Description
Bocal is a public farmer directory that lists and geolocates local food producers, points of sale and sustainable food initiatives within a defined territory. It serves consumers, producers, local authorities and food system stakeholders seeking reliable information on local supply chains, points of sale for local products and local food related community events.
Technology
Bocal is a web-based directory accessible via standard internet browsers on desktop and mobile devices. The system relies on a central backend database that stores structured information on producers and points of sale including geolocation data. A GIS-enabled mapping interface allows users to search, filter and visualise actors spatially across territories. Data is collected and updated through online forms and administrative validation by partner institutions. Bocal also offers news on local food initiatives. The platform does not require dedicated hardware and focuses on information provision, mapping and coordination rather than e-commerce or transaction processing.
Target
The main users of Bocal are farmers and food consumers.
Business model
The directory is subsidized by the local government and is free to use by farmers and consumers.
Impact
Bocal aims to contribute to improving the visibility and accessibility of short food supply chains by centralising information on local producers, points of sale and sustainable food initiatives in a single, publicly managed platform. By offering geolocated and structured information, the platform reduces search and information costs for consumers and supports smallholder farmers in making their activities more visible without requiring investment in individual digital tools.
Partners
INRAE, Communauté de communes du Grand Pic-Saint-Loup, Agglomération du Pays de l’Or, Pays Cœur d’Hérault and the Syndicat Mixte du Bassin de Thau
Four Betters
Better life
