Farmers markets, community supported agriculture services, and on-farm sales like u-pick and farm stands are important ways for growers to establish a steady customer base participate in a region’s food system.
Navigating the logistics of these marketing venues can be challenging, and properly planning for direct sales is essential to making these markets profitable.
Our resources can help farmers be better prepared for direct sales, and can help local agriculture advocates support the growth of local markets.
Resources
Resources for Farmers
- Online Direct Marketing Resource Guide
- Researching Markets for Beginning Specialty Crop Growers: Helping growers understand how to approach potential buyers
- New Farmers Guide: Cultivating Success at Farmers Markets
- Guide for Selling Directly to Restaurants and Retailers
Resources for educators, extension and community development specialists
Case Studies
- Specialty Food Markets Small and Mid-Scale Producers: Black Pig Meat Company Profile
- Strategies for Farmers Markets and Small Farm Marketing: Case Studies Overview
- A Case Study of the Davis Farmer's Market: Connecting Farms and Community
- A Case Study of the Laytonville Farmers' Market: A Rural Community Market
- A Case Study of the Stockton Farmers' Market: An Urban Community Market
- Using E-commerce to Add Value to Small Farming Businesses in California
- Direct Marketing with Value-added products (or: "Give me the biggest one of those berry tarts!")
- Direct Marketing to Schools — A New Opportunity for Family Farmers