research was obtained from 385 households residing in Erzurum, Turkey. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Two-step Cluster Analysis were used to explore Turkish consumers’ Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchase motivation at the dessert retailers. The results of the research highlighted that while consumers consuming this product at the local resteaurants satisfied fairly high from the food images under cultural integration, those consuming this dessert at the local patisseries also attituded a big importance to entrocentrism approach based on cultural integration. Similarly, consumers purchasing Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif as a ready-made local dessert from tle local manufacturer vendors tried to contribute considerably to sustainable food supply and consumption with entrocentrism approach under cultural integration. It should be improved appropriate positioning and segmentation strategies according to the purchase motivation of each consumer segment, and then they sould be implemented by policy makers.

Determinants of Green Smartphone Application Adoption for Sustainable Food Consumption Among University Students

Determinants of Green Smartphone Application Adoption for Sustainable Food Consumption Among University Students

Turkish Consumers’ Purchase Decisions towards Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif with Protected Geographical Indication at Dessert Retailers

Global climate change has rapidly changed consumers’ attitude and behavior toward food products by affecting significantly their supply and demand. In this context, the study was planned to determine the main factors affecting Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchasing decisions of Turkish consumers. The maim material of the research was obtained from 385 households residing in Erzurum, Turkey in 2021. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Two-step Cluster Analysis were used to explore Turkish consumers’ Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif purchase decisions at its retailers. The results of the research highlighted that while consumers consuming this product at the local restaurants or buying from the retailers satisfied fairly high from hedonic quality attributes under the sensory perception, those consuming the product at the local patisseries also provided a higher hedonism satisfaction by focusing on their willingness to consume healthy food. Similarly, consumers purchasing Erzurum Stuffed-kadayif from the local manufacturer stores tried to contribute considerably to sustainable food supply and consumption with entrocentrism approach by considering emotional food perception under food safety and security making possible to consume healthy food. Consequently, it should be improved appropriate positioning and segmentation strategies according to the purchase decisions of each consumer segment, and then they should be also able to implement.