Logistics Network for Agricultural Products: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Future Directions

The logistics network for agricultural products is instrumental in maintaining stability and guaranteeing food security for each nation.The organization and operation of logistics networks are essential issues in today's global supply chains.Many existing challenges in agricultural logistics networks need to be explored to comprehensively assess this field.Recognizing the importance of logistics networks for agricultural products based on data sources, this study collected, synthesized, and evaluated 166 academic articles from 2000 to January 2025.The main aim of this research is to provide an overview of various issues examined in the literature.Additionally, the study identifies the sustainability goals for agricultural logistics networks (economic, social, and environmental objectives).Furthermore, the study systematizes theories related to logistics networks and agricultural products.The research employs both bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review of theoretical foundations.By combining these two methods, the study analyzes the collected literature from the Scopus database, Google, and other reliable sources.The findings indicate that research on logistics networks for agricultural products is primarily concentrated among specific authors and in notable countries such as China, the USA, Iran, and India.The main models used in the literature, including Mixed-Integer Linear Programming, Mixed Integer Programming, and Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming, aim to optimize cost, profit, social objectives, and environmental impact.Most studies focus on a diverse range of agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and meat.However, the study still has certain limitations regarding the generalizability of the issues, access to data sources, and methodologies.