The role of short food supply chains in the development of small-scale local producers case study : Harghita County

Currently, short food supply chains represent a viable alternative to the conventional globalized supply chains, thus gradually becoming a more and more proeminent actor in the global logistics sector. The previously mentioned short food supply chains are in general extremely varied both in terms of nature and practices, benefiting producers as well as consumers from the socio-economic, environmental and health improvement points of view. In most cases, short food supply chains effectively reconnect end consumers, especially the young generations, with local small agri-food producers, thus contributing to the process of educating and/or sometimes reeducating individuals about the importance of adopting a healthy diet. Romania holds, in this respect, a high potential for the development of short food supply chains due to a series of factors such as: the large number of small semi-subsistence agricultural holdings (under 5 hectares); the persistent historical rural-urban link, as evidenced by the methods of obtaining food and groceries; the growing number of local certified producers, and last but not least the great veriety of specialized shops. Moreover, short supply chains stand solid chances of development in the near future as a result of sizeable financial support provided by the 2014-2020 National Rural Development Programme, which includes special promotion and development measures for small farmers and the short food supply sector. The present case study, which is based on field research undertaken across the Harghita county, aims to provide evidence of the existence and viability of short food supply chains in the agri food sector. The study identifies new associative forms between local producers and traditional processors and suppliers (butcher`s, meat processors, bakers etc.), specialized shops (groceries, mobile food carts, milk vending machines, on-line shops etc.), as well as new methods of promoting local traditional cuisine (gastronomic routes, food markets, food festivals).