Small Farmer marketing options
Feb 16th, 2009 | By Mayda | Category: Farmer's MarketsCurrently local food consists of a relatively small number of farmers selling direct at farmers markets and via their own CSAs. While this works well, it has limitations as the demand for good local food grown by small farmers increases. I would like to explore new creative ways that farmers can sell direct to consumers.
1. Create new farmers markets in every neighborhood for local sustainably grown food, each with business model to fit the needs of the community.
2. Create new types of sales venues for farmers that address the logistical limitations of traditional farmers’ markets. Perhaps this could be achieved with small local-food-only stores with a format like a farmers market where each farmer has a booth (only without having to be there all the time) . Displayed with the product, would be information on how the product is produced, photos, mailing list sign up and full contact info for the farmer in case the customer wants to get in touch. The idea being that the farmer is always accessible to the consumer. The store could hold events where farmers can come in and meet their customers, talk about the product and establish a face to face relationship.
The proprietors of the store would make sure that the products sold meet the criteria for being local, sustainably grown, etc, much like the role of farmers market managers in a traditional setting. The proprietor would also make sure the farmer is in fact accessible to their customers. The store provides a venue that is convenient to the customer, support staff to the busy farmer.
Comments?
check out what localfoodcleveland just did moments ago on this issue. They are starting a CSA+ that includes a credit account that can be used similar to a credit card with farmers and others part of the network. This sounds remarkably like “Ithaca dollars” This system has flourished in some cities over the years. Early members of Simply Living and supporters of what is now the Clintonville Community Market did and would still like to see this system work here. I think it could but needs a lot of work and dedication to get started.