Towards The Handbook of Resilient and Sustainable Local Food Systems and Supply Chains
A Collaborative Discussion Paper by the RLFSC Alliance
This is an open and work-in-progress Collaborative Discussion Paper promoted by the Resilient Local Food Supply Chains Alliance (RLFSC Alliance). Its purpose is to contribute to the ongoing debate on the future of food system transformation within the framework of the UN Food Systems Summit +4 and other global forums.
This Collaborative Discussion Paper supports the recognition of the pivotal role that of local food systems, local food supply chains and territorial food governance play as fundamental components in the transformation toward sustainable, healthy, just, and democratic food systems.
The Conceptual Framework for Re-localization: the "3 Re"
A Collaborative Discussion Paper by the RLFSC Alliance
This is an open and work-in-progress Collaborative Discussion Paper promoted by the Resilient Local Food Supply Chains Alliance (RLFSC Alliance). Its purpose is to contribute to the ongoing debate on the future of food system transformation within the framework of the UN Food Systems Summit +4 and other global forums.
This Collaborative Discussion Paper supports the recognition of the pivotal role that of local food systems, local food supply chains and territorial food governance play as fundamental components in the transformation toward sustainable, healthy, just, and democratic food systems.
This Collaborative Discussion Paper addresses the key concept of the re-localization of food systems as a critical response to the dominant global industrial food model. The main drivers for the re-localization of food systems, namely the “3 Re” are:
Re-spacing
Transformative processes driven by growing demand for locally sourced, typical or high-quality products (e.g., PDO and PGI certifications, traditional foods, Slow Food Presidia, etc.)
Re-connection
Initiatives centered around short supply chains where the relationship between producer and consumer is direct (e.g., farmers’ markets, CSA, direct sales, collective shops, etc.)
Re-scaling
Territorial food governance and decentralisation (e.g., urban food policies, food policy councils, rural districts, food communities, LEADER method, Projets Alimentaires Territoriaux -PAT)
Towards the Handbook and its "Inspiring Practices"
This Collaborative Discussion Paper presents a preliminary mapping of “inspiring practices” of local food systems, which have the potential to spark creativity and motivation to transform food systems worldwide. The term “inspiring practices” is preferred over “best practices” because it emphasizes that practices are dynamic, evolving, and context-specific, rather than fixed and universally applicable.
What’s next
This Collaborative Discussion Paper serves as a starting point that will lead to the creation of The Handbook of Resilient and Sustainable Local Food Systems and Supply Chains.
The inspiring practices selected in this Collaborative Discussion Paper represent just the first step of an ongoing process of participatory knowledge co-production that will lead to mapping 100 experiences around the world. This initial selection aims to serve as a catalyst for broader, continued participatory efforts to collect, analyze, and share diverse experiences globally.
The participatory knowledge co-production process aims to provide a ‘consensus frame’ on the re-localisation of the food systems reflecting the collective understanding and agreement of all stakeholders involved. Developing a shared frame around local food systems is a dynamic process that unfolds through ongoing dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration among food system actors.
Call for interest
If you are a practitioner or an organization willing to contribute to the participatory knowledge co-production process on local food systems, local supply chains, and territorial food governance, please contact the Secretariat of the RLFSC Alliance:
Francesca Volpe, CIHEAM Bari, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari – francesca.volpe@iamb.it
Chiara Razzano, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies of Pisa – chiara.razzano@santannapisa.it