Abstract:
This study aimed to explore how food supply chains were impacted by COVID-19 and identify how the region could be better prepared for future crises. An online survey was completed by 107 consumers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 food supply stakeholders working in food production, distribution, retail, hospitality, institutions (i.e., childcare), logistics/freight and local government. Pre-COVID-19, farmer-direct distribution options and hospitality businesses comprised a substantial proportion of local food producer businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers favoured local food supply options, farmers collaborated, and produce usually destined for export was redirected into local markets. Critical food supply actions included keeping borders open to food freight, enhancing social capital through real-time business communication, and business flexibility. Solutions included business adaptation, for example, farmers selling produce boxes and hospitality businesses selling excess stock, COVID-safe delivery, and collaboration through digital networks. To better prepare the region for future crises, actions to support communities could include a community approach to agriculture, increasing food supply diversity, facilitating transport to aid food distribution and purchasing, and more effective messaging to discourage panic buying. Actions to support retailers could include increasing access to wholesalers through online platforms. Actions to support producers could include improving infrastructure, such as more regional distribution facilities.
摘要:
这项研究旨在探讨食品供应链如何受到COVID-19的影响,并确定该地区如何为未来的危机做好更好的准备。在线调查由107名消费者完成。对从事粮食生产的27个粮食供应利益相关方进行了深入访谈,分布,零售,热情好客,机构(即,托儿),物流/货运和地方政府。在COVID-19之前,农民直接分销选择和酒店业务占当地食品生产企业的很大一部分。在COVID-19大流行期间,消费者偏爱当地的食品供应选择,农民合作,通常用于出口的产品被重定向到当地市场。关键的粮食供应行动包括保持边境对食品货运开放,通过实时商业交流增强社会资本,和业务灵活性。解决方案包括业务适应,例如,出售农产品箱的农民和出售多余库存的酒店企业,COVID安全分娩,通过数字网络进行合作。为了更好地为该地区应对未来的危机做好准备,支持社区的行动可以包括社区农业方法,增加食物供应的多样性,便利运输以帮助粮食分配和采购,和更有效的信息来阻止恐慌性购买。支持零售商的行动可能包括通过在线平台增加与批发商的联系。支持生产者的行动可以包括改善基础设施,例如更多的区域分布设施。