A fragile food system: Navigating the tension between global and local agrifood chains

Food systems are complex networks of relationships, actors, and processes that govern the production, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food. Over time, globalization has dramatically reshaped these systems, transitioning from localized agricultural economies to highly integrated global supply chains. While this transformation has increased food availability and diversity, it has also introduced vulnerabilities related to market volatility, environmental degradation, and food security. This paper explores the fragility of contemporary food systems, emphasizing the tensions between global and local production models and their implications for economic and social sustainability. A key focus of this study is the contrast between global agri-food chains and short agrifood chains (SACs). Globalized food production, exemplified by commodities like soybeans, is highly dependent on long-distance trade and large-scale industrial farming, often leading to environmental degradation and socio-economic inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks associated with these interconnected food systems, as supply chain disruptions led to food shortages and economic instability. Scholars and policymakers have since intensified discussions on the need for resilient, localized food networks that can provide greater stability and sustainability. In response to these challenges, short agrifood chains (SACs) have emerged as an alternative model, promoting local production, direct producer-consumer relationships, and reduced environmental impact. Italy serves as a case study for understanding the role of SACs in preserving traditional food systems and fostering rural economic resilience. While SACs offer promising solutions to food system fragility, they also face structural and market-related challenges, including financial constraints, aging workforces, and difficulties in scaling production. Moreover, limited infrastructure and digital access hinder their ability to compete with industrialized agribusinesses. One of the key strategies explored in this paper is disintermediation, which reduces the number of intermediaries between farmers and consumers. By leveraging farmers’ markets, e-commerce platforms, community-supported agriculture, and agritourism, small producers can reclaim greater control over pricing and distribution. Additionally, food tourism and experiential food marketing provide new revenue streams for rural communities, reinforcing the connection between consumers and local food culture. Despite these advancements, significant policy interventions and financial investments are necessary to support the long-term sustainability of SACs. Streamlining regulatory frameworks, improving market access, and investing in rural infrastructure will be crucial in fostering a more equitable and resilient food economy. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating perspectives from economics, environmental science, and social policy to address the structural challenges of contemporary food systems. Ultimately, the ongoing transformation of food production reflects a broader shift toward sustainability, community empowerment, and ethical consumption. The study highlights how localized food networks and disintermediated markets can contribute to a more resilient and socially just agrifood system, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges that must be addressed to ensure their viability. By examining the interplay between global and local food systems, this research provides valuable insights into the future of food production, consumption, and governance in an increasingly uncertain world.