Connecting advisOrs towaRd a European NETwork for consumer-producer chains – COREnet

  • Project number:
    101060905
  • Program: Horizon Europe
  • Period: 2022-2027
  • Coordinator: Italy

The CORENET project is a European cooperation initiative dedicated to strengthening Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) in order to help local producers create greater added value, establish closer relationships with consumers, and contribute to more sustainable food systems. The key principle of short food supply chains is to minimise the number of intermediaries between producers and consumers, enabling farmers to retain a larger share of the value while providing consumers with fresher, locally produced food.

The project aims to:

  • Strengthen Short Food Supply Chains by developing models and practical tools that support local producers in direct sales, consumer engagement, and sustainable business practices.
  • Support Local Economies by ensuring that a greater share of the economic value generated remains within rural communities and benefits local producers.
  • Promote Digital Solutions by highlighting the role of online platforms and digital tools in connecting producers with consumers and expanding market opportunities.
  • Increase Sustainability by reducing transport distances, minimising food waste, and lowering the environmental impact of food distribution.


The project’s main activities include:

  • Collecting Best Practices by identifying and analysing successful Short Food Supply Chain models from across Europe.
  • Developing Training Materials that provide practical guidance for producers on market access, direct sales, and the effective use of digital tools.
  • Building Networks by connecting producers, advisors, local authorities, and consumer communities to encourage cooperation and knowledge exchange.
  • Supporting Innovative Marketing Channels, including online marketplaces, community-supported agriculture (CSA), food box schemes, and other direct-to-consumer initiatives.

The CORENET project seeks to create stronger, more direct, and more sustainable relationships between local producers and consumers. By enhancing Short Food Supply Chains, the project not only increases producers’ income but also provides consumers with better access to healthy, transparent, and environmentally friendly food. Ultimately, CORENET contributes to the development of a more resilient, greener, and community-oriented European food system. 

Project Results in Numbers:

  • 30 Golden Cases will be developed, documented, and showcased as examples of excellence in Short Food Supply Chains.
  • 27 Lighthouse Projects (one from each EU Member State) will be identified and presented to highlight successful and transferable practices across Europe.