Role of alternative food networks in Sicilian farms

Abstract

Today the short supply chain can be carried out through several typologies which are called as alternative food networks (AFNs). In fact, according to some studies, it is an ‘alternative’ response to the dominant agro-food system, which offers the possibility to produce food products through supply chains that are opposed to long, complex and rationally organised industrial chains. In the last years many European farmers adopted short supply chain to commercialise their agro-food products and Italy is one of the EU members in which AFNs are developed, thanks to its numerous typical an local products. The aim of this paper has been to analyse the role that AFNs play in Sicilian farms and how the short food supply chains are able to valorise endogenous resources of rural areas and, consequently, the economic viability of farmers which seek to regain value along food supply chain. Results showed that AFNs have positive effects on entrepreneurs that adopted them and on the development of rural territory, even if a synergic agreement between producers and local institutions appears necessary.