The government of Qatar took strong containment measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with restrictions on daily living such as social distancing and the closing of businesses and schools. While these measures are essential to stop the virus spreading, several voices came to warn of their potential disruptive impact on the agri-food system. Therefore, this paper investigates the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on Qatari consumer awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to food consumption. The study is based on an online survey in Qatar using a structured questionnaire that was administered in the Arabic language through the Survey Monkey platform from 24 May until 14 June 2020. The results reveal clear changes in the way consumers are eating, shopping, and interacting with food. Indeed, the survey results suggested (i) a shift toward healthier diets; (ii) an increase in the consumption of domestic products due to food safety concerns; (iii) a change in the modality of acquiring food (with a surge in online grocery shopping); (iv) an increase in culinary capabilities; and (v) the absence of panic buying and food stockpiling in Qatar. The results are expected to inform current emergency plans as well as long-term food-related strategies in Qatar.

The Russian government took strong containment measures to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with rigid hygiene protocols and restrictions on daily living, such as social distancing and closing businesses and schools. While these measures were crucial to stop the diffusion of SARS-CoV-2, numerous voices highlighted their disorderly psychological, social, and economic impacts on food consumption behavior and lifestyle. Therefore, this paper aims to understand how consumers' food-related habits in Russia have shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and potential problems and opportunities this might bring for the Russian food system. The study is based on an online cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire administered in Russian through the Survey Monkey platform. A total of 1297 valid answers was collected. The results reveal that diet and food shopping, preparation, and use have been widely affected. Indeed, the survey results suggested (i) a change in the modality of acquiring food, consumers reduced the number of shopping trips and buying more on each trip to minimize store visits; (ii) a surge of stockpiling of non-perishable food items; (iii) a shift toward healthier diets; (iv) an increase in culinary capabilities; (v) a decrease of food waste. The results are expected to inform current emergency plans as well as long-term food-related strategies in Russia.

Common safety practices in pesticide use were assessed among apple farmers in Ardabil Province, Iran. With reference to the place of storing pesticides, most farmers (60%) stated that they store the pesticides in stalls and warehouses, while 8.5% stated that they store the pesticides in their houses. The majority of the farmers (71.5%) stated that they prepare the pesticide sprays in the orchards or next to irrigation wells. Almost one out of three farmers (32.8 %) reported that they dump the empty containers in the orchard fields and almost an equal proportion (30.2%) reported that they usually bury the empty containers. Irritating (burning) eyes and blurred vision were symptoms that the majority of respondents had experienced. Most farmers used trousers, long-sleeved blouses/shirts, and gloves when spraying, but coveralls and goggles were rarely used. Age and farming experience negatively affected PPE use and safety behavior, namely old and experienced farmers did not follow safety rules. On the contrary, education, information about pesticides, and farming as the main profession promoted safety behavior. Overall, significant levels of exposure among farmers can be concluded due to pesticide use. The extension services should aim human safety in relation to pesticide use in agriculture.