(01.10.2024)

Data experiment on  short food supply chains 

Within the framework of the RUSTIK project (Rural Sustainability Transitions through Integration of Knowledge for Improved Policy Processes) in 2024, data experiment on the short food supply chains is being conducted. The research is carried out by the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Belgrade and RARIS with the aim of obtaining more information about the processes of production and distribution of local products. This research should support the development of tourism, agriculture and economic development by supporting the establishment of short food supply chains in the tourism sector in Zaječar District. The research aimed to identify the main actors involved and the sectors (or product groups) they belong, as well as what challenges or obstacles they face.

During this complex research, 77 direct field interviews have been conducted so far, over 240 different actors in short supply chains have been mapped and 320 connections between these actors have been identified.

The research will help to create a more sustainable and resilient local food system that is in line with the growing tourist demand for local products.

The challenge in the food supply chain stems from the low representation of local producers on turist market, which leads to the procurement of products from other regions. During the research, various data and information related to short supply chains and tourism were collected. In the next phase, after the analysis of the collected data, the results will be presented to the stakeholders. These results should benefit everyone in the Zaječar district in the future: both in local development strategies and projects, in further support for agriculture and tourism, and in overall socio-economic development.