Contract floral cultivation and farmer engagement: quality, risk, and assortment management

This article presents the results of an analysis of contract farming mechanisms in the floristry sector, focusing on a management strategy aligned with the demand profile of the wholesale distribution base. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating small farms into wholesale distribution networks through hybrid contract models that simultaneously improve product quality and reduce operational risks. The methodological framework combines a systematic review of current literature, the application of the SCOR model to identify operational bottlenecks, and an in}depth case study of the author’s floral trade company — Individual Entrepreneur Oreshin, a regional market leader. The results demonstrate that integrating predictive demand analytics with proprietary cold storage solutions reduces post}harvest losses by 20% and stabilizes product availability in the face of pronounced market volatility. The conclusion highlights the role of «moral contracts» as a mechanism for supporting long}term sustainability in agribusiness. The findings have practical value for agribusiness executives, logistics specialists, and supply chain management experts working in the perishable goods segment.