Investigating a Paradigm of Food System Sustainability:The Case of Fresh Vegetable Production and Distribution in Crete

Abstract

In opposition to the current paradigm of the globalized the food system, many regional initiatives have arisen to reorganize the food system into localized or regionalized supply chains. This study explores the existing food supply chain for field fruit and vegetable production within the island of Crete, Greece, by examining the production and distribution of food stuffs through the wholesale system and to determining the geographic and retail terminal points for these Cretan-produced items. Through case studies, this paper examines the typology of production and maps the distribution of vegetables and melons produced on the island as the first step to determining the current level of food system sustainability, and opportunities and barriers for greater sustainability. The findings show that in the case of fresh vegetable and melon production, Crete’s consumption is heavily based on locally grown product which is produced on small, diversified farms.