Coop Circuits

CoopCircuits is a collective interest cooperative that aims to reconnect producers and consumers through a digital platform designed for short distance selling. Launched in March 2020, it is inspired by a project that began in 2012 in Victoria, Australia, where market gardeners sought to sell their produce directly. The initiative combines open source software with local agricultural production, fostering resilience and the trend of eating locally, which has gained traction in the wake of COVID. The platform is powered by Open Food Network software, which is shared internationally and allows various stakeholders - such as individual producers, buying groups, local authorities and grocery stores - to manage their sales and distribution efficiently. Users can set up their online stores free of charge, provided they adhere to a value charter that guarantees fair prices for both producers and consumers. Despite its growth and the establishment of a supportive community, CoopCircuits faces challenges such as inertia in decision-making and the need for a more defined business strategy. The initiative is positioned as a response to the dysfunctions of the current food system, aiming to create a sustainable distribution network that benefits both producers and consumers, while fostering local economies.