Applying New Agricultural Software in the Age of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC)

In the modern world, agriculture is undergoing a significant transformation. With technological advancements reshaping every aspect of the farming process, farmers can now leverage new tools to increase sales. These tools can also help them digitalize their business and build stronger customer connections.

One of the most impactful changes is the rise of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC). This means making the process of getting food from farmers to consumers shorter and with fewer steps in between. The goal is to connect them more directly.

This blog will explore how integrating new software technologies like Plodie into modern farming practices can digitalize your produce business.

Moreover, we will dive into how adopting SFSC principles can help you reach local markets, increase profitability, and ensure sustainability in your agricultural business.

What Are Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC)?

Understanding the core concept of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC) is important before diving into the specifics.

At its core, SFSCs are systems where food moves from farmers to people, with as few middlemen as possible, to build local food networks.

This model contrasts with traditional, longer supply chains that involve multiple middlemen (distributors, wholesalers, retailers), which add cost, complexity, and environmental impact.

SFSCs are gaining traction as people become more interested in knowing where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and supporting local farmers.

Examples of SFSC include:

• Farmers Markets: Direct sales from producers to consumers.
• Farm-to-Table Programs: Restaurants sourcing food directly from local farms.
• E-commerce platforms: They connect local farmers with buyers, allowing consumers to order fresh produce directly from farms.

Plodovi.hr,  growtovchani.com, and  e-selo.hr are good examples of such SFSCs.

These direct connections between farmers and customers help build trust and create sustainable local food systems.

When small food producers work alone, their reach and resources are limited. They struggle to compete with larger companies or to reach enough customers. But if they join forces in a short food supply chain, they can share resources, combine their reach, improve their offering and attract more customers together.

Here’s why:

1. Bigger Reach: Customers like to buy from markets that offer a variety of fresh, local products. A group of producers can create that kind of market together, attracting more people.
2. Lower Costs: By sharing things like delivery, packaging, or marketing, they reduce expenses for everyone.
3. Stronger Together: When producers promote the community as a whole, everyone benefits. A customer drawn by one product might also buy from others in the group.

Simple Example: Think of a farmers' market. Each farmer selling alone might get a few customers, but together, the market becomes a destination where hundreds of people come to shop. It’s the power of working together!

As demand for fresh, high-quality, locally grown food rises, Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) offer significant advantages. They are environmentally friendly by reducing transportation and waste, while also supporting small-scale farmers by providing them direct access to local markets, higher profits, and greater control over pricing.

SFSCs strengthen local economies, promote sustainable practices, and foster closer connections between customers and producers.

New Software Technology in Modern Farming

E-Commerce and Digital Marketplaces

One of the most significant ways technology transforms farming is through e-commerce platforms connecting producers directly with consumers.

Those platforms allow farmers to sell their crops online, removing the need for traditional retail intermediaries, brick-and-mortar shops, marketplaces, or other sales channels.

Digital marketplaces specifically designed for agricultural products are growing in popularity and give farmers a direct route to local buyers.

For instance, an online platform can provide a space where local customers can browse and purchase fresh products, meat, or dairy from their area.

This can drastically reduce the costs associated with distribution and marketing, allowing farmers to sell directly to consumers at competitive prices.

How to Digitalize Your Crop Selling Business

Digitalizing your business is essential for staying competitive in modern agriculture.

Below are first steps you can take to incorporate new technologies into your business and capitalize on the benefits of SFSCs.

Adopt an E-Commerce Platform

The journey to digitalization begins with establishing a strong online presence. This includes creating a website and setting up social media profiles. This serves as an essential tool to help consumers:

• Learn more about your farm
• Browse your available products
• Place orders conveniently

For those looking to accelerate this process, several platforms are designed to help farmers create online stores and list their products in a user-friendly way – giving them a head start in building their online presence.

Examples include:

• Plodovi
• Growtovchani
• E-selo

But the one thing all these platforms have in common is their backend usage of Plodie - A field-tested, customizable, plug-and-play solution. Plodie simplifies every aspect of e-commerce in agriculture, from building a professional website to managing sales and logistics efficiently.

Things you can do with Plodie:

There are four apps within Plodie software and each app is specifically designed to cater to the needs of its link in a Short Food Supply Chain.

Administrator app Gives you full control over your short food supply chain. Keeps your customers happy. Provides easy-to-use customization, automation, and enhanced sales functionality. Administrators can provide technical support to all users and can be permitted to execute actions in the name of any user regarding deliveries, user inquiries and information. Some of its features are:

• Automated accounting
• Inventory management
• Pickup locations
• Controlling producer rates
• Delivery regions, days & prices
• Routing engine

Shopper app Is specifically made for customers who can order from multiple producers and expect products in a single package for delivery or pickup. They can also order fresh local products harvested and delivered from various producers on the same day.

• Direct contact with admin and producer
• Real-time overview of operations
• Automatization of all orders

The delivery app focuses on the word "minimal"— minimal kilometers, time in transport, carbon footprint, and food waste. Our algorithm efficiently calculates deliveries and trips to producers. Delivery users also have an option to leave notes to admin for producers and admin users.

• Changeable payments on the spot
• Carbon efficient deliveries
• Real-time overview of operations

Producer app gives you a complete solution for producer operations in SFSCs.You have full control over your producer profile and product offerings. It even gives you an overview of upcoming and past orders with revenue statistics and automated accounting.

• Direct contact with admin and producer
• SFSC specific functionalities
• Automatization of all orders

Real-life digitalization examples

For example, if you grow vegetables, you can offer subscription-based delivery services or allow customers to order baskets of seasonal produce.

You can also join the growing trend of online farmers’ markets, where you connect directly with consumers in your local community.

Many producers and farmers chose this option and changed up their advertising strategy as well.

Selling your products online pairs perfectly with effective social media marketing.

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, with their vast and diverse audiences, make it easier than ever to showcase your products to the right people. With the right strategy, you can turn casual browsers into loyal customers!

By digitalizing your sales process, you can build a more robust customer base and avoid relying on traditional intermediaries.

The Role of SFSC in Digitalizing Agriculture

Digitalization allows you to cut down on distribution costs, enhance productivity, and directly connect with consumers.

Whether you are selling through an online marketplace or offering farm-to-table services, technology can help you optimize your operations and grow your customer base.

As the world becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, people are actively seeking out locally grown, responsibly produced food.

By digitalizing your business and adopting SFSC principles, you not only meet these consumer demands but surpass expectations and position yourself for long-term success in an evolving market.

Conclusion

New software technologies like Plodie and the principles of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC) are shaping the future of agriculture.

You can increase operational efficiency, enhance profitability, and build strong, direct relationships with your local consumers. Whether you leverage e-commerce platforms or not, the digital tools available today can definitely help you thrive in the modern agricultural landscape.

By integrating SFSC practices you can ensure that your farm is not only competitive but also a key player in the future of sustainable agriculture. And of course, bring fresh locally sourced food to the tables of many families!