A scoping review of the impact of agricultural, food and environmental policies on the transition toward a Safe and Just Operating Space for EU agri-food systems

The transition of agri-food systems toward a Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) is a complex phenomenon, which implies finding proper pathways for satisfying human needs and social justice for all, while staying within the limits of the planet's natural resources. In this context, public policies can play a key role in driving the transition. Thus, in this paper, we have carried out a scoping review of the literature on the relationships between some key public policies affecting agricultural and food and the SJOS dimensions, with the purpose of identifying the most important knowledge gaps. Following the most recent protocols proposed by the literature, we have reviewed papers published in the 2000–23 period using the Web of Science database as main reference. Our results show that the available evidence is somehow scattered across the SJOS thematic areas, with a clear prevalence of the environmental (SOS) with respect to the social (JOS) ones. Thus, there is clear research gap in exploring the impact of public policies on JOS issues such as social equity, health and nutrition security. Moreover, very few studies explore synergies and trade-offs between different SJOS dimensions. This is especially relevant in evaluating a complex policy mix such as the Green Deal of the EU. Finally, from a methodological perspective, the available studies provide some interesting hints for extending the available toolkit for ex-ante policy modelling, which deserve further research

Characterization and Application of PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) for Enhanced Climate-Resilient Crop Production in Sustainable Agriculture.

The PhD thesis explores the use of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve the resilience of agricultural crops to salt stress. In general, it fits into a context that not only aims to corroborate knowledge in sustainable agriculture but also to address today's challenges related to climate change. Initially, the impact of salt elicitation was studied, to assess stress tolerance and promote the accumulation of phenolic compounds. Laterally, the biodiversity and activity of PGPR in conventional and organic agricultural systems was examined. Bacterial strains were found that were successful in reducing the negative effects of salinity through solubilization of phosphorus, production of IAA and siderophores. Finally, the study was extended to include PGPR strains isolated from extreme marine sediments, namely mangroves of Cartagena Bay in Colombia, demonstrating their potential as biostimulants. The results have allowed us to study a promising microbial consortium that, if added to saline soils, could significantly improve production and overall soil health, while reducing negative impacts on the environment

The impact of Techonology Transfer in Italy: Some Preliminary Remarks

Many scholars have examined the evolution of economic growth theories, focusing on the shift from neoclassical to endogenous models, which highlight knowledge, ideas, and human capital as productivity drivers. Many among them agree that innovation has a key role in economic development, with R&D investments crucial for national competitiveness; in this contest, university R&D generally provides long-term benefits, while corporate R&D yields quicker returns. This study explores the impact of patents and R&D expenditures by universities and firms on national and regional economic growth in Italy. Panel data analysis shows a positive correlation between value added per worker and R&D expenditures, with university R&D having a greater impact than firm R&D. Patents affect growth with a five-year lag, while gross fixed investments show an immediate, lower impact

The Valorization of Potato Peels as a Functional Ingredient in the Food Industry: A Comprehensive Review.

Potato peels (PPs) represent a significant agro-industrial by-product with notable potential for valorization due to their rich composition of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, glycoalkaloids, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This review explores the functional applications of PPs in the food industry by examining their chemical profile, extraction methods, and biological activities. Phenolic compounds, mainly chlorogenic acid and its derivatives, are the most abundant bioactives and contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Glycoalkaloids, such as α-solanine and α-chaconine, exhibit antimicrobial activity but require careful monitoring due to their potential toxicity, although recent evidence suggests that controlled doses may provide health benefits. The choice of extraction technique influences the recovery of these compounds, with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) proving to be efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional methods. The incorporation of PP-derived ingredients into food formulations, including cereal, dairy, meat, and fish products, as well as vegetable oils, has shown promising results in the improvement of nutritional quality, oxidative stability and functional properties. However, challenges remain with regard to the standardization of PP composition, bioavailability of bioactive compounds and their stability within food matrices. Advancing research on PPs will not only contribute to circular economy goals but also provide innovative solutions for the food industry, reinforcing the link between sustainability and human health

Paslahepevirus balyani in Suidae coming from the Monti Sibillini National Park (2020-2024)

Paslahepevirus balayani or hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents one the most diffused viral zoonotic foodborne pathogens in Europe, and genotype 3 results one of the most identified in Italy among Suidae. For this reason, the aim of this work was to carry out biomolecular and phylogenetic evaluations of the persistence and evolution of HEV-3 in wild boars (Sus scrofa) and domestic swines (Sus scrofa domesticus) from the Monti Sibillini National Park (Ascoli Piceno province) in the period between 2020 and 2024. More in detail, from December 2020 to January 2024, the sampling of n. 1054 Suidae was performed and two aliquots (15±2 g) of tissue were taken from each of them: one from the liver and one from muscle tissue (diaphragm pillar) obtained by plucks conferred at the slaughterhouse level in Ascoli Piceno (EU Reg. No. 624/2019, No. 625/2017, and R.L. Marche No. 13/2012). In the tested population, 818/1054 (77.61%) were wild boars and 236/1054 (22.39%) were domestic pigs raised with extensive methods for domestic consumption. Tissues followed the same standardized laboratory procedures: homogenization, RNA extraction by the Trizol LS method, and finally biomolecular tests: real time RT-qPCR and nested RT-PCR of the codifying regions ORF-1, ORF-2, and ORF-3 of HEV. Sequencing of the positive ones was followed by: nucleotide similarity, alignment and evolutionary analysis (phylogenetic tree construction using Neighboring-Joining) using MEGA X software. Finally, they have been deposited and published on the GenBank platform. The results showed that HEV RNA was amplified by the liver of 114/1054 (10.81%) (102 GE/ μL) subjects tested, and 26/114 (22.81%) of them also presented positive muscle tissues too. None of them harbored HEV RNA in the muscle only. From a comparative and species point of view, wild boars presented a prevalence of 72/114 (63.16%), and domestic pigs of 42/114 (36.84%). The ORF-1 region was mostly amplified by 97/114 (85.08%) (103 GE/μL) of Suidae, while ORF-2 (102 GE/μL) only in the wild boar populations 72/114 (63.16%). In the period between 2020-2024, the loaded sequences on the GenBank platform were as follow: MN20202101, MN20202102, MN20202103, MN20202104, OR933697, OR93398, MN2020210201, MN2020210208, MN2020210212, ON364349, ON364350, ON364351, ON364352. In all positive cases, nucleotide similarity (over 98.0% average), alignments and phylogenetic analyses have demonstrated the involvement of HEV-3c during the five years 2020-2024. The radicalization of the presence and persistence of HEV-3c (from 2020 to 2024) in the Ascoli Piceno province confirms that the Suidae have a fundamental role as reservoirs in urban and wild cycles. The sharing of areas between extensive domestic pigs’ farms and the coexistence with wild boars within the Monti Sibillini National Park have allowed possible cross species -infection, as supported by the analysis of the discovered sequences. It is therefore clear that biomolecular surveillance on the territory has a fundamental role in terms of food safety and prevention for the final consumer

First Report of Safe Italian Peanut Production Regarding Aflatoxin

The growing interest in peanut production in Italy represents a significant opportunity from both an agronomic and economic standpoint. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination is a major concern with imported peanuts; developing an Italian peanut supply chain can ensure a well-managed local product, with special care for food safety. This study aimed to provide a first overview of Italian peanut production, focusing on the Aspergillus section Flavi and AFB1 occurrence in the raw product. During 2022 and 2023, 18 peanut fields were sampled at complete maturity across the Italian production areas, considering three varieties: Lotos, SIS-AR_01, and IPG914. The results showed the occurrence of Aspergillus sec. Flavi in peanut pods, even though AFB1 was always absent or in traces, well below the European legal limits. These findings confirmed the quality of Italian peanut production, even though further research is requested to confirm the positive results of this first report