CrowdFarming
E-marketplace connecting producers and consumers with delivery services
Description
CrowdFarming is an e-marketplace that connects producers and consumers in the provision of value-added logistics, transport packaging, customer relations and advertising services. The initiative supports the sale of seasonal products from organically certified producers and/or regenerative farmers, as well as the transition of farmers to organic farming.
Technology
The CrowdFarming online marketplace connects primarily producers and consumers, but also logistic operators such as DHL and UPS for the door-to-door delivery of food boxes. The marketplace can be accessed via a browser or mobile application downloadable from the Apple Store and Google Play, and features e-payment functionalities accommodating multiple payment methods (VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, Amex, Discover, Google Pay).
Target
The main users of the platforms are producers with organic and regenerative farming certification, as well as those making the transition; and food consumers in the countries served by the delivery partners. Users must register and log-in to the marketplace to upload their offers or to make purchases.
Business model
The platform applies charges to three different services: “adoptions” of agricultural productive assets by the consumers (adopting an animal practically means contributing financial support to help care for or sponsor an animal. I plants, animals); subscriptions for the purchase and delivery of seasonal boxes; or single purchases and deliveries without subscription. The company reports that the marketplace applies a fee to consumers equating to, on average, 22 percent of the farmer’s price, although consumers must pay additional transaction costs for secure electronic payments (EUR 1.5 per transaction); EUR 3–4 for the box and packaging; 25–30 percent of the final price for transport and logistics; and finally, value-added tax (VAT) in accordance with legislation in the destination country.
Impact
The company reports that the CrowdFarming has contributed to an increase in the number of permanent workers in one-third of the producers that make use of the marketplace. As reported by the marketplace, more than 40 percent of participating farmers are young (aged <40 years), 283 farmers in 17 different countries are selling crops via CrowdFarming, and 216 088 consumers have registered active adoptions. It is reported that by the end of 2023, 13 600 consumers had ordered seasonal boxes.
Partners
DHL; Actemium; Trucksters; Horage; UPS
Four Betters
Better production
Better nutrition
Better environment
Better life
