Logistics in Short Food Supply Chains – Downloadable Training Materials

How can local producers deliver their products to consumers in the most cost-effective, sustainable way while maintaining the highest quality?

Module 4 of the LEAP project explores the logistics of short food supply chains (SFSCs) and provides practical guidance for farmers, food processors, hospitality providers, and SFSC coordinators on efficient transportation, distribution, and inventory management.

Discover the topic through our introductory video!

A short introductory video accompanies the module, providing an accessible overview of the role of logistics in short food supply chains and highlighting the key principles of efficient product distribution.

The module provides detailed guidance on:

  • the fundamental principles of logistics and practical logistics solutions;
  • planning transportation and delivery processes;
  • selecting the most appropriate distribution channels;
  • improving logistics processes to reduce costs and enhance sustainability.

Participants will become familiar with the 9 Rights (9R) principle of logistics, methods for identifying logistical challenges, and practical problem-solving tools such as the Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram and Pareto Analysis. The module also explains how to minimise losses throughout the supply chain and effectively manage logistics-related risks.

What does the module include?

Training Manual

The training manual provides comprehensive guidance on the principles of logistics planning and optimisation, sustainable transportation and distribution solutions, the importance of communication with customers, and strategies for improving cost efficiency.

DOWNLOAD THE TRAINING MANUAL HERE

PowerPoint Presentation

The accompanying PowerPoint presentation provides a clear and structured overview of the module’s key logistics concepts, practical examples, and essential messages. It serves as a valuable resource for trainers and supports the effective delivery of the training.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION HERE

Trainer’s Handbook

The Trainer’s Handbook offers detailed methodological guidance for trainers, including recommendations for structuring training sessions, organising group work, facilitating interactive activities, conducting self-reflection exercises, and assessing participants’ learning outcomes. It helps ensure that participants can successfully apply the acquired knowledge in practice.

DOWNLOAD THE TRAINER’S HANDBOOK HERE

Who is this module for?

This module is particularly useful for:

  • local farmers who want to optimise the delivery of their products while ensuring the right quality, quantity, and timing;
  • food processors and hospitality providers involved in short food supply chains who wish to improve their logistics operations;
  • SFSC coordinators and logistics professionals responsible for transport planning, distribution channels, and cost-effective, sustainable logistics solutions;
  • rural development advisors and trainers supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of local producers;
  • anyone interested in learning analytical and improvement methods, understanding the factors influencing logistics performance, and applying sustainable logistics solutions.

Online Learning Platform

The complete Module 4 training programme is also available in an interactive format through our online learning platform, providing easy access to knowledge on logistics in short food supply chains, as well as downloadable training materials, presentations, and the Trainer’s Handbook.

ACCESS THE ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.