Assessing the Role of Vertical Farming in Managing the Net-Zero Supply Chain in Aerofarms: The Mediating Role of Supply Partner Collaboration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65080/hzvrh624Keywords:
Vertical farming, supplier collaboration, supply chain, expenditures, net-zero carbon emissions, aerofarmsAbstract
Introduction: The research evaluated the vertical farming practices and its contribution towards having a net zero supply chain management in terms of supply partner collaboration as a mediating factor.
Methods: Among the commercial vertical farming companies, aerofarms was chosen as the case study. Data were captured from 385 participants using a quantitative research design, analysed using SMARTPLS.
Results: The results suggest that Vertical farming (B = 0.189, p-value = 0.002), have a significant and positive impact on net-zero supply chain management. Sustainable resource management (B = 0.200, p-value = 0.000) have a significant and positive impact on net zero supply chain. The mediating effect of supplier partner distribution (B = 0.101, p-value = 0.001) is significant and positive on the relationship between vertical farming and net-zero supply chain management. Furthermore, supplier partner distribution (B = 0.265, p-value = 0.000) have a significant and positive mediating effect on the relationship between supplier resource management and net-zero supply chain management which further implied the partial mediation.
Conclusion: The results show that vertical farming can reduce the carbon emissions and improve the supply chain efficiency only when supply partner collaborations are promoted. Insights from these applications also contribute to the increasing literature surrounding sustainable agricultural practices and provide actionable strategies for organisations looking to achieve its net zero goals.
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