Market Farming

["Kelly, Debi" <KellyD AT umsystem.edu>]

Here's a publication that may help some, written by Dr. Mary Hendrickson at
the Univ of MO.  She will also be writing a pub for the consumer as well.
Mary has done some great work with local foods and food circles.  You may
want to look through the rest of her site.

http://www.foodcircles.missouri.edu/facetoface.pdf

debi kelly
MAC

Debi Kelly, Project Manager
Missouri Alternatives Center
University of Missouri
531 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
573-882-1905, 800-433-3704 (MO only)
kellyd AT umsystem.edu
http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac

"There's no need to sustain the farm if there's no family to be
sustained upon it."


-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Pike [mailto:pike AT always-online.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2000 12:07 PM
To: market farming
Subject: Re: customer perceptions


I don't believe customers are out to "rip off" farmers.  Over time,
they've been sold a bill of goods that says the cheapest price is
best, everything is negotiable,  small growers/retailers don't need
the money as much as the big boys (overhead is less), etc.   This is
why Walmart  is so popular, yet comes under fire, being blocked by
communities not willing to sell out their way of life.

We as market growers must educate the consumers as to what goes into
producing our produce/flowers/herbs, etc.  As Lucy said, once they
see, they understand, and are willing to support local growers with
their wallets.   We must relieve their wariness by proving our worth.
We can't afford big dollar advertising, but attractive displays, full
bins, free samples, newsletters, recipes, photos, roomy bags, ability
to make change, & especially a "Hello" when they approach our booth
goes a long way to putting a face on what they purchase.  These open
wallets and hearts so much so that  your customers will consider you a
friend!

Liz

PS  In the grocery store yesterday, I ran into 2 customers, older
ladies who had me help them pick out some produce.  Produce manager
watched, then asked if I wanted a job!!  Said I sounded so
knowledgeable--but also wondered why I discouraged the grapes from
Chile!!





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