In today's world, we all want products that are good for the planet. Brands are increasingly sourcing directly from farmers, ensuring transparency in the production of various sustainable goods, ranging from agro products like fruits, vegetables, and cocoa to others. However, behind the scenes, the journey of products from smallholder farmers to consumers often reveals financial inequities with these crucial contributors often receiving only a fraction of the profits. In response, a transformative movement, utilizing technologies like blockchain and digital tips, is reshaping this process. These innovations aim to secure fair compensation for farmers, fostering a more equitable journey from farm to consumer. By passing middlemen, these technologies establish direct connections between consumers and farmers, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Empowering Consumers, Supporting Farmers

Accenture and Farmer Connect lead a groundbreaking movement in agriculture. Accenture's blockchain system enables consumers to trace farmers' identities at the point of purchase, with each transaction securely recorded in an immutable blockchain. QR codes on sustainable product packaging allow consumers to unveil details about the farmer and, uniquely, directly support them through tips via a mobile app. Farmer Connect and IBM's "Thank My Farmer" app showcase this concept, enabling users to trace their coffee's origin and tip farmers. Moyee and other applications like Bellwether Coffee’s Tip the Farmer, and Traceable Coffee are actively contributing to this transformative initiative.

Tipping the Farmer with Rahat and AgriClear

Rahat, an open-source blockchain-based financial access platform, empowers financial transparency by enabling seamless fund transfers through QR codes directly to farmers' associations. Complementing this, AgriClear, a blockchain-based agri-supply management tool, addresses transparency in the Nepalese agricultural market, ensuring reliability in data tracking from production to delivery. Together, they form an impressive alliance for fair trade, allowing consumers to engage with sustainable products and support farmers through digital tips. Rahat ensures secure fund transfers, while AgriClear upholds transparency in the supply chain. This consumer-driven approach transcends traditional financial transactions, creating a positive impact for smallholder farmers embracing sustainable practices. Notably, the collaboration of Rahat and AgriClear holds promise for the "Tip Your Farmer" concept, marking a significant step towards empowering Nepalese farmers and fostering sustainability.

Conclusion 

In the world of agriculture, where the hands that feed us often struggle for a fair share, blockchain and digital tips are tipping the scales towards a brighter future. As we support sustainable practices and directly empower farmers, we contribute to a more equitable and transparent agricultural ecosystem. The journey has begun, and with each digital tip, we pave the way for a revolution in the way we perceive, support, and sustain our farmers.

Sources:

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3780216

https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2019/02/25/accentures-new-blockchain-app-lets-users-tip-sustainable-producers/
https://newsroom.ibm.com/2020-01-06-Farmer-Connect-Uses-IBM-Blockchain-to-Bridge-the-Gap-Between-Consumers-and-Smallholder-Coffee-Farmers 

https://www.gcrmag.com/bellwether-coffee-launches-tip-the-farmer-program/