Summary
This systematic review synthesises evidence from 58 peer-reviewed articles on how niche markets can facilitate transitions towards sustainability in agri-food systems. The authors identify three primary pathways: financial incentives through price premiums, facilitation of knowledge-sharing networks, and promotion of radical innovations. Whilst niche markets show promise for encouraging environmentally friendly practices, the review highlights substantial barriers including market entry costs, risk exposure, and institutional constraints, alongside policy recommendations for expanding public support.
UK applicability
The findings are broadly applicable to the UK context, where niche markets for organic, local, and certified sustainable products are established but remain limited in scale. UK policymakers could leverage the identified mechanisms—particularly financial support and legal certification frameworks—to expand niche market participation among UK farmers, though the review does not provide UK-specific data.
Key measures
Not applicable; qualitative synthesis of 58 peer-reviewed articles identified from Web of Science and Scopus (up to November 2024) using PRISMA framework
Outcomes reported
This systematic review identified three mechanisms through which niche markets support sustainable agri-food systems: price premiums and market access restriction, knowledge-sharing networks, and innovation promotion. The review also documented key challenges (risk exposure, entry barriers, consumer preference volatility, institutional context) and policy recommendations for expanding niche market participation.
Topic tags
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