Short Food Supply Chains and Local Food Systems in the EU. A State of Play of their Socio-Economic Characteristics

Moya Kneafsey (), Laura Venn (), Ulrich Schmutz (), Balász Bálint (), Liz Trenchard, Trish Eyden-Woods, Elizabeth Bos, Gemma Sutton and Matthew Blackett
Additional contact information
Moya Kneafsey: Centre for Agroecology and Food Security, Coventry University
Laura Venn: Innovative Futures research
Ulrich Schmutz: Centre for Agroecology and Food Security, Coventry University
Balász Bálint: Institute of Environmental and Landscape Management, Szent Istvan University
Liz Trenchard: Centre for Agroecology and Food Security, Coventry University
Trish Eyden-Woods: Centre for Agroecology and Food Security, Coventry University
Elizabeth Bos: Centre for Sustainable Regeneration, Coventry University
Gemma Sutton: Centre for Agroecology and Food Security, Coventry University
Matthew Blackett: Environment and Disaster Management, Coventry University

No JRC80420, JRC Research Reports from Joint Research Centre

Abstract: The present study aims at describing the state-of-play of short food supply chains (SFSC) in the EU understood as being the chains in which foods involved are identified by, and traceable to a farmer and for which the number of intermediaries between farmer and consumer should be minimal or ideally nil. Several types of SFSCs can be identified, for example CSAs (Community-Supported Agriculture), on-farm sales, off-farm schemes (farmers markets, delivery schemes), collective sales in particular towards public institutions, being mostly local / proximity sales and in some cases distance sales. Such type of food chain has specific social impacts, economic impacts at regional and farm level as well as environmental impacts translating themselves into a clear interest of consumers. SFSCs are present throughout the EU, although there are some differences in the different MS in terms of dominating types of SFSCs. In general, they are dominantly small or micro-enterprises, composed of small-scale producers, often coupled to organic farming practices. Social values (quality products to consumers and direct contact with the producer) are the values usually highlighted by SFSCs before environmental or economic values. In terms of policy tools, there are pros and cons in developing a specific EU labelling scheme which could bring more recognition, clarity, protection and value added to SFSCs, while potential costs might be an obstacle. Anyhow, a possible labelling scheme should take into account the current different stages and situations of development of SFSCs in the EU and be flexible enough accommodate these differences. Other policy tools, in particular training and knowledge exchange in marketing and communication are considered important and should continue to be funded by Rural Development programmes, as well as possibly other EU funds in view of the positive social and not specifically rural impacts.

Keywords: sustainable agriculture; rural development; CAP; food labelling; quality agricultural products; short food supply chain; local products; direct sales (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 189 pages
Date: 2013-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr and nep-mkt
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (147)

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