Short food supply chains – a growing movement. The case study of the Viseu Dão Lafões Region

Abstract

In spite of the increasing attention being paid to short food supply chains (SFSCs), research in the area is still scarce, particularly in Portugal. Thus, based on a case study in Viseu Dão Lafões Region (VDLR), we intend to identify and discuss (emphasizing potentialities and constraints) the movement of SFSCs in the region. This case study is based on document analysis and interviews with agrifood baskets’ promotors. On the one hand, the results show the wide variety of SFSCs that exist in the region and the emergence of new forms of SFSCs like the agrifood baskets. On the other hand, the empirical research also emphasizes the environmental, economic, and sociocultural benefits of SFSCs that will have a positive impact on the well-being of producers, consumers, and/or on the whole region. However, the interviews have also exposed a (certain) limitation in terms of communication and marketing that may constraint these initiatives. From a practical point of view, it became clear that producers must do their best to develop their communication and marketing strategies; from a political point of view, local authorities should provide the necessary assistance to help implement training programmes and develop suitable communication and marketing skills.

Impactos da pandemia de Covid-19 no Agroturismo e Turismo Rural: A Scoping Review

“…Práticas de insucesso, priorizando o incremento da infraestrutura com foco em urbanização em zonas rurais em detrimento às práticas turísticas, são relatadas por Gabriel-Campos et al (2021), ao analisarem uma comunidade Andina. Pato (2020), ao investigar cadeias curtas de suprimentos em Portugal, evidencia os impactos positivos de regulamentações no segmento. A regulação de zonas rurais portuguesas inclui a organização da cadeia alimentar e, especialmente, da cadeia curta de abastecimento, com objetivo de desenvolver o sistema de cooperação entre os participantes, assegurar o desenvolvimento econômico local e manter as relações geográficas e sociais estreitas entre produtores, processadores e consumidores.…”

Issues and Challenges in Short Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review

“…According to Pato [25], solving issues and minimizing difficulties in SFSCs require the participation not only of supply chain stakeholders but also of civil society organizations, public institutions, and scientific researchers. The contribution of this study, hence, is to provide these groups with a holistic approach to SFSC issues and challenges, contributing to the proposal of realistic and comprehensive solutions and strategies to support the performance improvement and upscaling of SFSCs.…”

“…Planning of agricultural production [14,16,62,73,74] Planning of food processing [14,16,62,74] Planning of logistics activities [3,9,10,[14][15][16][17]20,23,25,62,[74][75][76][77][78] Sourcing agricultural input [24] Sourcing packaging material [24] Agricultural production [3,6,8,10,11,[13][14][15][16][17]20,21,[23][24][25]61,62,64,73,74,[77][78][79][80...…”

Scoping Challenges and Opportunities Presented by COVID-19 for the Development of Sustainable Short Food Supply Chains

“…The reinforcement of local economies through SFSCs is particularly useful in a period of crisis, as it supports local economic regeneration and improves citizens' well-being through job creation, thus constituting an instrument to support local communities [6,73,74]. In addition, income generated by SFSCs may remain in the local economy, generating additional taxes, improving territorial governance, and financing other local activities and investments [34].…”