Services are a critical component of the food system. They support different stages of the food value chain and facilitate smooth functioning of the entire system to deliver food worldwide. This study begins by looking at the role of services in the food value chain, before shifting its attention to three key services found in such value chain, namely: financial, logistics and distribution. The role of ICT in food value chains is also examined.

The study points out that the improvement of regulatory environment affecting the provision of services in the food value chain requires a “whole-of-government” approach effort, as the formulation of services-related regulations usually entails the participation of several agencies. There is also no “one-size-fits-all” solution. It offers a few suggestions that could be beneficial for food value chains, such as adoption of international standards and best practices in regulatory issues affecting the food industry and services sectors associated to it; upgrading of existing or building of new infrastructure; and the use of technology and modern ICT services.