https://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2250 2026-05-26T06:55:54Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36425 Title: Current trends and challenges of agrivoltaic systems towards sustainable production of temperate fruit crops under intensive orchard setups Authors: Livera, Andreas; Lodolini, Enrico Maria; Saraginovski, Nikola; Crescenzi, Samuele; Neri, Davide; Manganaris, George A. Abstract: Solar energy is the fastest-growing renewable energy source in the pursuit of a climate-neutral economy. Deploying large-scale solar projects requires large land areas, and in certain cases, land conversion can lead to biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and decreased food production. To address these issues, agrivoltaic systems are emerging as a promising solution, particularly in orchard settings. Agrivoltaic systems enable dual land use by allowing agricultural production and solar energy generation on the same land. The integration of photovoltaic modules with hail and photoselective nets can provide physical protection, reduce thermal stress and risk of fruit damage, improve water use efficiency, and optimize light conditions for plants, leading to improved fruit quality and yields. This synergistic approach supports the development of multifunctional fruit farming systems that are more resilient and productive. Despite their potential, the adoption of agrivoltaic systems remains limited due to high upfront costs, lack of supportive policies, and insufficient understanding of their impacts on local climates and ecosystems. Significant knowledge gaps and policy barriers must be addressed to facilitate wider implementation. This review explores the complex interplay between orchard protection and solar energy generation, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and limitations of integrating agrivoltaic and netting systems. Finally, it emphasizes the need for further research and policy development to unlock their full potential in sustainable agriculture. 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36412 Title: Animal Welfare Protocols and Labelling Schemes for Broilers in Europe Authors: Papageorgiou, Maria; Tzamaloukas, Ouranios; Simitzis, Panagiotis E Abstract: Nowadays, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the husbandry conditions under which animals are raised, particularly broilers, since broilers are one of the species whose welfare is most impaired in intensive farming systems. One of the primary means of communicating husbandry practices to consumers is through product labelling. Thus, a rising number of animal welfare labelling schemes for broilers are being developed and used across Europe by initiatives of both public and private stakeholders, including NGOs that advocate for animal welfare. This review aims to identify, analyze, and compare these labelling schemes with a focus on the main animal welfare provisions included in them, which contribute to enhanced animal welfare. The schemes were identified through web searches, so that we could visit their official websites, access their standards and regulations and study them in detail. We included in our research only those schemes whose criteria were publicly available. In total, 16 schemes were selected and analyzed. Although these schemes vary in their criteria, they all enhance the welfare standards of broiler production, primarily through incorporating environmental enrichment and/or access to the outdoors. Most schemes define and specify in detail the required animal welfare provisions, setting a clear application frame for the raising period of the birds. However, the welfare of animals during transport and slaughter is often overlooked. 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36411 Title: Enhanced Animal Welfare and Labeling in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats Authors: Papageorgiou, Maria; Karageorgou, Agori; Tzamaloukas, Ouranios; Simitzis, Panagiotis E Abstract: In 2020, the European Union endorsed its “Farm-to-Fork” strategy, emphasizing the need for transparency in the food production chain and communication of the sustainability level and nutritional value of food products to the consumer through labeling. For animal-based products, this also includes information about the husbandry systems under which the animals are raised. At the same time, people are becoming increasingly concerned both as citizens and as consumers about animal welfare issues in production species, as animal welfare is considered an integral part of sustainability and food security. This has led to the development of various enhanced animal welfare labeling schemes, initiated by public or private entities, or even as a partnership of both. Specifically for cattle, sheep, and goats, various standards have been developed and implemented in Europe, all establishing higher welfare standards compared to conventional farming, and in some cases exceeding the minimum requirements for organic farming as set by Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Most of these standards, especially those developed by NGOs advocating for animal welfare or through public initiative, were developed for semi-intensive to extensive systems. They primarily incorporate animal-based measures, including positive welfare indicators, offering a holistic approach to animal welfare evaluation. Although there is significant heterogeneity in European animal welfare standards, nearly all of them promote access to pasture, comfort, environmental enrichment, and, in some cases, even mother–young bonding. 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14279/36410 Title: Residue to rations: Enhancing livestock nutrition with agricultural byproducts Authors: Papageorgiou, Maria; Karageorgou, Agori; Goliomytis, Michael; Tzamaloukas, Ouranios; Simitzis, Panagiotis E Abstract: A great quantity of waste is generated during processing by the agro-industry as a result of the increased demand for agricultural products by consumers worldwide. Agro-industrial byproducts can be utilized as alternatives to conventional feedstuffs in livestock nutrition, resulting in minimization of production cost and improvement of productivity, while contributing to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. These byproducts also contain several bioactive compounds that improve quality traits of the derived animal products, leading to the fortification of human health against nutrition-related diseases associated with the contemporary sedentary way of living. The potential of incorporating agro-industrial byproducts (e.g., apple pomace, citrus pulp, grape pomace, olive cake, pomegranate pulp, palm kernel cake, sugar beet pulp, tomato pomace) as functional ingredients into livestock diets, but also potential limitations of utilizing them in animal nutrition, are discussed in the present review. Proposed processing methods and proper developmental strategies could improve the nutritive value and facilitate the utilization of agro-industrial byproducts in animal production. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z