# Benefit Optimization of Short Food Supply Chains for Organic Products: A Simulation-Based Approach
## 5 Discussion and Limitations  
In this study, we limited ourselves to organic products only in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. As a result, the presented data and results should be considered as part of a pilot study, which should be extended--firstly, territorially, and, secondly, through comparisons with conventional products and the traditional supply chain. Another constraint and aspect for future research is a focus on the subsequent elements of the supply chain that make a chain sustainable. Another restriction is the choice of products. The range of products should be extended to increase methodological and scientific reliability so that selected products on the European market can be compared. A significant limitation was that the surveyed manufacturers do not always identify the SFSC strategy, perhaps due to a lack of knowledge about a given structure or about this specific structure. They often do not identify the markets they serve, as stated in the literature. In the next stages of the project and research, both the market and the range of products will be significantly expanded to comprehensively examine all identified types of SFSC strategies, and perhaps contribute to finding new forms of handling and modifying the segments identified so far. Another limitation is the scope of elements considered in the simulation. However, our aim was to indicate activities within the structures that can increase the economic benefits as much as possible, and influence the competences and soft relationships of organizations participating in the chains. On the basis of an in-depth analysis of the literature review, we found deficiencies in the creation of theoretical foundations. Most of these studies refer to specific cases of specific activities in a given region or product. Drawing meaningful and useful conclusions for all chains on this basis is difficult. However, the studies (including those with specific examples) are theoretical attempts to build a general basis for SFSCs and determine the impact of this structuring on the economic behavior of chain participants. The discussion should also include the results of simulations, limited here to only a few months and variants in the supported market. The context of repetitive periods and the selection of other variables affecting the profits of producers should also be considered. The simulation did not include any reference to the principles, determinants, or theoretical attitudes of creating sustainable supply chains and dedicated indicators. However, the results of the simulation with multiple objectives indicated that an appropriate proportion of organic products supplied to different markets can result in a significant increase in profits (up to 18%). Therefore, the presented methodology, or at least suggestions from the article, can be used to increase the profits of local organic producers. Despite the higher risk, the results are better. Here, the simulations were only applied to economic aspects, although the theoretical considerations apply to all areas of sustainable development. This approach was dictated by the assumption that economic aspects play the most important role in starting up a business, even in organic production, whereas other, sustainable development-related aspects are considered in subsequent stages of activity, including changing development strategies and implementing innovations. Drawing general conclusions and management implications from a single case study is impossible, but the findings showed that companies and their supply chains operate in many different environments and that different factors influence decision making, including the implementation of specific supply chain