The event aimed to explore the key challenges in local food supply and identify solutions benefiting both suppliers and public institutions in the Podravje region. Discussions focused on actions that could bring positive changes in the short term, as well as long-term measures to ensure stability and growth.
The event brought together local food suppliers and food service organisers from public institutions to strengthen cooperation and build new connections.
During the meeting, participants discussed the main challenges affecting short local food supply chains and explored solutions to improve direct cooperation between suppliers and public institutions. They also addressed measures to improve the accessibility of local food, optimise transport and storage costs, adapt to legislative requirements, and support long-term planning for a sustainable and stable food supply system.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for networking, the exchange of experiences, and the development of new partnerships, contributing to stronger links between supply and demand and shorter supply chains in the Podravje region.
Contents of the meeting:
- Mag. Danijela Kocuvan: Introduction, purpose of the meeting, presentation of the Food4CE project and its goals (RRA Podravje – Maribor).
- Dr. Maršenka Marksel: Preparation of the Regional Action Plan for the operation of the ORbITaLA Innovation Hub and preparation of policy guidelines within the Food4CE project (UM – Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture).
- Presentation of challenges faced by public institutions in Podravje:
- Kindergartens (Alenka Pušnik, head of nutrition organisers in kindergartens in Maribor).
- Primary schools (Matej Pangerl, head of nutrition organisers in primary schools in Maribor).
- Presentation of the challenges faced by local food suppliers in Podravje:
- Farm Lesarovi from Formin (Lea Žnidarič).
- Fruit Farm Vrecl from Zgornje Hoče (Matjaž Vrecl).
- Farm Žitnik from Starošince (Rosmarie Žitnik).
- Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen: Measures to support the production of local food for public institutions (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food – MAFF).
- Short presentation of suppliers and their offerings.
- Round table on bridging the gaps between public institutions and local food suppliers, price variability in production, support measures for local suppliers, and the role of policymakers.
- Visit to suppliers’ stands and networking between local suppliers and food service organisers.