The third Food4CE newsletter is out!
Over the past few months, the Food4CEProject has achieved significant progress in supporting Central European AFNs. The efforts have focused on sharing efficient logistics practices to promote short food supply chains throughout Europe, and facilitate connections between producers and consumers.
To understand the current state and needs of AFNs in Central Europe, nearly 400 AFNs were identified and analysed across five regions: Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, and Italy. The findings were visually represented through a series of national posters, each tailored to highlight the distinct characteristics of AFNs in their respective countries. These posters provided detailed insights into various aspects of AFNs, including their geographical distribution, prevalent forms, levels of complexity, transportation methods, storage and distribution strategies, as well as the challenges they face. Additionally, the posters identified logistics solutions that have already been implemented or are needed to enhance operational efficiency and support the growth of these networks. They are available here.
The Food4CE consortium has begun identifying logistics solutions best practices already in place within Central European Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), categorizing them into key areas: advanced logistics, sustainability, transparency, local focus, and digitalization. The initial findings were presented through a series of national posters and a transnational poster that underscored common challenges and opportunities across the regions.
The research revealed various challenges for SFSC in Central Europe, including managing cold storage, navigating transportation complexities, and integrating advanced IT tools. Despite the difficulties in maintaining effective cold storage across regions, significant opportunities exist to enhance these networks, such as enhanced collaboration through direct retail, food cooperatives, and producer-consumer partnerships, which can improve efficiency and sustainability. Building strong customer relationships through personal interactions and community engagement, while leveraging partnerships with local farmers, retailers, and IT platforms, can further strengthen SFSCs and create a more resilient food supply system. You can read more about it here.
The project is now entering into an exciting phase of the project with the upcoming launch of five National Innovation Hubs and the Transnational Innovation Hub. These hubs will facilitate the exchange of logistics knowledge and best practices among all relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the Knowledge Transfer Platform and the Matchmaking Platform will be launched in the upcoming months, designed to create a unique mutual support network for Central European AFNs, both of which are featured in this newsletter.
Over the past six months, the project has focused on laying the groundwork for Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) to help create a more sustainable and resilient food supply system. With the new tools almost ready for testing, we’re excited to see the positive impact they’re likely to have.
Read on to learn how these innovations could change the future of food logistics in Central Europe.