Certifications in short food supply chains in the region of Madrid. Part of the alternative?

Abstract

Third party certified food labelling schemes can be used to reduce asymmetric information in anonymous markets. However, in short food supply chains (SFSCs) trust linkages can be also built through direct contact between consumers and producers. This paper analyzes which type of local producers are interested in these officially recognized certifications, inferring the role that third party certified labelling schemes can play for SFSCs in the Region of Madrid (RofM). For this purpose, 71 producers were surveyed in 2018. We studied their interest in third party certifications, what food attributes they offer to consumers and their perceptions about SFSCs.Producers without interest in third party certifications not only offer direct product attributes but also inform about production methods and their characteristics as producers. Furthermore, these producers have more social and environmental ethical concerns for conventional chains, recognizing SFSCs as solutions with social, economic and environmental benefits. The findings of our study suggest that policies that promote or require existing officially recognized certifications in SFSCs may limit the participation of these committed producers. Therefore, third party certifications may not be the best strategy to support these producers in fostering a transition towards a more sustainable local food system in the RofM.