The DEMO-IT project aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences and identify stakeholders’ needs for developing and promoting Short Food Supply Chain (SFSC) models in Apulia, Italy. Through a combination of questionnaires and focus groups, the project gathered insights from local food system stakeholders, providing a foundation for further discussions with policymakers and integration into the PoliRuralPlus project.
Key Findings
SFSCs aim to minimize intermediaries, fostering a direct link between producers and consumers. Various models, such as farmer’s markets, e-commerce, Solidarity Purchasing Groups (GAS), and Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA), have gained traction in recent years.
Survey results from Apulian producers highlighted the following insights:
- Strong awareness and adoption: 90% of respondents were familiar with SFSCs, and 76% had engaged in direct sales.
- Challenges limiting SFSC growth:
- Fragmented supply and lack of cooperation among producers
- Logistical and organizational difficulties
- High communication costs
- Limited training and workforce availability
- Low awareness of supportive regional policies (80% of producers were unaware of key laws)
Recommendations
The findings underscore the need for institutional support to enhance SFSC models. Key recommendations include:
- Financial incentives: Reintroducing funding instruments such as Sub-measure 16.4 of the PSR Puglia 2014-2020.
- Training and education: Providing resources to improve logistics, marketing, and digital commerce skills.
- Policy adjustments: Enhancing awareness of existing laws and creating additional support mechanisms.
The project concludes that SFSCs are essential for sustainable agricultural development in Apulia but require coordinated efforts from institutions, producers, and consumers to overcome existing barriers.
