Innovation in Agri-food Systems – A Systematic Mapping of the Literature

This study systematically explores, analyses, reports on and synthesises research on the topic of sectoral innovation systems related to agriculture and agri-food in OECD countries. It is based on systematic mapping of the literature (academic papers published in scientific journals) in the period 1997-2017. The aim is to show the state of current knowledge on sectoral innovation systems in agri-food, in order to identify knowledge gaps and future areas for research and provide methodological and theoretical perspectives. Abstracts for a total of 320 papers were analysed, using a qualitative approach. Key elements of agricultural innovation systems identified were organised into 8 main themes/topics: agents, basic technologies, knowledge and learning processes, mechanisms of interaction, institutions, end-users, system transition and contextual variables. Areas identified as requiring research included making the sector more consumer- and market-oriented, increasing interactions outside conventional system boundaries, including the consumer perspective and societal changes, and determining the role of gender in innovation in agri-food systems

Consumer attitudes and beliefs towards plant-based food in different degrees of processing - The case of Sweden

The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of consumer attitudes and beliefs on three different types of plant-based meat alternatives (covering two highly processed Plant Based Meat Alternatives (PBMA) products: a. vegetarian nuggets and b. soy mince, and pulses: c. pre-cooked beans). The analysis was based on data obtained from a questionnaire-based survey (N = 483) conducted in Sweden in November 2020. Consumers were separated into four food preference groups (all of whom consume meat): 1. flexitarians (meat reducers), 2. omnivores (mixed diet), 3. consumers who prefer meat and fish (avoid vegetarian food) and 4. consumers who explicitly prefer to only eat meat (avoid vegetarian food and fish). Products were chosen with the intention that they represent products from a scale ranging from a less processed product (pre-cooked beans), via soy mince (a processed PBMA product) to vegetarian nuggets (ready-to eat processed PBMA). The two PBMA products were also chosen to represent one convenience product (vegetarian nuggets) and one product mainly used as an ingredient (soy mince). Gender, age, education, consumption frequencies, food neophobia, health concern, ranking of qualities, awareness of climate change, and the link between food and climate were explored. The results illustrate differences and similarities between the four groups in attitudes and beliefs as well as the three products. Flexitarians represent the group that expresses the most positive and sustainably connected attitudes and beliefs. Results also show that for all groups, PBMA products are perceived as more modern, artificial and expensive compared to pulses, which, in turn, are perceived as healthier and a better climate choice compared to PBMA products. Meat and "meat and fish" eaters attach much importance to taste, perceived protein content, satiety and domestic origin (from Sweden), whereas omnivores are guided by taste, ease of cooking, health, climate change, and the link between food and climate. The outcome is expected to support policymakers and market actors in developing target group applied strategies addressing differences among the four food preference groups, thereby increasing consumers' intake of sustainable plant-based protein-rich products

Understanding food choice: A systematic review of reviews

The topic of consumer food choice has received much attention among researchers and stakeholders within the food industry. However, in order to better facilitate food consumption towards a more sustainable direction, we need increased knowledge and understanding of factors that influence consumers' food choice. This study is a systematic review of reviews conducted between 2017 and 2021, summarising and synthesising reviews on food choice. The aim is to provide an update of the current knowledge on consumer food choice, point out what is already known, and identify knowledge gaps to enable a prioritisation for future research. The analysis highlights decisive factors in food choice, i.e. product, available information, price, context, personal and group influences and sensory perceptions. The synthesis of findings follows a socioecological model, integrating four different levels of the social and environmental systems: the physical food environment, the social and community level, interpersonal relations and, finally, individual characteristics such as psychological and behavioural factors. Results show that behavioural patterns, influenced by strong informal institutions, such as culture and norms, can be difficult to break; for example, changing into more sustainable food behaviour. The findings suggest that more interdisciplinary research and studies in real-life settings are needed to grasp the complexity of food choice. This would allow for us to better understand consumers as social beings shaped by, among other things, the physical environment, social interactions, and culture

Fågelsång ökar männens betalningsvilja för ekologisk morot

Kopplingen mellan mat och klimatpåverkan diskuteras allt mer, men det är svårt att hitta effektiva verktyg som ökar försäljningen av hållbara och klimatvänliga matval. Här presenteras en undersökning som visar att fågelsång har en positiv effekt på männens – men inte kvinnornas - betalningsvilja för ekologiska morötter. Resultatet visar även att beroende på hur nära naturen männen kände sig hade information om att maten är ekologisk eller klimatvänlig, antingen en positiv eller negativ påverkan på deras betalningsvilja

The Slow Flower Movement-exploring alternative sustainable cut-flower production in a Swedish context

This study critically analyses the emerging Slow Flower Movement in a Swedish context. Analysis is conducted by using the Triple-layered Business Model Canvas, covering economic, social and environmental sustainability values. Data are collected (Spring 2021) through semi-structured interviews, observations of cultivation and use of social media. Analysis and coding were conducted by applying thematic analysis. The results show that con-sumer demand and market for domestic cut-flowers are increasing; however, the development is hindered by small scale production, low profitability and demanding work conditions. Results also show that produce, in line with the Slow Flower Movement, provides unique sustainable values: contribution to biodiversity, a different and unique assortment, functions as a meeting point, and contributes to the local culture, landscape and society. Social media represent a crucial tool in sales, marketing and communication, as well as in the overall development of the movement. Highlighting how these technological communication platforms constitute a foundation for the movement's establishment. The avoidance of technical production aid in the cultivation is regarded as a main hindrance to developing the firms and profitability. By initiating knowledge exchange between conventional growers and the emerging Slow Flower Movement, both parties are expected to gain advantages of a trans-formation towards a mutual development of sustainable domestic cut-flower production

Handlare och konsumenter om svenska tomater

Tomat är en viktig produktgrupp och en basvara i mångas hem. I dagsläget är marknadsandelen för de svenskodlade tomaterna, jämfört med importerade tomater, liten. I detta faktablad presenteras en studie som genomfördes våren 2015 inom ramen för Tillväxt Trädgård-projektet Konsumentstudie frukt och grönt: Kommunikation i butik. Underlag för studien har varit en kandidatuppsats utförd med stöd från Partnerskap Alnarp, LRF Trädgård producentföreningen SydGrönt (Håkansson 2015). Datamaterialet utgörs av två olika enkätundersökningar; en riktad till handlare och en till konsumenter. Syftet med undersökningarna var att genom en jämförelse mellan handlare och konsumenter hitta likheter såväl som skillnader kring frågor som rör den svenska tomatmarknaden, exempelvis respondenternas syn på importerade och svenska tomater och vilka kvalitetsaspekter och egenskaper som efterfrågas hos tomat. Genom en ökad förståelse av vad konsumenter anser vara viktigt ökar möjligheten att kunna profilera kommunikationen av svenska tomaterna på ett framgångsrikt sätt. Jämförelsen visade att handlarna hade stor kunskap om konsumenternas preferenser och att smak är den viktigaste egenskapen för konsumenter när de köper tomat. Resultatet visade även att både handlare och konsumenter hade en väldigt god inställning till svenska tomater

Odor Perception and Descriptions of Rose-Scented Geranium Pelargonium graveolens 'Dr. Westerlund'-Sensory and Chemical Analyses

A recent study found that the natural scent from the rose-scented geranium Pelargonium graveolens 'Dr. Westerlund' had positive effects on stress reduction. Essential oils from many pelargonium species are known to have phytochemical properties and pharmacological activities. No study has, so far, explored and identified the chemical compounds and the sensory perception of these compounds in 'Dr. Westerlund' plants. Such knowledge would be an important contribution to an increased understanding of the effects of plants' chemical odor properties on human well-being, and link this to the expressed perceived scents. This study aimed to identify the sensory profile and suggest responsible chemical compounds of Pelargonium graveolens 'Dr. Westerlund'. The sensory and chemical analysis results revealed sensory profiles of Pelargonium graveolens 'Dr. Westerlund's and provided suggestions for the chemical compounds attributed to the sensory profiles. Further studies are recommended to investigate the correlation between volatile compounds and possible stress reduction in humans

Consumer attitudes towards hydroponic cultivation of vegetables - Specifically exploring the impact of the fertilisation strategy (using mineral origin or food waste as fertiliser)

This study explores consumer attitudes and beliefs towards hydroponics (growing without soil), as well as the willingness to eat vegetables grown using two different fertilisation strategies (mineral and food waste). The impact of food neophobia, connectedness to nature and awareness of ongoing climate change is also explored. Data were collected through a survey (October 2021) with 1,000 Swedish respondents. Less than half of the respondents were aware of hydroponics, with no differences due to gender or age. Nonetheless, education turned out to be a predictor. No differences were seen in attitude due to gender or level of education, yet a slightly more positive attitude was found among older respondents and a more positive attitude among those who had not heard about hydroponic systems before. Food neophobia and higher age only (negatively) predicted the willingness to eat food with input from food waste, whereas connectedness to nature did not predict willingness to eat vegetables from any of the two fertilising systems. A belief in climate change had a positive impact on the willingness to eat vegetables from both systems. The results revealed significant differences between the two systems, with the circular perceived as significantly more natural, environmentally friendly, more exciting, representing the future, more energy efficient, more innovative as well as more positive overall, compared to the mineral. These qualities could be used by stakeholders when communicating these new systems. The results support the understanding that hydroponics is a food technology to which consumers express positive attitudes and beliefs