For this reason, as part of the European project Food4CE, the Institute for Transport and Logistics (ITL) launched Localog – Farmers’ Logistics Platform, an innovation hub dedicated to supporting AFNs (GAS, CSA, food co-ops, farmers’ markets) in strengthening their logistical capacities and functions.
On Tuesday, 4 February 2025, from 16:00 to 17:30, the first capacity-building meeting was held via Microsoft Teams.
In this first session, Bianca Calvaresi from ART-ER, Technical Secretariat of the Regional Forum for Solidarity Economy, gave a presentation on Farmers’ Food Networks in Emilia-Romagna.
Topics discussed:
- A reflection on the definition of Farmers’ Food Networks and an overview of the different possible models (GAS, CSA, food co-ops, farmers’ markets).
- An introduction to their mapping and the main characteristics of the models present in Emilia-Romagna.
- An open dialogue with representatives of the networks to share perspectives, experiences, and future outlooks.
The objective of this first meeting was to lay the foundation for a shared vision of what unites and differentiates Alternative Food Networks, while logistical challenges would be explored in greater detail in subsequent sessions.
The event was open to members of Alternative Food Networks, researchers, public institutions, and anyone interested in the topic.