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Measuring Short Food Supply Chain Sustainability: A Selection of Attributes and Indicators through a Qualitative Approach

Author

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  • Patrizia Borsotto

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Roberto Cagliero

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Francesca Giarè

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Giorgia Giordani

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy)

  • Rita Iacono

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Ilenia Manetti

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Roberta Sardone

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, Via Barberini 36, 00187 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are one of the most direct approaches to more directly connecting consumers with producers. The scaling-up of SFSCs is often challenged by critical issues which can be overcome with identification of the most sustainable, replicable schemes. This paper presents the results of a participatory analysis conducted within the agroBRIDGES H2020 project, with the aim of defining a list of economic, social, and environmental attributes and indicators to assess the sustainability of SFSCs and set up a decision-making tool to support producers in self-assessing their sustainability level and choosing the most appropriate business model (BM) from those identified within the project. The proposed framework was based on a literature review and validated using co-creation exercises (Delphi rounds and focus groups) with relevant European stakeholders. A final set of 47 indicators was identified, and their potential for use in assessing the sustainability level of various BMs was also validated. Early results highlighted three main issues: indicator calculation feasibility, business model categorization, and the simplicity of the framework for sustainability self-assessment. Some recommendations are made, including the importance of using a participatory process in building an evaluation framework on SFSC sustainability and the necessity of its adaptation to territorial contexts and needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrizia Borsotto & Roberto Cagliero & Francesca Giarè & Giorgia Giordani & Rita Iacono & Ilenia Manetti & Roberta Sardone, 2023. "Measuring Short Food Supply Chain Sustainability: A Selection of Attributes and Indicators through a Qualitative Approach," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:13:y:2023:i:3:p:646-:d:1092670
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vladimir Todorovic & Marinko Maslaric & Sanja Bojic & Maja Jokic & Dejan Mircetic & Svetlana Nikolicic, 2018. "Solutions for More Sustainable Distribution in the Short Food Supply Chains," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-27, September.
    2. Moya Kneafsey & Laura Venn & Ulrich Schmutz & Balász Bálint & Liz Trenchard & Trish Eyden-Woods & Elizabeth Bos & Gemma Sutton & Matthew Blackett, 2013. "Short Food Supply Chains and Local Food Systems in the EU. A State of Play of their Socio-Economic Characteristics," JRC Research Reports JRC80420, Joint Research Centre.
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    1. Anna Uliano & Marcello Stanco & Concetta Nazzaro, 2023. "Short Food Supply Chain and Resilience: An Analysis during COVID-19 Pandemic in Inner Areas of Campania Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Filiberto Altobelli & Roberto Henke, 2024. "Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-8, March.
    3. Kevan W. Lamm & Lauren Pike & Lauren Griffeth & Jiyea Park & Andrews Idun, 2023. "Critical Issues Facing the Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Industries in the State of Georgia," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-12, June.
    4. Mosadegh Sedghy, B. & Nematollahi, Mohammadreza & Tajbakhsh, Alireza, 2024. "Market dynamics between retail channels and short food supply chains: A case of organic fruits," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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