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Title Quantifying sustainability in the agri-food system: a comprehensive methodological framework and expert consensus approach
ID_Doc 21537
Authors Castillo-Díaz, FJ; Belmonte-Ureña, LJ; Lopez-Serrano, MJ; Camacho-Ferre, F
Title Quantifying sustainability in the agri-food system: a comprehensive methodological framework and expert consensus approach
Year 2024
Published Agricultural And Food Economics, 12.0, 1
DOI 10.1186/s40100-024-00314-w
Abstract Assessing the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of food production is imperative for aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and adhering to evolving regulatory and strategic frameworks. The absence of a standardized methodology for quantifying sustainability in the agri-food system value chain necessitates the development of an effective approach. This study proposes a comprehensive methodological framework for quantifying the sustainability of agriculture, livestock, and the agri-food industry. The proposed methodology is based on the consensus achieved by a panel of experts using the Delphi methodology. The study emphasizes the identification of activities requiring corrective measures to enhance sustainability within the circular economy principles. The proposed model incorporates 70 indicators, with a particular emphasis on environmental indicators, aligning with the consensus of the expert panel. The resulting composite indicator and the accompanying battery of indicators provide a nuanced understanding of agribusiness sustainability. The study's findings underscore the need for prioritizing environmental considerations in evaluating agribusiness sustainability. The proposed model facilitates the formulation of actionable plans to enhance the viability of agribusinesses, enabling their adaptation to the evolving social and political landscape. This adaptation is crucial in meeting the contemporary demand for a reduction in the environmental footprint associated with food production and transformation. The developed methodology contributes to the harmonization of sustainability assessment practices, fostering a more comprehensive and standardized approach across the agri-food sector.
Author Keywords Agriculture; Agri-food system; Environmental indicators; Sustainable development; Circular economy; Delphi method
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:001243935700002
WoS Category Agricultural Economics & Policy; Economics
Research Area Agriculture; Business & Economics
PDF https://agrifoodecon.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s40100-024-00314-w
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