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Marketing Have you ever heard the phrase, "Be a price maker, not a price taker?" That pretty much sums up the philosophy--and necessity--for most organic producers. For them, marketing is not a passive process. They don't take their grain or tomatoes to the local elevator or auction barn and take what they can get. They research markets before the season begins. They actively seek buyers, negotiate contracts, build relationships with wholesalers, consumers and other farmers, and investigate innovative storage and processing options. Most organic producers recommend diversified cropping and marketing strategies that include a mix of direct, wholesale and institutional sales. And the options are many. Vegetable, fruit and meat producers direct market their products through farmers' markets, CSA operations, internet sales, restaurant and retail sales, and more. They add value through packaging and processing. They take advantage of the increasing opportunities for wholesale and institutional sales. And grain growers, in particular, are taking advantage of lucrative international markets. Browse through the resources in this section to help you explore marketing options and develop strategies for getting the most value from your farm products. Organic Buyers | Deciding What To Raise | Direct and Retail Sales | Institutional Sales International Markets | Cooperatives | Marketing Information and Data Negotiating Contracts | Value-Added Enterprises | Wholesale Sales
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