From market exclusion to Local Agrifood System’s transformation: grounding public data infrastructures of Valèncian Short Food Chains

Short food chains (SFCs) have long garnered interest from producers and consumers due to their potential to integrate environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Yet several uncertainties and gaps remain in SFCs studies. Moreover, SFCs continue to face significant challenges related to poor performance, scalability, and economic viability when compared with their alternatives. SFCs logistic ties are characterized by high levels of transparency, cooperation and enhanced governance among local stakeholders, thus contributing to Local Agrifood System (LAFS) transformations. The city of València exemplifies an ongoing commitment to LAFS sustainability, notably through its adherence to the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), which promotes local food governance and agroecological transition. València's metropolitan area encompasses highly productive agricultural land, significant fisheries, and livestock facilities that contribute to local food capacity constrained by weak SFCs, thus a bottleneck in local food supply is present. Local farmers experience market exclusion due to factors such as small-scale operations, limited access to capital, price volatility, and the dominance of large retailers in the global food supply chain. Additionally, while SFCs are often associated with positive environmental and social outcomes, empirical evidence remains inconclusive regarding their comparative profitability and sustainability. Our research aims to contribute to the upscaling assessment of SFCs in València by systematically characterizing existing supply chains and analyzing their environmental, social, and economic impacts. By leveraging and updating local quantitative and qualitative data on food flows, costs, and losses, we seek to enhance understanding of SFC performance. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Material and Energy Flow Analysis (MFA), our study will address critical gaps in data collection and assessment. Ultimately, our research seeks to provide local public authorities with updated 2024 data and data-driven tools to support evidence-based local food policies, fostering a more sustainable and resilient agrifood system in València.