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Agriculture
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Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition
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Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 6370

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Steliana Rodino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Research Institute for Agriculture Economy and Rural Development, 060674 Bucharest, Romania
2. Applied Biotechnologies Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: agriculture economy; rural development; bioeconomy; agroecology; sustainable business models; waste management microbiology; biotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global agri-food system is currently facing significant transformations in response to various challenges, ranging from climate change and resource depletion to growing populations and an overall increase in demand for more sustainable practices across all economic activities. Meanwhile, shifting consumer behavior and technology changes are driving forces for innovation within the agriculture sector and the food industry.

This Special Issue, a continuation of the previous Special Issue, is focused on strategies and policies that can support the development of resilient and sustainable agricultural landscapes while addressing environmental, social, and economic drivers of change affecting global futures in agri-food systems. It will facilitate in-depth discussions regarding current themes such as climate change impact, ensuring food security, and tackling the transition toward a sustainable and green economy within various agricultural contexts throughout the world. This Special Issue calls for contributions addressing the reform of global agricultural policies, including but not limited to the European CAP, with a broader focus on policy transformations in various regions designed to promote sustainability in agriculture and food supply chains.

Research articles and review papers are expected to examine resilience strategies within the rural economy based on environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Case studies and comparative analyses from diverse geographical regions showing innovation that supports the development of resilient and sustainable global agri-food system are welcome. These could include circular agriculture practices for reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency, digital tool and artificial intelligence use for smart agriculture, community-led agricultural initiatives, biobased materials for sustainable agricultural inputs, the impact of consumer choices on agricultural practices, etc.

Dr. Steliana Rodino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agri-food value chains
  • agroecology
  • agribusiness
  • bio-based solutions
  • bioeconomy transition
  • Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
  • consumer behavior
  • rural development
  • climate change adaptation
  • sustainable growth
  • circular bioeconomy

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 977 KB  
Article
Competitiveness of Slovak Agriculture Compared to the European Union in the Context of the Circular Economy
by Elena Širá, Rastislav Kotulič and Mariana Dubravská
Agriculture 2026, 16(8), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16080848 - 11 Apr 2026
Viewed by 266
Abstract
The circular economy is built on minimizing waste and maximizing the use of resources. The goal is to protect the environment and ensure the supply of limited raw materials in accordance with sustainability. The circular economy enhances natural capital and thus helps to [...] Read more.
The circular economy is built on minimizing waste and maximizing the use of resources. The goal is to protect the environment and ensure the supply of limited raw materials in accordance with sustainability. The circular economy enhances natural capital and thus helps to increase the competitiveness of the country. The main objective of the work is to determine whether higher support for research and development affects the development of the circular economy and the associated waste generation. Despite persistent geographical differences in innovation between EU 27 countries in R&D spending, this study demonstrates that high investment does not always equal sectoral efficiency. Using a comparative analysis including R&D expenditure, circular economy investment, and waste generation indicators, the research highlights that specific priorities often outweigh general economic strength. Furthermore, the findings revealed no direct link between agricultural R&D funding and waste generation, suggesting that waste levels are influenced by industry intensity and local legislation rather than the volume of research. Economic sustainability ultimately depends on the efficient conversion of resources into value through policy management and eco-innovation, not just the volume of spending itself. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition)
21 pages, 718 KB  
Article
Do Integrated CMD Management Practices Increase Cassava Yields? A Local Average Treatment Effect Analysis from Burkina Faso
by Agnès Ouédraogo, Eveline Sawadogo-Compaore, Ezechiel Bionimian Tibiri, Noël Thiombiano, Adama Sagnon, Seydou Sawadogo, Fidèle Tiendrébéogo and Justin Simon Pita
Agriculture 2026, 16(4), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16040441 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 984
Abstract
Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is a major constraint to cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, where it poses a serious threat to rural food security. This study examined the impact of adopting innovative cassava mosaic disease management practices on cassava [...] Read more.
Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is a major constraint to cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, where it poses a serious threat to rural food security. This study examined the impact of adopting innovative cassava mosaic disease management practices on cassava yields in the Guiriko and Nando regions of Burkina Faso. To address potential biases arising from differences in characteristics between adopters and non-adopters, an econometric approach based on the instrumental variables (IV) method within a counterfactual framework was employed to estimate the local average treatment effect (LATE). The data were drawn from a survey conducted in September 2023 among 511 cassava producers. The results indicate that the adoption of innovative cassava mosaic disease management practices had a positive and statistically significant effect on agricultural yields. Productivity gains were estimated at 29% in the Guiriko region and 41% in the Nando region, highlighting spatial heterogeneity in impacts. These findings suggest that promoting the diffusion of such practices can substantially improve cassava productivity and reduce the vulnerability of rural households. In addition, the analysis showed that socioeconomic and technical factors, including farmers’ age, membership in cassava producer organizations, household income levels, and the use of chemical fertilizers, also influence productivity outcomes. Overall, the study underscores the importance of strengthening agricultural extension services, supporting producer organizations, and promoting appropriate technologies to maximize the benefits of cassava mosaic disease management practices for food security and rural development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 2239 KB  
Article
Smart Farming and the SDGs: Emerging Research Patterns and Sustainability Implications
by Carlos Barroso-Barroso, Alejandro Vega-Muñoz, Juan Maradiaga-López, Guido Salazar-Sepúlveda and Remik Carabantes-Silva
Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010081 - 30 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Smart farming integrates digital technologies to optimize agricultural production and promote sustainability. Its impact depends both on technological development and adoption by farmers. Research shows significant progress, but technical and socio-behavioral gaps remain, requiring integrated approaches to strengthen its contribution to the SDGs. [...] Read more.
Smart farming integrates digital technologies to optimize agricultural production and promote sustainability. Its impact depends both on technological development and adoption by farmers. Research shows significant progress, but technical and socio-behavioral gaps remain, requiring integrated approaches to strengthen its contribution to the SDGs. In this context, scientific research on smart farming has grown significantly, becoming a key axis for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution, structure, and impact of scientific production in smart farming, identifying its main trends, authors, journals, and contributions to the SDGs. To this end, a bibliometric analysis was applied to 1580 articles indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database, using productivity, citation, and impact indicators based on Price’s, Lotka’s, Bradford’s, and Zipf’s laws, as well as the Hirsch index. The results reveal important growth in scientific production between 2014 and 2024, with a strong concentration in high-impact journals and international collaboration networks. In conclusion, smart farming represents an engine of innovation and sustainability, integrating science, technology, and digital management to address the global challenges of food security, climate change, and sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 2784 KB  
Article
Territorial Disparities, Structural Imbalances and Economic Implications in the Potato Crop System in Romania
by Paula Stoicea, Irina-Adriana Chiurciu and Elena Cofas
Agriculture 2025, 15(22), 2343; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15222343 - 11 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1063
Abstract
At the European level, potato cultivation is highly polarized. In Western Europe (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark), yields are high, agricultural technology is advanced, and production systems ensure stability and competitiveness. In contrast, in Eastern and Southern Europe (including Romania, Poland, Italy, [...] Read more.
At the European level, potato cultivation is highly polarized. In Western Europe (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark), yields are high, agricultural technology is advanced, and production systems ensure stability and competitiveness. In contrast, in Eastern and Southern Europe (including Romania, Poland, Italy, and Spain), yields are considerably lower due to the use of outdated agricultural practices, a low degree of mechanization, and increased exposure to adverse climatic factors. In Romania, potato cultivation is marked by significant territorial disparities and structural imbalances, influenced by land fragmentation, agro-pedoclimatic variability, and the lack of capital necessary for investments in modern technologies and irrigation systems. This study analyzes these regional disparities in relation to the country’s real agricultural potential and quantifies the economic impact of its failure to realize it. The methodology applied is based on descriptive statistical analysis of data at the county and regional level for the period 2003–2024, including minimum, maximum, average, and standard deviations of yields. These were integrated into a production function that correlates cultivated areas with average prices, highlighting major intra-regional differences and significant economic consequences at the national level. The results indicate a double crisis: a drastic reduction in the areas cultivated with potatoes (from 196,000 ha in 2017 to 76,000 ha in 2024) and consistently low yields (12,000–18,000 kg/ha), which led to the collapse of total production (from 3.1 million tons in 2017 to under 1 million tons in 2024). As a result, Romania registers a productivity three to four times lower than the reference Western European countries. Moreover, Romania has moved from being a net exporter to a net importer of potatoes, with the food self-sufficiency indicator decreasing from 100.3% in 2017 to 48.1% in 2023. Although domestic production could theoretically cover consumption needs, structural problems regarding yields, the sharp reduction in cultivated areas, and distribution deficiencies have seriously affected the balance of the domestic market. While per capita consumption has remained relatively constant, the decline in production has led, after 2021, to an increasing dependence on imports. These trends highlight the need for urgent structural reforms, technological modernization, and targeted agricultural policies to increase productivity and restore food security in the Romanian potato crop system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 1992 KB  
Article
An Analysis of the Circular Economy Performance of the Romanian Agri-Food System
by Steliana Rodino, Rodica Chetroiu and Vili Dragomir
Agriculture 2025, 15(21), 2211; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15212211 - 24 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 890
Abstract
The circular economy represents one of the key pillars of European Union strategies aiming to decouple growth from resource utilization. The circular economy has emerged as a key flagship for European policies related to sustainable agri-food systems, potentially decreasing pressures on resources and [...] Read more.
The circular economy represents one of the key pillars of European Union strategies aiming to decouple growth from resource utilization. The circular economy has emerged as a key flagship for European policies related to sustainable agri-food systems, potentially decreasing pressures on resources and the environment while ensuring economic competitiveness. In this context, this study proposed to measure the circularity performance of the Romanian agri-food system compared with average European Union performance, based on Eurostat data indicators for the years 2014 and 2022 and a normalized composite index composed of the economic, environmental, and social pillars. Indicator scores were categorized by higher-is-better or lower-is-better, constrained in the interval [0, 5] and then aggregated with equal weights. The composite index for Romania exhibited values ranging from 3.14 in 2014 to 3.45 in 2022, showing moderate progress. The results indicate a fragmentary transition where areas of strength for Romania were material resilience and trade. At the same time, areas of weakness were the economic integration of circularity practices. The study’s main limitations arise from the limited agri-food specificity of available indicators and the sensitivity of results to weighting choices. Overall, the findings highlight the need for stronger institutional mechanisms and targeted investments to accelerate Romania’s transition toward a circular agri-food economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 584 KB  
Article
Consumer Perceptions of Greenwashing in Local Agri-Food Systems and Rural Tourism
by Gunta Grinberga-Zalite, Ksenija Furmanova, Sandija Zeverte-Rivza, Liga Paula and Inita Kindzule
Agriculture 2025, 15(19), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15191997 - 23 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1220
Abstract
The current article examines how Latvian consumers perceive the sustainability of rural tourism services and locally produced food, with particular attention paid to their views on misleading environmental claims. For small-scale agricultural producers and rural tourism providers, sustainability communication has become common, yet [...] Read more.
The current article examines how Latvian consumers perceive the sustainability of rural tourism services and locally produced food, with particular attention paid to their views on misleading environmental claims. For small-scale agricultural producers and rural tourism providers, sustainability communication has become common, yet formal regulation and consumer clarity issues often remain uncertain. The study is based on a mixed-methods approach that contains a comprehensive, multi-dimensional literature analysis and quantitative nation-wide survey data analysis (SPSS 27) with a thematic interpretation of consumer attitudes towards sustainability, trust, and greenwashing. The research findings show that while consumers generally support sustainable and ethically produced goods and services, their trust depends heavily on the transparency and credibility of the information provided. Official certifications and clear communication were seen as trustworthy, while vague promotional claims, especially in digital media, were often met with scepticism. The study also reveals how different factors such as education level, income, and place of residence influence the ability to recognize potential greenwashing. Given the growing global concern about false environmental claims, this article provides valuable insights not only for Latvia but also for other countries facing similar challenges in promoting sustainable rural development while preserving consumer trust in the green economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems—2nd Edition)
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