Environmental and Health Impacts of Agro-Food Production and Consumption

Dear Colleagues,

The current challenges in the field of agro-food production and consumption are related to the greater capacity to use natural resources in a sustainable way, knowing the best technological processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. Special emphasis has been placed on the promotion of sustainable forms of agriculture that require, alongside effective water and crop management, the optimal use and management of soil fertility and soil physical properties. On the other hand, the pollution and food contamination related to the use of production technologies and processes have significant environmental and social consequences. It is commonly known that sustainable processes involve the successful management of natural resources to satisfy human needs while maintaining or enhancing environmental quality and conserving natural resources for future generations. There are important issues in agro-food production and consumption (e.g., biotechnology, water use and water pollution, energy, storage conditions, chemicals, food safety, wastes) that have a significant impact on the environment and human health. Lifecycle thinking and assessment and their analytical power in assessing supply chains have been indicated as a reference methodology for assessing that impact. In this Topic, innovative and high-quality research articles are welcome, as well as review articles, addressing environmental and health impact assessment of agro-food production and consumption. Suitable approaches on individual single food products or in a food supply chain, using sustainable food processes and solutions, different assessment methodologies, and/or Lifecycle assessment analysis (e.g., agriculture/breeding, industrial, processing, logistics, packaging, use, and end of life, consumption strategy) are welcome.

Dr. Manuela Vieira da Silva
Prof. Dr. Edgar Pinto
Dr. Ana Pinto de Moura
Dr. Manuela Vaz Velho
Topic Editors