The main goal of the workshop was to present successful and practical examples of how modern technologies can be effectively integrated into the daily work of local food producers and processors. It was emphasised that high-quality, locally produced food is becoming an increasingly important value for modern consumers. To meet these expectations, producers and processors must continuously upgrade their operations and strengthen their knowledge — even in areas that may not be part of their core expertise.
Participants were introduced to a variety of innovations already successfully used by some local providers. By using digital tools such as barcodes, QR codes and RFID systems, they can save time, reduce errors, simplify operations and maintain authentic relationships with customers. It was also stressed that traceability and transparency are key to maintaining trust and loyalty among both institutional buyers and individual consumers at local markets.
The workshop, designed under the principle “less theory, more practice”, attracted numerous participants eager to enhance their operations, improve efficiency and gain valuable insights into digitalisation and innovative approaches in local food supply chains.
Dr. Maršenka Marksel from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture of the University of Maribor (Lead partner of the Food4CE project) presented two digital platforms developed as part of the project:
- The Knowledge Transfer Platform – a growing repository of good practices, expertise and practical solutions from five Central European countries.
- The Matchmaking Platform – a space that connects logistics providers, local producers and processors (including AFNs), large-scale buyers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain.
“Digital tools can significantly simplify the work of farms and cooperatives by improving efficiency, transparency and market access, while reducing errors and losses in the supply chain. The Knowledge Transfer Platform showcases successful examples from Slovenia and abroad – from online platforms linking producers and buyers to digital inventory management and delivery coordination. Digitalisation opens the door to a smarter, more connected and more sustainable food production system,”
said Dr. Maršenka Marksel, University of Maribor.
Tomaž Zadravec from Zelena točka provides consumers with fresh, seasonal fruit, vegetables and other products from over 100 Slovenian local producers.
“The presentation demonstrates how digital traceability using blockchain technology can simplify farmers’ work and increase consumer trust in short food supply chains. The example of Zelena točka, the largest regional short food supply chain, shows how digital tools enable complete transparency ‘from farm to fork’, ensure the authenticity of local products, and support the sustainable development and competitiveness of farms. The presentation also highlights the challenges of introducing new technologies — from lack of knowledge to resistance to change — as well as the benefits they bring to both producers and consumers.”
Fruštek is Slovenia’s first brand of crunchy granola. Its founder, Anja Logar, streamlined operations and saved valuable time by implementing a thoughtful digitalisation strategy early in the company’s development. Anja Logar explained:
“Fruštek was founded in 2014. From the very beginning, we approached digitalisation strategically, investing gradually and saving time in the long run. Inventory, orders and processes are managed in an optimised system, while orders from the online store are automatically imported and integrated into logistics systems of external partners. As demand grew, we invested in our online shop, automated email communication, QR code traceability and modern equipment — all of which increase capacity while maintaining the same level of quality. This way, we combine advanced technology with handcrafted dedication and stay true to our core values – quality, authenticity and sustainability.”
The workshop demonstrated that with knowledge, collaboration and courage to innovate, boundaries can be pushed even in agriculture. Through the exchange of experiences and real-life examples, participants showed that digitalisation in agriculture is no longer a question of the future, but a necessity of the present – a key step towards developing sustainable, resilient and connected local food systems.