Source local food via an app

For the last two years, researchers from the Countryside and Community Research Institute, at the University of Gloucestershire, have been working with Marco Della Gala from the University of Calabria to develop this smartphone app, which is available to download for free from iOS and Android app stores.

The app, which was named ‘MiLarder’ via an online Twitter competition, answers the question “where can I buy local fresh products?” It is designed to help consumers research information on local products and tell them where they can find them. They can search the different local food sources in their area, for example farmers’ markets, farms, box schemes, community supported agriculture, food hubs and pick your own, and can view details, such as description, distance and opening times.

Consumers can also find information regarding which farmers are attending a farmers’ market and what products will be available. Information on special events, promotions and other related news can be found on the app and consumers can tell other app users about their local food experiences.

For producers, the app provides the opportunity for free publicity. They can spread the word about their products via the app and insert and update their own data, such as who they are, their production methods, and at which farmers’ markets they can be found and on which days. They can advertise special promotions, update information on their products and use photos to demonstrate them.