1,720,997 research outputs found
The potential of edible seaweed within the western diet. A segmentation of Italian consumers
No full textDespite edible seaweeds being a source of protein, amino acids, minerals and vitamins and being part of some traditional cuisines, they are not widely consumed and are not normally included within western diets. Some studies have reported a growing interest in seaweeds among consumers in some European countries; furthermore, there have recently been initiatives in the field of gastronomy to open up new prospects for the future consumption of edible seaweed. Within this context, this study aims to explore Italian consumer attitudes and perceptions of edible seaweed and to profile them in clusters based on different characteristics. Data were collected from a sample of 257 Italian consumers by using a web-based survey. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to reduce the number of variables and a hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on the PCA scores. The study findings showed that 76% of the sample were willing to eat seaweed. This this may be due to a familiarity with some traditional Italian dishes that use seaweed or to the spread of Asian gastronomy in the country. This willingness to consume seaweed may indicate that consumers are becoming more receptive to novel foods, in particular those that are healthy options or are more sustainable food alternatives. However, only 57% of respondents had eaten seaweed once in the past. The profiling of the sample produced an optimal solution with seven clusters based on different food habits and attitudes towards edible seaweed. This could be useful for developing the sector and promoting seaweed consumption. In five out of seven clusters, ranging from those with a very good to a poor conception of seaweed, consumers consistently paid attention to the health characteristics of food. For several clusters, seaweed characteristics and seaweed availability were revealed as important drivers for influencing consumer attitudes. More information about the health and organoleptic characteristics of seaweed should be at the center of any marketing tools aimed at promoting consumer acceptance. Such tools should also address main factors that could lead consumption choices and policy action such as including edible seaweed within recommended dietary guidelines. Furthermore, the development of the culinary and gastronomic potential of seaweed could be useful for increasing consumption amongst present and future consumers in western countries. These opportunities should be seized in particular regard to those consumer profiles that have shown good disposition towards and willingness to consume seaweed
Foodies' movement fostering stakeholders' network: a regional case study
No full textThe central theme of this work revolves around the foodies’ movement under three perspectives: rstly, from a conceptual point of view to give account of its relevance in terms of consumer demand; secondly, to verify how, from the supply side, this movement can to some extent encourage and/or strengthen the creation of networks of local actors indispensable to encourage the meeting between the needs of the demand and supply of typical food products; thirdly, based on a case study to demonstrate that the movement of foodies can be exploited within a political action aimed at reorienting local tourism development. A national case study – Alghero, IT – was analysed. By positioning the rural and urban spaces with respect to the foodies’ phenomenon, the existence/absence of networks between local stakeholders some obstacles emerged so as many opportunities. The stakeholder analysis was applied and discussed. This method was very useful for identifying the role, power and leadership that the various local actors have in favoring or hindering the creation of connection networks between the city and the countryside, and in the requali cation of the supply of typical foods that t well into the current demand trend
Italian halal food market development: drivers and obstacles from experts’ opinions
No full textPurpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the trends and prospects for the development of the halal market for Italian foods, with a focus on pasta production as one of the most valued products of the Made in Italy brand. The analysis takes into consideration drivers and obstacles for developing halal orientation strategies in world and internal markets and opportunities and threats for Italian food firms. Design/methodology/approach Market dynamics were investigated by a forecasting tool, the Delphi method, which aims to explore future market trends and give suggestions for firm strategies and policy intervention. Besides firms, other experts involved in the Italian halal food sector were interviewed. Answers were organised according to the level of importance given to the different issues and to the level of agreement between the opinions of the experts. These findings were then discussed in relation to the contexts, both external and internal to companies, that had given rise to such opinions. Findings The halal food market represents a good opportunity for enlarging the overseas markets for Italian products and producers. Several external and internal factors related to the demographic, the institutional, the market and the firm contexts, emerged. The challenges that non-Islamic countries, markets and firms face in the adoption of halal strategies are mainly due to the institutional context, to the scarce awareness of halal principles and practices, and to some suspicion of Islamic food and culture that does not yet seem well-known and accepted on the domestic market. Originality/value The Islamic food market has still to be fully explored in Italy, this is despite strongly emerging demand and a growing number of firms showing interest in implementing halal certification and entering new Islamic markets. The paper findings contribute to the scarce empirical literature about the halal market in Italy and give some recommendations both for supporting further studies, identifying preliminary implications and suggesting policy measures
The potential for developing educational farms: a SWOT analysis from a case study
No full textPurpose: Educational farms (EFs) serve a number of social and
economic functions and are part of the debate about new
learning environments, multifunctional agriculture and firm
diversification. Through the analysis of a case study, this paper
aims to identify strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and
threats (SWOT) of EFs and key factors for setting a development
strategy.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A direct survey to EFs in Molise
region (IT) was implemented during April-May 2017 and results
were assessed following a SWOT approach.
Findings: Strong motivation and connection with agritourism
activities are strengths of EFs in the region; small size, unskilled
staff, lack of structured educational pathways, and limited
profitability are the main weaknesses. Farms opportunities come
from a territory rich in rural landscapes, environmental resources,
and typical food products, and from a growing demand for
educational tourism. Obstacles are in the institutional sphere and
due to the absence of regional networks. Based on SWOT
findings, key factors for EFs development are discussed.
Practical implications: EFs development requires innovative
educational and managerial tools, a more concerted and proactive
role for multiple stakeholders, and the implementation of a
network approach. Study findings solicit actions from public
institutions and advisory services to improve farmers’ skills.
Theoretical implications: The paper contributes to the theoretical
debate about the need for a multidisciplinary approach in dealing
with the analysis of EFs.
Originality/Value: The analysis underlines the importance of
internal and external drivers in stimulating farms and institutions
to support diversification strategies, rural development and
transformation processes in inner areas
A framework for assessing the relational accessibility of protected areas
No full textHuman - nature relationship concept has recently been reconsidered, emphasizing the benefits humans beings receive from ecosystems. This study moves from the awareness of the importance for organizations that manage protected areas to design strategies and actions aimed at improving the relatedness between the natural world and people, and between individuals. Starting from this premise, the study proposes a voluntary framework of relational accessibility, with the aim of improving the visitororganization relationship and the human-nature relatedness, and thus creating value for the organizations themselves. Afterdefining the relationshipconcept, the approach and the contentof the framework are set, based on multidisciplinary fields and approaches. The framework follows a cyclical approach and consists of a set of general and specific requirements and guidelines. To support the definition of the framework, relational accessibility is investigated within a specific protected area, through a focus group and a direct survey with children. The framework is then defined in more general terms, so that it can suitable for application to other environmental and organizational contexts. The relational accessibility framework is discussed with the managing board of the study site and compared with other sustainability tools. The implementation of the relational framework within the management system of protected areas could increase the social and economic value of these areas, while at the same time pursuing environmental goals
Le politiche attive del lavoro in agricoltura con particolare riferimento agli obiettivi ed alle azioni previste dal Patto per il lavoro ed al territorio
No full textEnvironmental impact of cereal straw management: An on-farm assessment
Full text linkThis work assessed the environmental impact of cereal straw end-practices at farm gate and highlighted the best on-farm scenario. A sample of cereal farms located in Apulia Region, in Southern Italy, was investigated through a survey questionnaire. Straw incorporation in the soil, straw burning and baling, were the three practices considered. In the light of the ever-growing demand of straw for energy feedstock production, we discussed two scenarios, namely the status quo and the demand pulled scenarios, each one with a different mix of the three straw end-practices. Following farmer's intentions, in the demand pulled scenario a high percentage of straw was baled while reducing straw incorporation; straw burning practice was not eliminated because it allows farmers to prepare the soil for cultivation. Sensitivity analysis tested different wheat and straw allocation methods (economic vs mass and cereal unit allocation). The environmental impact of alternative straw end-practices and scenarios was assessed by means of an attributional Life Cycle Assessment. Straw incorporation resulted the best environmental practice. Scenarios had quite similar impacts for 8 out of 11 impact categories, but the demand pulled scenario was less impacting than the status quo on global warming, human toxicity, and photochemical oxidation impact categories. These results allow us to conclude that the perspective of selling the straw on the local market for energy production is a better solution compared to the current situation
Geosites and parks for the sustainable development of inner areas: the Matese Mountain (IT)
No full textThe paper focuses on the potentiality of geosites valorisation in supporting a sustainable rural development strategy. An inner area in Southern Italy with a valuable naturalistic and geological, heritage is considered. The area is analysed under demographic, economic, environmental, agricultural and tourism profiles to bring out limits and strengths that a strategy of geological valorisation can meet. Results highlighted the fragility of the Mountain -in terms of depopulation, ageing, unemployment and low firm density, that has not been affected by a proper tourism development. The valorisation of geosites can achieve its potential if all components of local heritage are reinforced and built around common peculiarities
Environmental impact of cereal straw management: An on-farm assessment
No full textThis work assessed the environmental impact of cereal straw end-practices at farm gate and highlighted
the best on-farm scenario. A sample of cereal farms located in Apulia Region, in Southern Italy, was
investigated through a survey questionnaire. Straw incorporation in the soil, straw burning and baling,
were the three practices considered. In the light of the ever-growing demand of straw for energy
feedstock production, we discussed two scenarios, namely the status quo and the demand pulled scenarios,
each one with a different mix of the three straw end-practices. Following farmer's intentions, in
the demand pulled scenario a high percentage of straw was baled while reducing straw incorporation;
straw burning practice was not eliminated because it allows farmers to prepare the soil for cultivation.
Sensitivity analysis tested different wheat and straw allocation methods (economic vs mass and cereal
unit allocation). The environmental impact of alternative straw end-practices and scenarios was assessed
by means of an attributional Life Cycle Assessment. Straw incorporation resulted the best environmental
practice. Scenarios had quite similar impacts for 8 out of 11 impact categories, but the demand pulled
scenario was less impacting than the status quo on global warming, human toxicity, and photochemical
oxidation impact categories. These results allow us to conclude that the perspective of selling the straw
on the local market for energy production is a better solution compared to the current situation
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