Description
Farmer Expert (Uzman Çiftçi) is a free online app that serves as a blockchain-based marketplace in which farmers register, set their prices and sell their products directly to consumers, retailers and food processors. The platform features a social media page where users can post their agricultural stocks or demands. The platform makes use of SMS, an online payment system and a chat channel for direct communication, business transactions and brokerage services. The platform makes use of blockchain-based traceability to ensure transparency along the supply chain. Users can upload or access information about the origin of the listed products, the fertilizers used, food safety lab results, and much more, by scanning a QR code on the page of each product. Furthermore, innovations such as an “ugly fruit” section promote sustainability and reduce waste by promoting the sale of imperfect fruit. The platform also features an educational channel, Ureten TV, through which farmers are kept updated on industrial trends, economic conditions and innovative solutions. All these facilities are accessible through the e-commerce pages, allowing customers to order fresh, local produce within Türkiye that are promoted through the website, providing smallholders with more opportunities to sell their products. The company provides logistic support, making deliveries from farms to processing facilities in less than an hour, according to the website.
Technology
Farmer Expert (Uzman Çiftçi) is available as a desktop-based and mobile app for both Android and iOS devices to all users in Türkiye. The content is in the Turkish language. The platform uses B2B technologies to secure payments between users and does not require the direct use of point-of-sale (POS) devices. Once a user is registered, they receive a unique QR code that allows them to make sales or purchases through the platform.
Target
The platform is designed for farmers and buyers of local farm products throughout Türkiye, with 11 000 farmers currently registered. The platform is particularly beneficial for smallholders, who can sell their products without the burden of large transportation costs and fees, making use of B2B encrypted technologies to ensure the security of payments.
Business model
There are no membership fees associated with the use of the platform, and all operations are carried out based on the unique QR code provided to each seller upon registration. Users only pay once the business transaction has been completed, whether it be for a product or logistics service.
Impact
The platform is available for use throughout Türkiye. Some 11 000 farmers have registered to date, working with 150 agricultural engineers, and more than 195 000 agricultural products have so far been delivered within the country.
Four Betters
Better production
