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This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing Italian consumers' choice of biodegradable and compostable packaging by using a hybrid framework that integrates the theory of planned behaviour with a discrete choice experiment. By analysing the interplay between internal and external factors and rational consumer evaluations, the research clarifies that consumers' choices can be explained by a combination of economic and psychological models, offering a more accurate representation of the driving forces behind consumer decisions. Applying latent class analysis, we identify consumer segments based on packaging preferences for packaged salad, knowledge of waste disposal rules and the psychological characteristics of a statistically representative sample of Italian consumers. The integration of a comprehensive behavioural model allows for the identification of psychological determinants that influence consumer behaviour, outlining detailed profiles of both early adopters and those most opposed to this technology. This research contributes to the literature on sustainable packaging and offers insights to marketers and policymakers for promoting the adoption of sustainable packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the sociopsychological factors influencing Tunisian farmers' adoption of sustainable pest management techniques by employing the motivation-opportunity-ability framework and using partial least squares structural equation modelling. It is the first empirical study to test this framework in predicting farmers' readiness to reduce pesticide usage in agriculture, distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The findings reveal that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations significantly impact farmers' readiness to reduce pesticide use. Particularly, extrinsic motivations, such as peer influence and prevailing practices within the community, play a crucial role, highlighting the importance of social dynamics in sustainable agricultural decisions. Additionally, opportunities to adopt non-chemical pest control methods, enhanced by access to information and technology, positively influence farmers' intentions to minimize pesticide use. These results suggest that enhancing farmers' motivation through targeted educational programs and fostering opportunities via supportive policy environments are key strategies to promoting sustainable pest management practices in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change and decreasing precipitation worsen water scarcity, understanding farmers' willingness to reduce water usage is crucial. This study examines this issue in the Aosta Valley, a region facing unique challenges due to its mountainous terrain and high water management costs. The aim is to evaluate farmers' willingness to reduce water usage and the economic incentives needed to encourage water-saving strategies. To gather the data, 100 farmers participated in a survey that included a discrete choice experiment. The findings revealed that 75% of farmers were unwilling to reduce their water usage even with proposed monetary compensation (EUR 100–120 per hectare per year). On average, the additional compensation farmers would accept for a 10% reduction in water usage was estimated at EUR 360 per hectare per year. This high compensation demand suggests a disconnect between individual desires and economic feasibility. The key reasons for their reluctance included the belief that their current water usage is already optimized, inadequate compensation for potential economic losses and concerns about water shortage. The study highlights the need to understand the socio-cultural context when designing water management policies. Combining economic incentives with social and educational initiatives is likely more effective for promoting sustainable water practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to evaluate changes in Italy's competitiveness in the global wood products market, with a particular focus on wooden furniture and wood panels, both final and intermediate products of the crucial wooden furniture supply chain. The analysis is conducted through a cross-country comparison using trade flow matrices and various descriptive indices: Market Share, Trade Competitiveness Index, Balassa's Revealed Comparative Advantage Index, and the Symmetric Balassa Index. Furthermore, this study also examines intra-industry trade using the Grubel–Lloyd Index. While each index has its limitations when used individually, their combined analysis can provide a more comprehensive view. The study covers the period from 1996 to 2019, using data from FAO and COMTRADE sources. The results show that Italy maintains a significant position in the international furniture market, although this position has deteriorated over time. Conversely, Italy remains a net importer of wood panels. Trade flows have become more concentrated, with Canada and Germany still holding importance in the international market. However, Asian countries have now become the core of the commercial network. China has emerged as the leading exporting country in all product categories considered, with Vietnam and Malaysia also increasing in importance. Noteworthy progress has also been recorded by Russia and Poland in Europe. Additionally, the study discusses the implications of these findings for rural development, particularly in regions dependent on the wood-product sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and optimization of more sustainable pest control methods, primarily focusing on preventive strategies and non-chemical tools, is a global priority for scientists and agrochemical companies. This study examines Sicilian farmers' willingness to adopt organic pest management practices for protecting tomatoes and zucchini from two key insect pests, namely Tuta absoluta and Bemisia tabaci. We implemented the Theory of Planned Behavior as a cognitive model to explore individual motivations that influence farmers' readiness to adopt sustainable pest control practices. Results from partial least squares structural equation modeling on a sample of 85 farmers emphasize the importance of farmers' behavioral constructs in the decision-making process: Farmers' attitudes are the strongest predictors of intention (ß = 0.454; p < 0.01), followed by social norms (ß = 0.201; p < 0.1) and perceived behavioral control (ß = 0.184; p < 0.01). Intention and perceived behavioral control constructs positively and significantly affect the stated behavior construct (respectively, ß = 0.23; ß = 0.24). Traditional farm/farmer socio-economic characteristics have a notable, yet smaller, influence: Farmers' education positively predicts their willingness to adopt (ß = 0.292; p < 0.01), while farmers' age is negatively correlated (ß = −0.130; p < 0.01). Informational campaigns on the importance of organic pest management on improving soil health and biodiversity should be promoted to strengthen farmers attitudes toward organic pest management. Similarly, policy-makers should enhance farmers perceived behavioral control by providing better information about characteristics and procedures of organic pest management protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the estimation and testing of demand systems when the number of sample goods is smaller than the number of commodity choices available to consumers. In this case, the demand system is incomplete. The large majority of papers that appeared in the literature specifies and estimates a demand system in share format even when the system may be incomplete. The criterion for deciding whether a share format is admissible without loss of information is a test of the adding-up condition. This test, however, requires the estimation of a demand system in quantity format.