The European project Food4CE is set to launch an innovative new tool for Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in Central Europe: the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP). The platform addresses the logistical and innovation challenges faced by many local food networks in promoting short, sustainable, and resilient supply chains. With the Knowledge Transfer Platform, AFNs in Central Europe will be able to enhance their knowledge exchange capabilities and best practices, laying the groundwork for an interconnected food system that benefits local producers, consumers, and European communities.
An online tool for the knowledge exchange among AFNs
AFNs play a crucial role in the transition toward localized, low-impact food systems. However, they often face challenges related to logistics and fragmented information access. Food4CE’s KTP is designed to overcome these barriers, creating an accessible digital ecosystem that fosters knowledge sharing, business model innovation, and the promotion of sustainable logistics practices.
The KTP is a user-friendly online tool, a digital meeting place where AFNs can find support to optimize their activities, reduce costs, and improve resource management. This is essential not only for their competitiveness but also for strengthening the link between producers and local consumers within a circular and sustainable economy.
The primary purpose of the KTP is to facilitate knowledge exchange and share best practices, enabling AFNs to overcome logistical challenges and improve the efficiency of local food supply chains. By centralizing valuable information and resources, the platform helps AFNs streamline their operations and adopt shared solutions aiming for more sustainable and resilient food networks, benefiting both producers and consumers in Central Europe.
The platform actively promotes transnational collaboration by creating opportunities for diverse stakeholders across Central Europe to connect, share ideas, and co-develop innovative solutions. By breaking down geographical and organizational barriers, it fosters a dynamic exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, enabling cross-border partnerships’ collaboration and growth.
Exclusive features and resources of the Knowledge Transfer Platform
The Food4CE Knowledge Transfer Platform offers a range of features to ensure an interactive and constructive experience tailored to the needs of AFNs:
- Exchange of knowledge and best practices: the platform provides adaptable logistics solutions for short supply chains, focusing on digitalization, transparency, local focus, advanced logistics, and sustainability. Users can explore methods to enhance logistical efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- Best practice exposure: the platform provides a catalogue of best practices adopted by AFNs across European countries, namely Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Hungary and Poland.
- Interactive learning materials: quizzes, training courses, and certifications that encourage active engagement, helping users to gain a deeper understanding of topics of interest.
- Interactive map of AFNs: a detailed and navigable map that allows users to explore identified AFNs and study their logistical practices. This is a unique opportunity for networks seeking to draw from tested and customizable solutions for their specific needs.
Looking to the future: the Matchmaking Platform and Innovation Hubs
The launch of the Knowledge Transfer Platform is just the first step toward creating a dynamic ecosystem that fosters ongoing collaboration, enabling the exchange of knowledge and the development of innovative solutions across Central Europe.
In February 2025, Food4CE will also introduce the Matchmaking Platform, a platform designed to facilitate the development of new business logistics solutions and services for AFNs.
As alternative food supply chains continue to grow – with an emphasis on local sourcing, sustainable practices, and ethical considerations – effective methods are needed to connect the sector’s diverse actors. This is where the Matchmaking Platform will play a crucial role, acting as a bridge between farmers, consumers, logistics operators, and marketplaces. Designed as a web-based “marketplace” tool, the MP will allow for optimized logistics services, improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, the creation of new partnerships, and the development of advanced logistics services. By achieving these goals, the Matchmaking Platform, together with the Knowledge Transfer Platform, will play an important role in transforming the alternative food sector, making it more efficient, sustainable, and equitable.
Alongside these platforms, Food4CE will launch 5 local and 1 transnational Innovation Hubs in five countries: Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, and Poland. Bringing together actors from different sectors including researchers, business experts, food producers, logistics and transport operators, and policy makers, these hubs will serve as exchange platforms for sharing knowledge, addressing needs, and exploring logistical solutions, forming a transnational support network for AFNs across Central Europe.
A commitment to the future of sustainable food
With the launch of the Knowledge Transfer Platform, Food4CE reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Alternative Food Networks, recognizing them as essential players in a more sustainable food future, and to improve the sustainability and resilience of food supply systems in Europe.
Through concrete support tools and a collaborative approach, Food4CE not only boosts the competitiveness of AFNs, but also helps reduce the ecological footprint of European food supply chains and works towards building a strong and mutually supportive network that can benefit AFNs across Central Europe and beyond.
The launch of the Food4CE KTP represents an important milestone for the project, which aims to build a more equitable and environmentally conscious food system. By connecting stakeholders across the region, the platform will play a crucial role in advancing collaborative solutions that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in the food sector.