Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Results from Cost & Benefits analysis for Short Food Supply Chain initiatives

The COACH project developed a methodology to measure economic costs and benefits as well as assess other economic and non-economic effects of participation in Short Food Supply-Chain (SFSC) initiatives.
 
The methodology follows a stepwise procedure, composed of both a qualitative and a quantitative part. The entire analysis is based on a comparison of each SFSC initiative with a long/conventional marketing channel (benchmark) accessible to producers.
 
Qualitative results from 13 SFSC initiatives located in 8 countries, showed food producers perceive SFSCs as having a very positive impact on all items analysed, while the benchmark appears to have a negative impact on most aspects concerning economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
 
Quantitative results showed most producers obtain a higher value added in the SFSC than in the benchmark channel.
 
Results from the analysis and discussion among COACH partners and producers highlighted how the transition to more sustainable and resilient SFSCs require that public policies support producers’ efforts through appropriate actions:
- foster collaboration between food producers;
- facilitate investments in collective facilities;
- provide training (marketing, logistics, distribution) and facilitate knowledge exchanges;
- support food producers’ efforts to understand and assess the costs and revenue structure of their activity.
 
For synthesis of results from the analysis and other materials: https://hub.urgenci.net/costs-benefits/
 
Source Project
COACH Collaborative Agri-food Chains: Driving Innovation in Territorial Food Systems and Improving Outcomes for Producers and Consumers
Completed | 2020-2023
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
United Kingdom
Project details

Project Keywords