There's a lot of technology out there for small farmers and producers - so much, in fact, that it can seem overwhelming. Where do you even start?
We've started here - with a brief list of the some of the technologies we've come across designed for farmers/producers. We haven't tried these out ourselves - have any of you? Let us know how you like them, or what technologies you prefer, in the comments below.
Here is a list of software and apps designed specifically for producers and co-ops, to sell produce, manage CSAs, and manage supply chains.
BuckyBox http://www.buckybox.com/
Simple to use software for your CSA, Vegetable Box Scheme, Food Co-op, Artisan Bakery or Food Hub to automate orders, billing, and delivery
Casual: 1.5% per delivery, capped at $0.40; Standard: $45 monthly + 0.5% per delivery, capped at $0.20
CSAware http://www.csaware.com/
CSA management software offered by LocalHarvest.org
2% of the cost of CSA products delivered, $100 monthly minimum, $300 down payment
Eggzy http://www.eggzy.net/
Flock and egg production management tools for small, independent egg producers
Free
FarmersWeb https://www.farmersweb.com/
Transaction platform for for farms, farm cooperatives, and local food artisans to streamline working with wholesale buyers.
Basic - Free,
Standard - $40/month,
Unlimited - $75/month
Farmigo http://www.farmigo.com/
Transaction platform for consumers or work groups to buy direct from farms and CSAs; offers efficient CSA management tools for producers
2% of deliveries
Farm Link https://hawaii.localorbit.com
Local online marketplace that connects growers to consumers
Free for growers and buyers
Food Trace http://thefoodtrace.com/
Mobile and web-based service that simplifies supply chain information, providing better buying and selling tools for farms, artisans, food distributors and wholesale buyers
Free and paid plan
Harvest Hand http://harvesthand.com/
Offers CSA software, CSA farm/network map and other resources
$10 / member a year, first 10 members are free.
Local Orbit http://localorbit.com/
Supply chain and operations management software for food hubs and food aggregators
$69/year and up
Member Assembler http://www.memberassembler.com/
CSA member management software, developed by Small Farm Central
$38/month and up
Farm Commons http://farmcommons.org/
Nonprofit legal services organization providing proactive advice and counsel to farmers