On Tuesday, March 11, Localog – Piattaforma per la Logistica Contadina, the Italian Innovation Hub created within the Food4CE project, hosted its third capacity-building event, focusing on digitalization in Alternative Food Networks (AFNs). The online session gathered experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to explore innovative digital solutions aimed at strengthening local food systems.
Key takeaways from the event
A central highlight of the event was the presentation by Francisco Martinez from Open Food Network (OFN), who showcased how the open-source e-Commerce platform supports small farmers and food hubs in creating a sustainable and collaborative digital marketplace. Unlike traditional e-Commerce platforms, OFN operates as a commons-based tool, allowing farmers to sell directly to consumers and businesses with minimal costs while fostering a network-driven approach to local food distribution.
The session emphasized the importance of network-building among small farmers and food hubs. Participants explored how digital platforms like OFN could enhance logistical efficiency, facilitate knowledge sharing, and improve access to both direct sales and B2B transactions. The discussion also touched upon potential interoperability with existing software used by Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale (GAS) and local retailers through API integration.
Francisco Martinez also demonstrated how OFN operates in countries like the UK and France, where interactive maps display farmers and food hubs, enabling them to sell directly or supply hubs for broader distribution. Participants discussed how a similar model could be adapted in Italy, leveraging regional groups, GAS, and local food retailers to create a more cohesive and resilient food system.
Challenges and opportunities
One of the key challenges identified during the session was the integration of digital tools with the operational realities of small-scale farmers. While platforms like OFN offer significant advantages, adoption requires tailored strategies to meet the specific needs of regional producers and food hubs. Participants noted that expanding OFN’s presence in Italy would require collaborative efforts among farmers, food cooperatives, and digital solution providers.
Another critical aspect discussed was the potential role of local food aggregation for public procurement. The ability to coordinate bulk supplies for institutional buyers, such as schools and public canteens, could provide small farmers with more stable revenue streams and contribute to more resilient regional food systems. The discussion highlighted how policy agreements supporting fair pricing for school catering services could encourage more small-scale farmers to participate in public procurement.
Looking ahead
LOCALOG’s commitment to strengthening AFNs through digital innovation continues with upcoming initiatives that aim to further explore logistics optimization, digital platform scaling, and policy support for sustainable food networks. Moving forward, there will be a focus on engaging more producers, food hubs, and local institutions to test and refine digital tools tailored to Italy’s evolving AFN landscape. The insights gained from this session will inform future steps, ensuring that digital tools are accessible, effective, and aligned with the values of food sovereignty and fair trade.
Stay tuned for more updates as LOCALOG and Food4CE work together to shape the future of sustainable food systems in Central Europe!