1,721,015 research outputs found
Spatial structure of organic viticulture: Evidence from Chianti (Italy)
Full text linkSeveral studies have stressed the existence of agglomeration effects in organic farming. However, due to a different incentive framework, viticulture can be con- sidered an exception in the light of this general evidence. Applying a spatial Durbin Bayesian probit model to census data for the area of production of Chianti Classico DOCG (Italy), no spatial relation in the farmer’s decision to convert to or maintain organic viticulture emerged and spatial spillovers have a marginal role in terms of affecting viticulturists’ behaviour. An explanation for this evidence is the existence of quasi-monopsonic power in output markets with strict production standards, which limits spatial agglomeration effects. Structural factors such as s- mall-size farm, farmer education and younger age are the main direct determinants for predicting the likelihood of being involved in organic viticulture
The effect of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness in driving altruistic food choices
No full textThis study investigates whether individual happiness affects prosocial behavior in food choices. We considered two distinct dimensions of happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic. The hedonic component is focused on pleasure, joy, and immediate gratification, while the eudaimonic aspect is related to a sense of purpose in life, personal growth, and the fulfillment of individual aspirations. We conducted a discrete choice experiment to assess if happy people are more prone to altruistic choices when buying food. The results indicate that individual happiness exerts distinct effects according to its two dimensions, eudaimonia and hedonism. We found that happiness influences the demand for ethical foods, whereas it exerts a detrimental effect on preferences for food with environmental labels
Do forests help to keep my body mass index low?
No full textncreasing importance has been placed on understanding how the environment in which people live can help anti-obesity behaviour and policy. This tendency represents a shift away from a model characterised by individual responsibility in favour of one that focuses on so-called ‘obesogenic environments’. Although an extensive body of literature stresses the importance of urban design in helping to eradicate obesity, there is, nevertheless, significant uncertainty in the science surrounding the relationship between body size and broad geographic areas. In this paper, we therefore widen the perspective from urban area planning to land planning. Specifically, we outline the incidence of forests helping to create an environment more favourable to outdoor physical activities, which at least improve health by lowering body mass index. The results demonstrate a relationship between forests and lower average body mass index (BMI); in other words, a reduction in the risk of being overweight. There is, however, no impact on obesity
Spatial analysis of the participation in agri-environment measures for organic farming
Full text linkSupport for organic farming is a key strategy of rural development policies in several countries. This paper studied the
spatial pattern of participation in agro-environmnetal policy the policies designing to foster diffusion of organic farming.
The ultimate goal is to investigate the impact of local factors for improving the policy targeting. Indicators of spatial association and a spatial econometrics model were performed for the analysis. The results show regional agglomeration effects of the rate of participants to the measures adopted to promote organic farming. In addition, a spatial relation among the farms that obtain public support is found, highlighting that the diffusion of participation is driven mainly by imitation process and external economies of scale
On farm non-agricultural activities: geographical determinants of diversification and intensification strategy
Full text linkAn increasing share of farmer revenues derives from on-farm non-agricultural activities. This paper investigates the determinants in the choice to diversify by simulating farmers’ behaviours dividing the diversification decision into two steps: deciding the intensity of diversification. This two-step process is estimated by applying the Heckman sample selection model. The results confirm the relevance of on-farm diversification for risk exposure reduction for vulnerable farms. The worst external conditions exhibited no effect on the likelihood to diversify. However, farms located in marginal areas were more dependent for their livelihood on on-farm non-agricultural production. Moreover, closeness to urban areas reduces the probability of diversifying but had no effect on intensification
Consumers’ Preferences for Game Meat Safety: Results from a Choice Experiment
No full textInvestigating the determinant of consumer preference for game meat safety is crucial in promoting game meat consumption. In this study, we examined the impact on consumer preferences for a safety attribute, taking the individual risk attitude and the risk perception into account. We used data from a survey and a labeled discrete choice experiment involving 476 Italian consumers and analyzed it with a latent class model. The results show that all consumers gain utility from game meat with this safety claim. Furthermore, consistent groups of consumers who dislike game meat are likely to be risk-averse and perceive game meat as hazardous. Therefore, a marketing or public policy strategy aimed at promoting game meat consumption should focus on reinforcing consumers' trust in more stringent safety standards. For instance, highlighting the safety measures and inspections involved in the production of game meat can help increase consumer confidence in its safety
Structural factors of labour allocation for farm diversification activities
Full text linkWhile the share of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in rural economies has declined, the importance of diversification activities has increased. The aim of this study is to investigate how structural factors affect both the decision of diversification into on-farm non-agricultural activities and the total labour assigned to them, measured in terms of the workdays allocated to producing diversification activities. Using Tuscany, a region in central Italy, as a case study, a negative binomial hurdle model has been applied to represent the two steps involved in farmersâ behaviour. Farmers first decide whether to diversify and then decide the amount of farm resources to devote to diversification. The results have revealed that farms located in regions more distant from urban areas are more likely to diversify, but that distance is not an influential factor in predicting the number of workdays dedicated to diversification. In addition, small family farms are less likely to diversify than large farms, and those that do so dedicate fewer workdays to diversification activities. A possible explanation for this evidence is that structural and endowment constraints are entrance barriers for involvement in on-farm non-agricultural production
Insights into organic wine consumption: behaviour, segmentation and attribute non-attendance
Full text linkSeveral studies have focused on the behaviour of consumers towards organic wine, finding varying and sometimes conflicting results. Some scholars have noted that consumers may perceive wine labelled as organic to be of a lower quality, whereas others have found that consumers are willing to pay a premium price for it. Starting from these discrepancies found in the literature, this study seeks to investigate how the organic certification influences consumers when purchasing a bottle of red wine, evaluating the possible presence of attribute non-attendance (ANA) behaviour. A choice experiment was carried out on a sample of Italian wine consumers. Findings highlight that although, on average, consumers do not prefer organic wine, there is a relevant niche in the market consisting of consumers who benefit from purchasing it. Moreover, we have found that the majority of the sample ignores the organic attribute when choosing a bottle of wine, which reveals ANA behaviour
Territorial brand equity in the wine market and the role of the organic label: A consumer perspective
Full text linkOrganic certification can be a powerful differentiation marketing strategy for wine producers. However, the role of this certification in attracting consumers depends on its synergy with other factors that are associated with and interact alongside it, such as the brand. This study examines consumers' perceptions and purchasing behaviour when the organic label coexists with different levels of territorial brand equity (in our case, Geographical Indication). A 2 (Geographical Indication brand equity: high vs. low) by 2 (organic: organic label vs. no label) between-subjects factorial design experiment was conducted to test the interaction effects of these two dimensions. Data were collected from 412 wine consumers. The results demonstrate that when territorial brand equity is low, the organic label increases consumers' taste perception, perceived quality, and willingness to pay a premium price. In contrast, organic certification does not significantly influence consumer purchase behaviour for high-equity brand wines
Consumers wine preferences according to purchase occasion: Personal consumption and gift-giving
No full textWe tested the hypothesis that individuals may act differently when buying a bottle of wine for themselves than they do when buying wine as a gift. Using a between-subject design, we estimated the differences in consumer preference for these two occasions. We conducted a choice experiment on 618 Italian wine consumers and included the attributes of price, geographical indication (i.e. IGT, DOC, or DOCG), organic claim, and brand (i.e. famous producer or a non-famous producer). By applying an error component random parameters logit model, we detected relevant differences between the two scenarios in terms of the relative importance of the studied attributes. The gift-giving scenario was further investigated using a latent class model, which identified three segments of consumers; we profiled these according to personal attitudes and wine knowledge. Our results show a relevant heterogeneity among consumers’ preferences for the gift-giving scenario, with geographical indication having a low impact and brand and organic claim playing a pivotal role. This study provides relevant insights for winemakers and retailers regarding diversifying marketing strategies
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