ReviewThe energy efficiency of local food systems: A comparison between different modes of distribution

The possible contribution of local sales chains to the reduction of energy consumption has been hotly debated in recent years. Some authors establish a link between the reduction of distances traveled by food and lower energy consumption due to transportation, while others hold that local supply chains have a poor energy performance. This article engages this debate by comparing the rates of energy consumption attributable to different modes of distribution of fruits and vegetables in a region of France.By studying actors' actual practices, we show that the establishment of local food systems leads to organizational efforts at the local level or in the form of geographically centralized networks which allow energy expenditures linked to distribution to be minimized. The studied chains' performances are variable, from 13.5 to 44.8 GOE/€ (Gram of Oil Equivalent per euro) of product, bringing them close to long chains in the best examples. Comparison with other research underscores the diversity of methods which are put in place. They also show that energy performance remains very dependent on where the study was conducted. Ultimately this study invites us to better analyze the ways in which actors collaborate to optimize energy expenditures relative to the distribution of food products in local sales chains.

► “Food miles” are analyzed for their energy efficiency in short food chains. ► Different types of short food distribution chains are analyzed and compared. ► Short chain results are compared with long-chain distribution. ► Local food systems may have satisfactory levels of energy efficiency. ► Geographical and social contexts of the territory studied influence this efficiency.