Short Food Supply Chain Advisory network

SFSC Consulting

The goal of our consulting and mentoring services related to the short food supply chain (SFSC) is to support small-scale farmers, artisanal food producers, local communities, and local governments in developing direct sales, building local markets, and ensuring sustainable operations.

Our network of national experts and mentors helps strengthen the local economy through practical knowledge, personalized assistance, and a network of contacts.
Living Lab – Élő Laboratórium a hazai REL tanácsadói hálózat létrehozásáért!

What does SFSC stand for?

A short food supply chain is a form of distribution in which there is at most one intermediary between the producer and the consumer—or a direct relationship is established.

What does SFSC consulting mean?

The SFSC consultant:

Specific topics:

  • helps producers develop direct sales channels
  • supports market access and product development
  • strengthens partnerships (producers–catering, buying groups, themed tours)
  • helps navigate the regulatory environment
  • contributes to sustainable, climate-conscious operations
  • provides professional assistance and seeks partners
  • recommends experts in specific fields (e.g., food safety, legal issues, primary product production, etc.)
  • Direct sales
  • Online sales
  • Market and fair organization
  • Shopping communities
  • SFSC grants
  • Food safety and labeling
  • Brand building and local trademarks
  • Diversification (e.g., agritourism, experiential agriculture)

Who participates in the network?

SFSC organizers

SFSC mentors

  • local market organizers
  • community organizers
  • coordinators of buying groups
  • organizers of themed events
  • rural development experts
  • food production consultants
  • marketing and branding experts

SFSC facilitators

Professional partners

  • Future form of the directory of consultants
  • A requirement for this is completion of the SFSC organizer training
  • local governments
  • civil society organizations
  • LEADER Local Action Groups
  • Chamber of Agriculture (?)
  • civil society organizations
  • Ottó Herman Institute (?)
  • Ministry of Agriculture (?)

How the network works

The network’s effective operation is underpinned by the Living Lab methodology, which is based on practical testing over several years, continuous capacity building, and system-wide knowledge sharing. The professional community engages in regular events where, in addition to collecting and sharing best practices, national meetings, conferences, and events provide opportunities for personal networking. Targeted training and workshops support members’ professional development, while online knowledge-sharing platforms ensure a continuous and wide-ranging flow of information.
Living Lab – Élő Laboratórium a hazai REL tanácsadói hálózat létrehozásáért!

The purpose of the REL advisory network

  • strengthening the local economy
  • increasing the number and efficiency of short supply chains
  • strengthening the producer-consumer relationship
  • supporting climate-conscious and sustainable operations
  • strengthening rural communities

Strategic events of the SFSC network

SFSC ORGANIZERS’ DAY
SFSC Organizers’ Day is one of the Kislépték Association’s most important professional workshops, specifically designed for professionals and organizers responsible for coordinating short food supply chains. The event focuses on the exchange of practical experiences and networking, helping local markets, food-sharing communities, and producer groups operate more efficiently. Here, participants will not only receive first-hand information on the latest legislative changes, but will also be able to jointly develop innovative logistics and marketing solutions that make local food systems more sustainable and competitive.
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SFSC EXPO
Organized by the Kislépték Association, SFSC Expo is a key event in the domestic short food supply chain, serving as a bridge between small-scale farmers, consultants, and decision-makers. The event’s central goal is to facilitate market access for local products and promote sustainable farming models through practical professional presentations and roundtable discussions. The Expo offers not only the sharing of theoretical knowledge but also a vibrant community platform where participants can build direct connections, learn about the latest regulatory environment, and collaboratively seek solutions to the current challenges facing the small-scale farming sector.
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Interactive map

Articles, Reports

Invitation for the: Supporting Local Food Systems and Innovation in the BIOEAST Countries- EU4advice & CORENET & CLEVERFOOD Conference and Policy Workshop

Join us at the EU4Advice & CoreNet & CleverFood Conference and Policy Workshop on 4th December 2024, at Central European University, Budapest, Hungary (Nádor Street 9, 1051), from 09:30 to 16:00. This event is dedicated to exploring innovative pathways for strengthening local food systems across the BIOEAST region, enhancing regional…
More Invitation for the: Supporting Local Food Systems and Innovation in the BIOEAST Countries- EU4advice & CORENET & CLEVERFOOD Conference and Policy Workshop