Sustainability assessment of quality-oriented citrus growing systems in Mediterranean area.

The sustainability assessment of food production represents an important research issue, useful to increase the knowledge about the impacts generated by a system (from an environmental, economic and social point of view). In order to valorise the quality-branded products (e.g., PGI or Protected Geographical Indication, organic growing, etc.) also conferring them some attributes of sustainability, agricultural entrepreneurs can use voluntary certifications as strategic tools in green marketing activities (e.g., agricultural products eco-design). In this sense, it is essential take into account what are the effects - and what is their level of impact - generated by multiples activities of agricultural sector. Many methodologies have been developed to achieve this goal, such as the so-called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) useful to implement specific analysis for environmental and economic sustainability assessment. The aim of this research is to analyse the level of sustainability of different citrus production systems in a specific area of Southern Italy (Calabria region). In particular, Clementine crop systems - Conventional, Integrated and Organic - has been analysed through a joint use of LCA and LCC in order to measure the impacts from both an economic and environmental standpoint. Results have allowed to compare and to rank performances of each scenario for every methodology applied in this study. Findings have highlighted the possible usefulness of an integrated use of LCA and LCC, and that they can be an effective decision making tool for both public and private deciders, also in order to achieve green marketing strategies.