agritourism
University of Vermont surveying growers on visitor access
A survey is being conducted by the University of Vermont (UVM) on how much growers and agriculture operations open their arms for visitors entering their properties. The university is polling U.S. ag operations on how... more »
Market channel assessment
As diversified farmers, we must master not only the production requirements for each of our products but also the strategies for effectively marketing them. The decision on how to sell our products is as crucial... more »
Tour stops revealed for Farm Market Bus Tour 2024
Set to take place on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, the Farm Market Bus Tour 2024 provides an in-depth experience that takes growers to five West Michigan farm markets to learn more about each location’s business... more »
Goebbert’s Farm shares farm market and agritourism business success
Goebbert’s Farm in the northwest Chicago suburbs has been in the farm market business since 1948. Goebbert’s Farm, based in South Barrington, Illinois, sells a large variety of fruit and vegetables, including blackberries, blueberries, grapes,... more »
Common marketing mistakes can hinder success
It is estimated that marketing activities can take up to 30% of your time. If that’s true, we want to make sure we are making the most of our marketing efforts, but there are several... more »
Understanding your market’s shoppers
Gathering customer data is vital for retail farm markets. It helps to understand customer preferences, enhance service offerings and refine marketing strategies to improve the customer experience. But what are the most effective data collection... more »
Farm Market & Agritourism: Complementary markets promote local agriculture
Recently, I attended a regional grower meeting where I gave a presentation on a pilot project collecting pricing data at farmers markets for the USDA. One of the growers made the comment that he thought... more »
Great Lakes EXPO Farm Market Bus Tour offers unique agritourism experience
The highly anticipated annual Farm Market Bus Tour 2024 is set to take place on Monday, Dec. 9, offering a unique opportunity for individuals involved in farm marketing and agritourism. The event is a full-day... more »
Managing increased customer traffic at your farm market
On a recent sunny morning, I visited a well-established farm market to talk with the manager. The parking lot was nearly full and inside the market, there were three registers in operation, and they still... more »
Insights from the 2023 Benchmark Survey of farm markets
Farmers markets and retail farm markets play a crucial role in connecting consumers with locally sourced produce and goods, fostering community engagement and supporting small and medium-scale farmers and artisans. As part of a USDA... more »