Grant to improve short supply chains

There are many initiatives in Gelderland that ensure that food reaches the consumer's plate with a maximum of one intermediate step. In order to further enhance the cooperation between these initiatives, the province is making funding available, for example, for plans for joint processing of products, the development of an attractive brand, reaching many new customers or major improvements in business management.

More sustainable agriculture

In 2014, the Gelderland Knowledge Network Food was established to stimulate short food chains. Since 2016, Gelderland has also been using the rural development subsidy opportunities (POP3) for this purpose. It is one of the steps that are important with a view to more sustainable agriculture with a good earning model for agricultural entrepreneurs. 

Regional processing and logistical bundling

Province of Gelderland: "With this subsidy we support existing initiatives to become more professional and to strengthen cooperation. This was also one of the recommendations from research conducted by Wageningen University (WUR) in 2019. Among other things, it is about making it possible and rewarding to process agricultural products in the region. For milk and meat, for example, the share in the short chain currently lags behind, because these products require more processing before consumption. Also, customers such as company restaurants increasingly want vegetables that have already been washed and cut upon delivery. If people work together to process products, more products will be available for sale. This makes the short chain more attractive to consumers and buyers. But logistics is also a challenge when it comes to short chains. Transport must meet all kinds of hygiene requirements and is often a major expense. Because various initiatives are working together on this, new opportunities are created."

Professionalizing short chains

Subsidy can be applied for between April 1 and May 20, 2021. The subsidy is meant to write a project plan together to professionalize an existing short chain through innovation, and/or to implement such a plan. At least 1 regional producer, 1 municipality and 1 buyer have to participate. A total amount of € 980,000 is available. The subsidy contribution per application is at least € 35,000. 

Read more about the Short Supply Chains grant scheme April 2021 (Dutch only)