Research Papers
Abstract: Despite the nutritional value of imperfect or 'ugly" produce, these items are often left unharvested or discarded, contributing to increasing farm-to-fork food waste issues worldwide, and China is no exception. This paper aims to explore Chinese consumers' perceptions of imperfect produce and their willingness to purchase these foods in their households. Six online focus group sessions were conducted, each involving five voluntary participants. The structured interviews generated a total of eleven themes related to consumer perceptions of imperfect produce, including food safety, freshness confusion, price sensitivity, the channel of sale, product presentation, intended use, goodwill, family influence, consumer education, smart integration and food waste. This study provides initial insights into consumer perceptions of imperfect “ugly” fruits and vegetables from a research perspective, and the conclusions provide strategies for sustainable food management. This helps stakeholders in the food supply chain to save on production costs while helping governments to alleviate the paradox of hunger and food waste.
Agriculture has a significant impact on the environment as it requires large amounts of fresh water, emits greenhouse gases and uses massive land. Food production accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions [1]. Half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture. 70% of global freshwater withdrawals are used for agriculture. 78% of global ocean and freshwater eutrophication is caused by agriculture.
Food production is a significant contributor to climate change. Addressing the adverse effects of agriculture while simultaneously feeding an expanding global population presents a formidable challenge. Scientific studies indicate that climate change will exacerbate the existing negative impacts of agriculture by diminishing crop yields, reducing the effectiveness of synthetic inputs such as fertilizers, and increasing damage from crop pests and soil erosion [2]. The decline in crop yields and fertility may consequently lead to further land clearance for food production, resulting in the destruction of wildlife habitats and loss of biodiversity. This situation necessitates an increased application of fertilizers and pesticides to sustain productivity, which can have cascading effects on surrounding ecosystems.
This report explores the issue of sustainable resource management within the context of Mars colonization. As humans colonize mars, managing resources responsibly and sustainably is very important to our success.
In the recent age, the landscape of international investment and production is evolving rapidly due to globalization, geopolitical changes, and technological advancements. Traditional supply chains, which have often relied on extensive global networks to maximize efficiency and minimize costs, are now being influenced by trends towards regionalization, sustainability, and digital transformation. For example, regional trade agreements and economic blocs are fostering closer regional cooperation, reducing dependence on long, international supply chains. In addition, the growing focus on environmental sustainability is pushing companies to adopt greener practices, shifting investment towards eco-friendly technologies. Digitalization is also a major driver, with innovations in AI, IoT, and big data analytics revolutionizing supply chain operations, enhancing efficiency, and providing greater transparency.