A short supply chain is a regional food-system approach that connects producer and consumer with as few links as possible. In practice, that often means production and consumption take place in the same region, with fewer intermediaries between farm and plate. For municipalities and regions, short supply chains are a practical policy instrument: they strengthen the local economy, reduce transport distances, increase transparency about origin and make the food system more resilient. A short supply chain is therefore more than direct sales. It is a building block for a healthy regional food system.
What makes a supply chain short?
- Fewer links — less trade and handling between farmer and plate.
- Regional connection — production and consumption remain close together in the same area.
- Direct relationship — a closer connection between producer and buyer, with more transparency.
Why do short supply chains work for regions?
Short supply chains keep value in the region. They support local farmers and entrepreneurs and strengthen the regional economy. At the same time, they shorten transport, increase resilience in food provision and make healthy, fresh products more available. For municipalities, this connects economy, climate, health and liveability in one practical agenda.
How do short supply chains fit into a food strategy?
Short supply chains work best as part of a broader food strategy. That connects separate initiatives into a coherent approach that also includes a healthy food environment, protein transition and food-waste reduction. More context is available under food vision and healthy living environment.
How can social value be substantiated?
Much of the value of short supply chains falls outside the market price: health, liveability and a stronger local economy. A social cost-benefit analysis (MKBA) makes that value visible and evidence-based, as shown in the project why the MKBA underlines the necessity of food initiatives.
How does New Economy support this?
New Economy helps municipalities and regions embed short supply chains in policy and substantiate them with impact data. This turns a local initiative into a structural part of a healthy food system. See solutions by challenge.
Frequently asked questions about short supply chains
A short supply chain connects producer and consumer with as few intermediaries as possible, often within the same region and with a direct relationship between farmer and buyer.
Benefits include a stronger local economy, shorter transport distances, greater transparency about origin and a more resilient food supply with fresh products.
Municipal support can anchor short supply chains in a food strategy, create space for local producers and connect separate initiatives into one coherent approach.
A social cost-benefit analysis (MKBA) can show value outside the market price, including health, liveability and local economic effects.
For regional work on short supply chains, see Food vision and healthy living environment or MKBA for regions, or contact New Economy to explore the options.