Food Trends All Farmers Should Know To Grow

In my role, I spend a lot of time talking to both farmers and eaters. Lately, I’ve noticed a few trends in both spaces. Our customers have the same concerns, and several of our farm partners have used similar strategies to build deeper connections with their customers and grow their businesses. If you want to put down more roots in your community in 2025 (pun intended), here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Watch These Latest Food Trends

1. Health – Customers are really focused on health right now. They want to know about the nutritional benefits of their food and how what they’re eating impacts not just their physical health but their mental health too. It’s probably no coincidence that Gen Z is skipping alcohol and spending more on therapy just as scientists are learning more about the gut-brain connection and how what we eat changes our risk of anxiety and depression.

2. Sustainability – Customers have become eco-conscious since the COVID-19 pandemic, and they’re looking closely at their footprints — including the impact the food they buy and the farms they support can have on the planet. Here at The FruitGuys, we’ve seen more interest in regeneratively farmed fruit and snacks in compostable packaging and more farmers talking about their sustainable practices.

3. Transparency – Last but not least, people want to know where their dollars are going, and they care whether they’re supporting a family farm or a huge food corporation. They want to support small local businesses even if that means spending more.

Make The Trends Work for You

Farmers are naturally set up to take advantage of these food trends. You have a healthy product, and you’re probably already using sustainable practices — now, you just need to talk about them. Doing that in the right way can help you build a deeper connection with your current customers and attract new ones.

So what’s the right way? If you grow berries, talk about their high antioxidant content. If you focus on citrus, share all of the ways Vitamin C is good for the body. (A recent study showed eating an orange a day can help prevent depression.) Do you grow heirloom crops? Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? Follow organic practices even though you aren’t certified? Spread the word.

It’s also important to share the story behind your farm and why you do what you do. Make sure your logo and packaging are consistent and that you’re communicating your values and priorities to customers. Sharing behind-the-scenes photos and relatable stories on social media can help you stand out, too.

As you put this communication out there, remember to meet your customers where they are. Making time for face-to-face meetings at markets or on-farm pickups can help you build relationships and connections with your clients. Can’t do in-person markets or meet-ups? No problem. You can use social media, your website, or even email to keep your customers posted on how the season is going, which products you have available, and what they can look forward to.

Final Tip: Be Authentic

No matter which method you use to connect with your customers, being authentic and transparent is key. Answer questions honestly, and if you aren’t sure about an answer, don’t be afraid to say, “I’ll look into that and get back to you.” Being proactive and getting in front of potential issues is key as well. For example, if your customers love your snap peas but a storm took them out, let them know right away so they’re not surprised at the next farmers’ market.

If you keep these trends in mind and focus on growing relationships alongside your crops, your farm will have a leg up for the rest of 2025.