Evaluating sustainable logistics for Local Food Systems and using colaboration as a tool for rationnalization in the retail-wholesale sector: A case study in the Nord-Pas de Calais region, France

Abstract

Localizing the organic food system is a key element for sustaining the development of organic agriculture globally. Local Food Systems (LFS) are often attributed to having advantages but their economic, ecological and social performances are questioned mainly due to low logistics rationalization. The organic retail-wholesale sector is particularly affected by logistics problems (low-volume delivery, and numerous delivery points). This study evaluates collaboration as a tool for logistic rationalization in order to facilitate the process of sustainably localizing the organic food system in the retail-wholesale sector. Performances of current organic farmers’ logistics organization regarding their retail-wholesale outlet are evaluated through indicator calculations. Logistics collaboration interests and obstacles are identified through a qualitative analysis. Finally, forms of logistics collaboration are highlighted. This study shows that the impact of increasing logistics efficiency varies greatly depending on the products. Increasing time availability, accessing new markets and reducing logistics costs are the main incentives for logistics collaboration, but obstacles, mainly the singularity of each system, and lack of confidence between partners make collaboration difficult. It is important to focus attention on making improvements at the farm level and the food system level to bring awareness to the challenges and initiate action for sustainable beneficial change.