Opportunities for the Development of the Local Food System by Implementing the Business-To-Government (B2g) Model

The public sector sales market, dominated by the Business-to-Government (B2G) model, is large and important for economic development and community sustainability. It is similar but different to, in several key aspects, other markets, such as retail, ‘Business-to- Consumer’ (B2C) and ‘Business-to-Business’ (B2B). There is a lack of knowledge and a systematic approach to how the Businessto- Government (B2G) model works, and what opportunities exist to transform existing food systems into inclusive and sustainable local food systems. This paper explores the implementation of the Business-to-Government (B2G) model at the municipal level. It also examines changes in public procurement regulations, and their impact on the ability of local food producers to implement the B2G model when organising meals for children in pre-school institutions, where a short food supply chain strategy is applied. The business model of farmers in the Rokiškis district, who participated in the EIP project and applied the principles of the short food supply chain to sell their products to contracting authorities, is described. The advantages and disadvantages of the B2G model, and actions to address the disadvantages, were identified. In the case studied, the potential for local food supply has not yet been fully exploited. Local farmers’ cooperatives, as an innovative form of food system, can be both inclusive and effective, but it is necessary to continuously analyse how the needs of both local product consumers and cooperative members are being met. Based on the concept of co-production, a collective process of creating alternative food supply chains and supply practices should be developed, to help establish connections and develop relationships, and enable farmers and consumers to develop appropriate solutions, taking into account the specific needs of production and consumption systems.