| | What is farm direct marketing? | Trends affecting farm direct marketing | Types of farm direct marketing | Checklist: Have you got what it takes to be a direct marketer? | Critical success factors for direct marketers | References
The purpose of this factsheet series is to help producers and processors understand the key elements needed to manage a business. This factsheet discusses some of the basic components and strategies of farm direct marketing agricultural products and services. For the purpose of this factsheet, it is assumed that all local food product sales occur within the province of Alberta. Any sales outside the province must follow federal regulations.
Today, most food moves from the farm gate to the consumer through a highly efficient system that takes advantage of economies of scale and specialization to keep processing and distribution costs low. Most producers devote their time to what they know best, planting, growing and harvesting food, leaving the processing and marketing to agri-business. However, selling directly to consumers is growing in popularity with some producers.
Several reasons account for the increased interest in farm direct marketing. One is dissatisfaction with farm commodity prices. The farm price is often only a fraction of the retail food price. Prices for produce sold directly to consumers can be substantially higher than typical wholesale prices. Another reason is that producers value the relationships they form with the consumers, as well as the opportunity to receive immediate feedback on their products. Consumers value the fresh, quality products along with the opportunity to support local producers.
According to the Alternative Agricultural Markets in Alberta, 2012 report and the National Farmer’s Market Impact Study (2009) consumers are looking for freshness and product quality. They visit Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets to purchase fresh, in-season, locally produced products and enjoy the social atmosphere. Farm direct consumers support local farmers and food producers, artisans and the community. The combined market value for farmers' markets and farm retail in Alberta is $878 million, up from an estimated $625 million in 2008.
Farm direct marketing provides a link between urban consumers and rural food producers. It also contributes to the rural economy by providing alternative marketing channels. Less and less of our population lives on or even visits a farm. By adding a recreational component to food consumption, many farm direct marketing enterprises draw urban people to farm communities where they experience a farm atmosphere and spend additional dollars on food, specialty items and other services. This supports sustainable communities.
What is Farm Direct Marketing?
The basis of farm direct marketing is the trust relationship that develops between producers and consumers. Farm direct marketing allows the producer to assume the accountability and rewards of delivering quality agri-food products directly to the consumer through a variety of marketing channels such as farmers’ markets and farm gate sales. Successful farm direct marketing involves consistently supplying quality products in a clean and customer-friendly environment.
There are many regulations that apply to farm direct marketing agricultural products and services. Refer to the Farm Direct Marketing: Know the Regulations booklet series ( included in the "Other Documents in the Series" section at the bottom of this page) for more information on federal and provincial regulations. For business information, log onto Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website at and search Bizinfo.
There are essential pieces of information that all farm direct marketers should develop and use to help promote their businesses. They are:
- business cards
- price lists
- product information sheets that list the varieties grown and provide some basic information about how the products are grown, quantities and quality
- preparation tips and/or recipes
- website
Any written information given to customers should also contain your business name, contact information and logo. This keeps your business identity foremost in the consumers’ minds.
Trends Affecting Farm Direct Marketing
Consumers want to know where their food comes from, how it is grown and the people who produce it. A growing number of health-conscious consumers are willing to search out and pay extra for foods they believe to be fresh, nutritious and wholesome. Others are interested in eating regional cuisine – local food that is picked and prepared at its freshest. This trend is reflected in foodservice as an increased demand for old-fashioned, comfort foods with a gourmet twist. These consumer demands are driving farm direct marketing.
Consumers are concerned about:
- convenience – great tasting foods to be consumed on the go
- family – they want family friendly activities in which everyone can participate
- community – they support local business
- balance – they want balance between work and family
- authenticity – they look for the simpler things in life
- security – they want to deal with people they know and trust
As consumers look for convenience, health, flavour and fun, we see the emergence of new markets:
- baby boomers
- individuals
- blended families
- health correction, e.g. weight loss
- ethnic, e.g. Asian, Italian
- organic
- students
- vacation home owners/fun seekers
Producers have an opportunity to target their products to meet the needs of these niche markets.
Types of Farm Direct Marketing
Many farm direct marketing options are available to producers. Seasonal roadside stands or farm stores, u-pick operations, community-supported agriculture ventures and Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets are all direct to consumer marketing options. Municipal buying clubs, ag tourism ventures, u-fish operations, gift basket and mail order sales, e-commerce and direct sales to restaurants (where we assume the chef is the end user) also fit into this category. A brief overview of each of these options is presented below.
Note: This factsheet assumes all sales are in Alberta. Any sales outside the province must adhere to federal regulations. It’s important to follow safe food handling practices from production and processing through marketing and consumption.
Roadside stands or farm stores
The roadside stand is usually located on the farm and sells farm fresh products directly to consumers. It is seasonal in nature, operating only when produce is available. A farm store is a larger, permanent version of the roadside stand that may operate year-round. The farm store may be located on the farm or on a nearby site, offering better access and greater traffic volume.
Roadside stands and farm stores offer several opportunities:
- expansion from a roadside stand to a farm store is relatively simple
- increased opportunity for family or local employment
- increased opportunity for additional profit centres such as in-store bakeries, foodservice, gift shop, etc.
Challenges include:
- farm stores have higher operating costs, including facility costs
- possible zoning and planning restrictions
- parking limitations
U-pick operations
In u-pick operations, the customer comes to the farm, does the harvesting, pays cash for the produce harvested and transports it home. This type of operation is a natural addition to a roadside stand. It lowers the grower’s costs of harvesting, sorting, packaging and marketing. The customer buys produce at peak freshness while enjoying a pleasant farm experience. Operations located close to urban centres are particularly popular.
Frequently, u-picks also offer a we-pick service where the grower harvests the produce at the request of the customer. This is advantageous for customers who want to come to the farm for the experience and the fresh produce, but don’t want to be involved in the harvest.
U-pick operations offer several opportunities:
- reduced need for seasonal harvest labour
- elimination of transportation, processing, packaging and storage costs
- inexpensive, word-of-mouth advertising once a customer base is established
Challenges include:
- risk of customer damage to produce or plants
- long hours of operation throughout the harvest season
- bad weather may deter customers during the season
- variable start date – must let customers know when harvest is ready
Community supported agriculture (CSA)
Community supported agriculture consists of a partnership between consumers and producers in which consumers contract or buy shares in farm products in advance and producers commit to supply a range of products over the entire season. Often, consumers have the option to participate in planting, cultivation and harvest. The arrangement can be initiated by the producer or by a group of consumers.
CSA offers several opportunities:
- the risk of crop failure is shared between consumers and producer
- a guaranteed market as crop is pre-sold before growing season starts
- working capital is created at planting time
- prices are close to retail if the producer makes deliveries to a central drop off point or the consumers’ homes
- reduced labour costs if consumers help with planting, harvesting and delivery
- crop waste is reduced through market driven production
Challenges include:
- increased management requirements due to yield calculations, co-ordination of deliveries, and detailed production and marketing records
- increased time necessary to identify and develop customer base
- more time spent educating and communicating with consumers
Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are probably the oldest and most common form of marketing direct to the consumer. The markets are usually situated in a central location and provide a place where producers and consumers can meet to exchange products that are made, baked or grown by the seller.
Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market vendors usually share advertising and other marketing costs. However, product liability insurance is still recommended. The Alberta Farmers’ Market Association offers a group policy that meets the basic needs of each member market and vendor.
Farmers’ markets often serve as business incubators or test markets for start-up processors. Food vendors selling at Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets have unique status under the Public Health Act and Food Regulation. Food products sold at all other venues such as public markets, flea markets and farm stores do not qualify for the same exemptions. Vendors should contact Alberta Health Services for specific information.
Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets offer several opportunities:
- minimal marketing, packaging, advertising and promotion costs
- prices are higher than wholesale
- an established market base
- an inexpensive channel to test market new products
Challenges include:
- the need to transport products to market
- limited consumer volume per site and a potential need for additional market outlets
- variable customer base due to weather conditions
- food safety concerns in delivering perishable products at the right temperature and in food-safe containers
- having to follow market rules and regulations including table rental requirements, market hours, space and product limitations, and packaging and labelling regulations
Common features
The previous four farm direct marketing methods have some common opportunities and challenges.
The opportunities include:
- immediate cash payment
- a test market that allows farmers to start small and learn marketing skills as they go
- one-on-one customer contact provides immediate feedback on product quality, quantity and selection
- personal customer interaction provides the opportunity for customer education and promotion of the total farm experience
The challenges are:
- washroom and parking requirements
- increased costs for sales and supervisory labour
- a need for clearly defined rules, regulations and obligations for producer and consumers
- increased liability costs as the farmer needs to ensure coverage for his product and people by not just assuming coverage under another policy such as the basic farm policy or the farmers’ market policy
- a need to develop a recall plan and an inventory control system that allows the producer to track both production and sales to provide protection through all steps of the process (production to marketing)
Municipal buying clubs
Municipal buying clubs are a marketing concept whereby the producer selects a target group of urban consumers who work in the same office building(s) or live in the same area. Product is pre-sold and delivered to consumers at a common location, on specific dates. Trust and respect is earned by providing a consistent, quality product on time. This method offers the opportunity to turn summer Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market customers into buying club members during the winter. Producers need to check the licensing and regulation requirements for the municipalities they are selling from and into.
Municipal buying clubs offer several opportunities:
- prices are close to retail because the producer makes deliveries to a central drop off point
- waste is reduced through market driven production because farmers only produce what is ordered
- there are minimum order and per pound delivery charges
- to connect with and educate customers
Challenges include:
- the increased time necessary to identify and develop customer base
- crop failure may result in loss of customers
- increased liability insurance coverage
- increased labour costs to ensure product is harvested at specific times
- increased delivery and equipment costs, e.g. coolers, etc.
Ag tourism
Busy urbanites are seeking places to go for rural recreation and learning vacations. School groups are looking to the country for educational field trips. Producers are capitalizing on this by providing opportunities for people to experience farm life. Examples include visiting a milking operation, watching sheep shearing and touring an herb garden. They are also offering hay rides, corn mazes, cross country skiing on farm trails, petting zoos for the kids, school tours, special event days and seasonal festivals. Consider charging an admission fee for special activities.
Turning your farm into a rural attraction isn’t something that happens overnight. Start by adding a shaded picnic area to your roadside stand. Expand your farm store or u-pick operation by adding new products or services to attract customers. Bakeries or restaurants, contests, hay rides, farm vacations and crafts will all attract new customers. Several farms can work together to create a destination stop for tourists.
Be prepared to put lots of time and energy into entertaining your customers. Part of the attraction for your customers is meeting the producer. So, if you don’t like people or aren’t a natural showman, think twice before getting involved in ag tourism.
Ag tourism offers several opportunities to:
- tap into new markets
- drive retail sales
- increase the likelihood of farm succession
Challenges include:
- higher capital costs
- additional labour costs, including a customer service focused staff training program
- more insurance coverage, licenses and permits
- increased costs for promotion and marketing
- large time commitment
- charging an admission fee
- constant upgrading and changing of activities, programs and facilities
- compliance with municipal and provincial regulations
U-fish operations
In u-fish operations, customers come to the farm to catch fish in a private lake, pond or dugout that has been licensed by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. Customers who catch fish pay either by the pound or a flat hourly rate. Many operators have a “keep everything you catch” rule to prevent release mortalities. In most instances, a u-fish operation is additional income for a producer who raises fish for stocking purposes or the table food market.
Anglers at these private ponds do not require a provincial sport fishing license. However, when transporting fish, anglers must be able to produce a receipt detailing the date, quantity and species of fish being transported, the fish culture license number and a signature.
U-fish operations provide additional services such as rental equipment, supplies, camping facilities or other activities to round out the outdoor experience.
U-fish offers several opportunities:
- the promotion of fishing as a recreational activity
- a market for fish that are too large for the fingerling market
- a chance to educate customers about aquaculture
- easy access, affordable fees and high success rates
Challenges include:
- raising healthy fish in the closed environment of a private lake, pond or dugout
- government licensing and other regulations associated with aquaculture
Gift baskets and mail order
Note: This factsheet assumes all sales are within Alberta. Any sales outside the province must adhere to federal regulations. Although true for any of the direct marketing channels, it is particularly true for the following three methods (gift baskets and mail orders, e-commerce and direct sales to restaurants) as they are more likely to cross provincial and/or international borders.
This method of marketing can be a sideline to a farm store or operate on its own. Since both gift basket and mail order sales are built on repeat business, it may take years to build a substantial income. Start slowly by offering gift basket or mail order sales in addition to existing market outlets. Gift baskets work best with products that can be attractively displayed. Often price isn’t as important as quality and uniqueness. Mail order items are usually non-perishable products that can be easily packaged and shipped. Both options require high quality products, packaging and customer service.
An alternative to developing your own mail order business is to sell your product through the catalogues of other mail order companies. Products are sold at a discount, but you avoid the costs and risks associated with starting your own mail order business. Mail order gift packages can also be offered to corporations or hotels for use with their clients or employees.
Gift baskets and mail order sales offer several opportunities:
- premium price is the norm as prices range from one-and-one-half to several times wholesale or even retail prices for the same product (product must support at least 100 per cent mark up)
- low capital investment
Challenges include:
- significant time required to build client base
- seasonal, with Christmas usually a peak time
- computerized mailing list and customer purchase tracking capability needed
- distribution and delivery of product from a rural location
E-commerce
E-commerce is a marketing tool that uses the internet to market goods and services around the world. It can create a new market for products and services. It provides another medium to do market research and find out about the competition. It can create customer awareness and allow growth for a relatively low investment.
Website promotion is critical. The domain name or website address should be displayed on all business correspondence, including business cards, brochures, newsletters and letterhead. It should also be on all advertising. It is important to choose a domain name that has a marketing message and is easy to remember.
For additional information about e-commerce for farm direct marketed products, please refer to: How to Direct-Market Farm Products on the Internet, United States Department of Agriculture. December 2002.
For more information or for a printed copy of the publication, contact:
United States Department Agriculture
Room 2646 S, Stop 0269, 1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250
Telephone: 202-720-8317
E-commerce offers several opportunities:
- allows customers to browse at their convenience
- creates a new source of sales
- expands the services offered
- gain new business identity
- test market new products at a low cost
- scan products, services and prices quickly
- capitalize on an existing customer base
- lower overhead and labour costs
Challenges include:
- customers can’t smell the food or touch the produce
- market research is required in order to identify your target customer as only certain types of customers prefer e-commerce
- handling inquiries or complaints quickly and efficiently
- customers feel more secure if there is an office location and mailing address listed on the website
- a need to set up a secure payment file so that customers can pay online
- special packaging, shipping, advertising and labour costs
- computerized mailing list and customer purchase tracking capability needed
Common features
The previous two farm direct marketing methods have some common opportunities and challenges.
The opportunities are:
- rural locations can have access to an international marketplace
The challenges are:
- special packaging, shipping, advertising and labour costs
- products must ship well and have a long shelf life
- national and international regulations
Direct sales to restaurants
In this method of farm direct marketing, the producer is selling to the chef who, for the purpose of this factsheet, is assumed to be the end-user. Chefs are increasingly willing to buy direct from producers in order to find unique products or items that are difficult to purchase from distributors. Although some restaurants buy directly from producers hoping to get a lower price, chefs working for high-end restaurants are often willing to pay top dollar for hard-to-find items. For the very best producers, prices may be high enough to justify the expense of delivering products directly to the restaurant.
Products must be of top quality, fresh and available as needed. Specialty products, which aren’t available in wholesale markets, are top sellers. Chefs also consider price, consistency and reliability of supply and delivery.
Selling direct to restaurants offers several opportunities:
- a steady market throughout the production season
- a consistent price, often 10 to 30 per cent over wholesale
- personal contact with buyer
- flexibility in the products grown
- potential of brand name recognition of locally grown products
Challenges include:
- location is most practical if it is near a large urban centre or tourist area
- a wide variety and quantity of products is needed to meet market demand, meaning producers may have to specialize in one or two products, or co-operate/joint market with other producers to meet demand
- short-seasoned products may not fit with every restaurant or chef’s needs, so it’s important to discuss availability and reliable supply of products with chefs
- frequent delivery is required due to limited storage space in restaurant kitchens
- food safety concerns are associated with delivering perishable products at the right temperature and in food-safe containers
- product liability insurance premiums may outweigh the profits
- higher labour costs with some products
Checklist: Have You Got What it Takes to be a Direct Marketer?
Personal qualifications:
| q | I am friendly and outgoing. |
| q | I like to meet people. |
| q | I welcome visitors to my farm and am happy to answer their questions. |
| q | I have the support and encouragement of my family. |
| q | I am willing to work long hours seven days a week during the peak season. |
| q | I am not afraid to take risks. |
| q | I take pride in my product and I'm not shy about saying so. |
| q | I am flexible, independent, creative and thrifty. |
Production capabilities:
| q | I have the necessary knowledge about production methods and techniques. |
| q | I know who my target clients are and what they want. |
| q | I will be able to supply the variety, quantity and quality of products my customers want. |
Merchandising and marketing savvy:
| q | I know how to develop a marketing strategy. |
| q | I understand my target market and utilize appropriate marketing tools (i.e. business cards, customer lists, public relations, cross promotions, networking). |
| q | I have a working knowledge of retail selling. |
| q | I understand the principles of merchandising. |
| q | There is demand for the products I plan to sell. |
| q | I have a unique product. |
| q | There is room for another direct market outlet in my area. |
| q | I can work with neighbouring farms to co-operatively market our products and our region. |
Logistics:
| q | I have the space and location for a farm direct marketing operation. |
| q | I have adequate space for parking. |
| q | There is convenient access to the farm. |
| q | There is sufficient traffic near the farm to generate business. |
Business factors:
| q | I have sufficient capital available to construct facilities and acquire equipment. |
| q | I have completed a feasibility assessment and a projected cash flow. |
| q | Farm direct marketing activities complement my farm production possibilities. |
| q | I have good financial management practices (product costing, pricing, budgeting, cash flow and record keeping). |
Other considerations:
| q | I utilize appealing display techniques to enhance my image at markets. |
| q | I set prices to cover costs and make a profit, but consider market demand and competitor prices. |
| q | I offer good customer service to obtain repeat business. |
| q | I maintain good quality control measures for products sold. |
| q | I set aside adequate time to hire and train friendly, knowledgeable staff. |
Critical Success Factors for Direct Marketers
Site location:
| q | Visible from a distance. |
| q | Easily accessible for the traveling customer. |
| q | Within a reasonable distance from market and other farm direct marketing operators. |
| q | Safe entrance and exit. |
| q | Ample, accessible, well-drained and safe parking. |
| q | Customer-friendly site layout. |
| q | Satisfactory lighting. |
Signage:
| q | Directional signs on major highways and at key intersections. |
| q | Professionally done and well maintained. |
| q | Easy to read (simple logo, good white space, no more than 10 words and good colour combinations). |
| q | Hours per day and days of operation indicated on farm gate sign. |
Amenities:
| q | Sufficient numbers of clean, accessible washrooms. |
| q | Landscaping, curb appeal. |
| q | Rest areas, meeting points and covered shelters. |
| q | Food and drink sales provided. |
| q | Safety and first aid. |
Regulations:
| q | Check legal restrictions limiting the type of operation. |
| q | Know zoning and building regulations. |
| q | Check health regulations with Regional Health Authority/Public Health Inspector. |
| q | Obtain business licenses. |
| q | Check production and labeling guidelines with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). |
| q | Know commodity regulations affecting the type of products produced or sold. |
| q | Review signage regulations with Alberta Transportation. |
| q | Obtain labour regulations such as: Worker's Compensation, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (GST, Income Tax and Business Number), Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance. |
| q | Arrange liability insurance, both product and business. |
References
Alternative Agricultural Markets in Alberta 2008. Report.
National Farmers’ Market Impact Study (2009). Report. Farmers’ Market Canada. Available from: Alberta Farmers’ Market Association, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6.
Marketing on the Edge – A Marketing Guide for Progressive Producers. Canadian Farm Business Management Council and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 2002. ISBN: 1-894148-68-1.
Trends & Drivers Within Alberta Foodservice. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. May 2002.
Direct Marketing. Business Management Series. Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA). Fayetteville, Arkansas. November 1999.
Direct Farm Marketing and Tourism Handbook. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Arizona Department of Agriculture. 1995. Available on-line in Adobe Acrobat format at http://ag.arizona.edu/arec/pubs/dmkt/dmkt.html
Sell What You Sow! The Grower’s Guide to Successful Produce Marketing. Gibson, Eric. New World Publishing. Auburn, California. 1994. ISBN: 0-9632814-0-2.
Resources
For general agriculture business information, contact the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development publications are available online or from the Publications Office at 780-427-0391.
Alberta Agriculture resources
Alberta Agri-preneur Newsletter. A quarterly newsletter produced by Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development providing timely, incisive and creative ideas for the agriculture entrepreneur. Available in hard copy by calling (780) 349-4466.
Ag-Strategies factsheet series. A series of factsheets to help producers understand the key elements needed to manage a business. Additional factsheets in this series are included in the "Other Documents in the Series" section at the bottom of this page. This series also includes:
Ag-Alternatives factsheet series. A series of factsheets to help producers evaluate the feasibility of new agricultural or rural based businesses. This series includes:
Direct Marketing Profits series. A series of three factsheets providing profit planning information for specific farm direct marketing enterprises. This series includes:
Agri-Tourism factsheets. A series of factsheets for producers interested in agritourism ventures. This series includes:
Other resources
How to Direct-Market Farm Products on the Internet. United States Department of Agriculture. December 2002.
The New Farmers' Market - Farm Fresh Ideas for Producers, Managers and Communities. Vance Corum, Marcie Rosenzweig and Eric Gibson. New World Publishing, Auburn CA. 2001. ISBN: 0-9632814-2-9.
Shared Farming: Towards a Sustainable Community (video). PFRA. 1992. Available from Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration offices throughout Alberta.
Associations
Alberta Farmers’ Market Association
PO Box 69071
13040 137 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5L 5E3
Telephone: 1.866.754.2362
Fax: 780.669.5779
Email: info@albertamarkets.com
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association
Box 20 Site 3 RR!
Okotoks, AB T1S 1A1
Telephone: (other than AB toll free calls) 403.558.0189
Fax: 1.866.802.8059
Email: info@albertafarmfresh.com
Alberta toll-free: 1-800-661-2642
Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association
#200, 10331 – 178 Street
Edmonton, AB T5S 1R5
Telephone: 780.489.1991
Toll Free Phone: 1.800.378.3198
Fax: 780.444.2152
Alberta Aquaculture Association
R.R. 1, Site 3, Box 26Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5E1
Telephone: 403-342-5206
Fax: 403-342-2646
E-mail: info@smokeytroutfarm.com
North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA)
62 White Loaf Road
Southampton, MA USA 01073
Telephone: 1-888-884-9270
Local phone: 413.529.0386
Fax: 413.233.4285
Directories
Alberta Farmers’ Markets. This is an annual listing of markets, dates, times, locations and market contact phone number. Available annually online at www.sunnygirl.ca
Come to Our Farms – Where to Find Alberta Berry and Vegetable Farms. Available annually from Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association at 1-800-661-AMGA (2642).
Dine Alberta: This on-line directory contains information for producers wanting to sell directly to restaurants, for restaurants wanting to buy from producers, and for consumers who want to eat locally. It also contains a list of participating restaurants.
For more information:
Contact the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276) and ask to be connected to a New Venture Coach.
For more information on developing your business, go to the Alberta Agriculture website Biz Info – Starting and Growing a Business link .
Websites
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Area. This service provides information and other technical assistance to producers, ranchers, extension agents, educators and others involved in sustainable agriculture in the United States.
Source: Agdex 845-6. Revised June 2013. |
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