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Food retail chains are the intermediaries between most consumers and the other supply chain actors. In this pivotal role, they have the opportunity to contribute to both sustainable consumptions and production patterns. Among the many potential communication channels, which food retailers can use to communicate with different stakeholder groups, social media have become more important during the past decade. Using thematic analysis, the current study analyzed German food retailers’ sustainability communication on the social media channel LinkedIn, for one year. All food retail chains analyzed used LinkedIn for sustainability communication extensively. They communicated on topics of each of the three pillars of sustainability, but predominately on environmental topics. There was no systematic difference in the number of posts between supermarket and discount chains. While all chains seemed to appreciate the professional environment provided by LinkedIn for their sustainability communication, style and use of visuals differed among the retailers analyzed., Proceedings in Food System Dynamics, PROCEEDINGS IN SYSTEM DYNAMICS AND INNOVATION IN FOOD NETWORKS 2023

This paper investigates mindsets in the context of family farm succession. Using a grounded theory approach, interviews and group discussions were analyzed. Results based on both data sets present prototypical mindsets of successful predecessors and successors. The mindset construct, which has been developed for this study, was expanded with stakeholders, information flows, and time, according to the results of this study. The findings provide insights into information processing in intra-familial farm succession and the mindsets of successful predecessors and successors. The mindset approach offers a supplementary and valuable perspective on the succession process. It can contribute to early action taking of farming families or consultants., International Journal on Food System Dynamics, Vol 13, No 2 (2022)

Die vorliegende Studie pr��sentiert den Entwicklungsprozess von Bio-Wertsch��pfungsketten aus der Perspektive des organisationalen Lernens und geht der Frage nach, wie Ver��nderungen in Wertsch��pfungsketten gestaltet werden. Die Basis bilden Daten aus einer Aktionsforschungsstudie, die den Lernprozess von Unternehmen in einer Wertsch��pfungskette f��r Bio-Lebensmittel erforscht. Zus��tzlich wurden f��nf Gruppeninterviews mit sogenannten Wertsch��pfungskettenentwickler:innen aus verschiedenen Regionen Deutschlands gef��hrt. Die Ergebnisse bilden die Entwicklung von Wertsch��pfungsketten in drei Lernphasen ab, vom gemeinsamen Erkunden des Problems, ��ber eine Phase des Gestaltens, Experimentierens und Umsetzens, bis zur Verstetigung der Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Unternehmen der Wert-sch��pfungskette. Der Ver��nderungsprozess pendelt dabei zwischen intra- und interorganisationalem sowie explorativem und exploitativem Lernen.

The paper analyzes German students��� interest, perceived importance, knowledge, and behavior regarding food waste. This target group was expected to differ from the general population in terms of food consumption (shopping, cooking, and storage of food) and increased food waste due to their lifestyle. An online survey resulted in 253 participants enrolled in different study programs. Of the sample, 64% studied in life science programs, which were anticipated to have an impact on students��� behavior regarding food. Linear regression models were used to determine the importance of food waste avoidance to students, and their frequency of food disposal. In addition, students were asked about reasons for food waste and assessed statements for each consumption phase. High positive impacts were found for students��� general interest in food waste topics. They attested themselves sensible handling of food products, and rated themselves better than the average German consumer in all surveyed statements. For the target group of university students, detailed knowledge of food waste issues showed little influence on reported behaviors. In conclusion, awareness campaigns, while useful, should not be the only way to target a reduction in food waste, but have to be supplemented by other means.

Originally advertised as tools for end-consumers, portable food-scanners have recently reached a high level of awareness and show potential as instruments for quality assessment along fruit and vegetable supply c hains. The current study explores preferences and concerns of chain actors regarding the implementation of this technology through semi-structured interviews. Results indicate that food-scanners could facilitate quality control at different levels of the fresh produce supply chain by providing fast, non-destructive and objective measurements. Concerns about the application of food-scanners could be identified with respect to potential additional requirements of fruit wholesaler resulting in more pressure on producers. To further a goal-oriented and user-directed development of this new technology, future research should be directed at its impacts on perception of fruit quality along the chain as well as end-consumers’ readiness to use these devices in everyday life., International Journal on Food System Dynamics, Vol 11, No 2 (2020)

The teaching case discusses a number of organizational challenges faced by a German vegetable producer. Two business consultants were hired to assist and to explore the situation in the new production facility at Peppers & More. While the CEO assumed the employees were not motivated, the consultants uncovered that various employees’ behavior, as well as a structural problem contributed to the tense situation in the production facility. During the period of analysis, it becomes apparent that there is a communication problem between the production manager and the foremen. The setup of the job rotation system and conflicts between two foremen caused further irritation at the facility. At the end of each consulting day, the consultants and the readers have to link the challenges to motivation theory and provide recommendations how Peppers & More can cope with these challenges.

Originally advertised as tools for end-consumers, food-scanners have recently gained publicity and show potential as instruments for quality assessment along the fruit and vegetable supply chain. The current study explores preferences and concerns of chain actors regarding the implementation of this technology through semi-structured interviews. Results indicate that food-scanners could facilitate quality control at different levels of the fresh produce supply chain by providing fast, non-destructive and objective measurements. Concerns about the application of food-scanners could be identified with respect to potential additional requirements of trading companies resulting in more pressure on producers. The use of food-scanners by end-consumers is discussed critically. To further a goal-oriented and user-directed development of this new technology, future research should be directed at its impacts on perception of fruit quality along the chain as well as end-consumers’ readiness to use these devices in everyday life., Proceedings in Food System Dynamics, Proceedings in Systerm Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks 2019

Lokale und biologische Lebensmittel spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Diskussion um eine nachhaltigere Schulverpflegung. In Berlin fördert ein Gesetz über die Qualitätssteigerung des Schulmittagessens den Einsatz von Bio-Lebensmitteln. Bisher ist wenig darüber bekannt, wie diese gesetzliche Vorgabe die ökologische Agrar- und Ernährungswirtschaft in der Metropolregion unterstützt. Davon ausgehend untersucht die vorliegende Studie regionale Wertschöpfungsketten am Beispiel von Bio-Gemüse und -Kartoffeln und nutzt dafür einen strukturtheoretischen Ansatz. Strukturelle Faktoren beeinflussen die Verwendung von regionalen Bio-Lebensmitteln in der Schulverpflegung. Es besteht eine regionale Lücke. Ohne Intervention reproduzieren die Akteure durch ihr Handeln die bestehenden Wertschöpfungsstrukturen.

This study investigates media coverage of the re-evaluation process of glyphosate from 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2018. In a comparative, qualitative print media analysis, the promotion of claims and the use of narratives of Die Zeit, a weekly newspaper, and top agrar, an agricultural trade journal, are explored. Results identify noticeable differences in both media outlets&rsquo, news reporting. Whereas Die Zeit focused on potential health risks and the scientific controversy, top agrar&rsquo, s coverage emphasized the harmlessness of glyphosate. The multifaceted use of narratives by Die Zeit contrasts with the comparatively low use of narratives by top agrar.

Organic and local food plays an important role in the discussion of sustainable public procurement for school catering services. The present study investigates the value chain supplying school catering with organic produce, using the organic vegetable industry in the Berlin-Brandenburg region in Germany as an example. The qualitative case study employs a structuration theory approach to explore value chain actors&rsquo, perspectives and their practices. Data is collected by conducting 14 in-depth interviews with actors on different supply chain levels (farming, wholesale, and catering) and analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. The results suggest that, while organic food is generally important in school catering in Berlin, locally produced organic vegetables play only a minor role. A constraining factor is the lack of incentives for the use of locally produced organic food in the procurement guidelines, combined with a very limited budget for sourcing. Also, there are no preprocessing facilities in the region, while work organization in school catering services depends heavily on preprocessed food. From a farmers&rsquo, perspective, focusing on process grade vegetables is rarely a common marketing strategy.

Bericht über die 57. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften des Landbaues (GEWISOLA) e.V. und die 27. Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Agrarökonomie (ÖGA) vom 13. bis 15. September 2017, Berichte über Landwirtschaft - Zeitschrift für Agrarpolitik und Landwirtschaft, Band 96, Heft 2, August 2018

Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler erbringen vielfältige Leistungen in Forschung, Lehre, Transfer sowie Dienstleistungen für die Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft. Zur Beantwortung der Frage, wie diese verschiedenen Leistungen bewertet werden, wurde 2016 eine Mitgliederbefragung der agrarökonomisch ausgerichteten Fachgesellschaften GEWISOLA und ÖGA in Deutschland und Österreich durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse der Befragung: Die Berufs- und Lebenszufriedenheit sind hoch – trotz vergleichsweise langer Arbeitszeiten. Davon ausgenommen sind allerdings promovierte befristet Beschäftigte. Wie die zur Verfügung stehende Zeit für die einzelnen Leistungsbereiche und die eigenen Wünsche der Befragten genutzt wird, entspricht einer Abwägung zwischen den Erwartungen der Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft und den der Gesellschaft. Transferleistungen werden dabei nicht als Belastung, sondern als Bereicherung wahrgenommen. Beklagt wird dagegen bei Leistungsbewertungen durch die Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft der Eindruck, dass Forschungsleistungen überproportional gewichtet werden. Dies entspricht weder den Erwartungen der Gesellschaft noch den Wünschen der Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler. Bei den ethischen Grundpositionen zeigen sich große Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen den Befragten, aber auch Unterschiede in wichtigen Einzelfragen. Unterschiede gibt es bezüglich der Einführung eines Ethikkodexes und des Umgangs mit einer offensichtlich uneinheitlichen Handhabung von Autorenschaften bei wissenschaftlichen Veröffentlichungen. Darüber hinaus wird das Problem unerwünschter Anreize gesehen. Beispiele sind etwa die zu kurzfristige Orientierung der Forschung auf schnelle Ergebnisse, die Fokussierung auf sichtbare Leistungen und das Untergraben der intrinsischen Motivation von Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern., Berichte über Landwirtschaft - Zeitschrift für Agrarpolitik und Landwirtschaft, Band 96, Heft 2, August 2018

Alternative food networks (AFN) are self-organized groups of individuals and businesses that form new economic relationships intended to mitigate perceived problems in conventional food systems. These relationships are based on a set of principles and activities that contribute to a feeling of solidarity among participants. A grounded theory approach is used to examine the importance of solidarity in the operations of four AFN projects in the former East Germany. Data collection methods include document analysis and participant observation. Data were analyzed using the qualitative data analysis package Atlas-ti, and include photographs, printed materials, and field notes. Projects investigated include two community supported agriculture projects, one cooperative grocery, and one urban agriculture project. Results show that, although solidarity is explicitly mentioned by actors and official documents from each initiative, the concept is conceived of and implemented differently. Interactions between characteristics of the individuals who create and live out the rules that govern these new relationships, local social, environmental and economic history and current conditions and outside institutions result in complex, evolving socio-ecological systems that ripple out to related sets of actors., Proceedings in Food System Dynamics, Proceedings in System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks 2018

With the European Union’s move towards “green public procurement”, there is an opportunity to bring more local organic produce into school catering. The present study investigates the value chain supplying school catering with organic produce, using the organic vegetable industry in the Berlin-Brandenburg region as an example. It employs a qualitative case study approach to explore industry actors’ perspectives and their activities within the value chain. Data is collected by conducting ten in-depth interviews with actors on different supply chain levels (production, wholesale, and school catering) and is analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results suggest that, while organic food is generally important in school catering in Berlin, locally produced organic vegetables play only a minor role. Inter-organizational coordination of value-added activities could help to further utilize the potential for local organic vegetable production and enable joint investments into lacking infrastructure such as pre-processing facilities., Proceedings in Food System Dynamics, Proceedings in System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks 2018

Succession is a persistent topic in recent family business research and garners attention from a wide range of research areas. Strategic and principal‐agent approaches discuss the subject from an organizational point of view; gender research takes a sociological viewpoint. The present study assesses the perspectives of those involved in the succession process through a qualitative research approach. Based on in‐depth interviews conducted in German horticultural businesses, a comparative analysis serves as the starting point for an inquiry of internal succession processes. With transferability limited to similar cases, results show a range of important factors, affecting the generation‐spanning succession process., International Journal on Food System Dynamics, Vol 9, No 3 (2018)