Description
E-farm is an online marketplace facilitating direct transactions between farmers and end consumers for the sale of agricultural produce (such as vegetables, fruit and dairy products), processed foods (such as jams and fermented vegetables), inputs (such as fertilizers and seedlings), and artisanal products (such as handicrafts and hand-made cosmetics). Customers can filter their searches for available products to identify special offers, discounts and promotions. E-Farm also features a dedicated section for news related to the agri-food sector, as well as content on best practices in agriculture.
Technology
The E-farm web application lists products in multiple categories, such as fresh produce, processed goods, agricultural inputs and handicrafts, and users can search for products by category or by specific seller/farmer. Farmers can manage their profiles and product listings after registering, after which buyers can place their orders. The platform provides the contact information of the farmer from whom the customer can purchase the desired product. Customers must first create a profile on the platform before being able to place an order and access the contact information of the sellers.
Target
The primary users of E-farm are farmers and consumers of agricultural products. The operators of E-farm claim that as of November 2024, over 150 farmers are using the platform to list and sell their products.
Business model
E-farm can be accessed free of charge by both farmers and customers. The platform was developed under the “Support to Economic Diversification of Rural Areas in Southeast Europe (SEDRAII)” project with financial and technical support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Standing Working Group for Regional Rural Development in South Eastern Europe (SWG RRD).
Impact
E-farm connects farmers directly with customers, shortening the supply chain and allowing farmers to retain a greater share of the sale proceeds. Consumers, on the other hand, gain access to a broader variety of fresh and niche products, including artisanal goods and home-made foods. E-farm can boost local economies by developing the market relations of rural producers.
Partners
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); Standing Working Group for Regional Rural Development in South Eastern Europe (SWG RRD)
Four Betters
Better life
