Will the development of smart agriculture improve food safety in international markets? A theoretical approach

Le développement de l'agriculture intelligente améliorera-t-il la sécurité alimentaire sur les marchés internationaux ? Une approche théorique

Lamia Meziani, Mohammed Said Radjef, Maria Angela Perito and Abdelhakim Hammoudi
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Lamia Meziani: Unité de recherche LaMOS = Research unit LaMOS - Unité de recherche Laboratoire de Modélisation et Optimisation des Systèmes [Université de Béjaïa] - UB - Université Abderrahmane Mira [Université de Béjaïa] = University of Béjaïa = جامعة بجاية
Mohammed Said Radjef: Unité de recherche LaMOS = Research unit LaMOS - Unité de recherche Laboratoire de Modélisation et Optimisation des Systèmes [Université de Béjaïa] - UB - Université Abderrahmane Mira [Université de Béjaïa] = University of Béjaïa = جامعة بجاية
Maria Angela Perito: UniTE - Università degli Studi di Teramo
Abdelhakim Hammoudi: UMR PSAE - Paris-Saclay Applied Economics - AgroParisTech - Université Paris-Saclay - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement

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Abstract: Today, there is a significant "digital divide" in the agricultural sector between developing and developed countries. Such a digital disparity has negative consequences on the international competitiveness of these countries and their ability to comply with Food Satefy Standards. We propose a theoretical model to analyze the role of smart agriculture in the ability of countries to comply with international food safety regulations, specifically the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticides,and heavy metals. Firstly, we show that reducing the digital divide will always improve international food safety and food security (availability of a global supply). However, it can lead to more intense international competition, potentially causing a perverse effect: underinvestment in good agricultural practices by more digitally advanced countries. Furthermore, the digital catch-up of less advanced countries cannot sufficiently reduce health risks in international markets unless accompanied by strengthening official food control systems. Finally, we show that such digital catch-up encourages lowering MRLs rather than relaxing them, contrary to what producers or authorities might hope.

Date: 2024-10-10
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Published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2024, 8, ⟨10.3389/fsufs.2024.1440006⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04809203

DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1440006

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