Short Food Supply Chains and Small Farms—Evidence from Slovakia

Norbert Floriš,Pavol Schwarcz,Loreta Schwarczová,Michal Munk

doi:10.3390/su14052728

Abstract

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) is a concept that is relatively new in the conditions of the Slovak Republic, but is developing significantly, mainly with the support of EU policies (CAP, RDP). This paper is focused on the evaluation of the performance of the micro and small agricultural enterprises in short supply chains in the Slovak Republic. We focus on the evaluation of selected economic indicators of small agricultural enterprises and micro-enterprises depending on their participation and non-participation, respectively, in SFSC. Next, we demonstrate the linear relationship between the researched primary and secondary data of enterprises operating inside and outside of the SFSC. Analysing the selected data, we state the ability of farmers operating in the SFSC to produce added-value products and improve their social situation. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of associating farmers with SFSCs are demonstrated.

Highlights

Short supply chains represent a relatively young concept in the Slovak Republic, using mainly local human and material resources, which is an essential feature of local economic development, based on the endogenous development concept and the internal resources of the locality
As for improving the social situation of farmers through increased incomes, we found that all enterprises within the short food supply chain (SFSC) stated that their activities in the SFSC improved the social situation of their families through increased incomes, which is in compliance with the description of the Need No P4 Support sales of domestic production through sales organizations of producers and the development of short supply chains within the RDP SR 2014–2020 [27]
Quality local products are directly related to the objectives set in the RDP SR 2014–2020, while the higher added value of products in relation to their quality contributes to the fulfilment of the RDP objectives

Summary

Introduction

Short supply chains represent a relatively young concept in the Slovak Republic, using mainly local human and material resources, which is an essential feature of local economic development, based on the endogenous development concept and the internal resources of the locality. Increased agricultural productivity can lead to increased economic growth [2]; as Marsden and Smith (2005) state [3], “sustainable wealth creation and local economic development within the wider context of sustainable development require new entrepreneurial initiatives that focus on investing in the local environment, creating/strengthening local institutions, and employing people and their resources”. They identify three potential dimensions of the value-capture at the producer end of food supply chains.

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Discussion

Conclusion