Benefit Optimization of Short Food Supply Chains for Organic Products: A Simulation-Based Approach

Abstract

Creating alternative supply chains can help increase economic and social benefits for all beneficiaries of the supply chain. Alternative short supply chains for organic products are considered when seeking optimal scenarios to obtain the highest profit for producers, with maximizing profit being one of the main reasons for taking up business within this type of supply chain strategy. The aim of this study was to clarify the ideas of short food supply chains (SFSCs) and the organic production of food products and to indicate how economic benefits can be achieved in individual markets. The identified research gaps include the lack of a strong theoretical basis, as well as the lack of empirical studies concerning the multi-objective optimization of the economic effects of producers using computer simulation methods. However, the aim of this research was to identify the activities within such structures that can produce economic effects and influence the competences and soft relationships between the organizations participating in the chains. The adopted research methods included a critical analysis of the literature and the use of information technology tools and computer simulation. We found that computer simulation methods can lead to better decisions (to increase manufacturer benefits) regarding how to service selected markets within the SFSC. The most important limitations are the small territorial scope of the research and the consideration of only three of the most frequently purchased and manufactured products in Poland. This study was a pilot study, which will be developed further by the authors, from both a territorial and product point of view.

The Behavior of Dairy Consumers in Short Food Supply Chains during COVID-19 Pandemic in Suceava Area, Romania

“…Issues such as overcoming the current global health crisis, implementation of measures to combat its effects, and the experience gained during this challenging period, are strongly mirrored by the struggle of small local producers/processors who should be strongly supported by clearer development strategies and policies. We firmly support this, especially given that they have gradually lost their rightful place in the agri-food sector in recent decades [86]. In the post-crisis recovery period, small producers and local processors will play an important part, and, even more, there will be a genuine need for the development and promotion of SFSCs.…”

Sustainable Food Supply Chains: Is Shortening the Answer? A Literature Review for a Research and Innovation Agenda

“…Moreover, the potential economic impact of SFSCs collaborating with big retailers remains controversial [60], and requires more longitudinal data. Finally, as farmers often combine diverse short chains, as well as short and long chains, more research is needed, as a follow-up to STRENGTH2FOOD, in order to model/simulate the relevant combinations of chains according to farmers' capacities, objectives, products and territories [76].…”

[Retracted] Digital Technology Empowers Grain Supply Chain Optimization Simulation

“…With the development of sensor technology, it is possible to detect farmland information through farmland sensors. Experts and scholars at home and abroad have also done a lot of experimental research in the field of farmland information acquisition [9]. In terms of obtaining crop growth information, the SPAD-502 chlorophyll sensor produced by Japan's MINOLTA company uses light-emitting diodes to emit red light and near-infrared light.…”