The Food4Health Innovation Hub of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) and the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture cordially invite you to the professional event titled: “Strengthening the Innovation Capacities of Alternative Food Networks.”
📅 Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025, 9:00 – 15:30
📍 Venue: Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture – Training Center, Boróka Street 3, 2330 Dunaharaszti, Hungary
The event is organized within the framework of the European project FOOD4CE and supported by the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture. The project focuses on mapping Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in Central and Eastern Europe and aims to foster the creation of more sustainable and resilient food systems, also through digital and innovative tools and solutions.
The primary aim of this professional day is to promote knowledge sharing and cooperation among the various actors and regions within the alternative food network, as well as to strengthen cohesion by presenting national and international best practices.
The professional day will include:
- Methodology for mapping Alternative Food Networks and the presentation of online Knowledge Transfer and Matchmaking Platforms;
- New business models applicable in short supply chains (box schemes, food co-ops, pick-up points, community-supported agriculture, etc.), as well as digital tools supporting transactions, storage, order picking, and delivery;
- International best practices in short supply chains and networking;
- Interactive group and individual exercises to identify opportunities, challenges, and legal frameworks for the future development of small-scale food processing and marketing enterprises.
Planned Agenda of the Professional Day:
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9.00 – 9.30 |
Registration (accompanied by coffee, refreshments, and pastries) |
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9.30 – 9.45 |
Welcome Address – Katalin Tószegi-Faggyas, Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture – Quang Nguyen Duc, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences |
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9.45 – 10.30 |
Methodology for Mapping Alternative Food Networks. Presentation of the Online Knowledge Transfer Platform and Matchmaking Platform – Géza Hitka, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences |
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10.30 – 11.15 |
Presentation of New Business Models Applicable in Short Supply Chains (e.g. box schemes, food co-ops, pick-up points, community-supported agriculture, etc.), as well as digital tools and solutions that support transactions, product storage, order picking, and delivery to consumers. – Péter Varga, Cibus Hungaricus |
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11.15 -12.00 |
Presentation of International Best Practices in Short Supply Chains and Networking – Géza Hitka, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences |
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12.00 – 13.00 |
Sandwich Lunch and Coffee Break |
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13.00 – 15.00 |
Interactive Group and Individual Exercises to Map Opportunities, Identify Strengths and Weaknesses, and Explore Legal Frameworks for the Future Development of Small-Scale Food Processing and Marketing Enterprises – Zsuzsanna Horváth-Mezőfi, MATE – Koppány Majzinger, MATE – Géza Hitka, MATE – Péter Varga, Cibus Hungaricus |
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14.30 -15.00 |
Discussion and Evaluation of Results. Closing of the Program. – Géza Hitka, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences |
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15.00 – 15.30 |
Coffee Break and Informal Networking |
The event is free of charge, but participation requires registration! We kindly count on your attendance and ask you to confirm your participation via the registration link below by September 1.
For more information, please contact Géza Hitka, Ph.D.: hitka.geza@uni-mate.hu