Country: Poland

Wellbeing of Farmers:  Physical Wellbeing

Key Challenges: Low farm income (market vulnerability)

Key Target Groups: Young farmers, Female farmers, Older farmers, Farmers facing financial difficulties

Farm Size: Small/Family, Medium

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Key contact:

Email:

Organization: Kujawsko-Pomorski Agricultural Advisory Centre in Minikowo

Relevant Links:

Website

Summary

On the initiative of KPODR, a group of farmers and small food producers has been formed, so that more people have access to quality food and processors can increase their income. As part of the operation, some of the producers have purchased equipment for food production and marketing. Researchers, in cooperation with them, have developed an internal quality system tailored to their specificities.

An internet platform was also created to present the members of the group, the message of the initiative, the quality system and to enable the purchase of products without intermediaries. Orders are delivered to several selected pick-up points in the province.

Three sales channels are being tested: in farm stores, through the platform, and through purchasing groups (created by the clients) to determine the most advantageous solution. The producers have formed an association to be able to jointly undertake further initiatives.

Objective

The aim of the project is to choose the most advantageous way of agricultural products distribution within short supply chains, delivered by farmers and small producers from Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, by testing 3 models of food sales.

The farmers can invest in their production and sell through the created internet platform – thus widening the group of recipients of their products and increasing their income.

Working in a group causes them to offer an increased range of products, which is more attractive to buyers.

Activities 

Farmers and food producers up-graded food production and sales. An online platform has been created to showcase the initiative and members of the Village E-box.

Sales are carried out at production sites (e.g. on farms), via the internet platform and to purchasing groups.

KPODR as the leader of the operation deals with organizational matters and conducts promotional activities.

Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology prepared the Internal Quality System.

Also, surveys/interviews with platform users have been conducted and changes are being introduced to meet their needs.

Main Outcome of the activity

Conducting sales of high quality food without intermediaries – farmers’ products go directly to the recipients, thanks to the common offer they are more competitive, also due to the diversified assortment.

Farmers become independent from purchasers and commercial chains that impose their prices and margins.

Main Practical Recommendations
  • Transparency, information sharing and mutual trust are important when working in a group.
  • Use the help of subject matter experts to save time and create practical solutions.
  • You should also be prepared for delays and failures, ready to make changes and be open to new ideas.

Key Stakeholders Involved
  • 13 farmers engaged in food processing and sales
  • 4 plants producing food based on local raw materials
  • Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology
  • Kujawsko-Pomorski Agricultural Advisory Centre in Minikowo

Most Innovative Aspects of the Solution

The initiative focuses on several sales channels to compare them with each other to choose the optimal solution.