Ecological Balance of Agri-Food Supply Chains—The Case of the Industrial Tomato

Tomatoes are one of the major productions in Italy. One main cultivation areas is southern plain Capitanata (Puglia, Southern Italy). However, a series impacts from to distribution connected this production. Different methodologies have been proposed evaluate and quantify these single product supply chain. This work proposes methodology for assessing environmental sustainability, using agri-food chain industrial tomatoes specific area Italy (Puglia) as case study. The theoretical approach adopted refers paradigm ecological economics, recalling concept strong sustainability through conservation natural capital its non-replacement with economic capital. condition can be assessed balance tool by comparing availability use activities. aim study was understand extent load generated on environment, thus evaluating whether carrying capacity agricultural system able support entire results show an overall unsustainability value EB = −1911.49 gha. phase only present positive +62.99 gha, which fails compensate transport (EB −349.13) −1630.96) phases. To our knowledge, first assess tomato food footprint method. In sector, there constant search tools capable combining efficiency sustainability. sense, provides essential information that used policymakers different levels define sustainable development strategies.