EU-FarmBook

In the framework of the Strength2Food project, Eco-Sensus, a local non-profit organization based in Hungary, the Faculty of Economics of the University of Belgrade, and the NGO EUTA, Serbia, implemented a joint pilot action to expand co-operation and regional food labelling. The pilot action aimed at finding ways in which fresh, healthy, and quality food products can become accessible to local, regional, and international markets via farmers’ co-operation and regional branding, thus increasing opportunities and returns to local farmers. The key recommendations of this pilot action are as follows: For sector practitioners: - Increase innovation of the agricultural sector, both at production and marketing level, to improve farmers’ income; - Opt for organic production and invest more in product labelling and branding; - Develop tools to support local production that take into consideration economic and non-economic factors; - Explore consumers’ preferences to develop effective and sustainable local food systems; - Promote the development of new cooperatives of small farmers. For policy makers: - Restructure national incentive systems for small farmers; - Establish quality and safety standard control systems to support export-oriented practices; - Promote common branding for regional products; - Discourage unfair trade practices; - Make grant and tender procedures more accessible and ensure funds for innovative producers‘ initiatives; - Facilitate multi-stakeholder connections and public-co-operative-partnerships.

• Producer cooperation
• regional food labelling
• pilot action
• Hungary
• Serbia
• recommendations

ReMIX aimed at analysing and optimizing the functioning of species mixtures, also called intercrops, in order to help design sustainable and diversified cropping systems for both conventional and organic agriculture. The studied species mixtures were mainly cereals and grain legumes. Eleven multi-actor platforms (MAPs) were set up in ten countries in order to demonstrate potential performances and interests of species mixtures. MAPs were a rich picture of promising species mixtures embedded in local negotiations and adjustments by relevant actors securing developing effective solutions fitted to the social and economic context in which farmers operate. Several knowledge syntheses, new experimental and modelling studies have been carried out to determine how plant traits (e.g. root architecture and canopy morphology), cropping practices (e.g. plant density), and environment (availability of N, P and water, light quality) influence the performances of species mixtures as compared to sole crops for the capture of abiotic resources and the control of animal pests, diseases and weeds. Novel ideas and specific concepts were developed in order to support breeding for intercropping. As much as possible, we aimed at converting scientific results into practical tools and synthetic information disseminated not only to farmers, advisors, and other farming sector stakeholders, but also to policy makers.

• Intercropping
• cereal-legume mixture
• multi-actor approach

There is growing interest in more direct means of food distribution and consumption, as well as the emergence of innovative and alternative models that change the way food is retailed and purchased. These diverse models of direct distribution are known as Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) which are gaining increasing attention across Europe in response to the challenges faced by conventional long food chains, both in rural and urban areas. A commonly shared view of SFSCs is that they may strengthen farmers’ position in the value chain and tackle unfair trading practices, whilst providing greater added value, contributing to local economic development, and operating in a more socially and environmentally responsible way. For many consumers, SFSCs represent a means to access high quality, fresh, locally sourced produce, as well as a way of contributing to the social life of local communities. These SFSCs have the potential to stimulate consumers’ interest in the value and origins of food, as well as strengthen social relations. SFSCs have gained political attention in recent years with EU rural development and food policies emphasizing that SFSCs can generate economic, social, and environmental benefits that contribute to sustainability. However, scientific evidence on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of various types of SFSCs has been, until recently, mixed and scattered, lacking a comprehensive and holistic assessment. The European Union Horizon 2020 project ‘Strength2Food’ sought to fill this gap, undertaking an in-depth, empirical evaluation of the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of SFSCs, based on both quantitative and qualitative analysis. To help practitioners achieve tangible benefits and move toward more sustainable strategies, this guide provides evidence-based insights on good practices and recommendations to strengthen SFSCs according to the three pillars of sustainability. This guide is specifically aimed at practitioners who are working with the sale and distribution of food in SFSCs, as well as policy makers and public authorities shaping the institutional framework for these initiatives. It focuses on two main questions: (i) to what extent, and in what ways, do SFSCs contribute to sustainability? (ii) how can practitioners and policy makers strengthen the sustainability of SFSCs? Addressing these questions through our research-informed insights provides an opportunity to reflect on the potential of SFSCs and learn from existing good practices.

• Short Food Supply Chains
• Sustainability
• Case-studies
• Evidence-based
• Good practice
• Recommendations