Why set up an Open Food Network shop?

The Open Food Network software platform allows farmers to sell produce online, at a price that works for them. It has been built specifically for selling food so it can handle tricky measures or stock levels that only food has – a dozen eggs, a bunch of parsley, and a whole chicken that varies in weight, anyone? It’s a great shopfront to sell food through as an individual enterprise, but where it really gets exciting is when there’s a community of farmers working together. Check out an example of a really successful local model, the Prom Coast Food Collective. This group of small-scale farmers in Gippsland used the Open Food Network to sell around $25,000 each month of local produce. 

As a food producer, you can create an online shop, collect payments, and sell through other shops on the platform.You get to control your stock and prices, and can add all of your branding and images. Think of your profile as your stall at a farmers’ market. 

Melbourne Farmers’ Markets is bringing together producers to create a virtual farmers’ market, building a resilient local food economy. They are doing this to make sure shopping can continue through the COVID-19 outbreak. Shoppers can then purchase through a single online shopfront, ready to pick up their food from the market or a pick-up point.

Get started selling – if you don’t have an Open Food Network shop or profile

 Follow the steps in the presentation below to get your produce added to the Melbourne Farmers’ Markets online shop if you are completely new to Open Food Network (keep scrolling down if you already have a shop or profile with us).

There is extra help available to help you get set up. 

If you need extra help, you can use the User Guide: https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/

You can also ask for help by emailing hello@openfoodnetwork.org.au 

Connect with Melbourne Farmers’ Markets – if you already have an Open Food Network shop or profile

Follow the steps in the presentation below to get your produce added to the Melbourne Farmers’ Markets online shop. 

There is extra help available to help you get set up. 

If you need extra help, you can use the User Guide: https://guide.openfoodnetwork.org/

You can also ask for help by emailing hello@openfoodnetwork.org.au