The agrifood business system, in terms of sector turnover and employment, assumes significant weight for creating economic value within local socio-economic systems, with a direct impact on population health. Furthermore, the agri-food business system is a sector that has direct repercussions in terms of public health and well-being of people. In recent years, the agrifood sector has undergone numerous changes, both regulatory and technological view. These recent changes along with growing societal awareness, have shifted the focus towards combating food waste in the agrifood supply chain. As an effect, the agrifood business system has garnered increasing attention from policymakers and scholars. Consolidated studies on agri-food business systems have focused their attention on historical and evolutionary aspects, leaving out managerial aspects such as those linked to inter-organizational relationships and the supply chain.
This preliminary study aims to offer a first analysis of the main regulatory and organizational elements within the agri-food supply chain business system. This study, through a qualitative approach, analyzes organizational actors, interorganizational relationships and sustainability-oriented strategies along the entire supply chain. The theoretical approach used is based on knowledge management studies. Adopting an exploratory research design, this study employs qualitative methods to gather in-depth insights into the dynamics of the agrifood supply chain. Given the complexity and diversity of organizational actors within the agri-food business system, this exploratory study aims to identify the main evolutionary trends—both regulatory and managerial—of the agri-food supply chain. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, drawing on secondary data sources such as industry reports, regulatory documents, and academic literature.
This study contributes to the academic and practical discourse on agri-food business system by focusing on the organizational dimensions of the issue. Unlike existing literature, it integrates these additional drivers for change, beginning with the regulatory context. The findings provide initial observations and reflections for practitioners seeking to reduce inefficiency through organizational innovation and for scholars in organizational theory. Furthermore, the proposed regulatory framework emphasizes the importance of integrating data-driven technologies and predictive analytics into decision-making processes, enabling more precise inventory management, better coordination among supply chain actors, and the development of reactive strategies to mitigate waste. These practical implications also extend to policymakers, offering pathways for creating supportive regulatory environments and incentivizing sustainable practices in the agrifood sector.