ABSTRACT
The Pacific region is experiencing a non-communicable disease epidemic largely driven by an ongoing nutrition transition from nutrient rich whole foods to imported staples and highly processed foods. Food trade is a major driver of this transition. We characterize regional and sub-regional trade from 1995 to 2018 for 18 Pacific Island Countries and Territories using the Pacific Food Trade Database. The analysis shows the growing dependence on imports of rice from South-East Asia and wheat from Australia, and recent growth in imports of meat from Australia, New Zealand and USA, and highly processed foods from South-East Asia. Findings are discussed in terms of policy and trade agreements, and global shocks including COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.
ABSTRACT
PurposeThe rising food demand around the globe goes hand in hand with the rapid development of the agriculture industry. However, this development at the same time has detrimental effects on the natural environment. Hence, promoting ecological strategies in agriculture is essential for environmental sustainability. This study aims to investigate the institutional determinants of ecological strategies adopted by agricultural exporting firms and how these strategies enhance the firms' competitive advantage and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to collect data from 218 managers of agricultural exporting companies in Vietnam, which is a major exporter of agricultural products. The data were analyzed using different techniques including partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results reveal that market pressure, regulatory pressure and competitive pressure motivate the adoption of ecological strategies among the surveyed agricultural exporting firms. Furthermore, such strategies help these firms obtain competitive advantage, which in turn increases their export financial performance. In addition, larger firms, compared to smaller firms, are more likely to adopt ecological strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by developing and validating a unique model examining the institutional pressures of ecological strategies and their outcomes in export markets. The study extends current knowledge about ecological exporting strategies for agricultural products, and its findings have several managerial and policy implications for promoting these strategies among agricultural exporting firms in emerging countries like Vietnam.
ABSTRACT
The increase in the export volume of fishery products during the Covid-19 pandemic shows that the fisheries sector contributes to the national economy. This study aims to analyze the factors that cause fishery export performance to experience a positive trend during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study systematically reviews the literature to identify, assess, and interpret all available research evidence to answer specific research questions. The results showed that in the case of fish and shrimp export performance, the Covid-19 pandemic had a positive impact, but previous studies generally showed negative results.
ABSTRACT
As the world intensifies efforts to mitigate the effect of global climate change, an on-line survey was carried out involving 1,081 wood products and furniture manufacturers in Malaysia. The main objective was to evaluate the level of awareness, extent of adoption, and challenges faced by these manufacturers in adopting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The survey found that large-sized companies were more receptive to adopting ESG practices, as opposed to the medium-, small-, and micro-sized companies. Respondents were apparently more responsive to environmental requirements, followed by governance, and finally the social factors. Within the environmental sphere, compliance with using certified and legal wood and wood products, waste management, and conformance to emission standards were well received among respondents. The survey revealed that market forces and legislative requirements were the two most important factors that enticed respondents to comply with the ESG practices;among those respondents who did not comply with ESG requirements, the primary deterrent factors include lack of awareness, no direct benefit from adopting ESG, and the high cost involved. The ESG compliance may transform the wood products and furniture industries into a more sustainable industry, offering equitable wages and green jobs while producing high value-added products.