Potato from Farm to Local Schools in The Czech Republic as a Means of Strengthening Local Collaboration: Quantification and Perspectives of the Dynamics

This study examines the extent of farmers’ potato supply to local school canteens in the Czech Republic and the farm characteristics associated with such collaboration. Guided by structuration theory, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to all potato growers nationwide to explore supplied volumes, potential dynamics of supply in response to policy supports, and the structural and managerial traits of farms most inclined to engage in this arrangement. Descriptive statistics summarized the collected data, while analytical statistical methods were subsequently applied to examine the relationships among variables. Quantitative results were contextualized using farmers’ qualitative comments. Results show that one-third of farmers supply local schools, but supplies account for only 5% of their production. The proposed measures show the potential for a substantial increase in the volume supplied and number of farms involved. Both structural and managerial elements associated with the propensity to supply were revealed. By quantifying volumes and production shares from the farmers’ perspective, the study addresses a gap in research that has largely focused on qualitative aspects of collaboration. Insight into quantitative aspects, complemented by structural and behavioural farm characteristics, helps local governments understand the strength of local supply chains and the extent of collaboration between agricultural producers and public institutions like schools, and to design infrastructure developments and broader regional initiatives more effectively.