Project overview
Strengthening Innovation Capacities Among Central European Alternative Food Networks
Alternative food networks seek to transform food supplies by connecting ethical producers and consumers more directly. Systemic policies to support such networks are widely missing in central Europe and it is time to change this. The FOOD4CE project established local and transnational hubs for the food and logistics sectors, in which they can exchange good practices and take up innovative technologies. The hubs are integrated into the European network of logistics competence centres.
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2,10m â¬
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Project Budget
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80%
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of the Budget is funded by ERDF
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6
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Countries
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6
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Regions
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9
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Partners
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2
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Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
About the project
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
University of Maribor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture
Project partner
Department for Regional Development
Food and Technology Institution
61-755 PoznaÅ
Department of Law and Farm Management
Roadmap
Identification and classification of existing AFNs in Central Europe
The task systematically identified (through desk analysis and surveys) the existing AFNs in Central Europe and evaluated their level of development to classify them into different categories of complexity. Special emphasis was given to business models, which were systematically compared using the CANVAS methodology (transnational benchmark). Special emphasis was also given to the sustainability of the identified solutions and business models. The task also identified and classified AFN stakeholders to better understand their roles and provide a database of key stakeholders. The analysis and survey of existing AFN business models and stakeholders formed the basis for the stakeholder database and the Knowledge Transfer Platform.
Analysis of AFNs SFSC characteristics and need
Small local food producers often underestimated the importance of logistics. Logistics is a complex process that can make an important contribution to the efficiency of short food supply chains. The desk research and survey therefore focused on the supply chain and logistics processes of the identified small-scale (alternative) food production and distribution systems. Special emphasis was given to transport, packaging and handling equipment, warehousing, IT support, and tracking and tracing. The in-depth analysis of characteristics and needs provided the basis for knowledge transfer and policy support for AFNs in Central Europe.
Pilot mapping of AFNs logistics solutions and best practices
Examples of good practices proved to be crucial in improving the functionality of existing AFNs in Central Europe and supporting the development of new ones. This pilot activity gathered knowledge, experiences and best practices in the field of logistics operations for AFNs and developed a tool to create a repository of solutions and concepts appropriate for small-scale alternative food producers and small logistics operators. The most advanced AFN functional models and the most efficient short food supply chains were selected for in-depth analysis. This activity developed, tested and verified the tool, providing direct input for the Knowledge Transfer Platform. It also helped identify the main logistics challenges and innovative approaches that resulted in the collection of best practice examples.
Innovation Hub setup and pilot operation
The Innovation Hub brought together actors from different sectors to advance Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in Central Europe. Organised as a living lab, the Innovation Hub enabled active knowledge transfer between researchers, business experts, food producers, logistics operators and policy makers to co-create conditions for the improved functioning of AFNs in Central Europe. The Innovation Hub provided two distinct services to its members: the Knowledge Transfer Platform and the Matchmaking Platform. The FOOD4CE pilot consisted of one transnational and five regional/local Innovation Hubs. Local Innovation Hubs shared their knowledge and needs with other Innovation Hubs in the participating countries, creating a unique transnational support network for AFNs in Central Europe. With the support of OpenENLoCC, the Innovation Hubs remain active after the end of the project.
Knowledge Transfer Platform
The Knowledge Transfer Platform was developed to provide useful information for managing and operating Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in Central Europe. It brings together knowledge on the most relevant business models, short food supply chain (SFSC) logistics solutions and best practices identified during the project. The Knowledge Transfer Platform is a web-based tool covering the following main topics relevant to small-scale short food supply chains: information systems and digitalisation of logistics processes, advanced delivery and ordering principles, consolidation of deliveries, vehicle routing optimisation, sharing of logistics facilities (warehousing), common packaging solutions and standards, energy use optimisation systems, inclusive business models for systemic resilience, collaboration models, planning models, development models, and recycling.
Matchmaking Platform
The Matchmaking Platform was developed to match the logistics needs and solutions of different stakeholders, creating new partnerships and supporting the development of improved logistics services. Matching can take place at different levels: between small farmers, between small farmers and existing Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), between AFNs and logistics operators, and between AFNs and large customers. The Matchmaking Platform is a web-based tool (marketplace) that supports these connections. Several matchmaking events were organised to enable small farmers to present their products and logistics characteristics and meet potential partners and customers, supporting the creation and development of short food supply chains.
Policy Support Framework
Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) represent only a small percentage of food production and consumption, but they are growing rapidly. To support the further development of AFNs, adequate policy support is needed at the national and transnational levels. This task was dedicated to reviewing existing European, national and regional policies related to AFNs and making this knowledge available to stakeholders through Innovation Hub meetings. The main objective of this task was to provide policy recommendations at the regional and national levels to support the evolution of AFNs towards more operationally efficient, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient food distribution systems.
Contribution to Macro Regional and Smart Specialisation Strategies
Emphasising the importance of Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) and short food supply chains in key macro-regional strategies and smart specialisation strategies was recognised as critical to the long-term development of AFNs. Therefore, targeted meetings with representatives of macro-regional strategies were organised to promote the alignment of their action plans with the needs of AFNs.
News
Events
Pilot actions
Outputs
Pilot mapping of AFN logistics solutions and best practices
- Best practices and logistics solutions of AFNs in Slovenia (short report)
- Best practices and logistics solutions of AFNs in Poland (short report)
- Best practices and logistics solutions of AFNs in Italy (short report)
- Best practices and logistics solutions of AFNs in Hungary (short report)
- Best practices and logistics solutions of AFNs in Austria (short report)
Tool for mapping AFN logistics solutions and best practices
Innovation Hub
Knowledge Transfer Platform
Matchmaking Platform
Regional action plans for AFNs support
Project videos
Project documents
Project Newsletters
Press Releases
Posters on Regional AFNs
Posters on AFNs Best Practices and Logistics Solutions
Poster on Transnational comparison of SFSCs characteristics and needs
Translated AFNs posters
Food4CE
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