Short food supply chains (SFSCs) is a concept that is relatively new in the conditions of the Slovak Republic, but is developing significantly, mainly with the support of EU policies (CAP, RDP). This paper is focused on the evaluation of the performance of the micro and small agricultural enterprises in short supply chains in the Slovak Republic. We focus on the evaluation of selected economic indicators of small agricultural enterprises and micro-enterprises depending on their participation and non-participation, respectively, in SFSC. Next, we demonstrate the linear relationship between the researched primary and secondary data of enterprises operating inside and outside of the SFSC. Analysing the selected data, we state the ability of farmers operating in the SFSC to produce added-value products and improve their social situation. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of associating farmers with SFSCs are demonstrated.

Absract Current unfavourable situation in agricultural sector of the Slovak Republic makes national public authorities to look for possible solutions for satisfaction of local producers and consumers as well. Increase of domestic production in the programming period 2014-2020 with focus especially on producing high quality products is a challenge for Slovak government and local producers, too. In this paper we reveal the theoretical determination, legal limitations, opportunities for support and the level of implementation of short food supply chains as a tool for farmers, producers and processors to increase the added value of their products through promotion of existing and creation of new local markets. The possible support is described both in terms of the rural development policy as well as the regional policy, under limitations defined in European and national legal documents. The level of implementation of short food supply chains in agricultural sector of the SR is described in relation to the Rural Development Programme of the Slovak Republic 2014-2020.

Increasing the competitiveness of primary producers and supporting the local development in rural areas were one of the main objectives of the Slovak government within the 2014-2020 program period. Supporting local producers and applying short food supply chains were the main tools for fulfilling these objectives. Short food supply chains are a relatively new concept in Slovakia, associated primarily with the sale of the quality agricultural products directly from the farm. The paper focuses on the evaluation of the performance of agricultural enterprises in Slovakia in the short food supply chains by comparing the economic indicators of enterprises in and outside the short food supply chains over a period of 10 years. This time period captures a relatively stable development of the economic results of enterprises, with a slight increase in 2017, when the enterprises concluded contracts with the Agricultural Paying Agency. This year is considered to be the start of the enterprises in the short food supply chains, providing the results in terms of the observed economic indicators significantly different from the enterprises outside the short food supply chains due to their size and economic power. In connection with the above facts, we have identified the following research questions:1) Is the size of the agricultural enterprise a factor that influences the success of companies in short food supply chains?2) Are micro and small agricultural enterprises operating in short food supply chains able to improve their economic results despite their disadvantages compared to large enterprises?

Agri–food sector is one of the biggest and most supported economic sectors in the EU. It is a key sector for sustainable economic development and food safety and security. The EU Common Agricultural Policy (hereinafter CAP) is its backbone – it helps farmers with income support and market measures on the one hand and, on the other hand, it ensures sustainable rural development in individual EU countries. Despite of the huge support agricultural sectors in Member States are facing serious problems – in Slovakia it is especially the low level of domestic agricultural production, low quality of food products, high unemployment rate especially among young people, ageing of population and abandonment of rural areas. Looking for solutions for these problems mentioned there is a great challenge for relevant public authorities and for the academic sector, as well. Based on these facts the initiative to submit a project proposal has arisen within the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence – which would respond on challenges in this field. The project (Centre of Excellence for European Agri-Food Chain – CEEAG 611446-EPP-1-2019-1-SK-EPPJMO-CoE) has been granted and its main focus will start from important and irreplaceable role of agriculture and food industry in national economies of (not only) Member States via ensuring their food security under conditions given by the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) – one of the most supported policies in the EU.

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