Among the export items having a comparative advantage, saffron is a strategically important plant in the Iranian economy due to its high price and job creation. Area of Saffron cultivation has been yearly growing over the country. Among other regions in the country, both provinces of Razavi and South Khorasan provinces are the most important at producing Saffron. Since sustainable food production is a key issue on the agenda of scientists, policymakers, producers and other relevant stakeholders, the assessment of environmental and economic sustainability relating to a product or a process is a high concern. To explore complementary sustainability aspects of Saffron production systems in both provinces of Razavi Khorasan and south Khorasan of Iran, an integrated environmental and economic assessment for saffron in the Iran has been performed using environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and economic Life Cycle Costing (LCC),. Data and information were collected from saffron growers in 2016 using the face-to-face questionnaire method. Findings have highlighted the possible usefulness of an integrated use of LCA and LCC for saffron, and that they can be an effective decision making tool for both public and private deciders. Results of the production system of saffron in Shothern Khorasan higher Net Present Value and Net Future Value that indicate its higher profitability as compared to the production system of saffron in Razavi Khorasan. Results, calculated for one-hectare area, show both a higher economic and environmental sustainability of Saffron farming in Southern Khorasan respect to Razavi Khorasan.

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