Dissemination materials

Practica Abstract #16: (Urban) Living Labs: A Practical Method to Strengthen Local Food Systems and Short Food Supply Chains

Author(s): Juanita Devis – Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) (The Netherlands)

Addressing complex and urgent sustainability challenges such as producing and distributing food locally requires the collaboration of multiple disciplines. Urban Living Labs (ULLs) are real‑life environments where farmers, advisors, policymakers, researchers, and citizens work together to test new solutions for local food system challenges. Using the (Urban) Living Lab Way of Working (LLWOW) developed by AMS Institute, EU4Advice Living Labs follow a structured, step‑by‑step approach: understanding the local context, engaging stakeholders, defining shared ambitions, co‑creating interventions, testing them in practice, and learning collectively. ULLs offer a hands-on, place-based method to develop and strengthen Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs).

Practice Abstracat #13: Horta-Cuina: Farmer Economic Stability Through School Catering Partnerships

Author(s): Jorge Molero Cortés - Fundación Entretantos

Small and medium-scale agroecological farmers in Valencia's L'Horta region struggle to access stable markets and fair prices. Traditional direct sales lack volume and regularity for economic stability, while school canteens rely on long supply chains. Horta Cuina Agricultural Transformation Society (SAT) bridges this gap, connecting 18 agroecological producers across 160 certified hectares directly with school catering services through cooperative organization and transparent pricin.

Practice Abstract #12: How Europe Supports Short Food Supply Chains: A Cross-Country Look at Advice, Training and Practical Opportunities for Farmers

Author(s): Edelbis López Dávila – Ghent University (Belgium)

Across Europe, farmers interested in Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) face uneven access to knowledge, advisory services and practical support. Although SFSCs are increasingly promoted as tools to improve farm income, resilience, and consumer trust, support systems remain fragmented and vary significantly across countries. Farmers often encounter regulatory complexity, limited time, lack of business planning support and difficulties in accessing markets or scaling up initiatives. This abstract provides a cross-country overview of how farmers access SFSC-related advice, training and practical opportunities. It highlights differences between structured public advisory systems and more informal knowledge networks, while identifying the types of support that are most useful for farmers and practitioners.

Practice Abstract #11: Baumschule Kastanienkultur: a small-scale woody crop nursery growing the foundation of regenerative, regional food systems

Author(s): Maria Hetman, University of Hohenheim

The resilience and productivity of short food supply chains (SFSCs) can be strengthened by agroforestry systems (AFS). AFS do this by integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems to diversify food and income, buffer climate impacts, and enhance soil health and water cycling. Especially important are nut crops, which provide a perennial source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that are easy to store and process—an eco-friendly alternative to annual staple crops. A key barrier for AFS adoption in Europe is access to suitable woody plant material. Tree nurseries are often distant, lack appropriate species, and rely on intransparent supply chains and plant trading—affecting trust, quality, and crop success. Regional nurseries producing appropriate, seed-grown woody crop seedlings are vital for AFS and SFSCs yet are scarce. Baumschule Kastanienkultur (BK) in Germany is a unique small-scale tree and shrub nursery addressing a major gap in both AFS and SFSCs by growing specialized plants from seed, grafting if needed, and selling seedlings directly to regional customers establishing AFS.

Practice Abstract #9: Practice for Micro-credentials

Author(s): Luca Kovács, Adrienn Hegyi, Julianna Korpa – Campden BRI Hungary

A micro-credential is a short, focused learning program that certifies mastery of a specific skill or competency. In short food supply chains (SFSCs), where high variability exists, there is a strong need for flexible learning, as each actor possesses different knowledge. Lifelong learning is increasingly difficult to actively pursue alongside work, as very little time is available for continuous skill development. Due to the lack of harmonized definitions and frameworks for micro-credentials within SFSC contexts and to facilitate advisory recognition and collaboration in the SFSCs it was necessary to create modular and flexible pathways that support lifelong learning and knowledge consistency via certificated learning materials.

Practice Abstract #8: ROMO: Direct from Producer to Consumer – Innovative network connecting local producers with consumers

Author(s): Judith Molnár, Katalin Ferencz-Salamon - Spektrum Education Centre (Romania)

Small food producers across Europe face limited market access due to strict retail requirements, high costs, and complex logistics. This challenge was experienced first-hand by the founders of ROMO, who were unable to sell their high-quality, ethically produced food through conventional channels. ROMO was created to address this gap by connecting local producers directly with consumers through a simple, transparent, and community-based model inspired by the Finnish REKO system. Its objective is to shorten food supply chains, strengthen trust, reduce waste, and ensure fair access to local food for both producers and consumers.  

Practice Abstract #7: Optimising Logistics to Lower Carbon Emissions and Enhance Operational Efficiency – The Case of Food Hubs

Author(s): Arijit De (Manchester University), Barbara Tocco (Newcastle University) & Matthew Gorton (Newcastle University)

Food hubs serve as platforms that aggregate products from small-scale food producers and facilitate their delivery to final consumers, which can enhance their profit margins and foster local economic development. However, the logistics involved in operating food hubs can be particularly costly and often involves small volume journeys. This research aimed to address the ‘producer-to-hub-to customer’ transport problem and optimise efficiency in operational logistics while considering economic (costs) and environmental aspects (carbon emissions).

Practice Abstract #4: AMPI CSA Network: Building Farmer Knowledge, Capacity and Local Food Sovereignty

Author(s): Jana Pitrová - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (Czech Republic)

Local food systems in Czechia face challenges such as unstable markets for small farmers, limited access to knowledge for new entrants, and fragmented relationships between producers and consumers. Many farmers struggle with economic uncertainty, limited time for training, and the absence of structured advisory support models tailored to community-based food systems. AMPI aims to address these barriers by developing a coordinated Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) network that strengthens farmer–consumer cooperation, builds capacities of new and existing farmers, and promotes resilient, community led food systems. The objective is to provide stable markets, practical training, and advisory support, contributing to long-term food sovereignty and improved farm viability.

Practice Abstract #3: Registration of the trademark of the Szekler Product and development of the control methodology, organisation of monthly fairs in Harghita County

Author(s): Judith Molnár, Katalin Ferencz Salamon - Spektrum Education Centre (Romania)

Harghita County Council identified that small producers struggled with market access, inspection-related fears, and low consumer awareness, prompting the creation of monthly local product fairs and the Székely Termék Trademark with clear quality standards. Control authorities were brought directly to the fairs to advise farmers, reducing mistrust and improving compliance, supported by around €40,000 annually and later expanded through EU projects. Over time, the County Development Agency took over fair and trademark management, while an NGO now oversees trademark control, with regular producer visits and continuous monitoring of consumer needs.

Practice Abstract #02: Agricultural Trade Regulation from France: The Role of EIGs

Author(s): Margaux COLOMBIN, Louna DELORME, Mathilde BRAMBATI

In France, Economic Interest Groups (EIGs) are strategic levers for agricultural producers who want to cooperate without losing their autonomy. They facilitate market access, reduce transaction costs, and strengthen bargaining power, while enabling the sharing of innovations and joint investments (certifications, equipment, digital tools).

EU4Advice Newsletter – March 2026 edition

In this new edition of the EU4Advice Newsletter edition you will find information on the Local Food Advisors' Journey 2026, some women working on SFSC, and interviews with producers. The “Local Food Advisors’ Journey 2026” is designed to demonstrate the value of the European Advisory Network for SFSCs (EAN-SFSC) and to actively involve advisors in shaping it.

Practice Abstract #1: Open Food Network: Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Short Food Supply Chains

Author(s): EGInA Srl – European Grants International Academy

The document presents the Open Food Network (OFN) as an open-source digital platform designed to help small and medium-scale farmers overcome market access challenges and strengthen short food supply chains. It explains how OFN enables producers to sell directly to consumers and through collective food hubs, improving income diversification, reducing transaction costs, supporting logistics, and fostering cooperation among farmers. The practice abstract also outlines practical steps for setting up a local OFN hub, from defining governance and mapping stakeholders to piloting, training, transparent pricing, and linking the platform with physical events and communication activities. Overall, it positions OFN as a practical tool to build fairer, more transparent, and efficient local food systems while strengthening rural-urban connections

EU4Advice & COREnet Newsletter – November 2025 edition

The latest joint newsletter from EU4Advice and COREnet highlights a dynamic period of collaboration across Europe. Since May, both networks have joined forces at key events, from national roadshows and producer galas to AKIS assemblies and conferences, to exchange knowledge, engage with communities and strengthen advisory support for sustainable food systems. The newsletter also features updates from EU4Advice’s General Assembly in Valencia, recent activities advancing short food supply chain advisory networks, and new resources added to the Knowledge Hub. The #EU4AdviceAdvisors campaign continues to showcase the people behind advisory services, while COREnet shares new stories from farmers and practitioners shaping local food systems across Europe. Together, EU4Advice and COREnet continue to build connections, share insights, and support the transition toward fair, resilient, and sustainable food systems.

EU4Advice Newsletter – September 2025 edition

Across Europe, short food supply chains are changing how food is produced, sold, and valued. They give farmers and producers a fairer deal, reconnect consumers with the source of their food, and strengthen communities through more sustainable local systems. To take this movement further, the Horizon Europe projects COREnet and EU4Advice are bringing together advisors and policymakers in the first European networks dedicated to SFSCs. These networks are more than platforms; they are spaces to connect, share, and shape the future of food in Europe. And we are inviting you to join.

EU4Advice Newsletter – May 2025 edition

In this edition of the EU4Advice newsletter you will find the information related to the SFS Innovation Platform Event which will take place on the 5th of Juna 2025. Register and join us!

EU4Advice Newsletter – April 2025 edition

The latest edition of the EU4Advice Newsletter is now available. If you are an advisor in the Short Food Supply Chain (SFSC) sector, this issue may be of interest to you. It includes exclusive interviews, engaging videos, a recap of past and upcoming events, insightful articles, and an overview of the sister project COREnet. Stay informed about the latest knowledge and innovations in the field.

The Eu4Advice & COREnet Newsletter – November 2024 edition

This edition celebrates the collaboration between the EU4Advice and COREnet projects, both key players in the Sustainable Food System Innovation Platform. Together, we are working to create more effective advising on Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC), empowering local and sustainable food systems. The newsletter recaps the joint activities and highlights the latest updates from our individual project activities, showcasing our commitment to fostering sustainable food systems. Also, readers can look forward to exclusive interviews. We also provide a glimpse into future joint events that promise to build on our partnership. As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting sustainable and resilient food systems, and we invite you to join us in this journey toward a better future for all.

EU4Advice Newsletter – September 2024 edition

The September edition of the EU4Advice Newsletter is available. This issue includes key insights and updates, such as highlights from the Cross Living Lab event, introductions to the leaders of the EU4Advice Living Labs, news on collaboration networks, and a summary of past and upcoming events.