Can short value chains succeed in large urban centers? This question guided Science-Policy Interface (SPI) workshops held in Poland, organized by the University of Warsaw. The events brought together a diverse range of stakeholders – including government representatives, farm advisors, producers, NGOs, cooperatives, food retailers, and scientists – to explore ways to strengthen short food supply chains (SFSCs) in the Polish context.

Hosted in the heart of Warsaw, the capital and largest city in Poland, the workshop sparked vibrant discussions on the potential of shortening food value chains in densely populated urban areas. Participants explored ways to foster closer relationships between consumers and producers, as well as how to utilize SFSCs as a tool for transforming the food system.
A recurring theme throughout the sessions was the fragmentation of the current food system. Discussions emphasized the importance of building cohesion across organizational, cultural, and social dimensions to improve cooperation among food system actors. Ideas were exchanged on enhancing connections through direct marketing, consumer education, and simplifying administrative procedures, particularly for organic farming producers.

The workshops also addressed the difficulties of integrating organic products into public procurement systems. Participants discussed how these challenges could be overcome to promote seasonality, local sourcing, and the broader update of organic farming practices.

The workshop concluded with several strategic recommendations to reinforce SFSCs in Poland:

• Build transparency and trust through improved labeling and direct-to-consumer marketing strategies.
• Simplify administrative and certification procedures to encourage wider adoption of organic farming.
• Launch educational initiatives promoting the value of local and organic food, especially among younger audiences.
• Create centralized distribution hubs to facilitate organic procurement for public institutions.

This SPI initiative continues to serve as a vital platform for aligning scientific research, policy development, and stakeholder collaboration in the pursuit of more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems in Poland.