The war in Ukraine shows that short food supply chains secure food in times of crisis
When crisis strikes, large-scale food supply systems do not always hold. Experiences from Ukraine demonstrate how quickly distribution can break down. A new research project is now being launched to examine how local solutions can strengthen preparedness.
– What has become clear in Ukraine is that it is rarely the food itself that is missing. The problems arise when it cannot be transported, stored, or sold. Suddenly, the entire distribution chain becomes critical, says Håkan Jönsson, visiting professor at SLU.
When energy supply and transportation systems are disrupted, large-scale systems quickly run into trouble. They depend on many components functioning simultaneously – from imports and storage to logistics and trade.
– Large systems are highly efficient under normal conditions, but also vulnerable to disruptions. Small-scale, local initiatives can often adapt more quickly, he adds.
Against this background, a new international research project, SFSC4SEC, has been launched. Led by SLU and funded by the Swedish Institute, the project will, over the course of two years, bring together researchers and organizations in Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine to explore how short food supply chains can enhance resilience.
The work builds on previous research into sustainable food systems, but with a clearer focus on crisis preparedness. It is also linked to a broader EU collaboration on advisory services for short food supply chains. Initially, the focus will be on knowledge exchange, with pilot projects planned at a later stage.
– By the end of the two-year period, we aim to compare concrete examples from different regions and understand the role that short food supply chains can play, says Håkan Jönsson.
– For a long time, the focus has been on producing food as efficiently as possible. Now, the emphasis is increasingly on understanding how the entire system performs under pressure – and what is required to make it resilient.
Contact
Håkan Jönsson, Visiting Professor at SLU and Project Leader for SFSC4SEC
hakan.l.jonsson@slu.se, +46 40 41 53 23.
About the project SFSC4SEC
The project, which began in October 2025, is funded with SEK 2 million by the Swedish Institute and will run until October 2027. Partners from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine are involved. It builds on a previous project (SFSC4FOODSEC), but with a clearer focus on security and crisis management.
Contact
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SLU Urban Futures
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