Description
Plantage is a cooperative member management and trading platform, whereby food consumers can join online and pay for a minimum of one share of the cooperative to become a member. Cooperative members then can sign-up for an additional monthly payment to receive weekly vegetable boxes from a local farm. Boxes are delivered to a nearby pick-up location or to the member’s doorstep. Platage operates on community-supported agriculture (CSA) basis, which means that the cooperative plans the seasonal activities in the field, volumes of production and weekly harvesting volumes based on the number of active subscriptions. Planning based on actual demand allows to reduce risk when allocating resources and reduce waste, when making decisions on how much to harvest each week.
Technology
Plantage uses a web-based system to manage membership subscriptions, harvest planning and distribution of vegetable boxes. The user interface allows members to register, manage subscriptions, select delivery frequency and access information on collection points. A central backend supports subscription data, delivery schedules and coordination of weekly harvest volumes. Location-based information is used to display pickup points. The web application is accessible via standard web browsers on desktop and mobile devices. Plantage web application is mostly used for coordination, communication and subscription management.
Target
The main users of the solution are urban food consumers.
Business model
Plantage operates under a community-supported agriculture (CSA) business model based on membership contributions rather than per-unit sales. Members commit to a regular annual subscription (weekly or fortnightly vegetable boxes) and contribute financially to cover the farm’s annual production costs, including labour, inputs and infrastructure. Pricing follows a solidarity principle, with flexible contribution levels and options to pause deliveries. Revenue is generated primarily through member subscription fees, providing predictable income for the farm and sharing production risks between producers and consumers.
Impact
Plantage aims to strengthen local short food supply chains by providing a stable, subscription-based outlet for small-scale vegetable production and by directly linking consumers to the costs and realities of farming. The solidarity-based CSA model improves income predictability for the farm and reduces market risk by sharing production risks with members. For consumers, the solution aims to increase access to seasonal, locally produced food and increase awareness of sustainable agricultural practices.
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
