CityFolk Small Farm Product Distribution Model: Feasibility Study Erin Nichols – Farm Folk City Folk Darren Stott – Greenchain Consulting Emme Lee – Independent Contractor
Dec 24, 2015
FarmFolk CityFolkSmall Farm Product Distribution Model:
Feasibility Study
Erin Nichols – Farm Folk City FolkDarren Stott – Greenchain ConsultingEmme Lee – Independent Contractor
Funders
Agenda
• Agenda/Introduction 11:45• Overview of feasibility study 12:00• Case Studies 12:10• Conclusions & Recommendations 12:25• Feedback 12:40• Wrap up 12:55
Introduction
Darren Stott: Greenchain [email protected]
Erin Nichols: FarmFolk [email protected] 604.815.4225
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
ORGANIZATION TYPE TRUCKS WAREHOUSE PROCESSING BROKERING RETAILONLINEORDERS
NEW NORTH FLORIDA
COOPERATIVEASSOCIATION
Non-ProfitServiceCo-op
Non-ProfitProducer
&Consumer
Co-op
FreeSpace
Non-ProfitDairy
FarmerCo-op
Contracts
Non-ProfitHires
TrucksRentsSpace
Value Chains
BUSINESS FARMER PROCESSOR BROKER DISTRIBUTOR RETAILER
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 & email/ 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 SoftwareCOMMUNITY AGGREGATOR FOOD HUB
Western US only
New York only New 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 2014 - FFCF Food Distribution report finished
• April 2014 - 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?