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Analyzing Alternative Food Networks sustainability in Italy: a proposal for an assessment framework

Author

Listed:
  • Luigi Mastronardi

    (University of Molise)

  • Davide Marino

    (University of Molise)

  • Vincenzo Giaccio

    (University of Molise)

  • Agostino Giannelli

    (University of Molise)

  • Margherita Palmieri

    (University of Molise)

  • Giampiero Mazzocchi

    (University of Molise)

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the sustainability of Alternative Food Networks in Italy through the construction of a composite indicator, the Global Sustainability Index. The index is able to provide decision-makers with indications on synergies and tradeoffs between the different dimensions of sustainability. The methodological approach is of the quantitative type, and the information used in the study comes from a direct survey that involved 226 producers. The results show that the environmental indicators that take the greatest value are those concerning problems of great impact on the actual debate such as the loss of genetic diversity and the use of packaging for agro-food products. Regarding economic sustainability, the indicator with the highest value is related to the ability of the Alternative Food Networks to diversify sales channels. This evidence confirms the producers’ increasing difficulty to adopt mono-directional strategies, favoring a differentiation of markets and, consequently, a reduction of economic risks. In terms of social sustainability, two interesting evidences emerge: the considerable importance attributed to the information of the features of the products and the increase in work involvement following participation in the Alternative Food Networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Luigi Mastronardi & Davide Marino & Vincenzo Giaccio & Agostino Giannelli & Margherita Palmieri & Giampiero Mazzocchi, 2019. "Analyzing Alternative Food Networks sustainability in Italy: a proposal for an assessment framework," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 7(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agfoec:v:7:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1186_s40100-019-0142-8
    DOI: 10.1186/s40100-019-0142-8
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    2. Anna Gaviglio & Rosalia Filippini & Fabio Albino Madau & Maria Elena Marescotti & Eugenio Demartini, 2021. "Technical efficiency and productivity of farms: a periurban case study analysis," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 9(1), pages 1-18, December.
    3. Yuna Chiffoleau & Tara Dourian, 2020. "Sustainable Food Supply Chains: Is Shortening the Answer? A Literature Review for a Research and Innovation Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-21, November.
    4. Lilliana Stefanovic, 2022. "SDG Performance in Local Organic Food Systems and the Role of Sustainable Public Procurement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-29, September.
    5. Ronaldo Tavares Souza, 2020. "Box-scheme as alternative food network—the economic integration between consumers and producers," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 8(1), pages 1-25, December.
    6. Alessandra Piccoli & Adanella Rossi & Angela Genova, 2021. "A Socially-Based Redesign of Sustainable Food Practices: Community Supported Agriculture in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-21, October.
    7. Aintzira Oñederra-Aramendi & Mirene Begiristain-Zubillaga & Mamen Cuellar-Padilla, 2023. "Characterisation of food governance for alternative and sustainable food systems: a systematic review," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 11(1), pages 1-32, December.
    8. McDowell, R.W. & Kaye-Blake, W., 2023. "Viewpoint: Act local, effect global: Integrating farm plans to solve water quality and climate change problems," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    9. Dwi Ratna Hidayati & Elena Garnevska & Paul Childerhouse, 2021. "Sustainable Agrifood Value Chain—Transformation in Developing Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-20, November.
    10. Letizia Bindi & Angelo Belliggiano, 2023. "A Highly Condensed Social Fact: Food Citizenship, Individual Responsibility, and Social Commitment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-22, April.

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