1,721,286 research outputs found
Understanding the behavioural factors influencing adoption of sustainable practices: Insights from upland beef and sheep farms in Northern Ireland.
No full textThis study investigates the behavioural factors influencing the adoption of sustainable practices among upland beef and sheep farmers in Northern Ireland. Utilizing a survey of 357 farmers and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), it identifies key factors driving adoption. Findings show that 71% of farms have adopted practices such as using manure instead of chemical fertilizers, planting trees, implementing low-emission slurry spreading, and reducing stocking density. Key influences on adoption include attitudes towards the environment, risk, and profitability, as well as social influences. However, barriers such as insufficient incentives, high costs, strict regulations, uncertainty about environmental benefits, and lack of training significantly impede broader adoption. Addressing these barriers and leveraging behavioural insights can inform policy design to enhance long-term commitment to sustainable farming practices. This research provides valuable insights for achieving sustainable intensification in agriculture by understanding and addressing the behavioural aspects of farmers' decision-making processes
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Stated willingness-to-pay for organic fruit and pesticide ban: an evaluation using both web-based and face-to-face interviewing
No full textIncome growth in highly industrialised countries has resulted in consumer choice of foodstuffs no longer being primarily influenced by basic factors such as price and organoleptic features. From this perspective, the present study sets out to evaluate how and to what extent consumer choice is influenced by the possible negative effects on health and environment caused by the consumption of fruit containing deposits of pesticides and chemical products. The study describes the results of a survey which explores and estimates consumer willingness to pay in two forms: a yearly contribution for the abolition of the use of pesticides on fruit, and a premium price for organically grown apples guaranteed by a certified label. The same questionnaire was administered to two samples. The first was a conventional face-to-face survey of customers of large retail outlets located around Bologna (Italy); the second was an Internet sample. The discrete choice data were analysed by means of probit and tobit models to estimate the utility consumers attribute to organically grown fruit and to a pesticide ban. The research also addresses questions of validity and representativeness as a fundamental problem in web-based surveys
Participatory guarantee system, equivalence and quality control in a comparative study on organic certifications systems in Europe and Brazil
Full text linkAlthough organic agriculture in Brazil targets mainly local consumers, there is growing demand for research related to commercializing this sector abroad. A study was done in Europe on the perception of entities related to this theme, specifically on Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), the feasibility of equivalence between the countries, and control procedures. An exploratory study was conducted through interviews with five organic certification bodies, two in Switzerland, three in Italy, and with a producer association in Italy. PGS is little known in Europe in general and it is suggested that it be better disseminated in the member countries. PGS has been evaluated positively for reducing certification costs and promoting benefits from a social aspect, but it can fail in organic compliance and in large scale production. There are significant differences that must be overcome in order to establish equivalence, such as the lack of homogeneity among European countries on control procedures, the existence of PGS in Brazilian legislation, lack of wild crop products in Europe, different conversion periods, and the requirement of a higher number of inspections in Brazil. Equivalence is seen as beneficial to both Europe and Brazil, and it would therefore be appropriate to promote its viability. The Brazilian law on organic agriculture is taken as very restrictive and complex
Exploring consumer intention to purchase blockchain-traced pasta
Full text linkThis study explores consumers’ purchase intentions for organic pasta with blockchain-based traceability, employing an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model. Analysing responses from 190 Italian respondents via a structured online questionnaire, the research investigates how attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, trust in quality certifications, and attitudes toward technology shape purchase intentions for blockchain-based food. Structural equation modelling (SEM) reveals that subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and positive attitudes toward technology significantly influence purchase intention. In contrast, trust in quality certifications and general attitudes toward blockchain traceability show no direct impact. The findings highlight the importance of social influence and technological familiarity in promoting blockchain adoption for food transparency
A multi-objective modelling tool to estimate the abatement cost of GHG emissions of Italian arable crops
No full textThe aim of this study is to present an application of a multi-objective modelling tool based on official data collected by the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) to investigate mitigation strategies for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions of arable farms in the Po Valley (IT). Compromise programming and scenario approach are adopted to generate information relevant to agri-environmental policy analysis and guidance
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