Position

Everyone likes to point to “Millennials” as the customer base we must now tailor our products, services, and delivery logistics to satisfy. No doubt, their purchasing preferences have heralded in a demand for more convenience in their shopping options (online versus brick-and-mortar stores), more diversity in their menu selections (nose-to-tail meat options or only plant-based “meat” imitators), and to-their door, in a box, or ready-made meals and kits.

A lot has happened on the farm marketing scene since March 2020. Farmers, processors, and other small businesses have quickly adapted to stay in business in a constantly changing environment of pivoting markets, processing bottlenecks, and government support programs.

Selling in quantity to a buyer who then resells the product. Most agricultural products in the US are sold through wholesale channels. Small farmers may sell wholesale directly to local grocery stores, natural food stores, food service establishments, and food buying co-ops or to buyers who then serve as the middle man in the marketing chain.

Since distribution is the means of getting your product into the hands of your customers, first look at how your competitors’ products are sold. Make a list of any competitors in your marketing area that could compete directly with you for the same list of customers. This list should then be divided into different distribution channels. For example, direct farm markets, farmers’ markets, Internet sales, business-to-business, specialty stores, or niche markets.

Processing For Profits-An Assessment tool and guide for small-scale on-farm food processors This publication addresses product development, manufacturing, understanding the food safety system, labeling, acidified food, FAQs about Maryland’s food regulations, specific Maryland processed farm products, business planning, and marketing for specialty food producers and processors. Any producer interested in the potential and pitfalls of on-farm and value-added food processing will find this new resource helpful in their planning and implementation process.

The first issue (July 2020) of the "Maryland Retail Products Producer News & Notes". In this issue Ginger shares the results of a survey that was conducted.

Are you a small livestock farmer in Maryland wanting to capitalize on your urban location and strong demand for locally produced meats? If so, this web module, Farm to Table Marketing Model for Small Farm Meat Producers, was created specifically for you. This module delivers educational materials developed for several training sessions by educators and professionals who are highly knowledgeable and who are presently engaged in Farm-to-Table production and marketing.