From ‘local initiatives’ to ‘legal entities’. The role of legal recognition in strengthening the position of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) across EU

Summary

Agricultural landscapes in the European Union (EU) are undergoing transformative changes, driven by a growing interest in Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) as a means to foster local products and sustainable food systems. SFSCs represent a response to post-industrialized food production systems, seeking to rekindle and reshape interpersonal connections in food-based relationships. These initiatives offer the potential to mitigate the carbon footprint of food production, stimulate positive social and economic outcomes for local communities, and redefine the geography of rural and urban spaces. Nevertheless, various impediments, including the fragmentation of the primary sector, technological disparities, and limited market transparency, hinder SFSC development. The EU legislator’s reluctance to establish a legal definition for SFSCs and provide a suitable harmonised legal framework further complicates their proliferation. This paper explores the significance of recognising SFSCs as distinct legal entities within the context of the transition toward sustainable food systems. From a legal standpoint, formal recognition of SFSCs as distinct entities offers a path for the EU legislator to design tailored legal mechanisms that accommodate their unique features and requirements. This legal recognition has the potential to dismantle barriers, including access to resources, infrastructure, and financial support, thereby facilitating the expansion of SFSCs in both rural and urban settings.