Many factors, such as production conditions in the field, the producer’s needs, the harvest period and the quantity and quality of the product, start to take shape before the product even reaches the warehouse.
That is why, in organic product sourcing, the relationship built with the producer should not be seen as just a purchasing relationship.
Knowing the product starts with knowing its source
Assessing a product only when it is delivered can mean missing an important part of the supply chain.
Knowing the production region, the product’s growing conditions, the production season and the producer’s capacity helps sourcing to be planned more soundly.
With organic products in particular, preserving the link between production and trade is even more important.
Knowledge from the field adds value to trade
With agricultural products, conditions are not the same every season.
Weather, planted areas, yield, harvest time and product quality can change. The party that follows these changes most closely is often the producer.
Direct communication with the producer matters not only for learning when the product will be ready, but also for better understanding the season and the state of the product.
That is why, at Biosmyrna, we see producer relationships not just as part of the purchasing process, but as an important element of the supply chain.
Trust is not one-sided
In a long-term supply relationship, trust is not built only by the buyer trusting the producer.
The producer must also believe that their commercial partner will keep their word, take up their product on time and value building a long-term relationship.
This mutual trust is an important advantage, especially in regular product supply.
For us, honouring contracts and commercial commitments on time is the foundation of a relationship that is worth more than short-term commercial gain.
Why does contract farming matter?
For some products, the need for regular supply with specific characteristics may require planning at the production stage.
At this point, contract farming can help build a more planned relationship between producer and buyer.
Addressing production planning, product quantity, quality expectations and delivery in advance can help both the producer and the buyer manage the season more predictably.
But for contract farming to succeed, having a written agreement is not enough. The parties need to stay in communication throughout the season and manage the conditions that arise together.
Sourcing is a process that starts in the field
Delivering an organic product reliably to the customer depends as much on managing the production source correctly as on purchasing, storage and shipment.
That is why, at Biosmyrna, we do not look at the supply chain only from the point where the product enters the warehouse.
For us, the right sourcing is a process that starts with understanding the producer and the product at the source, and continues through mutual trust, continuity and the right commercial relationship.
