Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems
• Reviews the range of CEA systems, from climate-controlled greenhouses and indoor vertical farms, to screenhouses and hydroponic systems
• Considers how key resources (such as light, water and nutrients) can be optimised in CEA systems

This chapter provides an overview of some of the nature markets and finance mechanisms, which may provide farmers and land managers with opportunities to integrate farming for nature into their businesses, generating new revenue streams, and also offering opportunities to draw private finance into conservation across supply chains in the agriculture sector. The author considers the drivers behind these new markets and provide an overview of some of the opportunities and challenges they may bring.

Extensive areas spanning billions of hectares within the world’s arable landscapes are heavily degraded, have suffered losses of biodiversity, and require major restoration efforts. Indeed, the United Nations declared 2021-2030 to be the decade of restoration. The restoration challenges facing south-eastern Australia’s woodlands are not dissimilar to challenges which characterize many agricultural landscapes internationally, and thus form the basis of the case study featured in this chapter, incorporating research conducted since 1998. A key insight from our work is that factors operating at multiple scales are critical for informing effective restoration to maximize landscape-scale biodiversity values. We present a restoration hierarchy to highlight how factors ranging from the individual tree level to farm- and landscape- scales need to be considered in restoration efforts, then outline some key lessons from our research for effective translation into on-ground action.

This chapter explores the concept of quality in organic milk. Quality encompasses many extrinsic properties of dairy production like animal welfare, the impact on biodiversity, climate change, and fair treatment of everybody along the supply chain. This chapter focuses on composition of the milk and asks how far organic milk varies from non-organic products and what potential there is to improve quality further. This chapter reviews key research relating to differences in protein, fatty acid and mineral composition between milk from organic and conventional production, as well risks from drug and pesticide residues. It also explores how implementation of calf-cow-contact (CCC) systems on welfare grounds affects milk quality.

This chapter explores patterns of antimicrobial use (AMU) in poultry production, reviews recent modifications in AMU use and assesses their impact on trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The chapter also examines examine the common antimicrobial-resistant bacteria associated with poultry and the impact of specific agricultural practices on AMR. Finally, the chapter outlines and evaluates strategies for managing and reducing AMR in poultry production.

Yellow mealworm (T. molitor) is a safe and sustainable alternative protein source for aquafeed, given advantages such as high protein content and better amino acid profile when compared to alternative plant-protein sources. This chapter provides an overview of the current use of T. molitor as alternative ingredient to fishmeal. It summarises recent reviews on the use of these invertebrates in aquafeeds and their impact on key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with growth performance and feed efficiency, product nutritional quality, as well as their immunomodulatory potential and effect on host gut microbiota.

This chapter discusses chemical and pathogen hazards related to industrial production of selected insect species such as the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and house cricket (Acheta domesticus), both of which are authorized for human food and animal feed in the European Union (EU). The chapter also considers black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) which are only allowed as animal feed in Europe. The chapter reviews hazards associated with rearing, processing and storage of the insect and derived products focussing particularly on chemicals and pathogens known to be of risk for human consumption. The chapter also discusses techniques related to hazard detection and monitoring.

Ecosystem services obtained by returning wild animals to agricultural landscapes can outweigh the disservices (e.g., livestock predation) of those same animals. We foresee three key management trends that will facilitate a balancing of economic and environmental gains in animal rewilding: (1) capturing wild provisioning services, (2) coordinating broad spatial heterogeneity in land use, and (3) employing coexistence conservation tactics. A resurgence of appreciation for wild animal products would provide opportunities for landholders to obtain new or supplementary income. Further gains could be facilitated by creating heterogeneous landscapes with various land sharing strategies that shift ecosystems away from intensive human use towards higher quality wild animal habitat. Finally, increased implementation of tactics that may drive or enable the adaptation of livestock, crops, their predators, as well as human perceptions and management strategies, could facilitate the coexistence of wild animals and agriculture that will help to produce net positive outcomes.

Escherichia coli is a common gastrointestinal bacteria that has a vast genetic, physiologic, and biochemical diversity in E. coli, which allows this organism to thrive in many environments. But E. coli contains several pathogenic groups (e.g., pathotypes) which can cause disease and morbidity in poultry, reduce poultry producers profitability, and can impact the health and safety of human consumers of poultry meat products. As the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters has become increasingly restricted, alternatives to antimicrobials (ATA) have become a higher priority. The use of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, bacteriophage, and organic acids have the potential to alter the gastrointestinal microbial population and to reduce pathogenic groups of E. coli. Thus strategies that can reduce these important pathogens from poultry are critical to ensuring the efficient production of poultry meat, but also the safety of these important sources of protein for humans.

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the major types of contaminants in food, including environmental and process contaminants, as well as natural toxins
• Reviews the establishment of major international and EU food safety frameworks
• Addresses recent advances in techniques for monitoring and detecting chemical contaminants in food

In recent years, the yellow mealworm has undergone a significant transformation, from a global pest species to a prominent insect species for feed and food purposes. However, farming mealworms is still a relatively new business venture, offering ample opportunities for optimization and innovation. This chapter aims to explore yellow mealworm rearing techniques. The authors begin by discussing the mealworm life cycle, followed by the sort of environments needed to effeciently rear mealworms. They then go into detail about the rearing of different life stages of mealworm, including egg production and handly, growing the larvae, pupation, and beetle population. Finally, they explore challenges to scaling up production and the design of rearing facilities.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural defense mechanism in organisms that detects and neutralizes foreign genetic materials, particularly viral RNA. This process involves the creation of single-stranded micro RNAs that target and inhibit complementary messenger RNA (mRNA), thus halting gene expression. The discovery that external double-stranded RNA molecules can trigger RNAi has led to significant interest in academic and industrial circles, resulting in applications like genetically modified crops and insecticidal compounds. The first RNAi-based insecticide received commercial approval in the USA in 2023. The key advantage of this biotechnology lies in its high specificity, as it targets unique sequences in the mRNA of the intended organism. However, the effectiveness of RNAi varies between species due to factors such as dsRNA degradation, cellular uptake, and genomic variations. While evidence suggests limited risks for mammals and vertebrates, comprehensive evaluations are essential to address potential non-target effects and the risk of insect resistance.

Rewilding is the deliberate (re)introduction of animal species into local or regional areas with the joint aims to assist the conservation of those species and promote the re-establishment of lost or degraded ecological processes. In Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand rewilding is particularly important in reversing losses of species and ecological processes that are among the most severe in the world. This chapter outlines the benefits and the challenges of rewilding in Australia and New Zealand, noting that much successful rewilding occurs in places where invasive species have been removed. Four case studies are presented. The first two describe rewildings on formerly degraded agricultural land (Tiritiri Matangi Island, Scotia Sanctuary), while the third posits a conceptual rewilding program using a continental top predator, the dingo. The fourth case study describes a digitally-enabled survey and monitoring system on a mixed-agriculture farm that provides a step towards rewilding such landscapes in future.

• Provides a detailed overview of the recent advances in controlled environment agriculture
• Reviews the sustainability of controlled environment agriculture
• Summarises recent developments in controlled environment technologies, including lighting and climate control

Chemical insecticides are beset by the twin problems of regulatory pressure and insect resistance. New mode-of-action Plant Protection Products (PPPs) will play a vital role in securing food for the future due to existing and emerging pest and disease pressures and will be directed against a wide range of molecular targets. Insect neuropeptides, which regulate critical life processes, could prove useful for developing alternative strategies for pest management. Recent increases in ‘omics-based data capture has allowed for improved assessment of potential neuropeptide mimetics, while expanding the potential impact with identification of new, specific, pest species targets. Rational design of neuropeptide analogues with improved efficacy, biostability and bioavailability could provide a new generation of eco-friendly, pollinator-safe bioinsecticides. Continued optimization of appropriate adjuvants and formulations for peptides, as well as green improvements to their production on a large scale, would help their adoption as a viable alternative to problematic conventional insecticides.

Probiotics and prebiotics boost poultry gut health and immunity. This chapter discusses current research and practical applications of these microbial-based supplements for chicken production. The chicken industry has struggled recently with gastrointestinal disorders, poor meal absorption, and viral infections. Probiotics and prebiotics, non-digestible food additives that boost gut microorganisms, may help. This chapter book explains probiotic and prebiotic interactions with avian gut flora. Probiotics and prebiotics impact poultry intestine bacteria balance, architecture, nutrient digestion, and immune control. The chapter also discusses issues in using probiotics and prebiotics. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers, poultry nutritionists, veterinarians, and industry professionals interested in the potential benefits and practical applications of probiotics and prebiotics in poultry.

This chapter presents an overview of proximal sensing techniques used in practical precision agriculture, with the overall aim of contributing to more sustainable crop production. To provide perspective on the usefulness of crop sensors, the chapter starts with an example of why site-specific crop management is important and how it relates to sustainable production. The basics of crop canopy reflectance are then presented, followed by an introduction to two practical precision agriculture techniques, site-specific weed management and real-time crop sensing, mainly focusing on within-field nitrogen application. Two case studies in which different types of proximal sensors are used, individually or in combination with other techniques (UAVs and satellites), are described. Finally, potential future developments are briefly discussed.

The evolution of standards and certification in agri-food chains has taken place over nearly 40 years. The dynamics that led to this form of private governance have also changed over time. Contemporary issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and seeking to develop a food system that is resilient and sustainable has led to the emergence of new principles, practices and outcomes that the agri-food supply chain must deliver. This chapter reflects on these trends and the themes that run through the book to consider how we deliver safe, sustainable and socially responsible supply chains, now and into the future.

Corn Fermented Protein (CFP) is the first commercially viable new source of high level (>50%), high quality vegetable protein, developed in the past twenty years and available for feeding to livestock, aquaculture, and companion animals. The protein product is derived from the sustainable fuel bioethanol production process and as a derivative of an industrial process is not in direct competition with food production. CFP has a low carbon index compared with a range of traditional protein products. This chapter describes the application of corn fermented protein in feed formulations for poultry.

Measuring and improving good agricultural practices (GAP) related to food safety of fresh produce is important, especially as many crops, such as leafy vegetables, are sold as ‘ready to eat’ at the point of purchase. Previous approaches to food safety-related hazard analysis and risk assessment for fresh produce GAP frameworks are being revisited and repositioned. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA), especially emergent systems such as vertical farming, are of interest in terms of promoting more sustainable practices and reducing land use for food production. Framing of what GAP is will vary from the field to controlled environments and so defining GAP from a food safety and sustainability perspective, and establishing appropriate operational guidelines for CEA systems is important. This chapter considers the debates about GAP in the context of CEA and how GAP can be developed as part of an effective food safety control programme in CEA systems.

The founding principles of organic farming (health, ecology, fairness and care) guide the overall ethos of organic farming in an ever-changing environment. Using these principles, this introductory chapter discusses the key environmental, welfare, economic and other challenges facing contemporary organic dairy farming in Europe. It reviews the differing ways these challenges can be addressed, setting the scene for following chapters on specific issues.

Knowledge of amino acid formulation minimum constraints in the nutrient matrix are pivotal in order to allow for formulation flexibility, and subsequent broiler productivity at minimum nitrogen supply. Four key amino acid minimums that beg for more research are: arginine, glycine and serine, histidine, and phenylalanine and tyrosine. In this chapter the former have been reviewed.

This chapter concerns the lives of calves from organic dairy farms. It opens with a description of management of calves under organic farming conditions. Next, cow-calf contact (CCC) during the milk feed period is described, followed by a section on non-replacement calves born in organic dairy herds.

Feed efficiency is a complex and very important genetic trait in broiler production. Content in this chapter is an overview of over 20 years of research of investigating mitochondrial physiology, gene and protein expression that enables a ‘proteogenomic picture’ to be ‘painted’ to aid in understanding of feed efficiency in muscle at the cellular level.

Good agricultural practices (GAP) define the practices at the farm level that can be adopted to assure safe and healthy food is produced profitably with appropriate standards in terms of animal welfare, worker welfare and environmental protection. This chapter describes GAP, notions of good farming, how GAP standards have evolved in developed and developing economies, the opportunities to evolve these pre- and post-harvest standards, and their related principles and practices in the future.

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in grassland science and management
• Includes a selection of case studies which highlight current challenges facing alpine/mountain grasslands, as well as grasslands in Europe and New Zealand
• Discusses recent developments in botanical composition of grasslands, including the design of multi-species swards and herbal leys

Despite its potential benefits, organic farming has a complex relationship with technological innovation which has sometimes been associated with intensive forms of production. This chapter discusses the ways precision and other new technologies can fulfil the core organic values of health, ecology, care and fairness. It outlines a responsible innovation framework in assessing how new technologies meet organic values, based on the principles of inclusion, anticipation, reflexivity and responsiveness. The chapter uses the example of virtual fencing to show how the framework can be used in practice.

Grasslands and rangelands are disturbance-driven ecosystems that cover 40% of the Earth’s land area. They have often been subjected to agricultural improvement or environmental degradation, compromising biodiversity, thus restoration may require nutrient reductions and native seedings. If a seed source is intact and degradation is recent, rewilding (passive restoration) may restore biodiversity. Otherwise, active restoration may be required via the application of ‘green hay’ or direct seeding. Invasive species may be controlled by scalping, herbicides, mowing, biological soil crusts, or prescribed burning, but eradication may be impractical. Though forbs are more difficult to establish than grasses, they are potentially greater contributors to species richness. Stronger native seed industries are needed to provide biodiversity for restoration. Long-term monitoring of vegetation or seed banks is required to gauge restoration success. A broadscale case study from Utah, USA is provided to illustrate many of these principles.

Farm hedgerows supply diverse benefits to agriculture including pollination, pest control and improved production related to biodiversity. They also provide additional ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, shelter for crops and livestock, human well-being, and a bucolic aesthetic. This chapter explores the impact and management of hedgerows in promoting biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. The chapter begins by outlining the origins and management history of hedgerows. Discussion then moves to ecological processes and biodiversity in hedgerows, covering hedge structure and woody species, ground flora, belowground biodiversity, decomposition and nutrient cycling, invertebrate predators and parasites, pollinators, birds, bats, other mammals. Landscape factors influencing hedgerow biodiversity are then described, followed by a case study of hedgerows in Northern Ireland. Next, the wider benefits of increased biodiversity in hedgerows and key hedgerow management techniques to enhance biodiversity are highlighted. Finally, barriers to conservation management of hedgerows, policy affecting hedgerows are explored.

Soil and water conservation is essential for sustaining agricultural production and for protecting the soil ecosystem. This chapter discusses an alternative approach for soil erosion mitigation, which advocates modification of soil properties that are linked to processes that control degradation of soil structure stability. The chapter reviews the potential of three types of soil stabilizing agents (gypsum and gypsiferous materials, synthetic polymers, and organic waste materials). The focus is the impact these soil stabilizers can have on cultivated soils, many of which are associated with poor structural stability (e.g. soils from semiarid or humid regions), which ultimately leads to limited infiltration and to elevated levels of runoff and soil erosion. Current research suggests that judicious application of such stabilizing agents to the soil can lead to enhanced soil surface structure stability and combating soil erosion.

The purpose of this chapter is to appraise the current work done on the use of the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as an alternative and sustainable protein source in poultry diets. The incorporation of insects in animal diets is regarded as an interesting topic in animal nutrition. Their popularity is expected to outstrip the current conventional feed ingredients globally. Based on nutritional analysis, yellow mealworm larvae are comparable to conventional poultry protein sources. Hence, they are widely documented as the most appropriate substitute for soybean meal and fishmeal as they have a similar influence on growth performance without having a negative impact on the carcass, meat quality, or egg quality. Therefore, this chapter will discuss the opportunity for using yellow mealworm larvae as a protein source in poultry diets. The nutritional and environmental benefits, processing and storge, and effects of Tenebrio molitor on poultry productivity are discussed.

This chapter explores the developments in agri-environment schemes in Australia. Agri-environment schemes have been a part of Australia’s environmental policy for more than two decades. During this time, schemes have evolved from community-based initiatives addressing land degradation issues, such as soil salinity and poor water quality, to the use of market-based mechanisms aimed at the restoration and protection of biodiversity values on farms. More recently, federal and state governments are increasingly designing schemes that integrate emerging carbon and nature markets in an attempt to make progress towards domestic and international emissions reduction and biodiversity targets, and to defray the cost of biodiversity conservation by attracting private investment. The authors provide examples of these schemes, including a case study on the federal government’s 'Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot' scheme, and discuss the various opportunities and risks associated with this shift in scheme design.

Yellow mealworms, Tenebrio molitor, are increasingly being used as a source of protein for humans, as well as for feeding animals. However, as with any other type of livestock, yellow mealworms can be affected by diseases, which can lead to reduced productivity. In this chapter, the authors review recent research and describe common diseases that affect yellow mealworms and their causal agents, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogens like microsporidians, nematodes, and gregarines. Subsequently, they discuss methods that, both now and in the future, could play a role in controlling the pathogens. While there already exists protocols to facilitate the development of good hygienic practices, the authors also explore techniques with the prospects of improving insect immunity such as selective breeding, immune priming and the use of probiotics, all of which could protect the insects against existing and as yet unknown pathogenic threats.

Soil erodibility refers to the vulnerability of a soil to erosion. This chapter discusses approaches to defining soil erodibility. It then reviews two key soil properties affecting erodibility: aggregate stability and shear stress stability. The chapter assesses individual and combined techniques for measuring these properties and thus gauging the erodibility of a soil.

• Summarises the latest developments in ecological principles underpinning agroecology which provide the foundation for approaches such as regenerative agriculture
• Reviews how to balance trade-offs in agroecosystems to balance yields with resilience and protection of biodiversity
• Assesses how to optimise practical agroecosystems by involving farmers and using open-source technology and indigenous knowledge

The information available on the nutrient requirements of broilers to maximize production or economics returns, is abundant but the data are often inconsistent because of factors such as the methodology used to estimate bird requirements and the differences in the nutritional value attributed to each ingredient. This chapter reviews some of the key factors affecting feed formulation, recent trends and current feed programs as well as options for improvement.

Promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality plays a key role in accelerating equitable and sustainable agricultural systems in Africa, yet efforts to better integrate women in agricultural development often ignore the underlying social-economic drivers that underpin gender inequalities. This chapter uses primary data generated through the mixed methods approach, and the project-specific Women Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI). It also utilises rich secondary evidence from the region. Complex interconnections between women empowerment, social-cultural dynamics and agricultural opportunities in Uganda and Africa are also explored. Findings depict that the major disempowering drivers for rural women small holder farmers are more aligned to instrumental and intrinsic agency driven by social-cultural gendered power relations. The authors conclude that social and gender norms, rooted in the capitalist-patriarchal system limit women’s agency and agricultural opportunities. They recommend a gender responsive agricultural policy environment grounded in a transformative agenda that addresses the underlying gender inequalities.

This chapter focuses on the impact of various substrates on the nutritional quality – in particular protein content - of the yellow mealworm larvae. The authors begin by describing the characteristics of rearing substrates for optimal yellow mealworm growth, including nutritional composition, biomass production, and feed conversion ratio. Next they analyse the yellow mealworm's protein content, and consider factors which may influence it. Finally the chapter touches on factors influencing the use of novel biomasses as substrates to increase the yellow mealworm proteins content, and discuss how the yellow mealworm has proven to be able to degrade polymer bio-plastics, thus opening new interesting opportunities to address the global plastic waste problem.

This chapter covers understanding and changing attitudes towards eating protein derived from insects. In recent years, there has been growing interest regarding the role of insects as novel protein sources to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable and nutritious food. However, though insects are consumed in some cultures, in others, in particular those where insects are not traditionally part of the human diet, the inclusion of insects has been met with scepticism and strong resistance. This chapter begins by exploring changing attitudes toward insect-based food and the psychological factors that affect these attitudes. It then moves on to discuss product-related determinants of consumer acceptance of insect-derived proteins. Finally, the impact of sociocultural factors on consumer acceptance is reviewed.

• Considers the contribution of land use change to climate change and global biodiversity decline
• Reviews the development of agri-environment schemes in the UK and how they coincide with the principles of sustainable land management
• Addresses the impact of land use change on the composition and functionality of soil microbiomes

This chapter discussed the use of prebiotics in pig nutrition. It begins with a section covering dietary fibre and prebiotics, then moves on to describe types of prebiotics, including: oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and non-carbohydrate prebiotics. Next, mode of actions for prebiotics is explored. Finally, prebiotics in diets for pigs is highlighted, covering again: oligosaccharides and inulin, polysaccharides, and non-carbohydrate prebiotics.

This chapter highlights the essential need for sustainable agriculture to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial crop production while meeting rising global food demands. It examines the transition from conventional weed management to site-specific weed management (SSWM), encompassing sophisticated weed detection techniques, data-based decision algorithms, and precise weed control tools. The chapter delves into the contribution of technologies such as remote sensing and autonomous robotics in enhancing weed management practices. Additionally, the chapter underscores the advantages of SSWM in reducing herbicide usage and advocates for the integration of intelligent robotics and precision systems to improve agricultural sustainability and efficiency, paving the way for more sustainable and productive farming practices.

This chapter describes advances in understanding and improving the use of macro-minerals in poultry with a particular focus on phosphorus (P). The chapter begins by outlining the challenges to optimising mineral nutrition in poultry, covering the characterisation of the P value in feed ingredients and factors that affect P availability. Next a section on case studies is explored, including a meta-analysis for assessing the P value of a diet and a model where the P and calcium (Ca) quantities required for maintenance and growth are aggregated to determine the overall needs of the animals. Finally, future trends are discussed, covering precision feeding for sustainability, the potential for compensatory mechanisms and genetic determinism, the balance between Ca and P in laying hens, and a digestible Ca system.

Growth performance of broiler chickens may be sub-optimal because starch is digested too rapidly and protein too slowly. This chapter reviews how a better understanding of digestive kinetics can address this challenge and contribute to least-cost formulation of broiler diets to enhance chicken-meat production. It begins by reviewing the process of protein and starch digestion. The chapter then reviews factors affecting digestion such as the speed of protein digestion and amino acid absorption, the more rapid intestinal uptake of non-bound methionine, as well as the role of slowly-digestible starch in promoting broiler growth performance. The chapter shows that accounting for these factors can significantly improve the efficiency of broiler diets.

An organic diet based on regionally produced feed components is a fundamental goal in organic pig production. There is a huge unexploited potential in implementing local produced “green feed components” in organic pig diets as a sustainable alternative to the current high reliance on concentrates like processed cereals and oil seed feed sources. This chapter concerns greed feed in organic pig farming with an emphasis on studies conducted under the conditions of Denmark and Northern Europe. The authors present findings from recent research on the energy and protein (amino acid) requirements of organic pigs. This is followed by a discourse on the possibility of enhancing the nutritional value of organic pig diets by incorporating more forage, either through direct foraging or by allocating roughage, as well as incorporating "green protein" sources.

Despite increasing urgency and pressure from stakeholders to increase the sustainability of livestock production systems, little research has so far been carried out on the role of sustainability standards. Standards are perceived as a promising way forward in the transition towards more sustainable modes of production. In this chapter we apply a transition theory lens to sustainability standards in the dairy sector and identify progress towards more sustainable production. Analysis of the literature and in-depth interviews with dairy sustainability standard representatives highlight the increased pressure to prove sustainability claims of standards. Meanwhile, standards need to balance providing stability and accessibility to their producers while also allowing continuous improvement. While there is no one pathway toward sustainable development, it is clear that standards will continue to evolve, and their acceptance by farmers and consumers, and contribution to sustainability, will depend upon the pressures exerted on them by stakeholders with diverse interests.

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the main crop models developed in North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific
• Considers how current crop models can be improved with future enhancements, such as the incorporation of genetics
• Details examples of current applications of crop models, focussing on genotype-environment-management (G x E x M) interactions

Greenhouse gas emissions on the farm have different sources: livestock, soils, plants on crop- and grasslands, and fuel and energy consumption. For livestock, methane emissions are most relevant, whereas on crop- and grasslands, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide show the most impact. There are a range of options to measure these emissions, but the different methods mainly focus on one source or a small section of the farm. This chapter explores these different methods. The authors begin by exploring chamber and eddy covariance measurements for crop- and grasslands before describing the range of emissions sources from livestock. They then compare how models and tools are cheaper and easier to apply, but the quality of the results is not comparable to direct measurements, and how these methods could contribute to net zero.

This chapter provides an overview of co-products and other alternative feedstuffs for sustainable pig production. It opens with a discussion of feed evaluation, animal growth and carcass characteristics. Focus then moves to meat quality and animal health. After this, the chapter highlights the connection between sustainability and feed, in particular the greenhouse gas emissions of pigs, and the human-edible protein balance of swine and amount of land required to produce it. The chapter ends with a case study of the use of canola co-products as feedstuffs for pigs.

Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and productive sectors in the Mediterranean region, but it is also the most vulnerable to water scarcity. Currently, it is facing certain challenges, which compromise the sustainability and environmental impact of our food production system. In response, and to help address this issue, the PRECIMED project has developed a decision support system (DSS) to enhance the efficiency of farmers in their daily tasks, including irrigation and fertilization. The PRECIMED DSS offers end users the opportunity to deploy and integrate a range of IoT devices and web services from different sources, as well as the use of advanced agronomic services. The DSS outputs were tested and validated in four different Mediterranean countries, including Spain, Algeria, Tunisia and Greece, under both greenhouse (protected cropping) and open-field-scale cropping systems.

Eco-labelling forest products through forest certification is a market-driven tool with a global influence. It is also met with challenges in acceptance and diffusion among stakeholders. Here the authors aim to provide a synthesis of forest certification impact and place this in the context of small private forest owners. The chapter starts with an introduction to the concept of forest certification and important governance and operations characteristics. Continued with a discussion about the impact of forest certification and how it can deliver environmental, social, and financial value. The case study focuses on the group of small private forest owners and their motivations to adopt forest certification. This is followed by a discussion about the logic behind forest certification for small private owners and what this could mean for the future of forest certification.

This chapter focuses on assessing the impact of climate change on soil erosion by water. It begins by first describing the influence of climate change on event and annual erosivity, then moves on to discuss the influence of climate change on the protective effect of crops. A section on snowmelt erosion is also provided, before the chapter concludes with an overview of the multiple influences that climate change has on soil erosion.

Soil health is central for provisioning and supporting ecosystem services for both agriculture and restored natural lands. Agricultural systems create different challenges for soil health that can degrade land and require implementation of restoration strategies. It is important that restoration practices create landscapes that are resilient to the combined challenges of climate, environmental and land-use change, and consideration of soil health is vital to achieve this. Here, we highlight the usefulness and practicality of soil health and degradation indicators for the restoration of degradation gradients caused by current agricultural practices. We emphasise the importance of integrating state-of-the-art knowledge of plant-microorganism interactions, which are the ‘engine’ driving many ecosystem functions, and the key ecological concepts of plant-soil feedback and biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, to enhance soil health as part of a restoration strategy. Finally, we emphasise how consideration of scale and connectedness in restoration practices is vital for maximise ecosystem multifunctionality.

The modernisation of irrigation districts, where traditional networks based on open channels are replaced by pressurised pipe networks, represents a change in the delicate balance between water and energy use. In this way, water use efficiency is increased, but energy consumption is highly augmented. This fact implies a rise in water supply costs that, in many cases, can lead to a very significant reduction in farmers’ profits. This chapter addresses, on the one hand, measures to achieve energy savings in the water supply in pressurised networks of around 20–30%. These measures consist of alternative management strategies for the irrigation network and improvements in the hydraulic infrastructure. On the other hand, it highlights the potential role of renewable energies, including solar photovoltaic and micro-hydraulic energy, which can reduce energy costs and reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural production. All of these options are illustrated with reference to results obtained from Spanish case studies. Finally, new energy-saving measures can be developed based on deep learning from data. Thus, the roles of big data and artificial intelligence techniques that allow forecasting the demand at both irrigation district and plot scale are discussed. These measures will allow network management to be adapted to real operating situations, based on water demand forecasts, and will contribute to a more efficient use of water and energy resources.

Soil erosion is particularly affected by climate change, especially increases in the amount and intensity of rainfall. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2) developed by USDA-ARS has been developed to quantify soil erosion. However, it does not consider current climate and topographic conditions for estimating those factors, including the rainfall erosivity factor (R-factor) which is particularly significant given more frequent extreme storm events resulting from climate change. This chapter reviews developing a modified RUSLE model using ArcGIS ModelBuilder automation to develop processes for improving USLE factors so that soil erosion quantification can be estimated more precisely in both temporal and spatial dimensions.

This chapter covers implementing sustainable land use change programmes. It explores how these schemes have evolved alongside the principles of sustainable land management, how they are shaped by the culture of the UK nations within which they develop, and how the role and importance of the landowner has changed from a passive recipient of instruction to an active participant in the design process. A case study scheme is also described whose ambition of economic viability achieved through ecologically resilient land management enables us to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with achieving sustainable land management.

• Highlights the importance of good agricultural practices (GAPs) in achieving a safe, sustainable and secure agri-food supply chain
• Considers the evolution of GAPs and their implementation within the fresh produce sector to improve food safety
• Includes case studies which demonstrate how GAPs have been utilised to improve crop production in three contrasting maize cultivation systems

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the ways agroforestry can support key ecosystem services
• Reviews the range of silvopastoral and silvoarable systems and their application in agriculture to optimise crop and livestock production
• Considers the benefits of temperate agroforestry in mitigating/adapting to climate change

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the main types of cover crop species, including leguminous, gramineous and non-leguminous broadleaf cover crops
• Reviews the role of cover crops in helping to promote soil health and deliver key ecosystem services
• Reviews recent developments in the management of cover crops

This chapter presents an economic perspective on significant agri-environmental policies that affect U.S. agriculture and assesses some of the environmental outcomes of these policies. The authors first present a conceptual framework for designing and assessing environmental intervention in agriculture, emphasizing payment for environmental services programs (PES), which became a major agri-environmental intervention. They then explore the major agri-environmental programs affecting U.S. agriculture and other North American countries. Following this, they examine the results of studies assessing the economic and some of the environmental outcomes of agri-environmental programs in North America.

Soil water retention is an important factor that influences cropping systems and environmental sustainability and can be affected by various agronomic practices. Agronomic practices including tillage, cover cropping, crop rotation, and animal grazing practices have been implemented over several centuries to enhance crop productivity by improving soil–seed contact, reducing weed competition, increasing nutrient availability and cycling, and improving animal health. Over time and as a result of technological advancements and an increasing global human population, these practices have gradually evolved to include the use of mechanised equipment aimed at reducing human labour and increasing productivity. However, these advancements in agronomic practices can influence water infiltration and retention. This chapter discusses these practices and their influence on water infiltration and retention. Suggestions are also made on how these practices can be used to optimise soil water retention and availability.

To ensure sustainable pig production in terms of cost and environmental impact, it is essential to focus on enhancing feed efficiency. This necessitates a precise understanding of the nutrient requirements of both sows and growing pigs, enabling the development of tailored feeding strategies to optimize their performance. In this chapter, various modeling approaches are discussed, which have been designed to predict the nutrient requirements of individual sows or growing pigs. These models take into account factors such as protein/amino acids, energy, minerals, as well as the characteristics of the animal, the feed, and the environmental conditions. The chapter emphasizes the importance of incorporating individual variability among animals into pig feeding models, which can be applied in precision feeding. Furthermore, a case study is presented to illustrate the practical relevance of these models in improving feed efficiency for gestating sows.

This chapter discusses supply chain management responses used by companies in the food supply chain during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter first discusses the relevant literature on supply chain resilience. The chapter subsequently reviews supply chain responses in relation to different supply chain resilience capabilities, and then discusses the theory and practice of supply chain capabilities in food supply chains.

This chapter discusses improving agri-food supply chains in North America, using the case of the sugarcane agro-industry in Mexico as a discussion point. The chapter focuses on sugarcane production in Mexico, then goes on to highlight factors determining the competitiveness of the sugarcane agro-industry. A section on the main technological issues related to sugarcane agri-business development is also included, followed by an overview of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on sugarcane agri-business development. Regulatory issues related to sugarcane agri-business development are also highlighted and labour issues relating to sugarcane agri-business development are discussed as well. The chapter goes on to review pricing issues in the sugarcane industry, which is then followed by a review of the role of diversification and financing in sugarcane agri-business development.

This chapter reviews current bottom-up and top-down approaches to achieving this ambitious goal. As it points out, agricultural regions where wild nature is now closer to 1% than 30% by area are unlikely to retain some or perhaps most native species using bottom-up biodiversity-friendly farm management approaches, valuable as these are. The solution in such regions is the restoration of large areas of farmland, perhaps whole farms and clusters of farms, to habitats managed for native biodiversity. This chapter highlights how this might be achieved through a case study based on the Mount Lofty region of South Australia. It also discusses ongoing challenges in meeting this goal by assessing the impact of over-extraction of water on the ecological health of the Murray–Darling Basin in south-eastern Australia and the effectiveness of attempts to address this problem.

Pig feeding and nutrition is a crucial aspect of pig farming, as it directly impacts growth, health, and productivity from birth to market weight. In this chapter the authors consider the key factors in the setting of nutritional guidelines, such as breed and genetic traits affecting nutrient and energy requirements, production goals, and growth stage and weight. Discussion then moves to how to formulate diets to maximise feed efficient and performance while still minimising nutrient excretion. Here the authors consider the diets of nursery pigs, growing-finishing pigs, boars, and gilts and sows. Finally, the authors examine the key challenges in formulating nutritional guidelines and their potential solutions. These challenges include heat stress, the presence of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in feed ingredients, post-weaning diarrhoea, and the potential detrimental effect of high dietary leucine concentration.

Recent developments in harnessing solar energy have transformed solar powered irrigation systems (SPIS) into a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel energy-based irrigation systems. This chapter reviews the current developments and future prospects for SPIS, highlighting how latest developments in solar technology have created opportunities to address energy–irrigation (groundwater) nexus challenges. It also highlights recent technological developments, including smart solar irrigation systems and real-time water monitoring. Future advances such as more refined automated water delivery and control systems might lead to more widespread adoption of SPIS. Considering Pakistan as a case study, this chapter explores adoption potential, including the different initiatives and efforts underway, concerns relating to farmer adoption, and the different strategies to ensure long-term sustainability of SPIS. We suggest that without effective regulatory control and market-based mechanisms, free solar energy can encourage groundwater over-exploitation and also impose various social and spatial externalities, unless the sustainability of water/groundwater resources is ensured.

A feed formulation program is used to determine a compound feed that meets all of its nutritional requirements and is at the lowest possible cost (least cost). This chapter addresses current challenges facing feed formulation programs, including the need to account for sustainability issues as well as the increasing range and volume of high-quality data on feedstuff composition and effects on poultry growth. The chapter discusses solutions such as tools for importing new data into the formulation database, developing linear and non-linear optimizers to handle a greater range and volume of data and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in future feed formulation.

This chapter describes the fundamental characteristics of the food systems of Eastern and Southern Europe, paying particular attention to their agro-export nature and the late predominance of large-scale distribution companies in their markets. The chapter then reviews the unsustainability of this model due to its high-energy demand and the need to opt for alternative channels, which the authors have framed within the short food supply chains (SFSCs), as the European Union is doing in its ‘From farm to fork’ strategy, which aims to correct the serious impacts of the Common Agricultural Policy. Finally, the chapter explains in detail how they are developing in Eastern and Southern Europe, pointing out the main problems they face and their current potential. The chapter also describes the types of SFSCs that currently exist in Spain as an example that could represent the other countries considered.

The global poultry industry tends to depend on a limited number of feed ingredients, which face a number of environmental and other problems. The objective of this chapter is to examine emerging, alternative ingredients for potential use locally or for development into global protein sources for the poultry industry.

Reducing water consumption (equivalent to depletion) in irrigated agriculture ‘saves’ water, freeing it up to be allocated to other sectors, for example, to restore environmental flows. However, this task is not straightforward because consumption is difficult to adjust; there are many scales, motives, actors, concepts, calculations and hydrological practices and processes involved. Without a comprehensive approach to managing water, attempts to save water typically result in no observed effect, a reduction in crop production, a redistribution of water, or, paradoxically, an increase in water consumption. To address this challenge, a six-part ‘irrigation savings allocation framework’ (ISAF) to effect consumption-based savings is proposed. It first considers crop water requirements, then field applications, through to intra-system, and then system withdrawals of water. ISAF controls for irrigation consumption rebound and reuse in order to reduce depletion at the basin scale, and it tracks ‘freed up’ water to ensure it can be allocated to nature or other sectors.

This chapter introduces data mining in agriculture, focusing on support vector machines (SVM). SVM employs optimal hyperplanes in high-dimensional space for linear classification, aiming to find the maximum-margin hyperplane, crucial for accurate classification. The SVM model, a non-probabilistic binary linear classifier, can be adapted for probabilistic classification using methods like Platt scaling. It efficiently handles nonlinear classification through the kernel trick, mapping inputs into high-dimensional spaces. In agriculture, SVM can be used for applications such as crop pest and disease identification, trajectory segmentation, and yield prediction. The chapter underscores SVM's pivotal role in transforming agricultural practices and discusses future research trends.

Different strategies in water management exist to deal with water scarcity issues in agriculture. This chapter provides an overview of the fundamentals and developments of two water allocation/demand management strategies, i.e. water sharing and water trading, with a focus on the Australian experience. Both water sharing and trading have been advocated worldwide for many decades. However, there is still a need today for ongoing debate, dialogue and improvements to the systems to both (a) increase adoption and implementation and (b) avoid potential adverse effects. Three major themes can be identified as a basis for successful water-allocation regimes, namely: (i) institutional/regulatory capacity; (ii) integration/stakeholder involvement; and (iii) monitoring/control systems. Considering future population growth and the projected water quantity and quality issues, functioning water sharing and water trading systems will need to be at the core of improving water management and delivering more resilient irrigation communities.

This chapter discusses the potential use of more sustainable alternative feed ingredients in poultry feed. It introduces the range of alternative protein-contributing ingredients, including crop sources such as legumes, peas and beans, as well as by-products from food and oilseed processing such as oil palm kernel and cottonseed meal, as well animal sources such as feather and blood meal. It also looks at potential energy/fiber-contributing ingredients such as bakery meal, food waste and fiber co-products such as hulls, pulp and bran. The chapter then discusses the role of exogenous feed enzyme additives (phytase, carbohydrase and protease) in counteracting anti-nutritional factors in alternative feeds and optimizing release of nutrients. Finally the chapter assesses the role of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and precision biotics in optimizing gut function for improved feed utilization.

A well-functioning digestive tract is key to a sustainable poultry production. Significant progress in our understanding of the digestive tract functionality has allowed for further improvements, and will continue to do so. Feed intake is a prerequisite for a high performance, where feed particle size is a key element. Although crop retention would potentially improve the digestion process, the practice of ad libitum feeding does not fully stimulate to its maximal use. The gizzard plays a very important role due to its very effective fine grinding and its role as a feed-flow regulator, but structural components need to be included in the diet. As material passes into the relatively short small intestine, it is remarkably quickly digested and absorbed. Fermentation in the caeca may contribute to some energy for the bird, but its major role seems to be water reabsorption, including from urine being refluxed into the caeca from the cloaca.

Farm animal health management systems (FAHMSs) face significant challenges in data acquisition, integration, and analysis. In this context, the semantics of agriculture data, which takes advantage of semantic web technologies, is an important tool for improving data management and enabling informed decision-making. However, existing systems lack standardization, integrity, interoperability, reusability, and advanced analytical reasoning. The authors propose an ontology-driven, knowledge-based framework for FAHMSs to address these challenges. Their framework focuses on a cattle application scenario and provides a standardized framework, a species-specific Livestock Health Ontology (LHO), Resource Descriptive Framework (RDF) data generation, and semantic interoperability. This research aims to improve disease surveillance and early detection, leading to better animal health outcomes. The chapter comprehensively analyzes the background knowledge, presents the methodology as a case study, and concludes with future research directions and challenges.

Practiced by rural smallholders globally, agroforestry holds great promise for rural livelihoods, climate action, restoration, biodiversity conservation, and other socio-economic and environmental goals. Yet, agroforestry systems embed significant gender differences and inequalities that hinder the achievement of these goals. In this chapter, the authors explore the nexus of gender and agroforestry to unpack how gender shapes agroforestry systems, and how these systems (re)produce gender inequalities. To support this analysis, they draw on two frameworks – the Gender at Work framework, and the Reach-Benefit-Empower-Transform framework – to understand (1) gender transformative change in and through agroforestry, and (2) a range of programmatic approaches for working with gender to support this change. To bring the discussion to life, they draw on examples of agroforestry projects that have intentionally addressed gender relations and examine how they have fared. In so doing, they highlight entry points for agroforestry interventions to promote greater equality

Poultry meat is the most important protein source in human diet, and global demand increased annually. Broiler breeders are the parents of broiler and has a substantial impact on the poultry meat chain producing first class hatching eggs with healthy chicks. This is becoming increasingly challenging, because the continuing increase in the genetic growth potential of the offspring and the parent stock as well. Therefore, broiler breeders are feed restricted which on their turn caused abnormal behaviour towards equipment or other birds, which can be indicative of frustration, boredom and hunger. State of the art management for housing, equipment, and health are necessary to optimize reproduction of breeders for a maximum number of healthy offspring. Besides these mentioned factors, diet composition and feeding strategies are important factors to reach this goal.

In contrast to durable good supply chains, planning and control of agri-food supply chains are more challenging, e.g. due to perishable nature of the sensitivity of agri-food products. To provide managers with adequate decision-making support, it is crucial to understand the underlying planning processes along the entire supply chain. Recent events have shown that supply chain managers face various problems, from facilitating a transition to more sustainable food systems to securing food security by strengthening resilience. At the same time, an ever-growing population further exacerbates existing problems. This chapter explores the importance and complexity of planning processes in agri-food supply chains by briefly highlighting relevant building blocks for designing planning tools and by providing a comprehensive review on key planning elements, e.g. forecasting, production, and inventory planning. The primary focus is on planning and control activities based on techniques from operations management and quantitative methods from operations research and management science.

The robotization of agricultural tasks is booming globally, made possible thanks to the development of robotic platforms equipped with agricultural tools. These technological tools (sensors, effectors, etc.) can cause faults which compromise productivity. This chapter presents a review of state of the art of fault diagnosis methods followed by presentation of a Robot Fault Diagnosis Supervision System (S2D2R). S2D2R which is composed of a hybrid diagnostic method (MHD) and a human robot interaction module (MIHR) aims to detect faults as quickly as possible and then inform an operator in order to resolve the problem. Evaluation of the system in real conditions for faults such as wheel locks and in simulation for GPS faults or IMU faults is presented.

Poultry litter can be both a low-cost and nutrient-rich fertilizer for farming and a possible vector for environmental or microbiological hazards, highlighting the importance of proper treatment or handling the poultry litter. This chapter explores the microbiological quality and safety aspects of poultry litter, along with various treatment methods to mitigate risks associated with its use.

This chapter discusses the effects of no-till (NT) and related practices in preventing soil erosion. It starts by first focusing on the effects NT practices have on soil properties related to erosion risk, such as bulk density, pore size distribution, saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water holiday capacity, compaction, penetration resistance, crusting/sealing and infiltration, aggregate size, stability and soil structure and also soil organic matter. Sections on NT practices and water and wind erosion risk are also provided.

Western and Northern Europe are important regions for food production and supply for Europe and globally. With a combination of new supply chain management techniques and technological advancement, there are useful insights from the region on modern food production, value addition and associated services to ensure consumers have affordable and healthy food options. Notwithstanding, some challenges have arisen as these efforts have increased. In this chapter, an oversight of the current state of the agri-food supply chain in the region is presented in terms of production, international trade and the adopted supply chain strategies and technologies employed. The key challenges in primary production, food safety and sustainability are also discussed and insights on how these are being addressed or can be addressed are presented. It is highlighted that there are opportunities to exploit digitalisation in these challenges.

Ephemeral gully and rill erosion have significant effects on agricultural land around the world. The characterization and quantification of these phenomena require us to determine their geometry and evolution, through either 3D or 2D approaches. 3D techniques are able to cover large areas at the expense of accuracy in their measurements, while 2D techniques are more accurate but can only be utilized on small areas at plot scale. This chapter highlights the current state of the art of ephemeral gully/rill measurement techniques based on the characterization of channel cross-sections. Gully/rill erosion is characterized and channel volume measuring techniques are described. Factors contributing to measurement error are explored, including (i) resolution of cross-section elevation profiles, (ii) channel size and shape, and (iii) number of cross-sections used per unit channel length. The case study indicates that the authors’ approach accurately determines the cross-section geometry of small erosion channels.

This chapter reviews the use of robots in field crop cultivation. The chapter begins by providing an overview of current requirements for robots involved in field cultivation, then goes on to describe enabling technologies for in-field robots. The chapter also provides several examples of in field crop cultivation robot application, such as for transplanting, monitoring and control of weeds, plant diseases and pests and also harvesting.

• Reviews the use of machine vision technologies to measure soil texture, structure and topography
• Provides an overview of recent advances in the use of machine learning in agri-food robotics
• Considers the application of machine vision in indoor farming, focussing on its use in plant factories with artificial lighting

This chapter presents five study cases on the application of smart technologies in farming and forestry systems. The first of these study cases presents the results of a long-term study to calibrate a Grassmaster II capacitance probe to estimate pasture productivity in the Mediterranean Montado ecosystem. The second case study presents a methodology for identifying yield zones within an olive grove based on Sentinel-2 satellite data. The third case study provides an overview of different remote sensing sensors, data and methodologies used for estimating forest biomass. The fourth case study assesses the carbon footprint of horticultural crops such as potato, onion, carrot, melon and watermelon. The final case study focuses on precision livestock farming, specifically a mobile application focused on thermal comfort.

Biopesticides, pest control products based on microbes or their bioactive compounds, are a growing segment of the biocontrol market, including those targeting insects. Biopesticides, including those targeting plant diseases and weeds, currently comprise ~10% of the total pesticide market, with bioinsecticides making up 30% of the biopesticides sold. That is still a low overall market share, considering the unprecedented need for environmentally friendly products with low mammalian toxicity. Despite consumer, grower and political declarations calling for more use, biopesticides continue to only grow at a steady rate year after year, although the growth rate is increasing compared to agrochemicals. This Chapter explores the issues around commercialising promising microbes into formulated biopesticide products and discusses areas where improvements may create more rapid advances their use.

Agricultural robotics is one of the most challenging research areas in robotics given the complex challenges posed by terrain, crop and environmental conditions. This chapter reviews the use of (unmanned) ground robots in agriculture, focusing on the main different solutions in terms of mobility and kinematic architecture. The chapter discusses ways of classifying mobility platforms based on criteria such as size, type of locomotion, suspension system or chassis/frame design and coupling. It then reviews wheeled, tracked and legged mobile robots as well as hybrid solutions. In each case, the chapter assesses different solutions and their pros and cons. Two case studies demonstrate design and operational challenges. The chapter concludes by outlining future trends in researching mobility solutions in agricultural robotics.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) poultry meat products can be contaminated with pathogens and spoilage microorganisms after the cooking step, contributing to food spoilage losses and increasing the risk to consumers. Antimicrobials applied to RTE meats tend to be broad-spectrum in their activities with differing effects on individual microorganisms. A broader understanding of the microbial ecology of RTE poultry meat products is needed to fully assess measures to extend shelf life such as antimicrobials. Developments in next generation sequencing have emerged as a viable means to assess overall microbial ecology responses in food products. This chapter discusses how these approaches can be used to better understand and manage spoilage processes.

“From the very first pages, this collective work impresses with the rigour of its composition. A carefully-structured table of contents guides the reader through the multiple dimensions of agro-environmental standards – from their institutional definitions to the assessment of their impact on the management of quality, safety and traceability. The book also explores their practical implementation across diverse sectors such as regenerative agriculture, livestock farming, forestry, carbon markets, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) schemes. It will become an essential reference – helping policymakers, producers and researchers navigate the shifting complexities of these standards.” (Book Review Published in Nature Built Social Environment Health)

There is increasing scrutiny of the safety, environmental and social impact of food production. However, the complexity of modern agri-food supply chains has significantly complicated the process of setting and enforcing appropriate standards. The thematic scope of standards has also expanded from its original focus on safety and quality to cover social responsibility and ethical trading, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, biodiversity loss and nature-related risks.

Finally, the range of stakeholders involved in setting and monitoring standards governing agri-food supply chains has proliferated, from official national, regional and international bodies to non-government organisations (NGOs), the food industry itself and now the investment sector concerned to ensure their clients meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

Improving standards and certification in agri-food supply chains: Ensuring safety, sustainability and social responsibility comprehensively addresses the challenges raised by this complex picture and features contributions from leading international experts from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Rainforest Alliance. The book discusses how to reconcile the roles of different stakeholders in standard setting, how changes in governance and technology can improve accountability, as well as the different ways of enhancing good agricultural practices (GAP) to meet new ways of producing food.

The book also discusses the challenges and solutions in achieving effective standards promoting more socially responsible production and how best to address emerging practices to improve environmental sustainability such as regenerative agriculture.

• Considers the impact of nitrogen overuse on crop yield, grain quality and profit
• Discusses recent advances in understanding nitrogen cycling in soil
• Highlights the need to develop more efficient varieties of wheat with improved traits related to nitrogen uptake, assimilation and remobilisation

This chapter explores how an understanding of crop phenotypic plasticity might inform and improve pest management. In crops, plant-mediated interactions among herbivores and other organisms may have implications for pest management by, for example, altering thresholds or recommendations for scouting or management interventions; however, insufficient data exist to determine whether plant-mediated interactions are strong enough to warrant modifications to management practices. In addition, plasticity may enable stimulation of resistance in anticipation of herbivore attack through the application of substances that induce plant defense mechanisms, including chemical elicitors, soil microorganisms, and soil amendments. Greater understanding of the mechanisms by which these substances increase resistance and of the factors that influence their effectiveness will be needed to leverage phenotypic plasticity for improved pest management.

In the current chapter, we aim to present an overview of the advantages and limitations of UAV-RS platforms and their applications in PA. To properly review these applications, we formulated the following questions: What are the available UAV sensors for PA applications? How should one select the best UAV platform for different PA tasks? What needs to be considered in flight planning and in performing the necessary pre-processing to obtain high data quality? What are the main applications of UAV-RS in PA? Finally, we will discuss the future applications and challenges that lie ahead.

• Reviews the main types of contaminants in agricultural soils, such as heavy metals, pesticide residues and petroleum hydrocarbon waste products, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminants
• Explores bioremediation techniques such as the use of soil amendments and additives
• Covers techniques such as phyto-stabilisation and phyto-extraction

Manure has long been recognized as a valuable source of nutrients. The product is dynamic, and an understanding of both chemical and biological mechanisms is required to optimize its use. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of manure. Here, the basics of manure composition, collection, storage, and application are summarized with an emphasis on both scientific and practical considerations. Long-standing challenges in manure management, the history of responses, and modern approaches are reviewed. This chapter presents many ideas for future research and problem-solving.

Performing tasks in the agri-food industry can be complex due to the organic, unstructured environments and natural variation in product. Successfully implementing robotic systems in such contexts is highly dependent on their capacity to adapt to variability, unpredictability and incomplete sensor data. Given the multitude of potential unexpected scenarios, it is no longer satisfactory to create fixed plans and controllers for the robot to address a task. Instead, it is essential to model our knowledge of the task and of the robot's operating environment, which is the central concept referred to as a ‘world model’ (WM). In this chapter, we elaborate on the notion of a WM and demonstrate how various WM types can be applied to address tasks in the agri-food domain. In addition to the prevalent geometric world models, we provide an example of the application of a topological WM in an environment devoid of geometric structure. We discuss several topics to improve robustness of task execution, such as multi-modal redundant skills and the use of invariants to describe the world, rather than relying on exact parameters. We argue that robots require an explicit WM as a central component in their software architecture. The software implementation of the WM holds the necessary information about the environment and configuration parameters of the system which are necessary to configure action and detection skills and interpret sensor information. In the future, we argue that these WMs will enable robots to reason online about the situation at hand and on the correct actions to perform to progress the task. The explicit nature of the WM allows robots to share their knowledge, which is crucial when collaborating with humans or other robots.

Under organic legislation farmers are encouraged to use natural methods to keep animals healthy. In addition to appropriate breed, feed, balanced productivity, environmental management and hygiene, this includes the use of homeopathy, phytotherapy and minerals, providing they are effective. Since the general ban on antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003) there has been a rise in the availability of botanical feed additives and complementary feeds. Ethnoveterinary use of herbal medicine is still prevalent in several countries in Europe. Veterinary drugs based on herbs are also available though the number of products is declining. This chapter reviews the dairy health issues for which natural products are used as well as the current scientific basis for these products, knowledge gaps and how these might be addressed.

This chapter discusses the principles and practical aspects of meeting amino acid requirements and the use of functional amino acids in pig nutrition. The authors begin by exploring protein and amino acid metabolism, then the principles of amino acid needs, including maintenance and growth. They next describe the estimation of amino acid requirements, covering empirical and mechanistic approaches, and the availability and use of supplemental amino acids. Following this, the authors outline the concept and application of functional amino acids, such as arginine, methionine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and glutamine. Finally they discuss the practical aspects of feed formulation meeting amino acid needs.

To sustainably feed a growing population, we need to increase the efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilizers while reducing their negative impacts on the environment. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) show promise in reducing the loss of reactive N (Nr: all species of N except N2) to the environment. EEFs work by inhibiting the activities of enzymes involved in soil N processes (urease and nitrification inhibitors) and regulating the release of N from fertilizers in response to soil and environmental conditions (controlled-release fertilizers). However, the limitations of currently available EEFs have not been well addressed. Further research efforts from multi-disciplinary expertise are needed to make a breakthrough. It is important to consider the negative impacts of Nr loss on human and ecosystem health and to monetize the avoided societal costs from using EEFs to incentivize their adoption. This will avoid enormous spending on cleaning up Nr pollution while ensuring global food security.