The Food4Health Innovation Hub of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) and the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture organised the professional event titled: “Strengthening the Innovation Capacities of Alternative Food Networks.”
The event was organised within the framework of the European project FOOD4CE and supported by the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture. The project focused on mapping Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in Central and Eastern Europe and aimed to foster the creation of more sustainable and resilient food systems through digital and innovative tools and solutions. The primary aim of this professional day was 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 included:
- Methodology for mapping Alternative Food Networks and the presentation of the online Knowledge Transfer Platform and Matchmaking Platform.
- 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.