New Business Models in Agroecology: Study Case - Innovation Hub Bio Danubius as Private (Voluntary) Standards Based on Indicators
By Costin Lianu (Spiru Haret University), Irina Gabriela Radulescu (Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti) and Cosmin Lianu (Academy of Economic Studies)
Annals of Spiru Haret University, Economic Series 2024, 219-233
Read full paper: https://doi.org/10.26458/24113
Abstract
Agroecology is a new area of knowledge with an emerging body of experience linking experiments, research and action-oriented innovations targeting enhanced food systems’ resilience, environmental and socio-economic sustainability at the farm, organisational and institutional levels.
This paper argues that the market needs to recognise the added value of applying ecological principles and social values to agricultural production. It looks at how agroecology can offer new business models that are more inclusive, diverse and profitable for farmers and others in the food system, especially those small farmers who are willing to cooperate to co-create new business models. These business models take a region-wide perspective, and incorporate innovations such as integrated management, organic fertilisers, participatory guarantee systems, and collective marketing in a way that is of value to all in the supply chain.
The paper also investigates some pathways to agroecology developed in the Innovation Hub Bio Danubius, a regional cluster already engaged in organic agricultural practices and willing to further embrace new agroecological principles. One important pathway looks at the conditions under which private (voluntary) standards can meet market requirement through a viable business model.
Find out more: https://doi.org/10.26458/24113