Challenge: British Columbia is home to a wide range of organic food products, with thousands of options available. Currently, however, farmers tend to take advantage of international markets rather than selling their products directly to local consumers. Despite the introduction of farm-to-plate systems in the early 2000s, more innovative solutions are needed. I worked together with Wild Youth Consulting to find new ways to connect consumers with these amazing organic products grown right here in our province.
Solutions: Imagine a world where we all have access to fresh, locally produced organic produce, and where our farmers are fully supported and empowered to grow and thrive. This is the vision behind our community-driven app and social enterprise, which brings together farmers and consumers in a way that benefits everyone. Through our basket program and farmer support system, we’re creating an online network that makes it easy and convenient to connect with local farmers and enjoy the best that nature has to offer. Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable food system that nourishes both our bodies and our communities.
Results: A new web/app and system for supporting direct-to-market retail sales has been designed for local small artisan and organic farmers in British Columbia.
Skills Needed: Logistics design, market research, business planning, custom social media website and phone application design, strategic partnership formation.
Location(s): Vancouver and surrounding areas.
Date / Duration: 2020-2021.
Team: Morgan Rauscher, Chelsea Robinson.
Partners: This system was designed to support the Okanagan region, but is applicable and can be rolled out to most parts of BC and any region globally that locally produces food.
