Farm Markets

Marketing

Marketing is vital if you want to engage with your customers and increase sales. On this page, you’ll find resources to help with creating a marketing plan and a social media strategy, establishing prices, customer research, and things you can do to stand out at your local farmers market.

Marketing for Farmers Markets: Tips and Resources

To start off your farm’s marketing, it’s best to create a marketing plan. The ability to attract and retain customers is key for a successful marketing strategy. One way to do this is with effective branding. Creating a strong online presence is another way to market your farm market.

There are many marketing channels to choose from, but an increasing number of farmers markets are choosing direct marketing. If this is your preferred path too, there are numerous direct marketing outlets to consider and choose from. One advantage of this method of marketing is that you can place higher prices on products.

Whether you’re running a farmers market, roadside stall, or an agritourism business, there are countless opportunities for value-added marketing success. Organic production requires years of planning and research to benefit from the possible increase in selling prices. In the meantime, having another source of income is essential.

Farm Market Customers Research

Marketing research plays a vital role in the development of a marketing strategy and plan.

There are three critical areas of research. These are your target market, your competition, and the industry. It is advisable for small-scale fruit and vegetable growers to research market and customer behavior before planning crop production.

How to Stand Out on Your Local Farmers Market

A roadside stand is a way you can sell your produce in a place with high visibility. However, it’s not an option that suits everyone. Marketing your crop through a roadside farm market requires a great deal of planning.

There has been a 30% increase in the number of farmers markets across Pennsylvania over the last decade. Farmers have their pick of markets to participate in, but this also means the customer can choose what markets they wish to frequent.

You can increase your market day bottom line by evaluating how you plan to sell your products. Get ready for the farmers market season by creating clean, colorful, and consistent signage. Deciding what to bring to market is a fundamental aspect of appealing to the customer and standing out at a farmers market. PA Preferred membership provides a brand identity for the products you grow and produce.

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  1. Do's and Don'ts for Selling at Farmers Markets
    Articles
    Do's and Don'ts for Selling at Farmers Markets
    By Brian F. Moyer
    Thinking of selling your products at a farmers market? There is much more to being a vendor at a market then "pilling it high and watch it fly".
  2. Market Channel Matchmaking
    Webinars

    Free

    Market Channel Matchmaking
    When Watch Now
    Recorded Jan 18, 2022
    Selecting a market channel mix that works for your needs depends on a variety of factors; join us to discuss your options! New and experienced business owners are welcome to attend.
  3. Under the Ground Helps Businesses Grow From Customer Feedback
    News
    Under the Ground Helps Businesses Grow From Customer Feedback
    Date Posted 12/1/2021
    Under the Ground provides businesses with valuable qualitative customer feedback, peer networking, and immersive educational experiences.
  4. Photo Credit: John Wodehouse- Penn State Extension
    News
    Extension Coordinates Successful At-Market Workshop during PA Produce Month 2021
    Date Posted 9/22/2021
    After a "year-off" in the region, this twilight workshop was finally able to be scheduled again and hosted at Eagle Point Farm Market in Trexlertown, PA
  5. Image of a farm market. Image by Martin Winkler from Pixabay.
    Articles
    Results of Ithaca Farm Market Survey
    By Dana Ollendyke, Brian F. Moyer
    The 700-member Farmers Market Federation of New York conducted a survey in 2019 to identify why customer sales were falling at farm markets across the US.
  6. Image of beer bottles. Image by Alexander Lesnitsky from Pixabay.
    Articles
    Selling Alcohol at Farm Markets
    By Carla Snyder, Dana Ollendyke
    If you are interested in selling alcohol at a farm markets, it is imperative to fully understand the rules and applications of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
  7. Image of fruits and vegetables. Photo credit: Dominik & Frederike Schneider from Pixabay.
    Articles
    Farm Market Buzz
    By Dana Ollendyke, Brian F. Moyer
    In marketing any business, you want to use your marketing dollars as wisely as possible.
  8. The Psychographics of Direct To Consumer Sales
    Webinars

    Free

    The Psychographics of Direct To Consumer Sales
    When Watch Now
    Recorded Feb 15, 2019
    Darlene Wolnik focuses on the world of "retail anthropology" and how to understand the demographics and behavior of shoppers.
  9. Image: Pexels
    News
    Looking to Buy Local? Penn State Extension Farm Market Finder Can Help
    Date Posted 5/26/2020
    The Farm Market Finder, an interactive tool developed by Penn State Extension, is aimed at helping Pennsylvania consumers find farmers markets in their area.
  10. Pennsylvania Farm Markets, Attractions, and Experience Finder
    Tools and Apps
    Pennsylvania Farm Markets, Attractions, and Experience Finder
    By Brian F. Moyer, Harry Crissy
    Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for the number of farms we have that sell directly to consumers. You can shop from more than 6,400 farms and enjoy agritourism activities at more than 700 farms.
  11. Farmers Markets: Data Collection and Analysis Webinar
    Webinars

    Free

    Farmers Markets: Data Collection and Analysis Webinar
    When Watch Now
    Recorded May 14, 2019
    Allison Czapp from Buy Fresh Buy Local-Greater Lehigh Valley talks about her experience using Rapid Market Assessment (RMA) techniques to collect customer shopping and demographic data at seven farmers markets in Northampton County.
  12. Image of roadside produce stand. Photo credit: debramillet on Adobe Stock.
    Articles
    Fruits and Vegetables: Roadside Market
    By Dana Ollendyke, Brian F. Moyer
    Are you interested in marketing directly to customers? By offering your farm products at a roadside stand, you may be able to increase your sales and give customers access to fresher products.
  13. Image of fruit market. Photo credit: 272447 on Pixabay.
    Articles
    Types of Farmers Markets
    By Dana Ollendyke, Brian F. Moyer
    There are multiple types of farmers markets. What kind of market do you want to have? Explore how the different types function.
  14. Image of a bus. Photo credit: F.Muhammad on Pixabay.
    News
    "Are You Crazy?!" Visiting Markets in Transition
    Date Posted 4/28/2020
    Each year this tour brings unexpected learning opportunities and beneficial networking connections to its participants.
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