Defining a system of attributes to evaluate the multidimensional performance of local to global food value chains: thoughts from Switzerland

Abstract: In the context of growing consumers’ awareness about the impact of food products on the environment, their health or on social aspects, a careful analysis needs to be conducted to compare the sustainability performance of local VS global food value chains. The EU research project GLAMUR (Global and local food assessment: a multidimensional performance-based approach; www.glamur.eu) will therefore analyze the performance of food value chains concerning five dimensions that cover the economic, social, environmental, health and ethical fields. Regarding local food value chains, it is known that these have a positive image supported by the perception of reduced negative impacts on the environment and other dimensions. However, a critical analysis of local food chains’ performance in comparison with more global ones will help to objectively assess the real benefits and drawbacks of local and global food chains. In this paper, it is shown the methodology by which a set of attributes of performance was selected to compare the multi-dimensional performance of a local and a global food chain in the milk sector of Switzerland. A specific selection of attributes of performance around the five sustainability dimensions cited above will be used to measure and evaluate some food chains’ performances and compare local vs. global chains. These attributes have been listed thanks to the participation of stakeholders involved in food value chains. Secondly, the list of attributes has been reduced to a smaller number of attributes according to their perceived importance for each value chain.