The short food supply chain for livestock farms: observations onCase Studies in the Italian Apennines – Region of The Marches

Several studies researching the short food supply chain deal with qualitative aspects in the farmer; customer – end consumer relationship, for example quality; price and zero kilometre ratio; product authenticity and current organic farming methods. Farmers however, tend to be dissatisfied with economic results achieved on the open market. This study has been based on the results of several case studies of some beef and pork livestock farms in the Apennine Marches, other studies in different Italian regions along with pertinent technical literature. The study aims to highlight developmental factors, difficulties, opportunities and problems facing farmers in the food processing chain and in the development of direct sales channels. The study concludes with a proposal to develop a network of farms with similar outsourced food processing methods for live animals and the sale either directly at the farm or a shared point of sale of processed food (fresh meat, salamis).