The Role of NGOs in Food Supply Chains: Case of Supporting Mechanisms for Dutch SFSC Stakeholders

Contemporary food systems are characterised by centralised supply chains and extensive farm-to-fork distances. As an alternative, short food supply chains (SFSCs) are gaining attention. While the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in supporting global food systems is well-established, their contribution to SFSCs, particularly within the European context, remains less defined. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the specific support mechanisms that NGOs provide to support SFSC structures. Drawing on qualitative interviews with seven informants from leading NGOs, this study elicits and analyses these support mechanisms. The findings reveal that NGOs provide support to offset the challenges faced by SFSC stakeholders. This support includes providing logistical infrastructure, offering training in sustainable practices and business management, facilitating direct market access, engaging in political advocacy, and delivering digital tools. The results also indicate that while a core set of support is offered across most NGOs, some services are unique to an organisation’s specific mission. This paper concludes by contrasting the nature of NGO support in short and global supply chains, highlighting the need for further research to understand the distinct mechanisms and priorities at both levels fully.