CORENET STORIES: FROM MISUNDERSTOOD TO ESSENTIAL, THE RISE OF SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS

Yuna Chiffoleau, Research Director at INRAE and co-lead of the RMT Alimentation Locale, shares how SFSCs in France have evolved from misunderstood initiatives into a recognised and legitimate part of the agricultural landscape.

Long seen as marginal or outdated, these systems have gained visibility thanks to collective efforts bringing together researchers, practitioners and educators. Over the past decade, the RMT network has helped highlight the diversity of initiatives behind short supply chains, from local cooperation to strong territorial anchoring, all contributing to rural economies and community life.

“Short supply chains are no longer seen as clichés,” Yuna explains, “they are now recognised for their economic, social and territorial value.” Farmers, artisans and restaurateurs involved in these systems are increasingly acknowledged as key actors in building resilient local food ecosystems.

However, important challenges remain. Current regulations are often not adapted to the realities of local food systems, making it difficult for actors to fully develop their activities. European-level cooperation is therefore essential to share feedback and drive regulatory improvements that better support these initiatives.

Projects like COREnet play a crucial role in this process. By facilitating the exchange of experiences across countries, COREnet helps identify common challenges while promoting diverse and complementary solutions. Beyond technical support, the project also redefines the role of advisory services. Rather than imposing models, advisers act as facilitators, helping reveal local strengths, encouraging innovation, and supporting solutions tailored to each context.

As this European community continues to grow, SFSCs are proving to be a key lever for building more balanced, sustainable and locally rooted food systems.

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