Trends in sustainable agricultural supply chain management

Abstract

Sustainability in Agricultural Supply Chains (ASC) is an emerging interdisciplinary field that has recently garnered increasing attention from scholars. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of research in sustainable ASC based on an extensive analysis of Scopus and Web of Science databases. The study maps the research landscape by examining key aspects such as time distribution, journal trends, research fields, quantitative methods, and other bibliometric factors. The paper highlights research hotspots and identifies future trends, with a particular focus on (1) sustainable dimensions in ASC, (2) intelligent ASC, (3) the traceability of agricultural products, and (4) the role of e-commerce in enhancing agricultural product distribution. The novelty of this study lies in its systematic approach to bridging the gap between research on sustainable supply chain systems and ASC, areas that have been largely studied independently. By analyzing a broad range of studies, this paper provides an integrated perspective that fosters a deeper understanding of sustainable ASC systems. The results show a significant upward trend in publications, indicating growing scholarly interest in sustainable ASC. The study also reveals a gradual shift towards focusing on sustainable value chains as critical for food security. Additionally, the paper synthesizes various sustainable dimensions, mathematical models, and solution approaches for ASC management. This review proposes emerging research trends in sustainable ASC management and offers suggestions for future studies. It aims to stimulate a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary research agenda, particularly in the integration of sustainability, technology, and traceability within ASC.