Our technology builds a digital bridge between small to midsize farmers and consumers, while simultaneously collecting valuable, real-time data on the desires and expectations of consumers. Opportunities facilitated by our product include creative place making, direct-to-consumer agricultural economies, agritourism, e-commerce innovations that connect farmers with consumer markets, and off-farm value-added agricultural development. During Phase I, we determined the feasibility of new technology for customers and small and midsize farmers to provide sustainable direct-to-consumer sales in profitable ways through determining the key features to develop into our digital e-commerce App to agricultural products and agrotourism. During Phase II, we develop these features into an easy-to-use digital application to support farmers using the application and driving consumers to the marketplace. Successful completion of the Phase II objectives will set the stage from product launch and commercialization. Our technology overcomes the limitations of existing solution to provide economic activities will directly benefit farmers by providing a direct-to-consumer virtual marketplace for agricultural products, increasing awareness of agriculture by urban customers, and providing new sources of income for agricultural producers. Our project advances the goals of Topic 8.12 Research Priority 2, Development of New Marketing Strategies for Small and Midsize Farms.
