Search Results (414)

Carbon farming represents a strategic approach to enhancing agricultural sustainability while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Türkiye, agriculture accounted for approximately 14.9% of national GHG emissions in 2023, dominated by methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). By increasing carbon storage in soils and vegetation, carbon farming can improve soil health, water retention, and climate resilience, thereby contributing to mitigation efforts and sustainable rural development. This study reviews and synthesizes international and national evidence on carbon farming mechanisms, practices, payment models, and adoption enablers and barriers, situating these insights within Türkiye’s agroecological and institutional context. The analysis draws on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025. The findings indicate substantial mitigation potential from soil-based practices and livestock- and manure-related measures, yet limited uptake due to low awareness, capacity constraints, financial and administrative barriers, and regulatory gaps, highlighting the need for region-specific approaches. To support implementation and scaling, the study proposes a policy-oriented, regionally differentiated and digitally enabled MRV framework and an associated implementation pathway designed to reduce transaction costs, enhance farmer participation, and enable integration with emerging carbon market mechanisms. Full article

The widespread use of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary care, and livestock production has resulted in their frequent detection in diverse environmental and food matrices, making continuous surveillance of antibiotic residues in food products essential for consumer protection. In this study, a sustainable analytical method based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with UHPLC–MS/MS was developed for the trace determination of sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine, and enrofloxacin in commercial cow milk and chicken eggs. A natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of anisaldehyde and octanoic acid (2:1, molar ratio) was employed as a biodegradable extraction solvent, and key extraction parameters were systematically optimized. Under optimized conditions, the method demonstrated excellent linearity (R² ≥ 0.9982), recoveries of 89.5–98.7%, and RSDs ≤ 6.04%. Application to 44 commercial samples from the Saudi market revealed sulfamethoxazole as the most frequently detected antibiotic, occurring in 90% of egg samples (2.17–13.76 µg kg⁻¹) and 70.8% of milk samples (0.26–26.67 µg L⁻¹). A comprehensive evaluation using ten metrics confirmed the method’s greenness, practicality, analytical performance, and innovation. Overall, the proposed NADES–DLLME–UHPLC–MS/MS approach offers a rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative for routine monitoring of antibiotic residues in food matrices. Full article

Since the mid-20th century, the landscapes of Mediterranean mountain regions have undergone a significant transformation, linked to the socioeconomic changes caused by the opening up of these regions to the market economy. This prompted a rural exodus, the abandoning of farmland and the reduction in livestock, so activating various reforestation processes. In parallel, the “green revolution” promoted the modernization of agrifood systems, so contributing to the decline of traditional ways of farming in mountain areas. The farms on which traditional polyculture and agroforestry are still carried out today are important agrobiodiversity reserves. In this research, we monitor the dynamics of land use and cover and the changes in the structure of the agrifood landscapes on the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada (Spain) by comparing maps from 1956, 1984, 2007 and 2020. The results reveal a sharp decline in cultivated land, from 39.19% to 21.54%, and an expansion of natural covers, especially Mediterranean forest, driven by the abandonment of farmland and reforestation policies. Today, the landscape is composed of a more fragmented, less cohesive mosaic of agroecosystems. These changes indicate a reduction in agrobiodiversity at a landscape level, in line with the tendency observed at farm level in the study area. Full article

This study investigates how major agricultural commodities interact with diversified U.S. equity funds, sorted by their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk exposure. Using daily Morningstar data on 880 U.S. equity mutual funds, we construct portfolios representing high- and low-ESG-risk equities and examine their linkages with prices for eight agricultural commodities. Applying Fourier-augmented Toda–Yamamoto VAR and LM-GARCH models that accommodate both abrupt and gradual structural breaks, we document clear heterogeneity across ESG risk segments. Low-ESG-risk portfolios exhibit minimal price and volatility spillovers from agricultural commodities, whereas high-ESG-risk portfolios display strong and often bidirectional transmissions—particularly for coffee, corn, cotton, livestock, and soybeans. These findings highlight ESG risk exposure as a key dimension shaping commodity–equity integration and provide new evidence on how sustainability-related risks influence equity market vulnerability to commodity shocks. Full article

Sweetpotato genotypes, often known by regional names, are easily propagated via cuttings, which can lead to mixing and misidentification of cultivars. This complicates traceability and commercialization. Accurate characterization of common genotypes would support their formal registration and strengthen the sweetpotato value chain. Sweetpotato is a staple crop in Brazil, and in this study, four states, representing different geographic regions in Brazil, were selected. A total of 37 samples were collected in these states, and the samples were evaluated by SSR molecular markers and morphological traits. The samples were cleaned of virus and compared to the global sweetpotato collection held at the International Potato Center under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. SSR markers effectively distinguished among accessions. The genotype locally known as “Canadense” matched closely both genetically and morphologically to the CIP accession ‘Blesbok’. This alignment paves the way for formalizing cuttings and root production of “Canadense”/‘Blesbok’ for commercial use. In contrast, several accessions marketed in Sergipe as “white skin sweetpotato” did not correspond to any known CIP accession, suggesting that they may be unique regional genotypes or acquired from other sources, since sweetpotato is an exotic crop in Brazil. Overall, the research identified key genotypes, supporting their official registration with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, thereby enhancing the legal commercialization of cuttings and roots. Additionally, the clear molecular and trait-based classification will assist sweetpotato crop improvement programs in selecting appropriate parent lines for future crosses. Full article

This study analyzes the establishment of Local Agri-Food Systems (LAFSs) in the triple-border region between the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, by identifying and mapping potential areas of primary peasant agri-food production. An integrated analysis of data sources was treated, processed, and integrated into a common spatial support. Land use and land cover data were used from demographic and agricultural censuses, from the Rural Environmental Registry, agrarian reform settlement projects and conservation units. Our study revealed that 23.73% of the regional area has potential for peasant production, identifying four regions that stand out in terms of this potential. The area presented livestock and animal husbandry as the main agri-food chain, with potential for processing within the territory itself, in addition to extractive activities in the Atlantic Forest biome. The results indicate that there are possibilities for the establishment of LAFSs as a local development strategy associated with social inclusion and environmental responsibility, although there is a need to expand and strengthen the transportation and marketing channels for products from these short chains. The cartographies produced aim to contribute as auxiliary instruments to land use planning and management, seeking to strengthen LAFSs at different scales of governance. Full article

Assessments of poverty among agricultural households in Sub-Saharan Africa often rely on either monetary or multidimensional indicators considered separately, overlooking key structural constraints. This study investigates the determinants of both monetary and multidimensional poverty among agricultural households in Togo. Using nationally representative EHCVM 2021/22 data from 2893 households, monetary poverty is measured using the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke Index, while multidimensional poverty is assessed with the Alkire–Foster method. A survey-weighted logit model is employed to identify the drivers associated with each poverty dimension. Results show that multidimensional poverty (59.40%) is more widespread than monetary poverty (51.50%). Education substantially reduces poverty risk, whereas larger household size, limited market access, and residence in the Savannah region increase it. Economic and natural shocks are negatively associated with monetary and absolute poverty, while cooperative membership raises the likelihood of being poor. Investment in livestock (TLU) reduces monetary poverty but increases multidimensional deprivation. These findings highlight that poverty among agricultural households in Togo is shaped by interconnected socioeconomic and institutional constraints rather than income deprivation alone. Therefore, integrated strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting education, rural credit access, market integration, and resilience-building, are essential for achieving effective and context-specific poverty reduction. Full article

Integrated crop grazing systems can improve farm profitability due to enterprise complementarity. Utilizing the supply of N from legumes, livestock manure, and plant residues will result in improving grain yield and quality. A long-term 12-year integrated systems study evaluated continuous spring wheat (HRSW-CTRL) with spring wheat (HRSW-ROT) grown in a five-crop rotation: (1) spring wheat, (2) seven-species cover crop, (3) forage corn, (4) field pea/forage barley mix, and (5) sunflower. Yearling beef cattle steers grazed the field pea/forage barley mix, unharvested corn, and a seven-species cover crop. Spring wheat was marketed as a cash crop. Contrary to expectations, HRSW-ROT did not significantly increase grain yield or improve quality over HRSW-CTRL. Improved soil fertility was observed in the HRSW-ROT plots throughout the study relative to SOM, N, P, and K. However, the rotation with grazing management significantly reduced input costs but resulted in negligible gross and net returns over the 12-year period. Year-to-year weather variability was the cause of the differences between the two production management methods. Full article

Background: The global livestock industry faces pressure to reduce antimicrobial usage while maintaining animal health and productivity. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics, essential oils, organic acids, and enzymes have emerged as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Commercial success depends on consumer acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for products from animals raised using these approaches. Objective: This systematic review synthesized peer-reviewed literature examining consumer knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and WTP toward animal products produced using NPIs or marketed as antibiotic-free (ABF) to identify a critical gap in existing research. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published from January 2020 to December 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research examining consumer perspectives toward NPIs or antibiotic-free (ABF) animal products. Narrative synthesis was employed due to study heterogeneity. Results: From 847 records, 15 studies met inclusion criteria. A critical finding was that virtually no peer-reviewed research directly examines consumer perceptions of specific NPIs such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics, organic acids, or enzymes as feed additives. The included studies predominantly examined ABF production generally (60%) without specifying alternatives employed. Europe accounted for 80% of studies, while Asia accounted for 20%. Consumer awareness of agricultural antibiotic use was consistently low across contexts. Attitudes toward ABF products were favorable with one study reporting WTP premiums of 18–20%. Health consciousness was the strongest predictor of acceptance. Conclusions: The review highlights that while substantial literature exists on ABF products, no studies examine consumer perceptions of specific non-pharmaceutical interventions. Future research should investigate consumer responses to intervention specific labeling and communication strategies. Full article

This study aimed to provide the first characterization of the traditional farming systems and meat quality traits of the Black Alpine pig (BAP), an ecotype under recovery originating in the Italian Central Alps, reared under real, actual conditions. Productive and reproductive data were collected through on-farm visits from six BAP farms located in Northern Italy. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and backfat samples from BAPs were collected in the same farms and analyzed for color, tenderness, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile. For exploratory purposes and to provide a descriptive benchmark of commercial pork (CP) quality, loin samples were purchased from the retail market. PLS-DA served as a discriminant model between BAP and CP meat samples on a multivariate data matrix. BAP farming was characterized as an en plein air system with high outdoor access and reliance on natural vegetation. BAPs showed high rusticity and slow growth. The LD muscle was characterized by a firm texture, an intense dark-red color, and a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, reflecting traditional rustic meat features associated with the interaction between dietary, environmental, and genetic factors. Our preliminary results provided novel insights into BAP farming practices and meat quality, supporting the maintenance of this genetic resource through traditional farming and the preservation of biodiversity in alpine livestock, offering exploratory evidence of the current BAP farming system. Full article

Agroforestry, a sustainable land management system, integrates trees with crops and livestock, providing substantial benefits in terms of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. However, its adoption remains limited due to multiple barriers. This systematic review analyzes 148 peer-reviewed studies published between 1980 and 2024 to synthesize evidence on agroforestry’s contributions to livelihood improvement, income diversification, soil and water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and climate mitigation, while also identifying barriers at micro (household), meso (institutional/market), and macro (policy) levels. Findings show that environmental benefits dominate the literature, whereas economic and social dimensions, as well as adoption barriers, are comparatively understudied, with only nine papers focusing specifically on barriers. The review highlights high initial costs, limited technical capacity, weak markets, inadequate extension support, and restrictive policies as persistent obstacles inhibiting broader adoption. Addressing these structural constraints, particularly at the meso and macro levels, is crucial to scaling up agroforestry as a viable sustainability strategy. Full article

Supply chain disruptions and climate shocks have exposed the fragility of food systems, highlighting the urgency of reconnecting urban areas with local food production through spatial planning. This study develops a regional-scale ecosystem service (ES)-based foodshed assessment framework, integrating agricultural capacity, ecological functionality, and infrastructure, specifically roads, food industries, and markets. The framework combines the Metropolitan Foodshed and Self-Sufficiency Scenario (MFSS) model with stakeholder-prioritized integrated ES mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based multi-criteria suitability analysis. Applied to Istanbul and the Marmara Region, the assessment focuses on cereals/legumes, vegetables, and fruits/spices under four scenarios projected to 2033. Results show that integrating ESs increases the area classified as suitable by 26%, while infrastructure constraints reduce it to 9%, reflecting the spatial trade-offs between ecological potential and accessibility. Istanbul, with limited agricultural land, achieves self-sufficiency levels below 10% in all scenarios, highlighting its structural dependency. Eliminating food loss and waste reduces regional land demand by 23%. The framework offers policy-relevant insights for conservation, ecological restoration, and decentralized food system development. It remains open to further enhancement through the inclusion of livestock-based systems, updated land cover data, and climate projections, factors essential for assessing long-term resilience. Overall, the ES-based assessment can support food- and ecosystem-sensitive spatial planning in metropolitan regions. Full article

Indonesia’s beef cattle sector plays a central role in achieving food security, enhancing rural livelihoods, and fostering economic resilience. However, it faces fragmented governance, import dependence, and persistent challenges of low productivity levels. To capture the evolving evidence base, this study conducted a scoping review of 61 peer-reviewed publications (2019–2025) drawn from six major databases. This study employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review Protocol and Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Key patterns, advances, and gaps, along with evidence and research recommendations, were identified using the PAGER analytical approach. The dominant themes include production efficiency, environmental sustainability, policy, market linkages, and technological innovation. The results show that most studies employed quantitative or system modelling designs. In the global literature, multidimensional sustainability frameworks have shifted away from production-centric ones, with regional studies highlighting different emphases, such as carbon metrics in South America and market access and livelihood resilience in Asia and Africa. Integrated crop, livestock, and forestry systems; legume-based nutrient management; genotype-specific feeding and breeding; and enabling policies within inclusive markets were revealed through the synthesis of the PAGER framework as four calculated levers for sustainable transformation. However, actors inadequately integrate feed, genetic, climate interactions, and governance mechanisms. According to this review, technological innovation must align with adaptive governance. Climate-resilient, low-carbon beef systems also require the development of inclusive institutional frameworks. Indonesia’s experience demonstrates the benefits of integrating science, policy, and the market to improve productivity, resource stewardship, and equity in tropical livestock systems, thereby enhancing a resilient agri-food supply chain in Indonesia. Full article

The Mercosur countries (also known as the Southern Common Market countries) and the European Union (EU) Member States are two major global agri-food exporters whose production structures, patterns of specialisation and sustainability standards differ significantly. The upcoming entry into force of the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) may alter competitive conditions in the EU agri-food markets, as its most important component—the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement—provides for tariff liberalisation. The aim of this article is therefore to compare the agricultural production potential of Mercosur and the EU countries using a set of indicators grouped into production factors (land, labour and capital), productivity, production structure, and qualitative sustainability-related factors. The analysis employs comparative and dynamic statistical methods (including compound annual growth rates and measures of variability). The study is based on FAOSTAT data for 2018–2023, complemented by information on regulatory frameworks and EMPA provisions. The results show that agriculture in Mercosur is land-abundant, cost-efficient, and oriented toward export-driven livestock and commodity production, while the EU is characterised by higher capital intensity and significantly higher land and labour productivity. These structural asymmetries, reinforced by lower input costs and less stringent production standards in Mercosur, suggest increased competitive pressure in the EU market after EMPA implementation, particularly in beef, poultry, sugar and ethanol. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of market dynamics and, where necessary, the activation of safeguard mechanisms. The study provides also an updated evidence base to support policymakers in assessing the implications of the EMPA. Full article

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) are major zoonotic diseases, spread by arthropods, with livestock serving as amplifying hosts. Despite Nigeria’s large ruminant population and robust cross-border animal trade, data on the seroprevalence of the viral agents causing these diseases remain limited. A longitudinal serological survey was conducted in five major livestock markets across Nigeria. A total of 3450 animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) were tested for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) antibodies using ELISA. Data on species, age, sex, animal origin, and tick infestation were collected and analyzed. Overall seroprevalence was 27.1% (95% CI: 25.6–28.6) for CCHFV and 5.8% (95% CI: 5.1–6.7) for RVFV. Cattle showed the highest prevalence for both CCHFV (55.4%) and RVFV (11.2%), followed by sheep (17.4% and 2.9%) and goats (8.6% and 3.4%). Evidence of mixed exposure to both CCHFV and RVFV antibodies was detected in 8.2% of cattle, 0.7% of sheep, and 0.2% of goats. Seropositivity was higher in older animals, females, tick-infested animals, and those of Nigerian origin compared to imported animals. Market-level variation was observed, with Mubi livestock market showing the highest CCHFV prevalence (35.5%) and Illela livestock market the highest RVF prevalence (11.2%). The detection of con-current CCHFV and RVFV antibodies, alongside high CCHFV prevalence and detectable RVFV circulation among Nigerian livestock highlight the risk of zoonotic spillover, particularly in livestock markets with intense human–animal interaction. Full article