D4.3: Participatory value chain analysis

This deliverable summarises our findings regarding the participatory analysis of 23 diverse mountain value chains. Data were collected across the 23 value chain (VC) examples, representing traditional agro-food (meat, cheese, plant-based, alcohol) value chains and value chains based on tourism, public goods and knowledge. Some VCs are emergent, small scale niche products seeking to grow their markets whereas others are more economically dominant and are currently seeking ways to become more sustainable. Both were important to assess in terms of lessons for future mountain policy.

The findings report on the structure across four stages of the value chain – Production, Processing, Distribution/Marketing and Consumption. The analysis assessed the practices performed by the wide range of actors that valorise mountain territorial capital and generate the values associated with the final product. As part of this analysis, the role of infrastructure and institutions were considered to understand to what extent there is an enabling environment supporting these mountain VCs.