There is growing interest in more direct means of food distribution and consumption, as well as the emergence of innovative and alternative models that change the way food is retailed and purchased. These diverse models of direct distribution are known as Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) which are gaining increasing attention across Europe in response to the challenges faced by conventional long food chains, both in rural and urban areas. A commonly shared view of SFSCs is that they may strengthen farmers’ position in the value chain and tackle unfair trading practices, whilst providing greater added value, contributing to local economic development, and operating in a more socially and environmentally responsible way. For many consumers, SFSCs represent a means to access high quality, fresh, locally sourced produce, as well as a way of contributing to the social life of local communities. These SFSCs have the potential to stimulate consumers’ interest in the value and origins of food, as well as strengthen social relations. SFSCs have gained political attention in recent years with EU rural development and food policies emphasizing that SFSCs can generate economic, social, and environmental benefits that contribute to sustainability. However, scientific evidence on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of various types of SFSCs has been, until recently, mixed and scattered, lacking a comprehensive and holistic assessment. The European Union Horizon 2020 project ‘Strength2Food’ sought to fill this gap, undertaking an in-depth, empirical evaluation of the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of SFSCs, based on both quantitative and qualitative analysis. To help practitioners achieve tangible benefits and move toward more sustainable strategies, this guide provides evidence-based insights on good practices and recommendations to strengthen SFSCs according to the three pillars of sustainability. This guide is specifically aimed at practitioners who are working with the sale and distribution of food in SFSCs, as well as policy makers and public authorities shaping the institutional framework for these initiatives. It focuses on two main questions: (i) to what extent, and in what ways, do SFSCs contribute to sustainability? (ii) how can practitioners and policy makers strengthen the sustainability of SFSCs? Addressing these questions through our research-informed insights provides an opportunity to reflect on the potential of SFSCs and learn from existing good practices.
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Strength2Food
Strengthening European Food Chain Sustainability by Quality and Procurement Policy
Agricultural run-off and subsurface drainage tiles transport a significant amount of nitrogen and phosphorus leached after fertilization. alchemia-nova GmbH in collaboration with University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna developed two multi-layer vertical filter systems to address the agricultural run-off issue, which has been installed on the slope of an agricultural field in Mistelbach, Austria. While another multi-layer addressing subsurface drainage water is implemented in Gleisdorf, Austria. The goal is to develop a drainage filter system to retain water and nutrients. Both multi-layer filter systems contain biochar and other substrates with adsorption properties of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus). The filter system can be of practical use if an excess of nutrients being washed out is of concern in the fields of the practitioner by keeping the surrounding waters clean. This approach may result in economic value by re-using the saturated biochar as fertilizer and improving the soil structure, thus increasing long-term soil fertility. Link: https://wateragri.eu/a-bio-inspired-multilayer-drainage-system/
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 858735This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 858735. FACTSHEET NANOCELLULOSE MEMBRANES FOR NUTRIENT RECOVERY Key information Functionalized nanocellulose membranes can take up nitrate and phosphate. These membranes can be put in a water treatment unit. As the membranes are biobased, degradable materials, they can after use be added to the soil, thus returning the leached nutrients back for their original purpose providing fertilizers (nutrient recycling).
Because variables such as temperature and humidity have a profound effect on the activity of crop pests, diseases and natural enemies, the ability to monitor environmental conditions within a crop has always been important for crop protection.