Report on Developing Infrastructure for Short Food Supply Chains

On February 20, 2024, the University of Warwick, in collaboration with Newcastle University, hosted a workshop on creating practical strategies to enhance the infrastructure for Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs). Participants from across the food sector, including SFSC organizations, academics, and public and third-sector representatives, gathered to explore the challenges and opportunities in this area.

The workshop began with a discussion of the potential benefits of SFSCs, such as improving local food systems, supporting small producers, and reducing the environmental impact of food distribution. Participants then examined the infrastructure needed to support SFSCs, divided into six key areas: human, social, legal, financial, digital, and physical.

For each area, the group identified existing barriers and potential opportunities for development. The session concluded with suggestions for key actions that stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, and community organizations, could take to strengthen the SFSC infrastructure and work collaboratively towards shared goals.

Read the document here!

Authors: 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).