Grow With Demand For Local Produce [Opinion]
June 13, 2016 Medium-sized or smaller vegetable growers are often faced with different challenges than larger operations. Those of you producing on a limited number of acres may have to work twice as hard as your large-acre counterparts to market your crops. To help you with your marketing efforts, we have come up with a couple of ideas that could help.
In this issue, we have launched our new publication, American Farm Marketer™ from the editors of American Vegetable Grower®, American Fruit Grower®, Western Fruit Grower®, and Florida Grower® magazines. As the farm-to-table movement is coming into its own, and more people are expressing interest in learning about how their food is produced, farm marketers have an unparalleled opportunity for growth.
The caveat for those small- and medium-sized operations pursuing a retail format is they must be willing to take a few risks along the way and provide the public with what they want. In essence, the goal of American Farm Marketer is to help boost your marketing skills and keep your operation financially healthy.
In this issue, for example, you can learn the ins and outs of hosting a farm-to-table dinner. Some of these events can cost more than $100 per person and often include top-notch chefs, permits, licensing, etc. The goal of hosting one of these events is one shared by virtually all growers: to educate consumers on how their food is grown.
It’s no secret the demand for locally sourced fruits and vegetables is increasing and the supply chain for this type of product is being created, offering opportunities for growers to increase their customer base.
Another new tool that can help you get in front of buyers and boost your customer base is Local Source, an online searchable directory of more than 20,000 growers throughout the U.S.
What is the main benefit for you? Local Source, which is integrated through Blue Book Services, can be a way to get your produce in front of buyers who subscribe to the service looking to fill seasonal gaps. Or perhaps you can serve as a resource for another grower looking to provide local produce to one of its buyers.
American Vegetable Grower’s parent company, Meister Media Worldwide, is working with Blue Book Services to highlight what individual growers can offer through the Local Source directory including location, commodities, acres, and food safety certifications (www.producebluebook.com/local-source-data). Watch American Vegetable Grower for details on how you can be more engaged with Local Source.
The demand for local produce is increasing. Don’t you want to grow with it?
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