From farm to shelf: managing agrobiodiversity and product diversity in agri-food supply chains

Purpose: This paper explores biodiversity management within agri-food supply chains, a critical yet underexplored area in supply chain management research. It investigates biodiversity management strategies across different supply chain nodes, analysing its role in the agri-food industry, factors influencing decision-making and barriers and drivers of biodiversity strategies’ adoption. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a qualitative approach, conducting 14 semi-structured interviews with key actors (six farmers, four processors and four retailers) across two Italian agri-food supply chains. It examines how agricultural and managerial practices at each stage contribute to biodiversity management. Findings: Results reveal that biodiversity management is shaped by diverse practices and decisions across supply chain nodes, from agricultural production to processing and retail. The findings underscore opportunities to incorporate biodiversity into policies and supply chain strategies to promote a sustainable biodiverse agri-food system. Originality/value: Addressing a critical research gap, this study provides new insights into biodiversity management within agri-food supply chains. It offers valuable perspectives for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to advance sustainability in agri-food systems.