Proposed business model for SME farmers in peri-urban Sydney region

Abstract

Literature indicates that SME (Small to Medium) farmers in peri-urban Sydney, Australia region are faced with uncertainties when selling their produce. Majority of farmers sell produce via agents, some sell produce via markets however in either case farmers do not get the full overview or the transparency of the expected market demands and prices. To identify if a suitable business model could be proposed, a carefully selected group of five peri-urban farmers has been studied in detail. Results indicate that through collaboration and networking farmers would be able to get a comprehensive overview of the markets and the digital-eco-system. In addition it is expected that this would further allow farmers to sell their produce via both traditional sale mediums as well as new more enhance mediums of the digital era.