FarmFolk CityFolk Small Farm Product Distribution Model: Feasibility Study Erin Nichols – Farm Folk City Folk Darren Stott – Greenchain Consulting Emme Lee – Independent Contractor
Funders
Agenda Agenda/Introduction11:45 Overview of feasibility study12:00 Case Studies12:10 Conclusions & Recommendations12:25 Feedback12:40 Wrap up12:55
Introduction Darren Stott: Greenchain Consulting Erin Nichols: FarmFolk CityFolk
Overview Need for small farm product distribution – Farmer needs – Buyer needs – Small capital – Fewer organisations – Less densely populated areas Distribution Systems & Value Chains Bylaws, rules & regulations
Distribution Systems ORGANIZATIONTYPETRUCKSWAREHOUSEPROCESSINGBROKERINGRETAIL ONLINE ORDERS NEW NORTH FLORIDA COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION Non-Profit Service Co-op Non-Profit Producer & Consumer Co-op Free Space Non-Profit Dairy Farmer Co-op Contracts Non-Profit Hires Trucks Rents Space
Value Chains BUSINESSFARMERPROCESSORBROKERDISTRIBUTORRETAILER Owns *
Conclusions Clear need for farm product distribution Use most efficient distribution network Strong leadership Buyers like central co-ordination Aggregation service protects farmer brand Service allows farmers to farm
Recommendation Start with a virtual distribution service – Brokering, using phone & / online ordering – Co-ordinator and value chain champions – No warehouse or rented/shared warehouse – No truck or hired truckers/shared trucks – Restaurants & small retailers
Online Ordering Software COMMUNITYAGGREGATORFOOD HUB Western US only New York onlyNew England only
Founded 2008 Eugene Local Foods, Oregan 70 users inc.; Idaho’s Bounty & Harvest Moon (MB) $1,000 setup 1.5to 3% of revenues ongoing PC and mobile compatible (inc. App)
Founded 2011 Ann Arbor, MI Dozens of users including Detroit Eastern Market & Kitchen Tables, Vancouver $0 setup $19/month and 2% of revenues (basic)
Next Steps March FFCF Food Distribution report finished April Possible workshop on food distribution May 2014 – Identify BC pilot project(s) September 2014 – Launch BC pilot project(s)
Feedback 1.How can a Small Farm Product Distribution service get started in your community this year? 2.How can municipalities help support your Small Farm Product Distribution service?
Local Orbit Workshop (?) 3 day workshop $300/person Max. 15 people April Farm Fresh Rhode Island Business planning Logistics Marketing & Sales Operations