Introduction

The introductory chapter of this book establishes the foundation for a comprehensive examination of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) within the framework of European Union (EU) agri-food law. Despite the increasing proliferation of SFSC initiatives across the EU, the lack of a universally agreed-upon definition and harmonised legal framework poses challenges to effective regulatory and policy developments in the area. This book seeks to bridge this gap by presenting the first comprehensive conceptualisation of SFSCs within EU agri-food law, tackling critical research questions, and conducting a systematic conceptual and legal analysis of the current regulatory environment. By incorporating spatial and historical dimensions into the analysis, it endeavours to unlock the complete potential of SFSCs in shaping the future of sustainable agri-food systems. In this chapter, the book’s structure is delineated, highlighting its interdisciplinary approach and methodology anchored in agri-food scholarship, and legal and doctrinal analysis. Through a combination of legal, sociological, and agri-food studies, this book offers insights into the complexities of SFSC regulation and lays the groundwork for the development of a more coherent and harmonised regulatory architecture.