On February 26th, ITL took part in the Food4CE Final Conference titled “From Best Practices to Policy – Advancing Logistics and Collaboration in Alternative Food Networks” and held in Maribor, Slovenia. The event brought together producers, logistics operators, policymakers, researchers and innovation stakeholders to discuss the future of Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) across Central Europe, marking the conclusion of three years of transnational cooperation. The project, funded under the Interreg Central Europe programme, was dedicated to strengthening the innovative capacity of AFNs, with the aim of improving logistics, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable food systems.
During the conference, the project results were presented, with particular focus on the digital tools developed, namely the Knowledge Transfer Platform and the Matchmaking Platform. These tools were designed to support alternative food networks in improving logistics processes, facilitating knowledge exchange and enhancing market access. Throughout the sessions, it was highlighted how these instruments can contribute to strengthening cooperation among operators and providing practical solutions to the everyday challenges faced by AFNs.
The programme also included dialogue sessions involving regional, national and European representatives, who explored opportunities to integrate Food4CE results into regional development strategies, Smart Specialisation Strategies and future macro-regional policy initiatives. The importance of embedding the project outcomes within broader policy frameworks emerged as a key element in reinforcing the sustainability of local food systems and promoting the adoption of well-established collaborative approaches.
One of the central moments of the event was the Certificates of Excellence ceremony, during which several Alternative Food Networks were recognised for innovative practices aligned with the project’s five Best Practice Criteria, highlighting how AFNs are successfully addressing logistical, environmental and market challenges while strengthening regional food ecosystems. The AFNs selected for Italy included Arvaia, awarded for sustainability, local focus and transparency, and Furgoncino Solidale, recognised for its achievements in advanced logistics.
In the final part of the event, attention was given to the role of the local and transnational Innovation Hubs established during the project and to the need to ensure their continuity beyond the formal conclusion of Food4CE, underlining the importance of the cooperation network built among various stakeholders as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at supporting and expanding Alternative Food Networks across Central Europe.
