At a Glance
Location: Poland
Impact Areas: Sustainable Income and Agriculture
People Supported:
Smallholder Farmers and Producers
Joined NESsT Portfolio:
2021
Overview
Fundacja Targ Pietruszkowy brings local organic products directly to Krakow-based customers through its biweekly agricultural markets and online store. Its organic products are sourced from 70 small farmers, most of whom own less than 3 hectares of land.
A priority of Fundacja Targ Pietruszkowy is to organize events to educate the public about the environmental benefits of locally-sourced foods and the nutritional gains of seasonal produce. The social enterprise aims to introduce customers to the local food suppliers and provide resources to help customers reduce their carbon footprint and make more informed purchasing decisions. Targ Pietruszkowy also plans to support farmers with information and tools to improve their sales strategy and online presence.
To keep carbon emissions low, Targ Pietruszkowy works only with suppliers based within 150 km from Krakow. The social enterprise screens each supplier to ensure that they are eco-certified and asks them to sign consent forms that ban the use of pesticides or synthetic food additives on their products. Through its laboratory research program, Targ Pietruszkowy also conducts random quality testing to maintain the quality of its food products.
Results & Impact
160
small farmers and producers livelihoods improved
50%
suppliers supported are women
300+
marginalized individuals impacted
“
With NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship’s support, we seek to scale up our online presence and develop our delivery service. I am looking forward to being part of a community of social entrepreneurs where we can learn and inspire each other.
”
NESsT Investment
In the next one to three years, the Foundation seeks to grow its customer base and to increase its number of online orders, with goals to create a franchise and enter into other Polish cities. NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship’s investment will support Targ Pietruszkowy to upgrade its technological infrastructure to prepare for increases in digital sales.
In addition, NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship will financially support Targ Pietruszkowy to purchase equipment such as delivery vehicles that will help the social enterprise to sustain its growth and provide tailored business assistance to support Targ Pietruszkowy to navigate new markets.