Sustainable local short food supply chain

Our general objective is the in-depth assessment of the environmental impact and sustainability of local economic development and short food supply chains – knowledge sharing and cross border benchmarking.
The Local economic development (LED) and its success often based on sustainable rural areas, multifunctional agriculture and the experiential economy. In this area, high value-added local products and short food supply chains (SFSCs) based on local traditions are an important factor for small businesses in rural areas and their development. Primary and small holders appearing in the countryside have the potential to improve the economy of the countryside, as well as to promote the development of sustainable and circular farming systems and allow their use for local economic regeneration. The LED aims to improve the economic performance and quality of life in all areas of the region, with protection of local resources such as water, soil. Local economic development is a process in which the public sector, business and civil society work together to create better conditions for - economic growth and employment, and make an avoidance based knowledge related to sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Our specific objectives are:
• to examine the marginal conditions for the functioning of local food supply chains,
• to analyse key factors of successful supply chains, to assess opportunities for adaptation,
• to collect good practices,
• connecting local producers and buyers with digital tools and engaging them on sustainability and climate neutrality,
• promoting carbon neutrality by minimising transport costs,
• developing operational conditions for small-scale food production,
• the possibilities of implementing a circular economy in the production of agricultural products, their transport, use and treatment as waste, in energy production,
• analysis of the cost-effectiveness of circular economy in agri-food production,
• investigating, exploring and implementing cost-effective and sustainable production and supply chains across borders,
• developing value chains linked to agricultural production.
Expected outcomes:
• a methodology developed by operational distribution chains based on surveys and collected good practices,
• the dissemination to partner countries of efficient short food supply chains based on the methodology,
• reduced travel costs and air pollution through the use of digital tools,
• disseminating the conscious and environmentally friendly use of local raw materials and assets,
• protection of local water resources, conscious use of local water resources,
• implementation of a circular economy approach to small-scale agricultural production.
• rationalising small-scale energy use, reducing local environmental impacts.