Response of Short Food Supply Chains in Western Balkan Countries to the COVID Crisis: A Case Study in the Honey Sector

• DOI: 10.2478/euco-2024-0006
• Publication Date: 2024-04-02T18:13:15Z
• Authors: Vesna Paraušić; Etleva Muça Dashi; Jonel Subić; Iwona Pomianek; Bojana Bekić Šarić
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Food supply

Abstract Operation of short food supply chains (abbr. SFSCs) during the period pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus provided a lesson which might be useful for perceiving behaviour farmers and local systems in potential future crises various endogenous or exogenous factors. A study based on sample 1081 beekeepers Western Balkan countries shows how involved SFSCs perceived influence growth demand sale honey through these marketing channels. On scale from 1 (no influence) to 7 (very strong influence), average rating 3.53 indicated weak moderate influence, was fairly consistent across this region. The Kruskal-Wallis test Mann-Whitney determined that large-scale beekeepers, those mountainous areas, adding value producing other bee products apart stated had stronger SFSCs. At same time, higher pandemic’s sales accompanied greater limitations regarding availability family labour selling honey, as well needs digital knowledge skills. Binary logistic regression showed increase beekeepers’ age led decreased It also rose with production capacity, obtained results provide valuable about response producers disruptions. is primarily intended policy makers, but practitioners scientific expert communities. All them should respond proactively behalf society prepare themselves challenges.