Crowdfunding and the transition of the agriculture and food industry. An approach through various dimensions of proximity

Drawing on data from three specialized crowdfunding platforms and on semi-structured interviews conducted with project leaders located in the French Jura Arc region, we examine the role of this financing mechanism in the transition of the agri-food system. We draw in particular on proximity theory (Torre, 2018) to show that while so-called “social” proximity (ties of family, friendship, or networks) plays a decisive role in the success of crowdfunding campaigns, geographical proximity does not appear to be a determining factor in the decision to resort to crowdfunding or in the success of these campaigns. Our exploratory study also suggests that other forms of proximity (institutional or organizational) may influence the actors’ approaches. Finally, family and friendly support remains central, whereas the effect of any “geographical neighborhood” appears much more limited.