Project overview
Strengthening Innovation Capacities Among Central European Alternative Food Networks
Alternative food networks seek to transform food supplies by connecting ethical producers and consumers more directly. Systemic policies to support such networks are widely missing in central Europe and it is time to change this. The FOOD4CE project establishes local and transnational hubs for the food and logistics sectors, in which they can exchange good practices and take up innovative technologies. The hubs will be integrated into the European network of logistics competence centres. More information coming soon.
-
2,10m €
-
Project Budget
-
80%
-
of the Budget is funded by ERDF
-
6
-
Countries
-
6
-
Regions
-
9
-
Partners
-
2
-
Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
University of Maribor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture
Project partner
Department for Regional Development
Food and Technology Institution
61-755 Poznań
Department of Law and Farm Management
Roadmap
Identification and classification of existing AFNs in Central Europe
The task systematically identifies (desk analysis and survey) the existing AFNs in CE and evaluates their level of development to classify them into different categories of complexity. Special emphasis is given to business models that are systematically compared based on the CANVAS methodology (transnational benchmark). Special emphasis is given to sustainability of identified solutions and business models. The task also identifies and provides classification of AFN stakeholders to understand their roles and provide database of key stakeholders. The analysis and survey of existing AFN business models and stakeholders forms the basis for stakeholder’s database and knowledge platform.
Analysis of AFNs SFSC characteristics and need
Small local food producers are usually underestimating the importance of logistics. It is a complex process that can make an important contribution to the efficiency of the short food supply chain. The desk research and survey are therefore focusing on supply chain and logistics processes of small scale (alternative) food production/distribution systems identified. Special emphasis is given to: transport, packaging and handling equipment, warehousing, IT support, tracking and tracing. In depth analysis of characteristics and needs provides basis for knowledge transfer and policy support for AFNs in CE.
Pilot mapping of AFNs logistics solutions and best practices
Examples of good practices are crucial in improving the functionality of existing AFNs in CE and setting new ones. This pilot activity gathers knowledge, experiences and best practices in the field of logistics operations for AFNs and develops tool to create the repository of solutions and concepts appropriate for small scale alternative food producers and small logistics operators. The most advanced AFN functional models and the most efficient short food supply chains are selected for in depth analysis. This activity aims to develop, test and verify the tool and produce direct input for Knowledge platform. This will help to identify the main challenges about logistics issues and innovative approaches that resulted with best practice examples.
Innovation Hub setup and pilot operation
Innovation Hub brings together actors from different sectors to advance AFNs in CE. Organized as living lab, Innovation Hub enables active knowledge transfer between researchers, business experts, food producers, logistics operators and policy makers to co-create conditions for improved functioning of AFNs in CE. IH will provide two distinct services to its members – Knowledge transfer platform and Matchmaking platform. FOOD4CE pilot consist of 1 transnational and 5 regional/local hubs. Local innovation hubs share their knowledge and needs with other innovation hubs (in participating countries), creating a unique mutual transnational support network for CE AFNs. IH will remain active also after the project end.
Knowledge Transfer Platform
The Knowledge Transfer Platform provides useful information for managing and operating AFNs in CE. It combines and provides knowledge on most relevant business models, SFSC logistics solutions, and best practices. The KTP is a web-based tool and covers the following main topics relevant to small scale short food supply chains: Information systems and digitalization of logistics processes, advanced delivery/ordering principles, consolidation of deliveries, vehicle routing optimization, sharing of logistics facilities (warehousing), common packaging solutions and standards, energy use optimization systems, inclusive business models for systemic resilience, and collaboration models, planning models, development models, recycling.
Matchmaking Platform
Matchmaking Platform is a tool developed to match the logistics needs and solutions of different stakeholders to create new partnerships and develop new and better logistics services. Matching can be done at different levels: between small farmers, between small farmers and existing AFNs, AFNs and logistics operators, AFNs and big customer. The Matchmaking Platform is a web-based tool (like marketplace). Several matchmaking events are organized for small farmers to present their products and logistics characteristic and meet potential partners and customers to create or advance existing short food supply chains.
Policy Support Framework
AFNs today represent only a small percentage of food production and consumption, but they are growing very rapidly. To achieve further development of AFNs, adequate policy support is needed at the national and transnational levels. This task is dedicated to reviewing existing European, national and regional policies related to AFNs and making this knowledge available to stakeholders through Innovation Hubs meetings. The main objective of this task is to provide policy and recommendations at the regional /national level to support the evolution of AFNs towards operationally, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient food distribution system of the future.
Contribution to Macro Regional and Smart Specialisation Strategies
Emphasizing the importance of AFNs and short food supply chains in key macroregional strategies and smart specialization strategies is critical to the long-term development of AFNs. Therefore, targeted meetings with representatives of macroregional strategies are planned to align their action plans with the needs of AFNs.
News
P1 Smart
NEWS
18.06.2024
FOOD4CE at the BUYSOCIAL SHOWCASE – SUCCESSFUL STORIES event in Slovenia to foster B2B cooperation between social and traditional enterprises and municipalities
On the 17th of June 2024 the event BUY SOCIAL SHOWCASE – SUCCESSFUL STORIES, organised by the BFSE B2B - BUYSOCIAL project, was held in Maribor, Slovenia. The event was attended by Food4CE representatives, thanks to the participation of the project partner Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor.
P1 Smart
NEWS
11.06.2024
First press release of the project on the creation of Innovation Hubs to facilitate the exchange of logistics knowledge and good practices among Central European AFNs
On 22nd and 23rd of May, Food4CE project partners met in Budapest for the project review meeting, during which they discussed the activities carried out over the last few months and those that will involve the consortium in the upcoming months.
P1 Smart
NEWS
27.05.2024
On 22 and 23 May, the FOOD4CE project review meeting was held in Budapest, during which the consortium made a study visit to the Budapest Marketplace
On Wednesday 22 May and Thursday 23 May, the FOOD4CE project review meeting was held in Budapest, hosted by the Hungarian partner Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences – MATE.
P1 Smart
NEWS
19.05.2024
Logistik Dialog 2024: how to address the challenges of SFSCs and ensure more efficient and resilient logistics for AFNs. Insights from the speech of Tomislav Letnik
On Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17 2024, the prestigious Austrian Logistics Conference “Logistik Dialog 2024” was held at Vienna Airport. Powered by Food4CE partner ECONSULT Betriebsberatungsges.m.b.H., the event was an important opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and knowledge on logistics issues.
P1 Smart
NEWS
15.05.2024
Development of Short Supply Chains for Alternative Food Networks – Challenges and Opportunities in Logistics
On Tuesday 14 May 2024, a webinar was held on Developing Short Supply Chains - Challenges and Opportunities in Logistics, focusing on the significance of high-quality local food for a resilient food supply system.
P1 Smart
NEWS
28.03.2024
Food4CE Austrian partners, UAS BFI Vienna and ECONSULT, kicked off the national Innovation Hub
On 19th March 2024, a free webinar was organised by Food4CE Austrian partners UAS BFI Vienna and ECONSULT on the topic of Regional Food Logistics. The webinar was the kick-off of the national Innovation Hub.
P1 Smart
NEWS
11.03.2024
Second Food4CE project newsletter is out
The second Food4CE newsletter is out! In our latest issue, we are excited to share key findings from the Food4CE consortium's comprehensive research on AFNs in Central Europe. The newsletter also highlights the main challenges AFNs face in the near future, and the opportunities to be seized.
P1 Smart
NEWS
16.02.2024
Food4CE Knowledge Transfer Platform and Matchmaking Platform will facilitate the creation of a unique mutual support network for AFNs in Central Europe
Food4CE will establish national and transnational innovation hubs, which will focus on advancing AFNs logistics efficiency through the development of innovative tools and solutions, namely the Knowledge Transfer Platform and the Matchmaking Platform. The aim of both platforms is to facilitate knowledge transfer and business practice exchange between different ...
P1 Smart
NEWS
25.01.2024
Food4CE pilot activities will showcase transnational cooperation through innovation hubs
Food4CE is a European project aimed at supporting Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in their efforts to create sustainable and resilient food supply system. To address these challenges Food4CE will establish 5 local and 1 transnational innovation hub, bringing together actors from different sectors including researchers, business experts, food producers, ...
P1 Smart
NEWS
30.11.2023
The Food4CE consortium visiting the Agricultural and Orchard Experimental Farm Przybroda
On 12 and 13 September, the second consortium meeting of Food4CE was held in Poznań, Poland, hosted by Łukasiewicz – Poznański Instytut Technologiczny. As part of the Poznań meeting, the Agricultural and Orchard Experimental Farm Przybroda invited the Food4CE project partners for a study visit.
Events
P1 Smart
EVENT
Slovenia
17.06.2024
Food4CE goes to “BUY SOCIAL LENDING” event in Slovenia
The Alliance for Change peer learning and business collaboration event, organised by PRIZMA Foundation in cooperation with SPOT Consultancy Podravje, will take place on Monday, 17 June 2024, at Mali tržnica, Dominkuševa ulica 5 in Maribor (Slovenia).
P1 Smart
EVENT
Austria
16 - 17.05.2024
Austrian Logistics Conference Logistik Dialog 2024
Food4CE project is partner of the major Austrian Logistics Conference “Logistik Dialog 2024” to be held at Vienna Airport on 16 and 17 May. Powered by Food4CE partner ECONSULT Betriebsberatungsges.m.b.H., the event will be an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and knowledge.
P1 Smart
EVENT
Slovenia
14.05.2024
Development of Short Supply Chains for Alternative Food Networks – Challenges and Opportunities in Logistics
We cordially invite you to an engaging webinar focusing on the significance of high-quality local food for a resilient food supply system. This event will focus on exploring logistical solutions, collaboration opportunities, and financial incentives for alternative food networks (AFNs).
P1 Smart
EVENT
Slovenia
27 - 29.03.2024
Facing challenges of Sustainable Short Food Supply Chains at the Logistics Congress
Food4CE will be presenting its latest findings at the upcoming 11th International Logistics Congress in Portorož, Slovenia. The congress, taking place from March 27th to 29th, will bring together over 2000 logistics professionals to discuss regional presence that affects efficiency of supply chains.
P1 Smart
EVENT
Austria
19.03.2024
Regional Food Logistics: free webinar organized by UAS BFI Vienna and ECONSULT
Free webinar organized by UAS BFI Vienna and ECONSULT as part of the Food4CE project to talk about the main challenges, needs and opportunities of regional producers. Online event - March 19, 2024 - from 15:30 to 17:00
Pilot actions
Outputs
1.1 Pilot mapping of AFN logistics solutions and best practices
1.2 Tool for mapping AFN logistics solutions and best practices
2.1 Innovation Hub
2.2 Knowledge Transfer Platform
2.3 Matchmaking Platform
3.1 Regional action plan for AFN support
Project videos
Project documents
Press Releases
Poster on Transnational comparison of SFSCs characteristics and needs
Project images
Food4CE
The project lead partner is responsible for the content of this project website.