Empowering Local Food Futures: Towards Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems
An article by Amped
A recent track session, “Developing Localized Food Systems and Short Food Supply Chains,” gathered experts, researchers, and grassroots leaders to explore how open, collaborative approaches can reshape food production and distribution across Europe. The discussion focused on the potential of interactive, community-driven models to foster resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local food systems.
The vision is ambitious yet increasingly urgent: a future where cities across Europe provide citizens with access to healthy, sustainable food that is both affordable and appealing. In this future, short food supply chains connect rural producers with urban consumers through strong networks and trust-based systems. Grassroots initiatives are no longer isolated or limited by scale; instead, they are empowered by digital tools, policy support, and peer collaboration.
However, turning this vision into reality requires addressing a range of systemic challenges. Participants highlighted how fragmented networks and a lack of shared infrastructure continue to limit the scalability and impact of local food initiatives. The market often fails to reward the true value created by these efforts. Access to finance, institutional knowledge, and supportive policy frameworks remains limited. In addition, digital tools that enable transparency and traceability are still underdeveloped, and many initiatives struggle to attract or retain young talent and long-term stakeholders.
The session emphasized the need to rethink and redesign the way support is structured. One key recommendation is the development of open, common-source digital platforms to share knowledge, tools, and data. These platforms could help local actors avoid duplication, build trust, and collaborate more effectively. Supporting experimentation through living labs and co-creation spaces can also accelerate innovation and help scale successful models. Encouraging the adoption of blockchain and IT solutions can further enhance efficiency and transparency in food supply chains.
Equally important is the creation of cross-sectoral networks to connect changemakers and facilitate mutual learning and knowledge sharing. Targeted investments in youth engagement—through mentorship, training programs, and hands-on experience placements—can build the next generation of food system innovators. Digital hubs and co-creation platforms can ensure that these conversations and innovations continue beyond isolated projects.
Achieving this transformation will require coordinated action across various stakeholders. Local and regional governments must provide enabling frameworks and structural support. Cities play a key role in fostering urban-rural connections and supporting food system transformation. Research institutions must lead innovation and provide evidence-based insights, while digital providers can develop the technological backbone for collaboration. At the same time, young professionals and grassroots organizations should be at the center of co-creating and implementing these new systems, with support from intermediaries and networks that help bridge gaps.
This session was reported by Jacqueline Broerse, Professor at the Athena Institute (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) and contributor to the FoodCLIC and CLEVERFOOD projects, and Mark Frederiks, Director of Amped and participant in the EU4Advice project.
For more practical recommendations, explore the SMARTCHAIN project’s booklet “Insights & recommendations to support collaborative Short Food Supply Chains,” which offers actionable solutions for farmers, food producers, and local actors.