Strong local suppliers: Secure the future of food supply in the Ansbach district!

On February 4, 2025, the event "Nahaverger Netzen" will take place in the Ansbach district. This event begins at 2 p.m. and has to promote the goal, exchange, networking and strengthening the regional economy and the supply. A large number of actors are invited, including direct marketers, butchers, bakers, brewers, operators of village shops and 24/7 machines as well as restaurateurs and catering facilities.

The venue is the Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Ansbach (Aelf), which is located at Mariusstraße 26 in 91522 Ansbach. After a common part from 4 p.m., two specialist forums are offered, in which the participants can choose between the topics "artificial intelligence in marketing" and "economy and price calculation". There is also the possibility to take optional company visits in Aurach or Großhaslach near Petersaurach. Registrations are possible until January 24, 2025, either by phone at 0981/468-1030 or via the website www.landkreis-ansbach.de under the keyword "local supplier".

challenges of local supply in rural regions

A current study by SME research Austria, which was carried out on behalf of the Federal Committee of Food Trade, brings Valide figures on the Situation of local supply in Austria. The study shows that urban centers record an increase in the number of grocery stores, while rural regions, especially peripheral areas, face enormous challenges.

In particular, the closures of food retail companies can be felt in rural areas. Christian Prauchner, chairman of the federal committee, explains the problem of decline in rural regions. Local local suppliers are indispensable for smaller places and make a significant contribution to basic care and quality of life. According to the study, the average density of the food retailers in Austria was 101 shops per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022: inside, while 382 municipalities in Austria are completely without local suppliers. The number of food retailers in rural areas has dropped by 2 %, with peripheral rural areas particularly affected, with a decrease of up to 20 %.

The challenges mentioned were not defused by short -term improvements from 2021 to 2022. The Federal Committee of Food Trade has an urgently appeals to the Federal Government to support local supply in rural regions. The demands include a reduction in bureaucracy for entrepreneurs: inside, a tax relief of overtime, the reduction in taxes on work for employers: interior and employees: inside and the creation of attractive relaxation for retirees: inside. Prauchner emphasizes the key role of food retail for the quality of life in rural regions and emphasizes the need for targeted reforms in order to secure local supply in the long term. The full study is also available for download.