Pricing

The purpose of regulations and licensing for food processing. Is to ensure the safety of the food supply and oversee commerce. Food processing standards and regulations vary widely based on the type of food being considered and the scale of the operation.

A growing number of natural and specialty food stores, chef-owned restaurants, and even some larger grocery store chains are actively purchasing locally grown food products. Farmers need to keep informed about trends in the food industry to fully utilize this outlet.

While the Internet plays an important role in business today, its significance is about to explode. According to a recent survey by International Data Corporation, sales influenced by the Internet, either purchased online or directly influenced by research conducted on the Internet, account for 17% of all sales in the U.S. According to Jupiter Communication, US online consumers will spend in excess of $632 billion in off-line channels as a direct result of research that they conduct on the Web in 2005, dwarfing the $199 billion that consumers will actually spend on the Internet.

Any marketing method whereby farmers sell their products directly to consumers. Examples include roadside stands, farm stands, U-pick operations, community-supported agriculture or subscription farming, farmers' markets, etc. Growers who market their products directly to customers usually receive a higher price than those who sell wholesale.

Producers often think of their sales in terms of marketing outlets - farmers markets, CSA shares, farm stands, restaurants and institutions, and retail outlets. But there is also substantial sales potential with clients that may be using alternative forms of payment. These include EBT cards with SNAP benefits, senior coupons, market bucks, or other market incentives to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Agritourism refers to the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation. Agri-tourism is increasingly popular in farming communities near urban areas.

Maryland enterprise budgets for 2024 are based on average yields and estimated input costs, which may vary from one farm to another. It is important to include actual farm data when completing enterprise budgets.

Ag Commodity Markets: Review and Outlook

Crop budgets vary greatly by operation! Prices and cost estimates are averages collected from retailers across the state. Input prices will vary by crop, management, region, varieties, and other criteria and may not be reflective of YOUR true costs.

The Trending Enterprises in Maryland Module contains resources for trending enterprises in Maryland.