Infrastructure support for short food supply chains: the current state of play in England and towards a research agenda

Drawing on survey, interview, and workshop evidence, this paper reviews the current state of play of short food supply chains (SFSCs) in England and calls for greater focus on infrastructure to support and enable SFSCs to build capacity in agri-food economies. The paper argues that, despite a recent surge in research on SFSCs, the role and importance of infrastructure supporting SFSC arrangements remain piecemeal and too often ‘backstage’. A survey of 586 farms in England (completed May–August 2023) identifies widespread and greater than anticipated interest in increasing engagement in SFSCs, including amongst larger and crop farms. However, inadequate infrastructure is perceived as a major barrier to market access. Interviews (n = 29) (conducted in 2023) and a participatory workshop (February 2024), both involving SFSC operators, advisory organisations, and academics in England, echo survey findings and help understand why reconfiguring infrastructure is essential for transforming national, regional, and local food systems. The paper concludes by outlining priority topics, identified by practitioners, for future academic research. Key steps for a future research agenda include developing a common understanding of infrastructure types and combinations across sectors, alongside broader strategic alliance-building, recognising that infrastructure support alone (material, virtual, legal, etc.) will not be sufficient. Bringing infrastructure ‘front stage’ in this more strategic way, we conclude, builds resilience capacity in agri-food economies to enable producers interested in SFSCs to realise positive outcomes.