August 3, 2026

Introducing the AGRI-01 Bibliometric Observatory

Welcome to a new chapter in how we understand and navigate our academic field. I am pleased to announce the official launch of the italian Agricultural and Food Economists Bibliometric Observatory, now live at agecon.org/agr01. Keeping track of emerging research trends, academic performance, and the shifting network of competencies can be a daunting task. The Agri-01 Observatory was born out of a simple necessity: to create a centralized, data-driven platform that maps the intellectual output and collaborative networks within the Italian Agricultural and Food Economists sector. The observatory translates complex bibliometric data into clear, accessible visual insights, providing a comprehensive […]

Activities 0 1 min read
June 13, 2026

Do Large Language Models Shop Like People?

In a recent study published in Food Quality and Preference, we investigated whether large language models can reproduce human food choices in structured market-like settings. The paper, titled “Do large language models shop like people? Comparing GPT and human food choices using discrete choice experiments”, compares GPT-generated choices with human choices across three food-related discrete choice experiments: 3D-printed chocolate, tomato sauce from social farming, and fresh tomatoes with environmental quality claims. Our results show that GPT can reproduce the broad qualitative structure of human preferences, often identifying the relevant product attributes and the expected direction of their effects. However, the […]

Research 0 1 min read
April 7, 2026

Two Award Recognitions

I am pleased to share that two of my recent publications have received important international recognition, each being listed among the top 10 most-cited papers published in 2024 in their respective journals. The first paper, published in the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, is titled:“From Roots to Leaves: Understanding Consumer Acceptance in Implementing Climate-Resilient Strategies in Viticulture.”This study explores how consumers perceive and respond to climate-resilient innovations in the wine sector, contributing to the broader debate on sustainability, adaptation, and the future of viticulture. The second paper, published in The Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, is […]

Activities 0 1 min read
March 31, 2026

When Climate Change Reaches the Vineyard: What Do Consumers Think?

In a recent study published in the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, we investigated how consumers perceive some of the main climate-resilient strategies currently being considered in viticulture, including kaolin application, plant growth regulators, resilient rootstocks, and fungus-resistant grape varieties (PIWI).  Our analysis showed that consumer acceptance of these innovations is far from uniform. By identifying five distinct consumer profiles, the study highlights that adaptation to climate change in the wine sector is not only a technical and agronomic issue, but also a market and communication challenge.  More broadly, the findings suggest that the future of sustainable viticulture […]

Research 0 1 min read
September 1, 2025

When Confidence Misleads: Rethinking Gluten-Free Choices in the General Population

In recent years, gluten-free products have seen a surge in popularity, often embraced by individuals with no medical need for avoiding gluten.  Our study investigates this phenomenon and reveals that the decision to follow a gluten-free diet is frequently driven not by health requirements, but by a misplaced sense of nutritional competence. The data show that individuals who are most confident in their nutritional knowledge are not necessarily those with the strongest understanding. On the contrary, overconfidence appears to be a key driver behind the unnecessary consumption of gluten-free foods. This cognitive bias, known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, is especially […]

Research 0 1 min read
March 12, 2025

BioINSouth

I have been financed as a Task and Research Unit Leader in the Horizon EU Project BioINSouth. The BioINSouth project is dedicated to supporting decision-makers in integrating ecological limits into regional bioeconomy strategies, with a strong focus on circular bio-based activities. Our goal is to develop guidelines and digital tools that facilitate the adoption of innovative methodologies for assessing environmental impacts across multiple industrial bio-based systems. By enhancing regional competitiveness and innovation capacity, BioINSouth contributes to the EU’s fair and green transition. A key focus of our work will be advancing methodologies for environmental impact assessment and circularity, underpinned by […]

Projects 0 39 sec read
September 22, 2023

Moms, Food Labels, and Healthy Kids: What is the Connection?

When it comes to kids’ diets, moms are often the main decision-makers, and their choices can influence their children’s health long-term. Our recent study zoomed in on a crucial aspect: how moms use food labels to make choices. This information-seeking behavior can make a real difference in selecting healthier options for kids. But it’s not just about reading labels; it’s about why moms do it. Our research looked into psychological and social factors like self-identity, attitudes, and societal norms that affect this behavior. What we found is that moms who consider themselves ‘healthy eaters’ and who pay attention to societal […]

Research 0 52 sec read
August 12, 2023

Plastics: A Growing Concern We Can’t Ignore

Plastics are everywhere: in our grocery bags, drink containers, and more. Their convenience has led to a surge in use, with 368 million tons produced in 2019. But this convenience has a dark side. Plastics harm our environment, polluting oceans and releasing toxic chemicals. Even our health is at risk, as plastics can enter our food chain. Our new study aims to understand how to reduce plastic drinking bottles among future generations. By examining behaviors and attitudes, especially among millennials, we are exploring ways to encourage more sustainable choices. This research sheds light on a complex problem. Recycling alone isn’t […]

Research 0 46 sec read
July 26, 2023

Appointment as Editor for Two International Academic Journals

I have been appointed as an editor for two internationally recognized academic journals: PLOS ONE and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. PLOS ONE is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes research across all areas of science including economics. It emphasizes robust methodologies and high ethical standards. IF 3.8 (Q1) Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems  IF 5.4 (Q1) focuses on sustainable food production and consumption. It is known for its rigorous peer review and fast dissemination of research. The roles at both these prestigious journals allow me the unique opportunity to support and encourage groundbreaking research on a global stage.

Activities 0 29 sec read
June 16, 2023

linking Research Evidence to poliCy ImPact and lEarning

I have been given the honour to lead an amazing  project, RECIPE (Linking Research Evidence to poliCy ImPact and lEarning), that has been just approved under the PRIN 2022 program! In collaboration with from the University of Milan, the National Research Council (CNR), the University of Catania, and the University of Tuscia. we aim to reshape rural development measures to address new challenges, improve effectiveness, and increase societal support. Our primary goal is to enhance the Rural Development Program (RDP) in Italy in alignment with the Green Deal objectives of the European Union. We’ll be focusing specifically on the regions […]

Projects 0 47 sec read

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