SFSCs were originally identified as examples of "resistance" of farmers to modernization of the food system, characterized by the development of supply chains based on long-distance trade.
[1] Resistance consists in the fact that, by selling directly to consumers, farmers bypass intermediaries and thus can develop autonomous marketing strategies based on differentiation.
In the proximate short food supply chains, producers do not necessarily engage in product distribution (as in the case of consumers' cooperatives).
Their structures may reflect bottom-up approaches, and how alternative they are depends on the values upheld, the initiative's objectives, and the extent of departure from conventional market norms.
[11] The origin of AFNs might have arisen from consumers, producers, or a mix of both, functioning either as single or community ventures, and can range from entirely profit-driven to only socially motivated endeavors.
They often prioritize organic or ecological production methods, minimizing the environmental harm associated with synthetic pesticides, insecticides, monocropping, and more.
[2] The role of food and its various societal dimensions, is acknowledged as essential for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the international community.
[15] It uses context-specific actions like supporting local supply chains and social programs to build thriving communities and sustainable food systems.
[16] This pact urges institutions to recognize the role of food systems in urban planning through six categories of interventions articulated in 37 recommended actions (RAs).
Additionally, they face challenges in market access, grappling with the high initial costs of self-selling or the competitive disadvantage against larger grocers.
[20] Regulatory frameworks of supply chain governance, along with limited human capital and shrinking access to farmland can affect the viability of SFSCs.
(« Un circuit court est un mode de commercialisation des produits agricoles qui s'exerce soit par la vente directe du producteur au consommateur, soit par la vente indirecte à condition qu'il n'y ait qu'un seul intermédiaire.
») However, there have been discussions at the senate and at regional levels that shortness should not be reduced to the number of intermediaries but also geographical distance should be considered (e.g., one can buy wine directly, but what if it travels 1,000 km?).
The French Law on modernisation of agriculture and fishing, updated in 2010 (n° 2010-874), among its many other intervention actions also states "the development of short food chains and facilitation of geographical proximity between producers and processors."
There may be controls intended to ensure that sellers and products are local as well as excluding intermediaries: for example, Guildford Borough Council states that producers using their Farmers' Market "must be based in our catchment area of within [a] 50 mile radius of Guildford", although they do also state that "occasionally we will take a producer outside the catchment, but only if it's a product that can't be sourced within the radius".
[22] Community-supported agriculture (CSA), network or association of individuals who have pledged to support one or more local farms, with growers and consumers sharing the risks and benefits of food production.
Gruppi di acquisto solidale (GAS) Italian networks initiated by consumers that link up to farmers to organize alternative food provision.