# Benefit Optimization of Short Food Supply Chains for Organic Products: A Simulation-Based Approach
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Literature Review
SFSC activities are beneficial to all participants. The benefits can be considered in terms of economic, social, and environmental aspects [23]. The characteristics of the different types of benefits are presented in Table 2.  
This does not mean, however, that SFSCs only provide benefits. In many cases, actions do not produce better economic, social or environmental results. Profits and disadvantages may vary depending on the type of product, type of agricultural activity, transport used, season, scale of production, or research methodology. Problems in creating SFSCs include the expectations of consumers who demand a uniform range of products throughout the year [33]. The general benefits of the SFSC activity may include: improved negotiating positions for farmers, increased communication between producer and consumer, reduced transportation costs, and increased transparency. The advantages of the SFSC in the context of the farmers were enumerated by [PERSON] et al. [34] using a different approach to the SFSC and its different contexts, including the farmer as a producer and an SFSC beneficiary. Introducing CSR principles into this strategy is easier [35]. Although both positive effects and barriers have been identified, in-depth research into the motivation of farmers to participate and engage in SFSCs is lacking [27; 36]. The characteristic features of such markets and chains include their dynamism, trust, social involvement, and identifiability. They have a better image, encourage initiatives, and often use other competencies (including soft skills) to conduct business rather than customer relationships; they offer products of better quality, and they more quickly adopt the principles of sustainable development. Their conduct and functioning require greater social skills and involvement of human resources. Creating added value within such a chain is easier, although networking is not excluded in making local products available to a wide range of \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c l} \hline \hline \multicolumn{2}{c}{**Impact**} & \multicolumn{2}{c}{**Benefits**} \\ \hline \multirow{6}{*}{Economic} & \(\bullet\) & Increased revenue for producers \\  & \(\bullet\) & Fairer prices \\  & \(\bullet\) & Price stability \\  & \(\bullet\) & Avoidance of intermediaries \\  & \(\bullet\) & Support of local farmers \\  & \(\bullet\) & Reduction of labor costs \\  & \(\bullet\) & Reduction of transaction costs \\  & \(\bullet\) & Reduction of marketing margin \\  & \(\bullet\) & Increased profitability \\ \hline \multirow{6}{*}{Social} & \(\bullet\) & Relationships based on respect and trust \\  & \(\bullet\) & Interaction/connection between manufacturer and costumer \\  & \(\bullet\) & Greater importance of human relationships \\  & \(\bullet\) & A broader concept of social capital \\  & \(\bullet\) & A sense of community \\  & \(\bullet\) & Increased knowledge \\  & \(\bullet\) & Behavioral change \\ \hline \multirow{6}{*}{Environment} & \(\bullet\) & Reducing the number of food miles \\  & \(\bullet\) & Reduction of carbon footprint \\  & \(\bullet\) & Positive impact on (agricultural) biodiversity, \\  & \(\bullet\) & Limiting use of agrochemical measures on organic farms \\  & \(\bullet\) & Increased energy efficiency (trade and transport concentration in terms of \\  & & energy consumption per unit of product placed on the market may be less) \\  & \(\bullet\) & Reduction of greenhouse gases \\  & \(\bullet\) & Protection of water, soil, and habitats \\  & \(\bullet\) & Reduction of soil and water pollution \\  & \(\bullet\) & Reduced soil degradation \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular} Source: own elaboration based on [23].  
\end{table} 
Table 2: Benefits of SFSCs. audiences. SFSCs include community-supported agriculture systems, local farmers' markets, basket delivery systems, or pick-it-yourself orchards [37]. The literature shows that the SFSC is becoming a competitive tool for modern diversified farms, by allowing farms to obtain added value and consumers to save time and costs (close location).