
Sustainability business models for Agripreneurs
This module consists of the following learning units:



This module will help you:
• Gain competences on how to run a sustainable business, i.e., be able to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and be competitive at a global level in the long run.
• Create an action plan for the restructuring and modernisation of the agri-food sector, so that you can become more competitive, and your farming business can be integrated into supply chains and supermarkets, based on the following questions: “How does my product meet the needs of society?”, “How it affects the environment?” and “How to ensure I organise myself to gain a circular mindset?”.
• Develop a business model designed to your needs, competences and learning styles, so that you can adapt your business to the sensitivities of emerging markets, based on the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, social, and financial.
• Reflect on a business model value proposition for your farming business, i.e., “What is good?”, “What opportunities do I have?” and “What needs to change?”, all seen through a social, economic, and environmental perspectives.
Unit 1 - Sustainable business
With this unit, you will learn about:
• What is a sustainable business from an economic, social, and environmental perspective
• Positioning and differentiation strategies for small farmers – from linear to circular economy
• What European Union (EU)’s sustainability strategies are being adopted in the agri-food sector?

Unit 2 - Sustainable business model
With this unit, you will learn about:
• What is a sustainable business model?
• Why should small farmers create a sustainable business model?
• What key elements should small farmers consider when drafting a sustainable business model?
• How can small farmers validate their sustainable business model?

Unit 3 - Sustainable business model canvas
This learning unit intends to be a guide for small farmers who want to reshape their agribusiness towards a more competitive and sustainable business model, helping them fill in ACORN’s sustainable business model canvas.

Unit 4 - Sustainable business model plan
With this unit, you will learn about:
• What is a sustainable business plan?
• Main differences between a sustainable business model and a sustainable business plan
• How can small farmers validate their sustainable business plan
• How to use the SMART methodology to act as a summary of the sustainable business plan

Unit 5 - Developing the sustainable business plan
With this unit, you will learn about:
• How should small farmers structure their ACORN sustainable business plan?
• How to fill in ACORN’s sustainable business plan template
