Transformation of the agri-food sector caused by COVID-19: A review of challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a paradigm shift in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs), exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and disrupting the entire value chain. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on AFSCs, highlighting the critical loss points and opportunities for sustainable food production and circulation. The paper examines the effects of COVID-19 on the upstream and downstream segments of AFSCs, including production, processing, packaging, transportation, storage, and distribution, as well as the consequences for food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest that the pandemic has triggered a perfect storm of supply chain disruptions, including inventory management challenges and logistical bottlenecks, leading to food waste, economic losses, and environmental degradation. However, the crisis also presents opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and policy reforms to build more resilient and sustainable AFSCs, leveraging digital technologies, circular economy principles, and sustainable agriculture practices. This review paper emphasizes on the need for a coordinated response to address the challenges and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop more agile, adaptive, and resilient AFSCs.