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Abstract
In opposition to the current paradigm of the globalized the food system, many regional initiatives have
arisen to reorganize the food system into localized or regionalized supply chains. This study explores the existing
food supply chain for field fruit and vegetable production within the island of Crete, Greece, by examining the
production and distribution of food stuffs through the wholesale system and to determining the geographic and retail
terminal points for these Cretan-produced items. Through case studies, this paper examines the typology of
production and maps the distribution of vegetables and melons produced on the island as the first step to determining
the current level of food system sustainability, and opportunities and barriers for greater sustainability. The findings
show that in the case of fresh vegetable and melon production, Crete’s consumption is heavily based on locally grown
product which is produced on small, diversified farms.