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Subject: Market Farming
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- From: "Ed Clifford" <hmdrawrod AT citlink.net>
- To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
- Subject: Re: Market dumpers attn; PHIL
- Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 17:43:17 -0400
Wow glad you don't gossip, or that "Clown" would be
in for some ear ringing. I don't think there should be restrictions on price
either. One thing a market does have to watch though is someone who doesn't make
a commitment to market, (i.e. 3 weeks out of season). If someone comes in and
collapses price on commodity with a flood of produce that was produced
elsewhere, customers, (some), will expect that price. Also the idea of a farmers
market was to have actual farmers at the market, not wholesalers. Usually if
product is in abundant supply the price will drop from market forces in the
market and outside the market. In a warm summer around here cucumber and tomato
prices drop in late July/early August to levels that make it tempting to feed
them to hogs. The key is to get an early or late crop, that's what makes you a
professional grower. Use your imagination and skill to bring something to market
that that "Clown" will have a tough time matching. Try to bring a few Gourmet
shops and restaurants into your plan.
Originally I thought my revenue would
be from farmer's market, I was wrong. The farmer's market gave me a location to
showcase my product. They advertised, they had a reputation, and a well known
location. That brought customers to me, from there I cultivated relationships
that have proved lucrative. I will always "do" farmer's markets, that is most of
my advertising. I call it advertising because I really don't get a great return
on the time I invest. If I pay for my spot, gas, tolls, and help, I'm happy. I
never undercut, I really don't want to make enemies. That said I am in a
position to "screw someone to the wall" if I had to, as it is not where I get
most of my revenue and I'd be willing to take a loss to prove a point.
The point of talking first to the
perceived offender is good advice. Sometimes it's naivety regarding pricing.
Market manager or a group of leaders should approach in a business-like manner,
not threatening, and discuss. It's really not price fixing. Some people and not
necessarily "New" farmers are willing to pay themselves far below minimum wage
to farm. When people learn that they are worth $15 hr. minimum for labor that
goes into producing crop they will usually agree. Most should aim far
higher.
Ed Clifford
Shale Rock Farm
|
-
Re: Market dumpers attn; PHIL,
Fox Valley Farm, 05/13/2002
- <Possible follow-up(s)>
- Re: Market dumpers attn; PHIL, HackettShark, 05/13/2002
- Re: Market dumpers attn; PHIL, Ed Clifford, 05/13/2002
- Re: Market dumpers attn; PHIL, Liz Pike, 05/14/2002
- Re: Market dumpers attn; PHIL, Fox Valley Farm, 05/14/2002
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