Food4CE actively contributed to the cross-border workshop “Strengthening the role of local producers in cross-border tourism in the Slovenian–Hungarian border region”, held on 18 November 2025 at the Prekmurje Model Farm in Lendava, organised by Pannon EGTC within the CROSSDEST project.
As part of the expert programme, dr. Maršenka Marksel (University of Maribor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture) presented key insights from the Food4CE project with a focus on connecting Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) through smart and innovative logistics solutions.
Food4CE contribution: from research to practical solutions
In her presentation, dr. Marksel highlighted how Food4CE supports local food producers and short supply chains by:
- strengthening Alternative Food Networks that directly connect local producers with consumers;
- addressing key challenges such as digitalisation, advanced logistics, transport optimisation and cold-chain management;
- developing and testing innovative logistics solutions and business models for locally produced food;
- promoting sustainable delivery solutions, including route optimisation, shared deliveries, electric vehicles and collective pick-up points.
Special attention was given to the Food4CE Knowledge Transfer and Matchmaking Platforms, which already bring together local producers, logistics providers, research institutions, platforms and large buyers across Central Europe. The platforms enable:
- sharing of good practices from Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Hungary and Poland;
- access to a structured catalogue of logistics solutions;
- learning tools, case studies and policy recommendations supporting AFNs.
Concrete examples of good practice from Slovenia and Hungary were presented, demonstrating how local food production can be successfully linked with tourism experiences, regional identity and sustainable logistics, directly supporting the workshop’s goal of building joint cross-border offers.
Food4CE and cross-border tourism development
The presentation clearly showed that innovative food logistics are a key enabler for cross-border tourism cooperation, as they allow local products to be reliably integrated into tourism services, gastronomic experiences and destination offers. Food4CE thus contributes not only to food systems innovation, but also to regional development, tourism diversification and stronger producer–consumer relationships.
Media visibility: statement for RTV Slovenia
In addition to the expert contribution, dr. Maršenka Marksel also gave a statement for the programme Mostovi – Hidak (RTV Slovenia), highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation, smart logistics and the role of projects such as Food4CE in strengthening local producers and sustainable tourism in the Slovenian–Hungarian border region.
Food4CE’s participation in the CROSSDEST workshop further strengthened links between research, practice and policy, confirming the project’s role as a key driver of innovation in local food systems and cross-border cooperation in Central Europe.