Evaluation of Short Food Supply Chains in a rural area

Abstract

One of the priorities for rural development is the establishment of Short Food Supply Chains which means reducing distance between local producers and local consumers and prioritizing local markets. In our work, we aimed at mapping the place of local producers within the distribution channels and evaluating local producer groups. We were looking at what tender opportunities producers are utilizing that can directly or indirectly link them to the Short Food Chain Program. To this end, we have set up several hypotheses. Firstly, we assumed that the change in consumer habits greatly influences producer's supply. Second, we investigated whether producers choose the sales channel where they can sell at the highest price or where the most products can be sold. Our hypothesis was also that more and more of the local producers are also involved in product processing. The research was conducted via questionnaires, during which 265 forms were filled out at traditional markets and also at cafeterias and restaurants.