In a world grappling with the challenges of food security and sustainability, innovative approaches in agriculture are not just beneficial but essential.
Two recent studies shed light on how sustainable business models and agricultural innovation systems can significantly reduce food loss and waste, particularly in post-harvest stages.
Sustainable Business Models: Reducing Waste and Enhancing Value (Photo : ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)
A study by the University of Eastern Finland, published in Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, highlights the potential of sustainable business models infused with agri-innovation systems to address post-harvest food los.
The research, conducted in India, emphasizes the need for a systemic approach that involves multiple actors within the agricultural sector.
The current business models in agriculture often lead to significant losses due to a lack of coordination and data sharing among various stakeholders. The study suggests transitioning to a networked business model that includes small and informal actors, thereby increasing interconnectedness and operationalizing food systems innovations.
This shift could empower small and medium-sized actors, who are most affected by food loss but have limited agency in effecting systemic change.
Agri-Innovation Systems: A Framework for the Future
The same study also offers a framework for agri-sector practitioners, entrepreneurs, and regional authorities aiming to reduce food loss and waste early in the supply chain.
By moving from a single-actor-centric to a multi-actor-networked business model, the agricultural sector can better manage resources and create value sustainably.
The findings underscore the importance of redefining ownership as stewardship and strengthening value addition.
This involves identifying both formal and informal beneficiaries and building capacities that enable communities to benefit from networked sustainable business models integrated with agricultural innovation systems initiatives.
However, integrating sustainability elements into their business models has led to higher profitability and productivity.
Sustainable agripreneurial practices, including organic farming, water conservation techniques, and eco-friendly pest management strategies, have been adopted across diverse regions in India.
The insights from these studies provide a roadmap for future research and practical applications in the agri-food supply chain.
By aligning agricultural innovation systems with networked sustainable business models, there is a clear path forward for reducing food loss and waste.
This approach not only addresses immediate sustainability challenges but also contributes to the broader goal of a regenerative economy in the agricultural sector.
The studies call for a collaborative effort among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore this topic further and develop business-oriented, innovative solutions to the pressing problem of food loss and waste.
As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, the integration of sustainable business models and agricultural innovation systems stands out as a promising strategy for a more resilient and efficient food supply chain.
Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Practices
These findings suggest that a shift towards sustainable business models in agriculture can lead to significant improvements in productivity, sustainability, and the overall quality of life for farmers.
The studies call for a collaborative effort to integrate these models into the broader agricultural framework in India, aiming to create a more resilient and efficient food supply chain while also enhancing the socio-economic status of farmers.
