From Paddock to Perception: Unpacking why Consumers Undervalue Fresh Veggies

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a number of vegetable growers across New Zealand. One theme that kept coming up-regardless of crop, scale, or region-was value perception. Growers repeatedly voiced their concerns around how their produce is valued, especially in the context of their relationships with food retailers and the broader supply chain. These conversations offered valuable insight into the pressures faced on the production side. But to truly understand why fresh vegetables are often undervalued in our domestic market, we need to go beyond the farm gate and untangle the consumer's mind. It’s in the everyday decisions, habits, and assumptions of the consumer that the real picture of value perception begins to take shape.

Implications for transitioning to a Circular and Bioeconomy in Aotearoa New Zealand

The global climate crisis has led a number of countries and regions to rethink economic models and consumption patterns. One of these models is a circular and bioeconomic system. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it is still unclear how this will be implemented. This is not unique to New Zealand with research around the globe noting the proliferations of definitions and inconsistencies around implementation. This working paper aims to review some of these definitions and highlights the general principles of a circular economy. The paper expands on this by examining what circular and bioeconomy strategy plans have been implemented across the geographic regions of Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This provides a contextual foundation to examine New Zealand’s own bioeconomy before exploring opportunities and challenges of a transition to a circular and bioeconomy for Aotearoa. These opportunities have been explored in a number of relevant areas, highlighting the issues of siloing, legislation gaps, and access to capital/finance in attempting to move towards a more sustainable future.

A Rising Tide of Green: Unpacking Predictors of New Zealand Consumers’ Willingness to Drink, Pay a Price Premium, and Promote Micro-Algae-Based Beverages

In Australasian countries such as New Zealand, algae consumption is gaining in popularity within consumer markets. Beverages containing macro-algae, like kelp, and those containing micro-algae, such as spirulina, are considered novel products. While consumer preferences for algae-based products are well explored, less attention has been given to beverages, despite their importance for consumers, specifically those interested in health and well-being

Gluten-Free Voices: How are consumers navigating the prices, the aisles, the struggles and the hype?

In New Zealand’s food retail sector, gluten-free food products are increasing in popularity. This is unsurprising, as the diets of approximately 100,000 consumers are affected by coeliac disease. This number includes around 30,000 teenagers and children under the age of 18.

Snack Attack: Understanding Predictors of New Zealand Consumers’ Favour and Disfavour for Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)-Based Crackers

Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae)-based dietary supplements are commonplace, but cyanobacteria-enhanced foods, such as spirulina crackers, are just appearing on New Zealand supermarket shelves. While much research has been devoted to consumer attitudes towards macro-algae-based products, little research has been devoted to micro-algae-based or cyanobacteria-enhanced consumer products.

Snacks, sweets, soups, salads and shakes: investigating predictors of kiwi consumers’ willingness to recommend and pay more for sea-vegetable products

Sea-vegetables have gained increased importance in NewZealand. The present study investigates predictors impactingNew Zealand consumers’ willingness to recommend and paymore for sea-vegetable-based products. Based on an online con-sumer survey using partial least square structural equation mod-eling, results indicate that willingness to pay a price premium,the importance of social impact, intangible product attributesand product information were the strongest predictors. 

Eating Macro-Algae (Seaweed): Understanding Factors Driving New Zealand Consumers’ Willingness to Eat and Their Perceived Trust towards Country of Origin

Macro-algae is an umbrella term for seaweed, which is an important ingredient in many novel food products in New Zealand and other Australasian countries. While attitudes, consumption motivation, knowledge, and socio-demographic consumer profiles have been investigated in specific countries in the region, consumer behavior such as willingness to eat and factors driving this behavior have not yet been explored. 

Leave the milk for the calf and spread the word: Exploring factors determining US consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives and their word-of-mouth sharing about plant-based milk alternatives

Plant-based milk alternatives are important beverages in US consumer markets. Sustainability, consumer awareness, lifestyle changes, and other value-based reasons are why these beverages are increasing in popularity. The present study is focused on plant-based milk alternatives. It builds on an online consumer survey that explores the factors explaining US consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives and their word-of-mouth sharing about these beverages. 

Finding Nori—Understanding Key Factors Driving US Consumers’ Commitment for Sea-Vegetable Products

The trend toward sustainable and healthy food consumption has stimulated widespread debate. US consumers demand healthy and sustainable food options and are increasingly interested in alternative proteins such as macro-algae, also known as sea-vegetables. The present study is built on the responses of an online survey aiming to explore US consumers’ commitment towards varying sea-vegetable-based products. Affordability, sustainability, taste, environmental friendliness, and health benefits, as well as product novelty and versatility, were the factors under investigation. All factors were found to be equally strong predictors for sea-vegetable product commitment. Best-practice recommendations for US food marketers and agricultural producers are also provided.

Kelp wanted?! Understanding the drivers of US consumers’ willingness to buy and their willingness to pay a price premium for sea vegetables

Lifestyle changes towards sustainable and healthy diets have given rise to superfoods. Sea vegetables, which are otherwise known as edible seaweeds fall in the category of superfoods and are perceived as sustainable and ethical food options. The present study is dedicated to US consumers’ willingness to buy and their willingness to pay a price premium for sea vegetables, providing insights and best-practice recommendations for marketing managers in the US food retail and gastronomy.

Should I go back to the roots to obtain my food? Understanding key factors driving U.S. consumers’ preferences for food foraging over buying and growing food

Alternative forms of food procurement have increased in consumer popularity since the occurrence of food price inflation and the ongoing recession in the U.S. The present study explores predictors such as food engagement, food-related COVID-19 concerns, and the importance of sustainable foraging practices as determinants for U.S. consumers’ preferences for food foraging. Two scenarios are investigated, the preference for food foraging over growing food and food foraging over regular food buying. The study is based on an online consumer survey (n = 401) and used partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for the data analysis. 

“Soy Boy vs. Holy Cow”—Understanding the Key Factors Determining U.S. Consumers’ Preferences and Commitment to Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

Plant-based milk products are ultra-processed food products that enjoy a positive reputation as being safe, healthy, ethical, and sustainable. The present study is focused on these products and addresses the product and brand managers of US food retailers. A consumer survey explores the factors explaining US consumers’ preferences for and commitment to plant-based milk and other plant-based milk products. Environmental concerns, food safety, health, and sustainability concerns are identified as relevant predictors for both consumer behaviors. In addition, animal welfare concerns are relevant, but only for product commitment.

No Cow? Understanding US Consumer Preferences for Plant-Based over Regular Milk-Based Products

Dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yoghurt are popular staples in American households; however, alternative plant-based products are gaining increasing popularity. An online survey was conducted to investigate the factors that determine US consumers’ preferences for plantbased and regular milk-based products before and since the occurrence of food price inflation. The study used descriptive statistics and partial least square structural equation modelling for the analysis. The accessibility of plant-based substitutes, the perceived impact of food price inflation and associated consumer behaviour, engagement with food-related activities, and environmental concerns were important factors in both scenarios. Recommendations to marketers on how to target different consumer groups are offered.

Responses to water stress extremes in diverse red clover germplasm accessions

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), a key perennial pastoral species used globally, can strengthen pastural mixes to withstand increasingly disruptive weather patterns from climate change. Breeding selections can be refined for this purpose by obtaining an in-depth understanding of key functional traits. A replicated randomized complete block glasshouse pot trial was used to observe trait responses critical to plant performance under control (15% VMC), water deficit (5% VMC) and waterlogged conditions (50% VMC) in seven red clover populations and compared against white clover. Twelve morphological and physiological traits were identified as key contributors to the different plant coping mechanisms displayed. Under water deficit, the levels of all aboveground morphological traits decreased, highlighted by a 41% decrease in total dry matter and 50% decreases in both leaf number and leaf thickness compared to the control treatment. An increase in root to shoot ratio indicated a shift to prioritizing root maintenance by sacrificing shoot growth, a trait attributed to plant water deficit tolerance. 

“Got milk alternatives?” Understanding key factors determining U.S. consumers’ willingness to pay for plant-based milk alternatives

Milk is an important dairy product in U.S. food retail. Lifestyle changes toward climate-conscious consumption, animal welfare, and food safety concerns have increased the popularity of plant-based milk alternatives. This study is focused on such beverages and provides insights and best practice recommendations for marketing managers in the U.S. food retail sector. An online survey was distributed to explore factors explaining the intentions of U.S. consumers to purchase and pay a premium for plant-based milk alternatives. Food curiosity and food price inflation were identified as relevant for both willingness to buy and willingness to pay a price premium. In addition, animal welfare concerns and the green and clean product image of plant-based alternatives were relevant to the willingness to pay a premium for plant-based milk.

Plant-based animal product alternatives and gluten-free markets – opportunities and challenges for New Zealand

This article, based on a project undertaken for Takahuri Whenua (the NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre Programme), considers emerging opportunities in New Zealand in the plant-based animal product alternative and gluten-free markets. Three exemplar products are considered – peas (could also be fava beans), oats and Chestnuts

Exploring key factors driving urban foraging behavior in garden and non-garden locations

Since the occurrence of COVID-19 and food price inflation, alternative forms of food procurement increased in popularity. The present study is dedicated to urban foraging and aims to explore key factors driving food foraging behavior in the U.S. Two specific foraging behaviors, namely “leaving food behind” or “taking it all”, have been investigated in a gardening and non-gardening location. Leaving food behind is crucial to sustainable foraging practices, as it allows plants and ecosystems to recover and promotes fairness in foraging communities. Data was procured from an online consumer survey and analyzed using SmartPLS 4, which allowed the use of partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). PLS-SEM is particularly suitable for complex exploratory studies as it does not require distributional assumptions.

Alternative Uses for Existing Crops: An Analysis of Potential Markets and Infrastructure and Supply Requirements in New Zealand

This report presents the findings of a value chain assessment undertaken as part of Takahuri Whenua. The objectives for the project were to investigate the potential markets for new crops, their infrastructure requirements, and to provide an indication of the supply requirements for an economic processing plant. 

Three crops (products) were selected for consideration: Oats for milk; Peas (or beans) for protein extraction and; Chestnuts for flour production.

Edible landscape: Key factors determining consumers’ commitment and willingness to accept opportunity cost and risk of foraged food

Introduction: This study is dedicated to urban foraging and explores key factors that determine consumer willingness to try foraged food, willingness to spend time and effort, accept risk as well as make a commitment towards food foraging. Methods: A conceptual model is presented where general perceptions of nature, food foraging, and Covid-19 influence 3 specific attitudes about food foraging which drive 4 behavioural intentions towards food foraging. The model was tested using partial least square structural equation modelling. Results: Results emphasize that the strongest driver of willingness to try are the approval of responsible food foraging activities and the individual benefits of food foraging. For the willingness to spend extra time and effort, all the predictors have some impact. 

Should I really pay a premium for this? Consumer perspectives on cultured muscle, plant-based and fungal-based protein as meat alternatives

Consumer willingness to accept alternative meat products has been widely explored. However, few studies have explored the key factors driving and inhibiting willingness to try, buy and pay a price premium for plant-based proteins, fungal-based proteins and cultured muscle tissue. Therefore, the present study is dedicated to this research gap and proposes a model that combines driving and inhibiting factors such as food neophobia, food technology neophobia, the environmental and specific benefits of alternative meat products as well as intrinsic attributes of meat such as taste, texture and smell.

Is cultured meat a promising consumer alternative? Exploring key factors determining consumer's willingness to try, buy and pay a premium for cultured meat

Cultured meat is a relatively new product, enjoying consumer appreciation as a more sustainable meat option. The present study builds on a sample from a diverse set of countries and continents, including China, the US, the UK, France, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic and uses partial least square structural equation modelling. The proposed conceptual model identified key factors driving and inhibiting consumer willingness to try, buy, and pay a price premium for cultured meat. Results relate to the overall sample of 3091 respondents and two sub-sample comparisons based on gender and meat consumption behaviour.

Understanding key factors influencing consumers’ willingness to try, buy, and pay a price premium for mycoproteins

Mycoprotein is a fungal-based meat alternative sold in food retail in various countries around the world. The present study builds on a multi-national sample and uses partial least square structural equation modeling. The proposed conceptual model identified key factors that are driving and inhibiting consumer willingness to try, buy, and pay a price premium for mycoprotein. The results relate to the overall sample of 4088 respondents and to two subsample comparisons based on gender and meat consumption behavior.

Artificial Intelligence, T-Shaped Teams, and Risk Management Post COVID-19 and Beyond

We explore the opportunity to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and T-Shaped Teams in risk management post the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. First, the study describes the three stages of AI adoption and the interest in AI before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, the importance of AI in risk management is assessed based on the analysis of the performance of AI-implemented firms. Third, the roles of workforce, especially T-Shaped teams, in adopting AI at the firm level are highlighted.

Does agricultural trade respond asymmetrically to oil price shocks? Evidence from New Zealand

Do rising oil prices affect agricultural trade differentlyfrom falling oil prices? We answer this question usingdata on New Zealand, a net importer of oil and a netexporter of agricultural commodities. We consider adisaggregated approach, analysing exports and importsof five key commodity classes; nonlinear autoregressivelag models are employed to conduct the analysis. Wefind considerable evidence suggesting asymmetries inthe effects of oil price shocks on agricultural trade inthe long and the short run.

Clean energy use and subjective and objective health outcomes in rural China

This study analyses the impact of clean energy use on rural residents’ subjective health outcomes (self-reported health status, health change, and discomfort) and objective health outcomes (bronchitis, asthma, medical expenditure, and fitness expenditure). Using an inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment estimator and the 2018 China Family Panel Studies data, we address the selection bias associated with clean energy use and estimate the treatment effects.

On the linkages between energy and agricultural commodity prices: A dynamic time warping analysis

We use dynamic time warping, a non-parametric pattern recognition method, to study interlinkages between major energy and agricultural commodity prices. Cluster analysis is conducted to group commodity prices based on their behavioral likeness by maximizing the differences between groups while minimizing the differences within groups.

Comments of the AFAANZ Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee on the Proposed Standard on Assurance Engagements over GHG Emissions Disclosure

The New Zealand External Reporting Board (XRB) is-sued for public comment a standard on Assurance Engagements over GHG Emissions Disclosure. The Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee of AFAANZ prepared a submission, based on the findings reported in published research, responding to a number of the questions asked by the XRB. This technical note presents the formal submission made to the XRB.

Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Pacific Countries as a Pathway to Transformational Climate Change Adaptation and Reducing GHG Emissions

There is an opportunity and an urgent need for transformational change of the current farming systems in Pacific Island Countries (PIC) to increase food and nutritional security, to be better adapted to climate change and to be less emissive of greenhouse gases. Substantial global evidence indicates that Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification (CASI) systems are better adapted, but their effectiveness in PIC is yet to be fully evaluated.

Linkages between natural gas, fertiliser and cereal prices: A note

We use structural vector autoregressions to analyse the dynamic effects of shocks to natural gas and nitrogenous fertiliser prices on three major cereal crops: maize, rice and wheat. We find that the response of cereal prices to natu-ral gas and fertiliser price shocks has been relatively small, instantaneous and transitory. These findings suggest that crop prices may change rapidly in response to energy and fertiliser prices, even when there are no shifts in the under-lying fundamentals in crop markets. Furthermore, because the effects of the shocks dissipate rather quickly, short-term measures to address swings in food prices may suffice.

Priming for individual energy efficiency action crowds out support for national climate change policy

The uptake of actions to mitigate climate change at the household level might crowd out subsequent policy at the national level, which is problematic because national policy often has a larger mitigation potential than individual household measures. This study analyses crowding out between the uptake of low-cost actions and the support for national climate change policy in the agricultural sector. In the experimental set-up, survey respondents were primed to think about the implementation of low-cost mitigation practices and subsequently asked to express support for national mitigation policy.

Energy for off-grid homes: Reducing costs through joint hybrid system and energy efficiency optimization

This paper develops a new process for identifying the lowest cost package of energy efficiency measures (EEM) and hybrid energy system configuration for off-grid homes. Hybrid energy systems, which combine two or more types of energy technologies, often require significant capital expenditure, however, the cost can be reduced by applying EEM to the house to decrease energy demand. The method proposed here, termed Combined Optimization Process (COP), was tested on an off-grid hypothetical case and incorporates an iterative assessment of a building energy and efficiency optimization tool (BEopt) and a hybrid system optimization tool (HOMER).

Evaluation of profitability and future potential for low emission productive uses of land that is currently used for livestock SLMACC Project 405422

Agriculture accounts for 48% of New Zealand’s gross greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with nearly 75% of the emissions coming from methane (CH4) production from ruminant animals (enteric-CH4) (Ministry for the Environment 2020). Changes to alternative low biogenic greenhouse gas emission (BGE) land uses is an option for reducing national GHG and meeting national reduction targets for overall GHG and CH4. However, large land use change will have implications for New Zealand’s economy. To address this, replacing profitable livestock with alternative profitable land uses would potentially overcome this concern.

Energy Efficiency Outlook of New Zealand Dairy Farming Systems: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Approach

This study evaluates energy efficiency of pastoral (PDFs) and barn (BDFs) dairy farming systems in New Zealand through application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. Two models constant return to scale (CCR) and variable return to scale (BCC) of DEA were employed for determining the technical (TE), pure technical (PTE) and scale (SE) efficiencies of New Zealand pastoral and barn dairy systems. Further, benchmarking was also performed to separate efficient and inefficient dairy farms and energy saving potential was identified for both dairy systems based upon their optimal energy consumption.

The Carbon Footprint of Energy Consumption in Pastoral and Barn Dairy Farming Systems: A Case Study from Canterbury, New Zealand

This study analyses the impact of clean energy use on rural residents’ subjective health outcomes (self-reported health status, health change, and discomfort) and objective health outcomes (bronchitis, asthma, medical expenditure, and fitness expenditure). Using an inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment estimator and the 2018 China Family Panel Studies data, we address the selection bias associated with clean energy use and estimate the treatment effects. The empirical results show that farmers using clean energy (liquid gas, natural gas, methane, solar energy, or electricity) as the primary cooking fuel report improved health, a lower probability of physical discomfort, and higher fitness expenditures than non-users.

Building connections in health and wellbeing education: Qualitative findings of a study with New Zealand agricultural students

As the burden of mental health challenges increases globally, delivering mental health education programmes to at-risk groups is critical. Important factors governing the success of health and wellbeing education include the relationships and connections formed between students and those delivering the education. This article reports on the qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study evaluating a mental health wellbeing programme delivered to first-year agricultural students across two universities in New Zealand.

Labs, Field Trips and Tours during ERT: Insights from a New Zealand Specialist Land-based University

Student and lecturer insights gained on the pedagogical practices used during Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) for laboratory, field trip and tour practices, should be used to inform and improve in-person and online higher education programs for the traditionally practical-based courses of agriculture, horticulture and food. Qualitative lecturer focus group data was thematically analyzed and used to develop the online student survey.

Heterogeneous impacts of GlobalGAP adoption on net income in small-scale pineapple farming in Ghana: Does farm size matter?

Adoption of Global Good Agricultural Practices (Global-GAP) improves food quality and safety along fresh produce value chains. However, adoption rates have been low among small‐scale pineapple farmers in Ghana, but with possible heterogeneous responses due to farm size economies. This study estimates the impact of GlobalGAP adoption on net incomes earned by small‐scale pineapple farmers in Ghana's main producing region, and examines size‐induced heterogeneous effects of adoption on income.Household and farm‐level data gathered from 546 small‐scale farmers were analyzed using a two‐stage regression model to estimate the impact of GlobalGAP adoption on per hectare pineapple net income. Robustness of the results was checked by re‐estimating the two‐stage model using a maximum likelihood extended regression model.

Policy approaches for enhanced dairy sector innovation – a review of future pathways and policies for effective implementation of digital agriculture

Innovation and technology are a feature of New Zealand’s dairy sector. To overcome current challenges, dairy farmers require agile and multidimensional innovation, supported by forward-looking and integrated policy from both the sector and government. In this paper, we outline some of the current dairy sector challenges, and potential technologies to address these challenges.

Effects of cane-and spur-retained node numbers on the pre-flowering vegetative growth of cane-pruned Sauvignon blanc

In established vineyards, node number retention at winter pruning is the first step to achieving and maintaining vine balance. Balanced vines exhibit timely and quasi-uniform 100 percent budburst. To understand how vine capacity and balance are expressed before flowering, mature Sauvignon blanc vines were pruned according to a 5 [total node numbers on canes: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50] x 3 [total node numbers on spurs: 1, 2, 3] factorial design in one site, and in two other sites according to a 5 [total node numbers on canes: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50] x 2 [total node numbers on spurs: 1, 2] factorial design. Two spurs of one, two or three nodes each were retained on either side of the vine.

Wellbeing, environmental sustainability and profitability: Including plurality of logics in participatory extension programmes for enhanced farmer resilience

Environmental sustainability and economic challenges are requiring significant change in the agricultural sector, and this is driving an increased focus on farmer and farm business resilience. Participatory extension programmes (PEPs) are a well-known approach for supporting farmer change. The objective of this article is to explore how a PEP based on peer-to-peer learning can support farmers in increasing resilience.

Understanding the infuence of indigenous values on change in the dairy industry

Communities, scientists, policy-makers and industries are requiring farmers to address environmental and wellbeing challenges in their on-farm management, transitioning away from a productivity dominated focus towards a multi-faceted system focus that includes environmental and social values. This paper analyses how Miraka Ltd., an Aotearoa-New Zealand indigenous owned and operated milk company, has taken on the role of institutional entrepreneur to enable and support change towards a multi-faceted system amongst its supply farmers. Observations and interviews were carried out to: (i) identify farmers’ changes in practices, beliefs and values over the last ten years; and (ii) identify how Miraka functions as an indigenous entrepreneur in the agricultural sector.

A Dose–Response Analysis of Rice Yield to Agrochemical Use in Ghana

In recent years, Ghanaian agriculture has witnessed a surge in the use of agrochemicals, with the likely consequence that nonoptimal levels of application could cause environmental damage and economic losses. We identify the factors that affect the adoption of agrochemicals and the intensity of use in Ghanaian rice farming. We estimate the average treatment effects of chemical fertilizer and herbicide adoption using a Dose–Response Model (DRM). Our results show that a wide range of socioeconomic factors, including education, asset ownership, extension service, off-farm income, and land ownership affect adoption and use intensity of agrochemicals.

Effects of UV-B and Water Deficit on Aroma Precursors in Grapes and Flavor Release during Wine Micro-Vinification and Consumption

UV-B radiation and water availability can affect amino acids(AAs) concentration in berries, resulting in the evolution of aroma compounds during alcoholic fermentation. This study investigated the effects of UV-B exposure and water availability onwine aroma compounds in Pinot noir, focusing on the role of AAs in the process.Enhanced UV-B radiation significantly decreased total AA concentrations and most individual AAs inberries and wines, while water deficitincreased some individual AAsin wines.

Factors Influencing Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Composition in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal

Increasing metropolitan solid waste and absence of concrete information sources is a developing worry in urban areas of developing countries like in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) in Nepal. Two goals of this study were: (1) to estimate household solid waste generation and its composition; and (2) to assess the socioeconomic factors impacting on household waste generation. Using stratified sampling, 288 families were chosen from the 32 wards of KMC for household survey.

Traditional and cover crop-derived mulches enhance soil ecosystem services in apple orchards

Organic mulches are a traditional method of groundcover management in temperate commercial orchards, now largely replaced by herbicides and synthetic fertilisers. As a potential contribution to improving orchard sustainability, we hypothesised that the addition of organic mulches would: (H1) improve soil fertility and lead to greater tree growth and yields; (H2) support a larger and more biologically active community of soil organisms, assessed as increased soil respiration and greater earthworm numbers and biomass; and (H3) increase leaf litter decomposition and burial, potentially reducing the risk of apple scab disease (Venturia inaequalis). Cuttings from two legume-based cover crop mixtures grown in the alleyway spaces between tree rows and two traditional mulch materials, straw and compost, were trialled alongside a bare soil business-as-usual control for two years, using a randomized complete block design

Pollinator monitoring more than pays for itself

Adoption of Global Good Agricultural Practices (Global-GAP) improves food quality and safety along fresh produce value chains. However, adoption rates have been low among small‐scale pineapple farmers in Ghana, but with possible heterogeneous responses due to farm size economies.

Supporting complex decisions on land-use changes

This research plays a part in understanding, supporting and encouraging land-use change, specifically to ‘next generation systems’. Next generation farm systems (such as redesigned or redeveloped systems and enterprises, new or novel enterprises, and new technologies) aim to reduce food production’s environmental footprint and maintain or increase profit.

Factors influencing pastoral farmers' land-use change decisions in response to environmental regulations in the Selwyn District, Canterbury

Highlights • Pastoral farmers in Selwyn often feel misunderstood by regulatory authorities regarding the effects of increasing environmental regulations on their farm systems, and subsequent land-use change decisions. • Financial factors and certainty around policy and practice were the most important factors to farmers when making land-use change decisions. • Farmers were hesitant to make a sustainable land-use change decision without the confidence that it will remain a financially and strategically viable choice for the longer term. • To encourage sustainable land-use change, regulatory authorities must give increased thought to understanding farmers’ response to regulations and how this affects creation and implementation of future regulation.

Green-labeled bonds and sustainable bonds: A missing puzzle piece

Climate change and environment-related problems are major concerns globally. Stakeholders including governments, corporates, investors, and customers, play different roles in building a sustainable world. Their tasks are challenging because of limited financial resources. To finance activities that benefit the environment and minimise the severe impact of climate change, green-labeled bonds are one of the resolutions.

Distributed Manufacturing and Supply Chain Sustainability – Comparative Approach on Construction Case Studies

Distributed Manufacturing (DM) is becoming increasingly important in operations management due to its potential to support sustainability goals, reduce risks in global supply chains, and boost local economies. However, previous analyses of the advantages and disadvantages of DM have mainly focused on operations, overlooking additional benefits across the supply chain.

Drone use in on-farm environmental compliance: An investigation of regulators’ perspectives

Freshwater resources around the world are under increasing pressure from agricultural activities. As a result, regulatory frameworks around on-farm environmental compliance have become more complex. Consequently, farm plans which have been used in New Zealand to identify risks to and develop mitigation strategies for freshwater quality can be time consuming and costly to develop and monitor. Using semi-structured interviews, this study investigated the views of the regulators working in environmental policy and implementation on the use of drones to increase the efficiency of on-farm environmental compliance.

Towards forest supply chain risks

Forest supply chain has drawn increasing attention worldwide. This paper develops a supply chain risk (SCR) framework in the forest industry. Forest supply chain risk has become an obstacle to gaining competitive advantages and developing sustainable forestry. However, very few studies attempt to investigate SCR in an integrated forest supply chain. It is essential to understand and manage these risks, which may impede the industry’s performance improvement.

The Matrix of Drivers: 2022 Update

Enhancing primary sector production and productivity while maintaining and improving our land and water quality for future generations is a key outcome of the National Science Challenge for Our Land and Water. It is therefore important to identify the hierarchy of international and national issues in order to provide an evidence base to guide investment and inform the Challenge Research Strategy. To this end, it was proposed that a small project be conducted, and regularly updated. This project aims to deliver an overview of international and domestic drivers, as well as issues that are of particular relevance to the New Zealand primary sector and land use.

Learning to eat from others: Does nutritional information acquired from peers affect nutrition intake?

Rural communities in low- and middle-income countries are vulnerable to malnutrition. They also tend to have strong social ties, exhibit high social connectedness, and lean on relatives, neighbors, and friends for support and information. Accordingly, focusing on the three macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and three critical micronutrients (iron, zinc, and selenium), we analyze the effects of nutritional information acquired from relatives, neighbors, and friends on rural households’ nutrition intake. We utilize propensity score matching to analyze cross-sectional data collected from 915 rural households in China. Results show that acquiring nutritional information significantly improves households’ intake of fats, iron, and selenium but does not affect the intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and zinc. The disaggregated analysis reveals that the nutrition intake of females responds to nutritional information, but that of males does not.

Trusting in the “eye in the sky”? Farmers’ and auditors’ perceptions of drone use in environmental auditing

Worldwide, the agricultural sector is under pressure to demonstrate environmental sustainability. In New Zealand, farm environment plans (FEPs) and their auditing were intended to guide farmers towards sustainable practices by meeting regulations. However, on-farm audits can be time consuming, costly, and stressful for farmers. Meanwhile, the advancement of drone technology has made it possible to incorporate such tools in environmental audits. By means of field observation and in-depth interviews with both farmers and auditors, this research investigated the processes and perceptions of incorporating drones in environmental audits. The aerial views provided additional, high-quality information for the audit. However, flying a drone is subject to weather conditions.

European Expert Buyers’ Perceptions of New Zealand Agri-food Products and Businesses: An Explanation of the Theory of Buyer-Seller Relationships and Country of Origin Theory

With agrifood export earnings so pivotal to New Zealand (NZ)’s economy, understanding how expert buyers perceive the country’s agrifood products and businesses is imperative. This holds particularly true for the European Union (EU), being one of NZ’s main trading partners. This research draws on the key theories centering on buyer-seller relationships and Country of Origin (CoO) theory, investigating specifically the perceptions of NZ agrifood products and businesses held by European expert buyers who have different levels of knowledge and experience.

Understanding rural supply chain resilience: A synthesis from the literature

Globalisation increases the numbers of involved business partners and distances between origin and destination. It complicates and stretches supply chains. Consequently, supply chains are exposed to higher risks, especially in rural societies where there is limited access to technology and the society is isolated. The research literature of supply chain resilience identified factors contributing to risks, factors counterbalancing risks, and mechanisms to assess the resilience of supply chains.

Authenticating Extracts

Consumers around the world are increasingly recognising the added value of New Zealand blackcurrants as a natural health supplement. However, where there is value, there is the risk of fraud.

NZ not entirely in step with post-pandemic ‘new normal’

Aotearoa something of an outlier as covid behaviours have changed the way the world shops.

Solar sowing seeds for energy generation and farming together

Lincoln University is building a solar farm that will also grow horticulture crops beneath the rows of panels. The Lincoln University Energy Farm will be first in New Zealand to demonstrate high-value agrivoltaics, the process of creating renewable electricity generation and farming on the same land. Currently under review for resource consent, the farm will have 2800 panels on a four-hectare site near the campus.

Design aims for friendly urban-rural borderlands

Whether it is Delhi or Drury, urban growth slamming up against highly productive food producing land is a challenge authorities around the world have to grapple with, and those in New Zealand are no exception. Lincoln landscape architecture senior lecturer Dr Shannon Davis has led an Our Land and Water project that looks at the challenges of the “peri-urban” zone where town meets country, and ways to make better use of it.

$10M project combines indigenous knowledge and practices and science to safeguard food supply

A new research project to future proof and protect Aotearoa food systems and the environment has attracted more than $10 million in funding this week. The collaboration between the Sustainable Nutrition Initiative® (SNi®) of the Riddet Institute, hosted at Massey University, and iwi group Wakatū Incorporation was selected by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as a recipient for their 2024 Endeavour Fund round on Friday (September 15).

Climate extremes make NZ’s supply chains highly vulnerable – it’s time to rethink how we grow and ship food

Supermarket customers around New Zealand are noticing gaps in the grocery aisles that have nothing to do with the global pandemic or Ukraine war. It’s clear domestic food supply chains have been increasingly challenged by natural disasters and the ongoing impact of climate change.

Cheaper food comes with other costs – why cutting GST isn’t the answer

As New Zealand considers the removal of the goods and services tax (GST) from food to reduce costs for low income households, advocates need to consider the impact cheap food has on the environment and whether there are better options to help struggling families.

Alternative energy sources

Wim explains that many proven technologies are available now, but they require a holistic approach as no single technology will deliver the “Future Proof Zero Carbon” solution. The talk provided an overview of the diversity of renewable energy sources and why they should be part of New Zealand’s future.

Cost of living: Cheaper food comes with other costs - why cutting GST isn't the answer

As New Zealand considers the removal of the goods and services tax (GST) from food to reduce costs for low income households, advocates need to consider the impact cheap food has on the environment and whether there are better options to help struggling families.

As the Commerce Commission found, there’s no magic way to make NZ supermarkets more competitive

The Commerce Commission’s much-anticipated review of supermarket competition has itself had mixed reviews. Many felt a major opportunity to reset New Zealand’s food system had been missed, others felt the commission’s final report got it about right – and supermarket owners probably breathed a little easier. A review of the big players was certainly due. New Zealand has one of the most concentrated grocery retailing sectors in the world.

Are we on the verge of a global food crisis?

Concerns for a global food crisis are rising as Russia bans wheat exports following continues tensions with Ukraine. Being the third largest exporter in the world, the removal of Russia’s wheat from the market will put world supplies under pressure, creating major challenges says Lincoln University’s Alan Renwick.