ABSTRACT. Introduction Bioeconomy development is widely promoted as a pathway for sustainable regional transformation in the European Union. However, regions with similar structural conditions often achieve different outcomes. This raises a key question: why do some regions translate potential into action while others do not?

This study challenges the assumption that structural similarity leads to similar trajectories. It argues that governance processes and institutional capacity may play a critical role. While the bioeconomy does not inherently imply organic agriculture, bioregional approaches often overlap with agroecological principles, emphasizing place-based resource use, coordination, and sustainable production.

Methods The study builds on structural clusters of municipalities in Latvia derived from 2021 data using factor and cluster analysis of 13 indicators. In total, 36 municipalities (excluding Riga) were grouped into similar clusters.

To move beyond a static perspective, the analysis examines short-term dynamics of selected outcome indicators, such as engagement in agricultural support measures, in the period following 2021. Clusters serve as a baseline, while changes over time are analysed to assess how similar conditions translate into different trajectories.

Data The structural classification is based on 2021 cross-sectional data, while the dynamic analysis uses data for 2022–2023/2024, depending on availability. Data sources include national statistical and administrative databases. Variables were standardised and checked for consistency.

Results and Discussion The analysis confirms distinct clusters, including intensive agriculture, tourism-oriented regions, and extensive agriculture with organic potential. However, municipalities within the same clusters do not demonstrate consistent trajectories.

Within similar clusters, some municipalities show increasing engagement in development activities, while others remain stable or decline. This divergence indicates that structural conditions alone do not determine outcomes.

These findings highlight a limitation of structure-based approaches: they explain potential but not implementation. The divergence suggests that development depends less on resources and more on coordination and responses to opportunities.

The results are consistent with theoretical perspectives emphasizing governance and institutional capacity. Bioregional initiatives can be interpreted as manifestations of more effective alignment of local actors and resources, particularly in agroecological contexts. However, institutional capacity is not directly measured and remains an interpretative dimension.

Conclusions The study shows that structural potential alone is insufficient to explain regional bioeconomy development. Regions with similar conditions may follow different trajectories, highlighting the role of governance processes.

These findings have implications for policy design. Standardized instruments, including those under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), may produce uneven outcomes if local coordination capacity is not considered, particularly for agroecological and organic transitions.

The study is limited by its focus on short-term dynamics and indirect treatment of governance factors. Future research should develop operational measures of institutional capacity and combine quantitative and qualitative approaches.

REFERENCES 1. Assiri, M., Barone, V., Silvestri, F., & Tassinari, M. (2021). Planning sustainable development of local productive systems: A methodological approach for the analytical identification of ecoregions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 287, 125006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125006 2. Barca, F., McCann, P., & Rodríguez-Pose, A. (2012). The case for regional development intervention: Place-based versus place-neutral approaches. Journal of Regional Science, 52(1), 134–152. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9787.2011.00756.x 3. Chaffin, B. C., Gosnell, H., & Cosens, B. A. (2016). A decade of adaptive governance scholarship: Synthesis and future directions. Ecology and Society, 21(3). https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-08713-210356 4. European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52019DC0640 5. Hooghe, L., & Marks, G. (2020). A postfunctionalist theory of multilevel governance. British Journal of Political Science, 50(2), 377–397. https://doi.org/10.1017/S000712341800040X 6. Megne, I., & Naglis-Liepa, K. (2025). Reconciling ecology, law and governance: Scenarios for bioregional development. In Proceedings of the 12th International Scientific Conference Rural Development. 7. Naglis-Liepa, K., Megne, I., Proskina, L., Paula, L., Kaufmane, D., & Pelse, M. (2025). Analysis of factors influencing the formation of bioregions. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188288 8. Ostrom, E. (2010). Polycentric systems for coping with collective action and global environmental change. Global Environmental Change, 20(4), 550–557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.07.004 9. Rodríguez-Pose, A. (2013). Do institutions matter for regional development? Regional Studies, 47(7), 1034–1047. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2012.748978

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly promoted as a tool to improve efficiency, decision-making, and sustainability in farming. Yet adoption depends not only on technical performance, but also on farmers’ perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and data security. In digital agriculture, data security is especially relevant because concerns about ownership, privacy, and control of farm data may shape acceptance. This study examines whether organic farmers (BIO=1) and conventional farmers (BIO=0) differ in the way they form intentions to adopt AI in farming. Methods: A two-group structural equation model (SEM) was estimated to compare organic and conventional farmers. After testing alternative specifications, the best-fitting solution was a full-mediation model. The measurement model included four latent constructs: Perceived Usefulness / Overall Positive Appraisal (PU), measured through three usefulness items and three attitude items; Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), measured by two indicators; Perceived Data Security (PDS), measured by two indicators; and Intention to Adopt AI, measured by two indicators. In the structural model, PEU and PDS predict PU, while PU predicts INTENTION. Models were estimated in Mplus with MLR. Data: The analysis is based on a cross-sectional survey of 231 farmers, including 121 conventional and 110 organic farmers. The unit of analysis is the individual farmer. The dataset contains psychometric indicators on perceptions of AI in farming and intention to adopt it. Missing values were coded as “.” and handled in estimation. Earlier CFA and multi-group tests showed instability in some original indicators and constructs; therefore, the final SEM relies on a reduced but statistically admissible measurement structure for comparing BIO groups. Results and discussion: The final two-group SEM showed good overall fit (CFI = 0.958; TLI = 0.951; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.067). The main result is that intention to adopt AI is driven primarily by perceived usefulness / overall positive appraisal in both groups. In the standardized solution, the path from PU to INTENTION is very strong among both conventional farmers (beta = 0.961; p < 0.001) and organic farmers (beta = 0.864; p < 0.001). By contrast, PEU does not significantly affect PU in either group (conventional: beta = 0.238; p = 0.216; organic: beta = 0.128; p = 0.587). Perceived data security has a significant positive effect on PU only among conventional farmers (beta = 0.469; p = 0.032), while the same path is not significant among organic farmers (beta = 0.358; p = 0.253). The model explains a very high share of variance in intention (R² = 0.924 for conventional farmers; R² = 0.747 for organic farmers), while the explained variance of PU is lower (R² = 0.405 and 0.183, respectively). Overall, the findings suggest that farmers are more likely to adopt AI when they perceive it as genuinely useful, whereas ease of use alone is not enough to shape adoption intention. Data security matters more indirectly and appears more salient among conventional farmers. Conclusions: The main takeaway is that organic and conventional farmers do not differ substantially in the core mechanism shaping intention to adopt AI: in both groups, intention depends mainly on perceived usefulness / overall positive appraisal. This suggests that policies and advisory actions under the CAP, AKIS, and digital extension systems should focus on demonstrating the concrete agronomic and managerial value of AI, while also addressing secure and trustworthy data governance. Limitations include moderate sample size, reduced measurement structure, and cross-sectional design. Future research should test the model on larger samples and incorporate additional drivers such as trust, social influence, age, and experience. References Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211. Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478. Altieri, M. A. (2018). Agroecology: The science of sustainable agriculture (3rd ed.). CRC Press. Badgley, C., Moghtader, J., Quintero, E., Zakem, E., Chappell, M. J., Avilés-Vázquez, K., Samulon, A., & Perfecto, I. (2007). Organic agriculture and the global food supply. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 22(2), 86–108.

ABSTRACT. Introduction

The contemporary debate on the sustainability of agri-food systems requires a systemic and territorial rethinking of current development models. The current systemic crisis, marked by ecological degradation and deepening social inequalities, demands a transition from the conventional concept of Food Security to the transformative principle of Food Sovereignty (Patel, 2009; HLPE, 2020). While Food Security primarily addresses the availability and physical access to food - often attempting to solve hunger through market-driven logic and industrial intensification without questioning the structural causes - Food Sovereignty places collective capacity of communities to shape food systems and manage local resources and the "right of peoples" at the center. It investigates the root causes of poverty, land dispossession, and environmental decay. In the Italian context, this shift is crucial: it moves the focus from mere production efficiency to the democratic control of resources. This paper argues that Food Sovereignty is the essential framework for breaking extractive dynamics and fostering a "virtuous resilience" which protects both the ecosystem and the labor force.

Methods

The research adopts a theoretical framework based on the dynamics of feedback loops, distinguishing between "vicious circles" and "virtuous circles" of development. Vicious circles are driven by short-term profit maximization, wealth polarization, and the over-exploitation of natural and human capital. Conversely, virtuous circles are grounded in territorial regeneration, social equity, and resource circularity. To investigate these interactions, the study employs Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) applied to a set of Italian rural districts selected according to agricultural specialization, socio-economic and environmental performance indicators. The analysis includes cases from both marginal and intensive agricultural areas in order to compare contrasting territorial trajectories. This method allows for the identification of complex configurations of conditions - political, social, and economic - which lead to either resilience or systemic degradation. By analyzing diverse Italian rural districts, the QCA helps determine which combinations of local governance, social capital, and environmental policies enable territories to resist the homogenizing pressure of global agri-industrial regimes.

Data

The analysis is supported by available statistics, in a period ranging from 2018 and 2025, aimed at highlighting the existence of both virtuous and vicious circles across the Italian landscape. The dataset includes information regarding the following dimensions:

Economic dimension: CAP Funding Distribution (nalysis of the type and concentration of Common Agricultural Policy payments to identify patterns of resource accumulation or redistribution), Quality schemes (Existence and diffusion of denomination of origins), Holding typologies and farming systems (data on the type of holdings, land ownership systems, crop typologies).

Social dimension: Land Access Policies (existence of regional land banks, existence of CAP priority and selection criteria in favor of young farmers and new entrants), Immigrant labor ( Statistics regarding the presence of migrant workers and indicators of irregular labor practices, "caporalato").

Environmental dimension: Environmental infringements (data on the adherence to environmental regulations across different productive districts), Environmental commitments (share of agricultural land under agri-environmental contracts, including organic farming).

Data derived from national statistical databases, regional policy documents, and administrative sources were validated through consistency checks and cross-source triangulation. These data points serve as the foundation for the QCA to map the divergence between extractive and regenerative territories.

Results and discussion

The results reveal a sharp dichotomy in the Italian rural trajectory. The vicious circles, currently dominant, demonstrate a predatory capacity to attract financial resources toward ultra-specialized territories at the expense of other areas facing progressive abandonment. Data analysis reveals that significant financial concentration in a given territory is sometimes accompanied by environmental and social decline, such as biodiversity loss and undeclared labour. This model creates a "winner-take-all" dynamic that increases territorial vulnerability and social exclusion. On the other hand, virtuous circles, though still residual, prove that local policies can invert the process of decline. Solidarity and collaboration help to shape local policies and influence the redistribution of CAP funding in favor of small farms. This helps to prevent land abandonment while maintaining a vital, environmentally friendly rural economy dominated by organic farming systems. Preliminary evidence suggests that territories characterized by high CAP payment concentration also show higher risks of biodiversity simplification, labour vulnerability, and land concentration. Territories characterized by stronger participation, local food networks, and organic farming systems show greater capacity to maintain rural employment, reduce abandonment, and strengthen environmental stewardship. However, results should be interpreted cautiously given the exploratory nature of the analysis and the complexity of comparing heterogeneous territorial contexts.

Conclusions

The study provides evidence that Italian agri-food resilience depends on shifting from the efficiency of the industrial model to the scaling of food sovereignty. Breaking the vicious circle requires a radical re-allocation of resources to reward those who guarantee an equitable distribution of wealth and the preservation of social and environmental fabric. In this context, the role played by local authorities appears to be crucial, and this is especially true in terms of the provision of services and support to small holders. The extent to which local authorities focus on the local area and the environment is influenced by the spirit of solidarity and cooperation within their operating community. The success of agricultural landscape management models align with the principles of agroecology and can facilitate the adoption of organic farming practices. Future research should expand the number of cases included in the QCA and explore how virtuous territorial models can be scaled across different Italian regions through CAP implementation and place-based policy instruments.

References

Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A. (2012). Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty. Crown Business.

HLPE. (2020). Food security and nutrition: Building a global narrative towards 2030. Rome: High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition.

Patel, R. (2009). Food sovereignty. The Journal of Peasant Studies, 36(3), 663–706.

Schneider, C. Q., & Wagemann, C. (2012). Set-Theoretic Methods for the Social Sciences: A Guide to Qualitative Comparative Analysis. Cambridge University Press.

ABSTRACT. Introduction Innovation is widely recognized as a key driver of competitiveness and sustainability in agriculture. However, the sector is characterized by a relatively slow uptake of radical innovations compared to other industries, largely due to farmers’ risk aversion (Ibrahim et al., 2022). The literature distinguishes between incremental and radical innovations, the latter involving higher uncertainty and investment requirements (Dewar and Dutton, 1986). While prior research highlights the role of risk perception in shaping innovation adoption, less is known about whether experience in sustainable production systems can modify such perceptions. This study addresses this gap by investigating whether organic farming experience influences the adoption of incremental and radical innovations, focusing on the mediating role of risk perception. Organic agriculture is particularly relevant, as it involves production practices associated with higher technical and managerial uncertainty that may reshape farmers’ attitudes toward risk and innovation. Methods The empirical analysis is based on cross-sectional data collected through a structured survey of Italian wine producers, including both organic and conventional farms. The wine sector represents an appropriate context due to its environmental relevance and the complexity of sustainable management practices. The questionnaire collected information on farm characteristics, innovation activities, access to funding, risk attitudes, environmental orientation, and expected economic, social, and personal rewards (Trujillo-Barrera et al., 2016). Farmers’ propensity to adopt innovation was measured using stated probabilities (0–10 scale) for selected incremental (e.g., mechanical leaf removal, efficient sprayers) and radical innovations (e.g., PIWI varieties, precision agriculture technologies) over the next five years. Multivariate regression models were used to assess differences between organic and conventional farms, followed by mediation analysis to test the role of risk perception. Additionally, Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models were estimated separately for the two groups to explore structural heterogeneity. Results and discussion Results show no significant differences between organic and conventional farms in the adoption of incremental innovations. In contrast, organic farming experience is positively associated with the adoption of radical innovations. This relationship is fully mediated by risk perception, consistent with evidence that risk plays a central role in agricultural innovation decisions (Masi et al., 2022). Organic farmers report significantly lower perceived risk, which strongly reduces barriers to adopting radical innovations. Once risk perception is included, the direct effect of organic experience becomes insignificant, highlighting a behavioral mechanism linking experience to innovation. Further analyses reveal heterogeneity across farming systems. In conventional farms, innovation is mainly driven by economic incentives and structural factors, while risk perception remains a key constraint. In organic farms, environmental awareness and expected social rewards play a more relevant role alongside economic incentives, suggesting different innovation logics across production systems. Conclusion This study shows that organic farming experience not only reflects a commitment to sustainability but also shapes farmers’ risk perceptions in ways that facilitate radical innovation. By reducing perceived risk, organic practices indirectly promote the adoption of more transformative technologies. These findings contribute to the literature on agricultural innovation and risk perception by highlighting experiential and cognitive mechanisms in decision-making. From a policy perspective, supporting the transition to organic farming may generate broader innovation benefits beyond environmental outcomes. At the same time, targeted risk management tools and advisory services are essential to help conventional farmers overcome risk-related barriers and foster a more dynamic and innovative agricultural sector. References Dewar, R. D., & Dutton, J. E. (1986). The adoption of radical and incremental innovations: An empirical analysis. Management Science, 32(11). Ibrahim, H., Indonesia, M., & Zain, M. M. (2022). Embracing change: Analyzing the impact of farmers’ knowledge and risk perception on the adoption of innovations in agribusiness. International Journal of Applied and Physical Sciences, 8, 22–29. Masi, M., De Rosa, M., Vecchio, Y., Bartoli, L., & Adinolfi, F. (2022). The long way to innovation adoption: insights from precision agriculture. Agricultural and Food Economics, 10(1). Trujillo-Barrera, A., Pennings, J. M., & Hofenk, D. (2016). Understanding producers' motives for adopting sustainable practices: the role of expected rewards, risk perception and risk tolerance. European Review of Agricultural Economics, 43(3).

ABSTRACT. Introduction Edible flowers are an emerging niche within organic horticulture, offering premium differentiation through naturalness and visual distinctiveness (Mlcek & Rop, 2011). Organic branding relies on sensory cues signalling purity and minimal processing (Hughner et al., 2007), making floral decoration a potentially powerful communication tool. Conventional floricultural practices are optimised for visual longevity rather than consumption safety, with pesticide regimes routinely exceeding food-crop maximum residue levels (Matyjaszczyk & Śmiechowska, 2019), reinforcing the case for organic standards as a foundation for edible flower market development. Yet consumer unfamiliarity with botanical food ingredients may trigger sensory uncertainty and taste scepticism (Piqueras-Fiszman & Spence, 2015), creating a demand-side barrier even within safe supply chains. This study investigates whether flower decoration enhances or undermines consumer evaluations, and which individual-level traits—food innovation orientation (Goldsmith & Hofacker, 1991) and masculine food norms (Monge-Rojas et al., 2020)—moderate these responses.

Methods Study 1 (indirect evaluation) used a within-subjects counterbalanced design: 282 Italian consumers rated six products on visual attractiveness and taste expectation (1–6 scale) under normal versus flower-decorated presentation. A linear mixed model with clustered standard errors estimated condition effects and their interaction across evaluation modes. Study 2 (direct evaluation) asked 151 participants to make forced binary choices (floral vs. non-floral), analysed via random-effects panel logistic regression with robust standard errors. Both studies measured food innovation orientation (6 items; α = 0.93) and masculine food norm adherence (5 items; α = 0.73) via 5-point Likert scales. Data were collected online; Study 1: mean age 37.3 (SD = 14.6), 65.6% female; Study 2: mean age 38.7 (SD = 15.0), 64.2% female.

Results and Discussion Study 1 revealed a significant presentation × evaluation-mode interaction (β = −0.369, p < 0.001): flower-decorated products received higher visual ratings (M = 3.78 vs. 3.59; p = 0.008) but lower taste expectations (M = 3.41 vs. 3.59; p = 0.010), consistent with appearance–taste dissociation in multisensory food research (Piqueras-Fiszman & Spence, 2015; Spence, 2017). Study 2 confirmed systematic reluctance: only 38.8% of choices favoured floral options (p < 0.001), with marked product heterogeneity (60.4% preferred floral tea; fewer than 30% preferred floral crisps or salad). Random-effects logistic regression identified gender (OR = 2.00, females vs. males, p = 0.003) and food innovation orientation (OR = 1.43 per SD, p = 0.007) as significant predictors; masculine food norms and age were non-significant. These patterns carry direct implications for organic positioning: female and innovation-oriented consumers represent the highest-potential segments for organic products incorporating floral ingredients.

Conclusions Edible flowers present an opportunity–risk trade-off for organic food marketing: they enhance visual desirability while potentially undermining gustatory expectations. Organic certification can address the supply-side safety deficit, but producers must also invest in consumer education to overcome demand-side scepticism. Acceptance is driven by gender identity and openness to novel foods rather than age or masculinity norms. Future work should integrate hedonic trials, willingness-to-pay measures, and the signalling value of organic certification on taste expectations. Limitations include convenience sampling and hypothetical choice contexts.

References Goldsmith, R. E., & Hofacker, C. F. (1991). Measuring consumer innovativeness. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 19(3), 209-221. Hughner, R. S., et al. (2007). Who are organic food consumers? Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 6(2-3), 94-110. Matyjaszczyk, E., & Śmiechowska, M. (2019). Edible flowers. Benefits and risks pertaining to their consumption. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 91, 670-674. Mlcek, J., & Rop, O. (2011). Fresh edible flowers of ornamental plants—A new source of nutraceutical foods. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 22(10), 561-569. Monge-Rojas, R., Reyes Fernández, B., & Smith-Castro, V. (2020). Gender-based food intake stereotype scale (GBFISS) for adolescents: Development and psychometric evaluation. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 8(1), 292-313. Piqueras-Fiszman, B., & Spence, C. (2015). Sensory expectations based on product-extrinsic food cues. Food Quality and Preference, 40, 165-179. Spence, C. (2017). Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating. Viking. Wardle, J., et al. (2004). Gender differences in food choice. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 27(2), 107-116.

ABSTRACT. Introduction Consumer interest in natural and functional foods has grown, including edible flowers, driven by health consciousness and demand for sustainable, bioactive products (Duggirala et al., 2024). Among these, Rosa damascena is a premium species traditionally used in culinary and beverage applications (Dağ, 2025). Rich in bioactive polyphenols and antioxidants, it has been associated with health benefits including digestive support, relaxation, and anti-inflammatory effects (Dinkova et al., 2022). Despite its potential, Rosa damascena remains underutilized in European markets due to low familiarity and regulatory constraints as a potential novel food (Silva et al., 2025). Behavioral economics suggests that targeted informational nudges can enhance the salience of health and naturalness attributes, influencing consumer choices while preserving autonomy (Thaler & Sunstein, 2008). This study investigates the acceptability and valuation of Rosa damascena tisane relative to conventional teas and complementary bakery items and examines how informational nudges may shape preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP).

Methods A Basket-Based Choice Experiment (BBCE) will be conducted in Italy to capture realistic multi-product consumption contexts and potential complementarities (Caputo & Lusk, 2022). Participants in a virtual Italian tea-room setting will select from teas and bakery items, including Rosa damascena tisane, with prices reflecting market data. The experimental design will include six choice tasks per respondent, randomly assigned across nine blocks to ensure orthogonality and reduce fatigue. A cheap talk script will mitigate hypothetical bias by instructing participants to imagine purchasing products with a real €10 budget. A between-subjects informational treatment will test the effect of short nudges emphasizing polyphenols and digestive benefits, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, or a combination of health and naturalness attributes. Choice data will be analyzed using a Multivariate Logit model incorporating individual characteristics, allowing assessment of selection probabilities, price sensitivity, and product complementarity patterns.

Expected Results The study is expected to identify distinct patterns of stakeholder preferences and perceptions regarding Rosa damascena tisane. Informational nudges are anticipated to increase perceived credibility, visual appeal, and overall valuation of the product. Complementarity is expected with bakery items, suggesting integration into broader consumption occasions. The results will provide novel insights into how specific product attributes and information treatments shape preferences for innovative edible flowers, offering a rigorous framework for understanding multi-product choice behavior. Findings will also contribute to the RORES project by generating evidence on market introduction strategies and stakeholder perceptions.

Conclusions The research will provide insights for marketing and product positioning, demonstrating how targeted informational interventions can increase acceptance and WTP for edible flowers. Results will inform tea-room strategies, menu design, and broader European market development for Rosa damascena. For the RORES project, the study will provide evidence-based guidance on introducing edible flowers into local and international food markets. More broadly, this work will contribute to international research on novel food adoption, behavioral nudges, and sustainable consumption, offering methodological insights for multi-product choice experiments and advancing understanding of how innovative foods can gain consumer trust and visibility in diverse cultural contexts

References Caputo, V., & Lusk, J. L. (2022). The basket-based choice experiment: A method for food demand policy analysis. Food Policy, 109, 102252. Dağ, M. M. (2025). A case study on determining consumer preferences for rose products consumption. Akdeniz University Journal Of Science And Engineering, 1(1), 26-35. Dinkova, R., Vardakas, A., Dimitrova, E., Weber, F., Passon, M., Shikov, V., ... & Mihalev, K. (2022). Valorization of rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) by-product: polyphenolic characterization and potential food application. European Food Research and Technology, 248(9), 2351-2358. Duggirala, K., Mummaleti, G., Kong, F., Roy, A., & Mohan, A. (2024). Edible flowers: a sustainable source of natural food ingredient. Journal of Food Bioactives, 27. Silva, A. A. N. D., Carneiro, J. D. D. S., Ferreira Rodrigues, J., & Resende, L. V. (2025). Symbolic and sensory perceptions of edible flowers: consumer acceptance of dahlia-based foods with and without emphasis on unconventional food plants. British Food Journal, 1-18. Thaler, R. H., & Sunstein, C. R. (2008). Improving decisions about health, wealth and happiness (Vol. 304). New Haven: Yale University Press.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Roses are among the most widely cultivated ornamental crops worldwide and are regarded as the “queen of ornamental flowers”. Beyond their aesthetic value, roses have notable economic relevance due to their nutritional, medicinal, and industrial applications. For centuries, edible rose petals have been used in jams, teas, wines, confectionery products, flavor extracts, and bakery items. Rose cultivation is increasingly threatened by biotic stresses, including gray mold, powdery mildew, aphids, and thrips, among the most destructive diseases and pests. Synthetic pesticides remain the main tools for their management; however, the availability of registered plant protection products specifically approved for edible roses is extremely limited, and standardized application protocols are lacking. Furthermore, concerns about pesticide residues and current regulatory trends highlight the urgent need for alternative, effective, and sustainable strategies for organic pest and disease management in edible rose production. At present, no comprehensive review addressing pests, pathogens, and organic control strategies in edible rose cultivation is available.

Methods: Scientific literature on pests, pathogens, and biological control strategies in Rosa spp. cultivation was collected from Scopus® and WOS, covering a wide range of cultivation systems and environmental conditions. The review aimed to answer: i) which and where are the major pests and pathogens affecting organic edible rose crops; ii) which organic strategies have been applied for their management.

Data: Keyword searches included combinations of (arthropod OR insect OR mite OR pest OR nematode) AND (Rosa OR rose OR Rosaceae) AND (feeding OR herbivor* OR injury OR damage), and (Rosa OR rose OR “Rosa spp.”) AND (pest OR insect OR arthropod OR nematode) AND (damage OR infestation OR severity OR feeding OR injury OR transmission). For organic control strategies, searches included (“biological control” OR biocontrol OR “microbial control” OR “biological pest management” OR “botanical pesticide*”) AND (rose OR “Rosa spp.” OR “ornamental rose” OR “edible rose”). For fungal diseases, the query focused on major rose pathogens with biological or organic control terms. In addition, a co-occurrence analysis was conducted on Scopus records using VOSviewer to identify primary biological control methods and their applications.

Results and Discussion: This review synthesizes literature through (i) bibliometric network mapping, highlighting keyword co-occurrence, publishing countries, and active journals, and (ii) systematic analysis of selected documents. The bibliometric analysis reveals a fragmented research landscape, with heterogeneous approaches and inconsistent terminology. Although progress has been made, relevant knowledge gaps remain regarding the biology, epidemiology, and long-term management of major rose pests and pathogens under organic conditions. The literature is highly heterogeneous and often refers broadly to ornamental plants. A structured framework addressing phytosanitary constraints and biological control opportunities in Rosa spp., particularly for Italy, is still lacking in both international databases and grey literature. Major arthropod pests of Rosa spp. include mites such as Tetranychus urticae and the eriophyid Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, aphids (e.g. Macrosiphum rosae), the rose sawfly Arge rosae, wood-boring insects such as Agrilus cuprescens, and thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). Nematodes, particularly Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, and Xiphinema spp., damage roots, reducing water and nutrient uptake and causing yield losses. Integrated pest management strategies based on biological control agents, cultural practices, and botanical pesticides are recommended, but no shared protocol is available. Fungal diseases represent a major limitation in edible rose production, especially under high humidity conditions. The main diseases include powdery mildew, gray mold, rust, black spot, tracheomycoses, root rots, and cankers. Research on organic control strategies focuses mainly on gray mold and powdery mildew, but control still relies largely on synthetic fungicides. Promising alternatives include antagonistic microorganisms such as Bacillus spp., Clonostachys rosea, Ampelomyces quisqualis, and Trichoderma spp., as well as plant-derived products and other natural compounds.

Conclusions: This work provides a comprehensive review of major pests and pathogens in Rosa spp. and an overview of biological control methods for organic edible rose production, while identifying key research gaps. Biological products show effectiveness, but replacing synthetic fungicides remains challenging due to regulatory, technological, and practical constraints. This analysis supports future research toward standardized, effective, and sustainable pest and disease management protocols.

References 1.Yari S. et al. 2024. doi.org/10.1007/s11829-023-10014-9 2.Monterrosa A. et al. 2022. doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11020228 3.O'Dea J.K. 2024. doi.org/10.1111/afe.12622 4.Hayat N. et al. 2025. doi.org/10.1201/9781779643285-7 5.Malusà E. et al. 2019. doi.org/10.24425/jppr.2019.129753 6.Parthasarathy S. et al. 2025. CRC Press 7.Tjosvold S. & Koike S.T. 2000. doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.547.7 8.Nobre et al. 2005. doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2005.04.011 9.Karthikeyan M. 2007. doi.org/10.1080/17429140701701071

ABSTRACT. 1. Introduction The market for edible flowers has been expanding in recent years, driven by increasing consumer interest in gastronomy, natural ingredients, and visually appealing foods (Pires et al., 2023). Among them, edible roses represent a niche yet promising product, particularly when cultivated under organic farming systems. Despite the growing interest, the development of a structured supply chain for organic edible roses remains limited and fragmented, and little is known about stakeholders’ expectations regarding future market development. Understanding how different actors perceive current challenges and opportunities is essential for supporting the sustainable growth of this emerging sector. This study aims to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on the present conditions and future prospects of the organic edible rose supply chain.

2. Methodology The study adopts Q methodology (Brown, 1980; Stephenson, 1935), a mixed-method research approach designed to systematically analyse subjective viewpoints and identify shared perspectives among stakeholders (Mandolesi et al., 2023). The research process begins with the development of a concourse of statements reflecting the diversity of opinions surrounding the organic edible rose supply chain and its future development. To build this concourse, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors along the supply chain, including organic farmers, researchers, chefs, and restaurant professionals. These primary data were complemented by the identification of additional “ready-made” statements collected through an online review of publicly available sources. In particular, opinions and viewpoints were retrieved mainly from grey literature (e.g., sector reports, professional websites, blogs, and social media discussions) and, when relevant, from scientific literature addressing edible flowers and niche horticultural markets. The aim was to broaden the concourse and ensure a comprehensive representation of narratives related to critical success factors and bottlenecks affecting the development of the organic edible rose supply chain. Based on this material, a set of representative statements will be selected and refined into the Q sample, ensuring adequate coverage of the main themes and viewpoints identified. Participants will then be asked to rank these statements according to their level of agreement using a quasi-normal distribution grid. Data will be collected through an online Q-sorting procedure. Subsequently, factor analysis will be applied to the Q-sorts to identify clusters of shared viewpoints, revealing distinct stakeholder perspectives on the opportunities, constraints, and future trajectories of the organic edible rose supply chain (Brown, 1980).

3. Conclusions and implications This study aims to provide a structured understanding of stakeholder perspectives on the development of the organic edible rose supply chain. By applying Q methodology, the research will identify shared viewpoints regarding the critical success factors and bottlenecks shaping the sector’s growth. The expected results will contribute to the limited literature on edible flower supply chains by offering insights into how different actors perceive the opportunities, constraints, and future trajectories of this emerging market. From a practical perspective, the findings may support producers, researchers, and policymakers in identifying strategic priorities for strengthening the sector, including improving market awareness, fostering supply chain coordination, and enhancing value-added product development. More broadly, the study may inform future research and policy discussions on the development of niche horticultural markets and innovative agri-food value chains.

References Brown, S. R. (1980). Political subjectivity: Applications of Q methodology in political science (C. Y. U. P. New Haven, Ed.). Mandolesi, S., Kilic, B., Naspetti, S., & Zanoli, R. (2023). Switching to bio-based packaging for organic products: supply chain actors’ perspectives. Organic Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-023-00451-4 Pires, E. de O., Di Gioia, F., Rouphael, Y., García-Caparrós, P., Tzortzakis, N., Ferreira, I. C. F. R., Barros, L., Petropoulos, S. A., & Caleja, C. (2023). Edible flowers as an emerging horticultural product: A review on sensorial properties, mineral and aroma profile. In Trends in Food Science and Technology (Vol. 137, pp. 31–54). Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2023.05.007 Stephenson, W. (1935). Technique of factor analysis. Nature, 136(3434), 297–297. https://doi.org/10.1038/136297b0

ABSTRACT. INTRODUCTION Current consumption patterns are unsustainable. Shifting individual dietary patterns towards more sustainable choices could collectively deliver significant environmental benefits. Organic food products emphasise several sustainability-related aspects, yet consumers still struggle to choose them. Changes in the choice architecture can influence behaviour and preserve freedom of choice (Thaler & Sunstein, 2008). This research examines how choice architecture influences organic food choices in online shopping environments. Through three experimental studies, we investigate a) the effect of organic labels compared to climate labels, b) the influence of social-norm nudge, and c) the role of product assortment symmetry. STUDY 1 Method 221 Danish consumers were randomly assigned to a 2 (Product: plant vs animal-based) x 3 (Eco-label: organic, climate change, both) between-subjects design. Participants choose between two alternatives of the same food product (cheese or bananas): one labelled and one conventional. The dependent variable is the labelled choice (binary). Controls included familiarity with the Organic EU logo and the frequency of purchasing organic products. Results and discussion No significant differences emerged between organic products and those with both organic and climate labels, nor between organic products and those with the climate label. However, products with the climate label are chosen less often than those with both labels, suggesting organic labels are more effective at promoting sustainable food choices. The broader interpretation of the organic label leads to a "halo effect", boosting personal motivations to make a sustainable choice (Messer et al., 2017). Animal-based products are less likely to be chosen than plant-based products, possibly due to their higher price. Past organic shopping frequency increased the odds of selecting a labelled alternative, while logo familiarity was not significant. STUDY 2 Method 180 German consumers were randomly assigned to a 2 (Product: plant vs animal base) x 4 (Social norm nudge: absent, on organic, on conventional, on both) between-subjects design. Participants choose between organic and conventional alternatives of one product (either sea bass or orange juice). The dependent measure was the organic choice (binary). Controls included familiarity with the Organic EU logo and the frequency of organic purchases. Results and discussion The social-norm nudge for an organic product did not significantly increase organic choice among frequent organic buyers, who are likely intrinsically motivated. However, consumers with lower organic consumption can be persuaded to choose more organic with social-norm nudges, but when the nudge appears only on the conventional product, it reduces the organic choice. Organic animal-based products are less likely to be chosen than plant-based products, probably because of ethical concerns and a lack of trust (animal welfare scandals). Both past organic shopping frequency and familiarity with the Organic EU logo increase the odds of selecting an organic alternative. STUDY 3 Method 186 Italian participants were randomly assigned to a 3 (Assortment symmetry: 25%, 50%, 75% organic) between-subjects x 2 (Product type: plant- vs animal-based) mixed design. The products included yoghurts and pasta. Participants choose between four alternatives – with different flavours/types- or a "no-choice" option. The dependent variable was the choice of an organic product (binary). Results and discussion Organic products were chosen much more often when they accounted for 50% and 75% of the assortment, compared with 25%. Results are consistent across plant- and animal-based products, indicating that assortment effects extend beyond a single product type. When organic alternatives are presented in equal or greater numbers than conventional alternatives, they may become the anchor or default reference, generating a heuristic process that influences consumers' choices (Kahn & Wansink, 2004). CONCLUSIONS Overall, findings highlight key factors influencing organic food choices. Organic labels are more effective than climate labels. Social norms are powerful tools, but when applied indiscriminately, they may hinder organic food choices. Higher assortments of organic products increase their choice. REFERENCES Kahn, B. E., & Wansink, B. (2004). The Influence of Assortment Structure on Perceived Variety and Consumption Quantities. Journal of Consumer Research, 30(4), 519–533. Messer, K. D., Costanigro, M., Kaiser, H. M., Armfelt, M., Gostele, C., Crespi, J., Mccluskey, J., Norwood, B., Peet, M., Redick, T., & Schescke, K. (2017). Labeling Food Processes: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 39(3), 407–427. Thaler, R. H., & Sunstein, C. R. (2008). Nudge: Improving decisions about health, wealth, and hapiness. Yale University Press.

ABSTRACT. Introduction. Concerns about organic conventionalization and input-substitution logics have strengthened interest in agroecology as a broader sustainability framework (HLPE, 2019), sharing core ecological principles with organic farming while extending them to socio-economic and cultural dimensions (Migliorini & Wezel, 2017; IFOAM EU, 2019). In Brazil this perspective is central to the Landless Workers’ Movement, that promotes agroecology within a wider project of agrarian reform and food-system transformation. In this context, alternative producer-consumer exchange systems are crucial but remain constrained by the dominant corporate food regime (Anderson et al., 2021; Muñoz et al., 2021). In response, the National Agrarian Reform Fair (NARF) serves both as a commercialization channel and as a space for advocacy, knowledge exchange, and engagement. This study examines demand for agroecological food as a weakly institutionalized object of consumer choice, assessing the relative importance of product- and value-related attributes, preference heterogeneity, and consumer segmentation in this alternative market setting.

Methods. Preferences were elicited through a Best–Worst Scaling experiment (Finn & Louviere, 1992) based on a balanced incomplete block design. Respondents completed 15 choice tasks, each including 4 attributes selected from a set of 10. In each task, they identified the most and least important attribute, ensuring balanced exposure and repeated comparison. Data analysis combined three discrete-choice models: a conditional logit model to estimate average preferences; a mixed logit model to capture unobserved heterogeneity; and a latent class logit model with class-membership covariates to identify consumer segments and relate them to socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics.

Data. Data were collected in May 2025 via a survey administered to a convenience sample of 303 visitors at the 5th NARF in São Paulo, Brazil. After quality checks, 281 responses were retained. The sample consists mainly of women aged 30–40, with medium household sizes, moderate incomes, and relatively high education levels.

Results and discussion. Results reveal a clear and non-conventional preference structure. Support for social movements is the strongest positive determinant of choice, followed by agroecological production and, more moderately, organic certification. Price affordability also has a positive effect. Conversely, attributes typically associated with mainstream retail environments (e.g., customer service, product presentation, variability, and origin) reduce the probability of being selected as most important. Taste is not statistically significant, suggesting that sensory attributes are secondary when ethical, political, and socio-ecological criteria are salient. Three consumers segments were identified: politically and agroecologically engaged consumers, strongly oriented toward social movements, agroecology, and organic production; value-oriented but quality-sensitive consumers, combining ethical concerns with attention to accessibility and taste; and a larger segment with a flatter preference structure, suggesting weaker engagement with the ethical and political dimensions of food consumption.

Conclusion. Findings show that consumer behaviour in an emblematic agroecological market is both structured and heterogeneous. Choices are mainly driven by ethical, political, and socio-ecological considerations rather than standard market attributes. Despite limitations related to the convenience sample and event-specific context, the study contributes to addressing a gap in preference research by explicitly integrating an agroecological perspective into the analysis of consumer behaviour, a still underexplored field (Kleisiari et al., 2026). Key implications are that strengthening transparency, relational trust, and ethical commitments may be more effective than retail-oriented strategies in similar markets, suggesting that policies for sustainable food systems should go beyond plot-level, production-oriented measures, and support the socio-political infrastructures that make value-based markets viable.

References

Anderson, C.R., Bruil, J., Chappell, M.J., Kiss, C., & Pimbert, M.P. (2021). Conceptualizing processes of agroecological transformations: from scaling to transition to transformation. In: Agroecology Now! Transformations towards More Just and Sustainable Food Systems, pp. 29–46.

Finn, A. & Louviere, J.J. (1992). Determining the appropriate response to evidence of public concern: the case of food safety. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, 11(2), 12–25.

HLPE (2019). Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security. Rome: FAO.

IFOAM EU (2019). Position paper on agroecology: Organic and agroecology: Working to transform our food system.

Migliorini, P., & Wezel, A. (2017). Converging and diverging principles and practices of organic agriculture regulations and agroecology: A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 37, 63.

Muñoz, E.F.P., Niederle, P. A., de Gennaro, B. C., & Roselli, L. (2021). Agri-Food Markets towards Agroecology: Tensions and Compromises Faced by Small-Scale Farmers in Brazil and Chile. Sustainability, 13(6), 3096.

Kleisiari, C., Kyrgiakos, L. S., Vasileiou, M., Angelopoulos, V., Oikonomou, A., Kleftodimos, G., Belhouchette, H., Melfou, K., & Vlontzos, G. (2026). Cultivating demand: A systematic literature review on agroecology's role in consumer behavior. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption, 21, 100413.

ABSTRACT. Introduction

Sustainability labels increasingly guide consumers toward more environmentally responsible food choices. Recently, multidimensional environmental scores such as the Green-Score have been proposed to provide simplified and standardized information on the environmental impact of food products (Taillie et al., 2024). However, new sustainability labels may interact with existing certification schemes, particularly organic certification, which already conveys environmental and ethical values to consumers. This issue is especially relevant for regular buyers of organic products in Italy, one of the largest organic markets in Europe. Against this background, this study examines whether a synthetic environmental score complements or partially substitutes the informational role of organic certification, and whether this relationship differs across three food products characterised by different consumption meanings and sustainability associations: wine, typically connected to hedonic and experiential consumption; extra virgin olive oil, a plant-based staple embedded in everyday cooking and health-related practices; and buffalo mozzarella, an animal-based product in which origin, quality, production methods, and animal welfare may be especially salient.Building on this gap, this study adopts an exploratory approach to investigate how the Green-Score affects regular organic consumers’ preferences for sustainability certifications in Italy, comparing plant-based and animal-based products.

Methods

Grounded in Lancaster’s and McFadden’s consumer theory (Lancaster, 1966; McFadden, 1972), this study employs a Discrete Choice Experiment to estimate consumers’ willingness to pay for organic certification in the presence of the Green-Score and PDO certification. Product alternatives were defined by price and labelling attributes. Preference parameters and willingness-to-pay estimates were derived using mixed logit models (Hole, 2007). This study focuses on an exploratory subgroup of 311 adult consumers living across Italy who purchase organic products at least weekly and are responsible or co-responsible for household food shopping. These respondents were selected from a broader online survey of 1,102 adult Italian consumers; further details on the full sample and experimental design are reported in Vella et al. (2026). Respondents completed six choice tasks for each product category, selecting between two product alternatives and a no-buy option. To improve response reliability, the survey included a cheap talk script before the choice tasks, self-reported attribute non-attendance questions to assess whether respondents ignored specific attributes during the experiment, and attention checks to identify inattentive responses. Standard quality checks were performed prior to estimation. The dataset also includes socio-demographic characteristics and shopping habits. Standard quality checks were performed prior to estimation.

Results and discussion

The results should be interpreted as an exploratory subgroup analysis, as they refer to regular organic-product buyers drawn from a broader sample of Italian consumers rather than to the full population. Organic certification is positively valued across the three products, confirming its relevance for this consumer segment. However, its relative importance varies when compared with the highest level of the Green-Score. In the plant-based wine category, the Green-Score receives a substantially higher willingness to pay (WTP) than organic certification. A similar pattern emerges for extra virgin olive oil, although less strongly: the Green-Score premium is €12.65, compared with €8.36 for organic certification. By contrast, in buffalo mozzarella, organic certification generates a higher premium than the Green-Score (€6.06 vs. €4.71), approximately 28% above the Green-Score premium. Interaction effects also indicate a partial overlap between the two labels, suggesting that consumers may perceive them as conveying similar information. The negative Organic × Green-Score interaction is statistically significant for wine, not significant for extra virgin olive oil, and marginally significant for buffalo mozzarella. Overall, the findings suggest that emerging environmental scores and established sustainability certifications interact rather than operate in isolation (Piracci et al., 2024).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence on the implications of introducing a synthetic environmental label alongside organic certification and PDO labels among experienced organic consumers in Italy. The coexistence of multiple sustainability signals appears to influence consumer choices differently depending on product category and consumer profile. From a policy perspective, these findings are relevant for the design of future food labeling strategies within the European sustainability transition. Although preliminary and subgroup-specific, these findings suggest that emerging environmental scores and established sustainability certifications may interact differently depending on the product considered. Future research could validate these effects in real market settings and extend the analysis to additional product categories.

References

Hole, A. R. (2007). Fitting mixed logit models by using maximum simulated likelihood. The Stata Journal, 7(3), 388-401.

Lancaster, K. J. (1966). A new approach to consumer theory. Journal of political economy, 74(2), 132-157.

McFadden, D. (1972). Conditional logit analysis of qualitative choice behavior.

Piracci, G., Lamonaca, E., Santeramo, F. G., Boncinelli, F., & Casini, L. (2024). On the willingness to pay for food sustainability labelling: a meta‐analysis. Agricultural Economics, 55(2), 329-345.

Taillie, L. S., Wolfson, J. A., Prestemon, C. E., Bercholz, M., Ewoldt, L., Ruggles, P. R., & Hall, M. G. (2024). The impact of an eco-score label on US consumers’ perceptions of environmental sustainability and intentions to purchase food: A randomized experiment. PloS One, 19(6), e0306123.

Vella, F., Nayga Jr, R. M., Vecchio, R., Yang, W., Rizzo, G., & Migliore, G. (2026). Consumer preferences for sustainability labels: A comparative analysis of the green-score and other established labels. Food Policy, 141, 103101.