Innovations in Agriculture and Sustainability

Sustainable agriculture is at the forefront of addressing the environmental challenges faced by agribusiness today. New technologies and regenerative practices are transforming how we approach resource efficiency, soil health, and biodiversity conservation. How can innovative farming techniques contribute to improving resource use while preserving natural ecosystems? What lessons can be learned from successful cases of regenerative agriculture to scale these practices globally?

Digital Transformation and Automation

Automation and artificial intelligence are rapidly modernizing agricultural practices, driving efficiency and precision in farming operations. Digital technologies are also reshaping the food supply chain, from farm to table, enhancing transparency, traceability, and sustainability. How can artificial intelligence and automation be leveraged to optimize agricultural productivity and reduce waste? What are the key challenges and opportunities in integrating digital technologies across the global food supply chain?

Talent Development and Diversity in Agribusiness

Agriculture faces a complex labor crisis that is primarily driven by labor shortages due to aging populations and a lack of young talent to fill the jobs. What strategies can agribusinesses employ to address labor shortages and enhance talent development? How can the sector promote diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and long-term success?

Renewable Energy and Bioenergy Sustainability

Bioenergy is poised to play a pivotal role in the transition to renewable energy sources, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Innovations in bioenergy are driving significant advancements in global sustainability, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting energy independence. How can bioenergy innovations accelerate the global shift toward renewable energy? What are the environmental and economic impacts of integrating bioenergy into existing energy systems?

Global Market and Food Security

Shifting consumption trends are reshaping the global food landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for food security. Ensuring resilient and sustainable food production and distribution systems is critical to meet the needs of a growing population. How can changing consumer preferences impact global food security, and what strategies can be implemented to ensure stability? What approaches can strengthen the resilience of food supply chains in the face of climate change and market volatility?

Development of Cooperatives and Associations

Cooperatives and associations play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and creating competitive advantages for agribusinesses, particularly in resource sharing and market access. These organizations empower smallholders and larger businesses alike, driving innovation and sustainability. How do cooperatives and associations enhance the competitive edge of agribusinesses in today’s market? What are some successful examples of innovative cooperation models that have transformed the agribusiness sector?

Biotechnology and Precision Agriculture

Advances in biotechnology are revolutionizing agricultural practices, from crop enhancement to disease resistance, while precision agriculture is enabling farmers to optimize resources and reduce environmental impacts. Together, these innovations are shaping the future of sustainable farming. How is biotechnology driving transformative changes in agriculture? What role does precision agriculture play in increasing efficiency and minimizing the ecological footprint of modern farming?

Selection for Teaching Cases

1. Interest and relevance of the topic to food and agribusiness managers.
2. The problems, issues, and decisions presented in the case are controversial and not trivial.
3. The case is written from the perspective of a specified protagonist (manager/decision maker) who must make an important decision or take some course of action.
4. The case includes enough pertinent background information (supported by data and assumptions) to analyze and diagnose the problem and allow students to propose different alternatives and to choose and support one of those alternatives.
5. A separate teaching note accompanies the case. The teaching note should provide teaching objectives and an outline of a class session, including the opening question, discussion pastures, and transition questions. The teaching plan may include a literature review if desired.
6. The case is well-written using clear and concise language, an easy-to-follow structure, and appropriate supporting data.
7. Each year IFAMA “showcases” the best teaching cases that demonstrate innovative business strategies and illustrate how to use the case method process effectively.

Submission Requirements

• The case is limited to no more than 12 pages (single spaced), plus supporting documents and a title page, an abstract (140 words max), and up to 5 key words.
• Do not list authors on the paper as they are recorded elsewhere in the Submittable system.
• Teaching Notes are typically not larger than the case.
• Please number the pages in the top right corner and provide the paper title on each page in the top header.
• Please refer to the International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (IFAMR) IFAMR Case Study Submission Guidelines, as a reference.
• For the teaching note instructions please refer to the IFAMR Guidelines for Teaching Notes. See examples of other Teaching Cases published by the IFAMR.

Timeline

25 September 2024

Open for submissions of abstracts and Teaching Cases. Please submit abstracts and cases through Submittable Portal.

13 January, 2024

Deadline to submit full case studies 

01 March, 2025

Authors notified that case study is accepted to present at the IFAMA 2025 World Conference, and authors receive feedback from reviewers.

Case Conference Co-Chairs