In France, the Réseau Mixte Technologique Alimentation locale (RMT) has spent the past ten years connecting researchers, advisors and field professionals around a shared mission: supporting the development of sustainable local food systems.
Françoise Morizot Braud, Director of the Centre for Studies and Resources on Diversification (CERD), presents the RMT and explains how it has helped improve regulatory frameworks and practical support for short food supply chains across the country.
Created through national funding, the RMT is a technological network that brings together research institutions and practitioners, working directly with farmers involved in SFSCs. As the network celebrates its 10th anniversary, its regulatory working group highlights tangible progress, from greater flexibility for on-farm processing facilities to clearer legal, fiscal and social recognition of SFS farms. Advances in transport rules and co-transport solutions have also made collaboration easier and more efficient.
But many challenges remain. Climate change, evolving regulations and the complexity of on-farm processing continue to require new tools and coordinated support. Through its involvement in COREnet, where the French approach has been recognised as a Golden Case, RMT is now looking beyond national borders. Strengthening dialogue on European regulatory frameworks and building shared reference points across countries could unlock even greater flexibility and resilience for short supply chains.
Discover how collaboration, innovation and cross-border exchange are shaping the future of local food systems
