Peer Review Policy

Duties of Reviewers
The peer review process is a vital component of editorial decision-making at the International Journal of Agriculture and Food Fermentation. Reviewers play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and integrity of scholarly communication within the fields of agriculture and food fermentation. By providing thoughtful feedback, they assist editors in making informed decisions regarding manuscript publication and offer authors constructive suggestions to enhance their work. The International Journal of Agriculture and Food Fermentation emphasizes that all scholars who wish to contribute to the advancement of research in agriculture and food fermentation have a responsibility to engage actively in the peer review process.

Timeliness
Reviewers aare expected to adhere to timelines for manuscript evaluation. If a reviewer feels unqualified to assess a particular manuscript related to agriculture or food fermentation or anticipates delays that could affect the review process, they should promptly inform the editorial team and decline the invitation. This enables the journal to secure alternative reviewers efficiently and maintain a streamlined review process.

Confidentiality
Manuscripts assigned for review are confidential and must be treated as such. Reviewers should not disclose, discuss, or share the content of the manuscripts with unauthorized individuals unless expressly permitted by the Editor-in-Chief under exceptional circumstances. This confidentiality is crucial to uphold the integrity of the peer review process.

Objectivity and Constructive Feedback
Reviews are encouraged to identify and cite relevant literature that the authors may have overlooked within the scope of agriculture and food fermentation. Any claims, arguments, or observations referenced in previous studies should be appropriately cited. Furthermore, reviewers should inform the editorial team if they encounter any substantial similarities or overlaps between the manuscript under review and any other known work, whether published or unpublished.

Acknowledgment of Sources
Reviewers must refrain from using unpublished information disclosed in a submitted manuscript for their own research without the authors' explicit consent. Any privileged information or insights gained through the peer review process should remain confidential and not be used for personal gain. This standard applies equally to reviewers who choose to decline the review invitation.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Invited reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that may arise from personal, professional, or financial relationships with the authors, institutions, or organizations associated with the manuscript. If a reviewer has any such conflicts, they should notify the editors and decline the review invitation. This transparency ensures a fair review process.

Additionally, reviewers must refrain from using unpublished information disclosed in a submitted manuscript for their own research without the authors' explicit consent. Any privileged information or insights gained through the peer review process should remain confidential and not be used for personal gain. This standard applies equally to reviewers who choose to decline the review invitation.

By adhering to these policies, the International Journal of Agriculture and Food Fermentation fosters a rigorous, fair, and transparent peer review process that upholds the highest standards of academic integrity in agriculture and food fermentation research.