New Business Models for Transforming the Agri-Food Supply Chain

This paper describes the SMALLDERS project, a European initiative focused on designing and implementing new business models that strengthen the position of smallholders in the agri-food supply chain. Small farmers are considered the weaker link in the agri-food supply chain, and their vulnerability has been aggravated by recent crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In this context, SMALLDERS project aims at designing and implementing a technological platform which, among other functionalities, will provide the small-scale farmers with innovative business models to improve their resilience. Various methodologies have been employed to achieve this objective: a systematic literature review to identify trends in agri-food business models, focus groups, surveys and in-depth interviews to gather perceptions from key stakeholders. As a result, three innovative business models were identified to be implemented in the platform by using the CANVAS methodology. Such implementation will allow to identify specific opportunities for smallholders and offer a valuable basis for strategic decision-making by all agents involved in the agri-food supply chain. Ultimately, the project provides an innovative and replicable approach to boost the economic and social sustainability of small farms in Europe.