Measures for the viable agri-food supply chains: A multi-criteria approach

Abstract

This paper focuses on the state-of-the-art analysis of the concepts relevant to the functioning of agricultural supply chains. The viable supply chains concept is considered to be the most comprehensive one that encompasses sustainability, agility and resilience. However, this concept has scarcely been applied to agricultural supply chains. Thus, we discuss the theoretical foundations and empirical manifestations of the related concepts and propose a framework for analysis of agricultural supply chain viability. The methods and indicators are discussed in a critical manner. We show that the considerations on the level of aggregation, parts of the supply chain covered and data sources are important when designing analytical tools for agricultural supply chain viability. Finally, a potential case study of agricultural supply chain viability is discussed in the light of the theoretical findings and empirical context.