The Localog Innovation Hub, established in November 2024 by ITL (Italy), is dedicated to enhancing logistics within Alternative Food Networks (AFNs). Localog recently hosted two highly engaging capacity-building meetings focused on Farmers’ Food Networks in Emilia-Romagna and freight transport in AFNs, to strengthen local food systems and address logistical challenges. Both sessions, held online, brought together experts, network representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and innovative solutions.
First capacity-building meeting: Farmers’ food networks in Emilia-Romagna Region
On Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, Localog hosted its first capacity-building meeting, featuring Bianca Calvaresi, a researcher from ART-ER and member of the Technical Secretariat of the Regional Forum for Solidarity Economy.
The session laid the groundwork for understanding the diversity and commonalities within Farmers’ Food Networks in Emilia-Romagna. Bianca Calvaresi offered an in-depth reflection on the various models of AFNs, such as Solidarity Purchasing Groups (GAS), Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), food cooperatives, and farmers’ markets. She emphasized how these networks are unified by direct producer-consumer relationships and the presence of guarantee systems, ranging from formal organic certifications to participatory or informal methods. The discussion also touched upon the concept of “Small Organized Distribution,” which seeks to streamline food distribution through improved logistics.
Participants engaged in a lively dialogue, exchanging experiences and perspectives while collectively envisioning the future of AFNs in the region.
Second Capacity-building meeting: Freight transport in Alternative Food Networks
The second capacity-building meeting took place on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, with Francesca Marconi, President of the Regional Forum for Solidarity Economy of Emilia-Romagna, as the featured guest speaker.
Centred on the crucial topic of food transportation logistics, the session spotlighted the innovative “solidarity van” initiative. This cooperative initiative facilitates the transport of food products from local producers to GAS networks across Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Lombardy, and Piedmont. The project aims to reduce environmental and economic costs through coordinated logistics, route optimization, and ensuring full-load trips, while fostering stronger community ties. A significant aspect of this initiative is the digital integration among participating GAS groups, which enhances logistical coordination and efficiency.
Participants discussed key logistical challenges, such as geographic dispersion, the complexity of standardizing procedures, and the difficulty of replicating organizational solutions across diverse networks. Despite these hurdles, the events fostered new connections and potential future collaborations among AFNs and stakeholders.
Looking ahead
Localog Innovation Hub in Italy will continue to explore innovative practices and solutions for the logistics of AFNs in the upcoming months, with a focus on digitalization and the energy transition. The goal is to make short supply chains more efficient, resilient, and sustainable, thus reinforcing the broader aims of the Food4CE project.
