1,721,023 research outputs found

    Technical and Economic Efficiency of Vine Pruning: Results of Experimental Trials of Some Cultivars of Grapevine Grown in Sicily and Determination of Break-even Point

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    The research presents the results carried out on Sicilian viticulture in order to study the economic sustainability of the agricultural company. In particular, the author examined the operation of dry pruning and tying of the fruiting head in espalier vineyards with tools that facilitate the work. The economic analysis highlights that equipping yourself with mechanical tools that facilitate work is convenient for both large and small wineries. The results of the research highlight that the investment to facilitate pruning and tying in Guyot-trained vineyards can also be made by wine-growing companies and is increasingly convenient as the area under vines involved increases

    Digital technologies for the development of sustainable tourism in mountain areas

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    The promotion of sustainable tourism models in mountain areas represents a critical success factor for the territory and the environment. In political and economic literature there has been much debate in the attempt to interpret the phenomenon of growth and development with the changing socio-economic environment. Today the topic remains at the center of the debate of many economic policy authorities due to the exodus phenomena occurring in internal areas. In this study, we examined how the resources of mountain areas can create income opportunities as a function of the diffusion of sustainable income. On the one hand, in mountain environments, we have natural resources that represent common goods that must be maintained precisely according to the opportunities they create for sustainable tourism where they represent its essential feature. The complexity of the economic phenomena, which on the one hand leads to an exodus from these environments, determines the need to create new management structures, that can satisfy the needs of the local community and guarantee appropriate management of natural resources. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between sustainable tourism models and natural resource management considering the case of the Ficuzza Forest and applying new digital technologies such as mobile apps that allow you to make hotel reservations, read reviews about the best restaurant in the area, and buy museum tickets to avoid the queue. Starting from the theoretical framework, and subsequently analyzing the empirical case, we highlighted the utility flows that descend from the Bosco. The resulting results have considerable relevance for the planning of mountain territories. The study highlights that the interconnection between public and private management models can guarantee the growth and development of mountain territories

    Localized agri-food systems: The case of Pecorino Siciliano PDO a food product of the tradition of Mediterranean gastronomy

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    Sustainability is becoming a successful strategic variable for creating value in rural areas. In the context of rural areas, excellent agri-food products are located which form the starting point for the creation of value. The legislator, in order to promote these products, provides for the PDO, PGI, TSG certifications. Brands and sustainability become a combination to favor the permanence of man in rural areas. This contribution discusses the use of territorial brand indicators to foster the resilience of territories. In particular, Pecorino Siciliano PDO is examined and the business strategies of a sample of companies examined are evaluated. The study contributes to highlighting a localized agri-food system which, despite the competition from other products, continues, albeit with low economic margins, to create those conditions for the permanence of man in the territory

    Qualitative determinants of wine demand: an exploratory analysis of two Sicilian wines "Catarratto" and "Nero d'Avola"

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    This article analyzed the socio-cultural representations associated with two Sicilian wines, Catarratto, and Nero d’Avola. The study was carried out in the area of western Sicily, where most of the wine growing is concentrated. In particular, for ‘Catarratto’, the research was conducted in the area of the Gulf of Castellammare in the province of Trapani, an area particularly suited to the cultivation of the ‘Catarratto’ vine from which the white wine is obtained; for ‘Nero d’Avola’, the research was conducted in the area of Menfi in the province of Agrigento, an area particularly suited to this black vine. Our objective was to determine how the players in the wine chain, and who indirectly deal with wine, construct their mental model relating to wine to suggest to companies the appropriate wine marketing actions to take to increase their competitive advantage. To achieve the objective of the research, ten focus groups consisting of wine consumers, teetotalers, wine opinion leaders, wine merchants, wine shop owners, medical doctors, and food experts were conducted. During the focus group, we gave these subjects a document in which they had to explain what wine evokes in them. The results of the research confirm that wine is a complex food product whose consumption evokes sensations, memories, and pleasures. The study provides an important source of knowledge on the current cultural significance of wine and its consumption in these two areas of Sicily. Therefore, the study highlighted the quality of these two Sicilian wines can guarantee competitiveness at the company and sector levels

    Long-term changes in business models in inland and mountainous areas for the promotion of sustainable food systems

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    For the management of inland and mountainous areas to be economically viable, business activities in these environments must provide sufficient income for the local population without jeopardising the interests of future generations. In purely economic terms, the management of these areas requires that the production of such goods and services that constitute utility flows for an ecosystem and its local population be economically viable. This management must be able to provide an income for the local population; it cannot only support the costs inevitably incurred for the conservation and production of goods and services provided by the activities that take place in the mountain area. This study examines inland and mountain areas in Italy, areas with particular economic difficulties, that have been characterized by exodus and abandonment phenomena in recent years to verify which business models to identify to favour the permanence of agricultural activities in these environments. Business models of competitiveness were developed through the economic model of joint production analysis. The results of the study highlight that the strategies to be implemented are diversified according to the specificities of human capital and environmental resources

    Street food in Palermo: Traditions and market perspectives

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    Street food protects and promotes the history and tradition of a place. The origin of street foods largely relies on the cultural and natural landscapes that surround the environments where they are prepared and sold. Street food illustrates a culinary heritage that is embedded in the ways of life of people, both residents and visitors. Drawing on a qualitative study, the researchers conducted ten interviews with street food vendors in the city of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) in order to understand this growing phenomenon in urban environments of the Mediterranean, where the street food also brings the customers to ancient times. Results show the strategy of the entrepreneurs as street food vendors and sheds light into the practices and perceptions they have in relation to the street food past, present and future in the context of street food values

    Exploring consumer behavior and willingness to pay regarding sustainable wine certification

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    Sustainability is a rapidly growing phenomenon at both the European and national levels. The "Green Economy" model and sustainability programs have spared no economic sector. The wine sector has also been swept up in this "green wave," and more and more companies have adopted sustainable production plans and socially responsible behavior. The purpose of this article is to analyze how the wine sector interacts with the main topic of sustainability and communication, particularly certification. More specifically, the goal is to understand how consumers perceive sustainability and how much they are willing to pay for it compared to con-ventional wine. The analysis and collection of data on consumer behavior and willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable wine were conducted through an exploratory survey. The research results highlight that consumers are not very conscious about sustainability and this lack of awareness regarding sustainable wine is, at least in part, attributable to confusion within the industry

    An experimental analysis of consumers’ attitudes towards honey: The case of the Sicilian market

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    The Apis Mellifera is relevant for the structure, composition, and functioning of natural habitats, including agricultural habitats and urban and peri‑urban contexts. Indeed, Apis Mellifera has a massive impact in terms of the positive externalities it brings to the environment in general and especially in fruit trees. In addition to these aspects that determine positive effects on the environment, the production of honey, the consumption of which is of fundamental importance for human health, should not be overlooked. This research aims to investigate the factors that drive consumers to purchase and consume honey. For the purpose of the research, we did a stage sampling by dividing the municipalities in Sicily into three stages. The research results show that 327 out of 527 participants who consume honey because they consider it remarkable for its health and therapeutic properties. This aspect, combined with the positive externalities created by bees, results in the combination of multifunctional agricultural production where production for food purposes (honey) is combined with agricultural production. This aspect has a major value in a perspective of agricultural production that increasingly respects the environment and human health
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