Publications

Scholarship on alternative food networks: from mid-life crisis to life begins at 40?

Author(s): Tregear, Angela; Gorton, Matthew; Maye, Damian; Morse, Aimee and Steytler, Marie

This paper critically assesses the literature on Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), based on a systematic literature review encompassing work from both the rural studies and marketing disciplines. It reflects on the gaps between the contributions from both disciplines and how they could be addressed in future research. A typology of AFNs helps clarify the varied challenges they face. Too many AFN studies depend solely on producer and loyal customer perspectives, leading to overly optimistic assessments of their consumer appeal. Moreover, a tendency to downplay or overlook marketing management considerations reduces the literature’s relevance for practitioners. Addressing the latter, and more critical assessments of how different types of AFNs can address social and planetary imperatives, are vital for reinvigorating the AFN literature to overcome its mid-life crisis.

Infrastructure support for short food supply chains: the current state of play in England and towards a research agenda

Author(s): Maye, Damian; Gorton, Matthew; Morse, Aimee; Tocco, Barbara, and Steytler, Marie

Drawing on survey, interview, and workshop evidence, this paper reviews the current state of play of short food supply chains (SFSCs) in England and calls for greater focus on infrastructure to support and enable SFSCs to build capacity in agri-food economies. The paper argues that, despite a recent surge in research on SFSCs, the role and importance of infrastructure supporting SFSC arrangements remain piecemeal and too often ‘backstage’. A survey of 586 farms in England (completed May–August 2023) identifies widespread and greater than anticipated interest in increasing engagement in SFSCs, including amongst larger and crop farms. However, inadequate infrastructure is perceived as a major barrier to market access. Interviews (n = 29) (conducted in 2023) and a participatory workshop (February 2024), both involving SFSC operators, advisory organisations, and academics in England, echo survey findings and help understand why reconfiguring infrastructure is essential for transforming national, regional, and local food systems. The paper concludes by outlining priority topics, identified by practitioners, for future academic research. Key steps for a future research agenda include developing a common understanding of infrastructure types and combinations across sectors, alongside broader strategic alliance-building, recognising that infrastructure support alone (material, virtual, legal, etc.) will not be sufficient. Bringing infrastructure ‘front stage’ in this more strategic way, we conclude, builds resilience capacity in agri-food economies to enable producers interested in SFSCs to realise positive outcomes.

Farm Advisors of the Future – Supporting the Transition to Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) in Europe

Author(s): Sudents of Wageningen University as part of their MSc-programme

This is a detailed academic report titled “Farm Advisors of the Future – Supporting the Transition to Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) in Europe.” It was written by a Wageningen University student team (Team 3.495) in July 2025 as part of the Academic Consultancy Training (ACT) course. The project was commissioned by Marjolein Elings within the EU4Advice project, which aims to strengthen short food supply chains across Europe. The report explores how farm advisors can best support farmers transitioning from long food supply chains (LFSCs) to short food supply chains (SFSCs) — systems that bring producers and consumers closer together socially, economically, and geographically. It includes: A literature review on SFSCs, sustainable production systems (e.g., organic, regenerative, agroecological), and their benefits and challenges, interviews with farm advisors and farmers from different European contexts, identifying real-world barriers and success factors, development of training materials (including an interactive poster) to help advisors guide farmers effectively, and application of the MIDI (Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations) and MOA (Motivation–Opportunity–Ability) models to evaluate how easily the tools can be implemented in practice.

Digital Innovations for Transformative Food Systems Governance

Author(s): Luke John Schafer, Aditi Singh, Mark Frederiks, Maarten Klop, Levi Kingfisher, Connor Murray, Jacqueline Broerse

Global food systems face critical challenges in ensuring healthy, affordable, and sustainable food while worsening environmental crises and deepening social inequalities are exacerbated by the growing dominance of profit-driven multinational corporations in food governance. Integrating systems-thinking with digital transformation offers a chance to reshape food system governance, promoting inclusivity, resilience, and efficiency through better resource allocation, policy development, and collaboration.

The Urban Living Lab Way of Working Handbook

Author(s): Aranka Dijkstra & Peter Joore

This handbook captures AMS Institute’s approach to transforming urban environments into real-world testing grounds, where research and practice intersect. Grounded in our experiences in Amsterdam, the handbook offers both a conceptual framework and a practical guide for designing and managing Urban Living Labs. From exploring the foundations of ULLs and their role in addressing complex urban challenges, to offering an eight-step methodology—the Urban Living Lab Way of Working—this publication serves as both a comprehensive introduction and a hands-on reference. It also outlines the roles and competencies needed to effectively coordinate these labs, complemented by practical tools, examples, and definitions. With this handbook, we aim to support researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in navigating the balance between innovation and integration. Ensuring urban solutions don’t just work in theory, but thrive in practice.

Optimizing short food supply chain logistics to lower carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency for small-scale rural producers

Author(s): Arijit De, Barbara Tocco and Matthew Gorton

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. The research aims to show the possibilities of improving the environmental and operational efficiency of food hubs by developing a new mathematical model. A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model addresses the ‘producer-to-hub-to-customer’ transport problem, drawing on comprehensive real-world data. Computational experiments demonstrate that enhancing cooperation among producers when delivering goods to the hub can lead to a reduction in logistics costs and carbon emissions. To bolster environmental outcomes, the study presents empirical evidence indicating that transitioning from conventional to electric vehicles can reduce transport costs by nearly one-third and diminish carbon emissions by as much as 70%.

EU4Advice: Advisors and policy makers – Press Release

Author(s): EU4ADVICE project & COREnet project

A groundbreaking European initiative has been launched to reinforce short food supply chains (SFSCs) by uniting technical advisors and policymakers in a dual-network structure under the Horizon Europe projects COREnet and EU4Advice. This pioneering effort aims to enhance the sustainability, competitiveness, and visibility of local food systems across the EU at a time when many farmers and producers are seeking alternatives to complex global supply chains. The initiative includes a European advisory network offering training, curated resources, and opportunities for collaboration, as well as a complementary network for policymakers focused on fair and sustainable food systems. Through peer learning, policy engagement, and the promotion of successful SFSC models, the initiative fosters stronger connections between practice and policy. With over 500 advisors already engaged, and new tools such as the COREnet Golden Cases and Lighthouse Projects in motion, the platform seeks to empower stakeholders and accelerate the transformation of local food systems in Europe.

Database of AKIS key stakeholders in the 27 Member States

This document presents the database of the main AKIS coordinating bodies responsible for the implementation of the CAP strategic plans in the 27 Member States, UK & Switzerland. The database also lists other key AKIS actors per member state who collaborate in one way or another or assist in the work and implementation of the strategies of the main AKIS coordinating bodies in each member state. These actors play an important role in networking, advising, accompanying and supporting the implementation of common policies and understandings through the preparation of policy briefs and/or recommendations. In addition, short characterisation of their governance models is also debriefed. This document will be reviewed and maintained in collaboration with sister projects funded under HORIZON-CL6-2021-GOVERNANCE-01-(24-27). The overall objective of the database is to provide a basis for the subsequent networking actions of the EU4Advice project by identifying key actors and analysing their interactions. The database will be monitored on an ongoing basis and updated annually throughout the lifetime of the project.

Developing the infrastructure for Short Food Supply Chains

Author(s): Tocco, B., Noble, J., Maye, D., Morse, A., Gorton, M. and Steytler, M. (2024), Workshop Report: Developing the infrastructure for Short Food Supply Chains, National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE)

This is a write-up of a workshop held at the University of Warwick, organised by Newcastle university, on 20 February 2024 was focussed on developing practical strategies to develop the infrastructure for Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs). The workshop was attended by people from a range of different parts of the food sector, including organisations working directly in and with SFSCs, academics and third sector and public officials. The report summarises the rationale and potential benefits of SFSCs, before outlining an approach to thinking about infrastructure for SFSCs under six headings: human, social, legal, financial, digital, and physical. We discuss workshop participants’ views on both the barriers and opportunities for developing the infrastructure under each heading and conclude by suggesting key actions different stakeholders could take to develop infrastructure to support SFSCs, and how the SFSC community might work towards these goals