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.
-
ArticlesDo's and Don'ts for Selling at Farmers Markets
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". -
WebinarsFree
Retail Farm Market Peer Exchange: Working with Teens
When Watch NowRecorded Jun 30, 2022Learn how to effectively communicate with younger employees and develop motivated teen leaders. -
WorkshopsTwilight At-Market: Weaver's Orchard
Learn from a local farm market how their orchard and retail businesses are successful! -
WebinarsFree
Market Channel Matchmaking
When Watch NowRecorded Jan 18, 2022Selecting 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. -
NewsUnder the Ground Helps Businesses Grow From Customer Feedback
Date Posted 12/1/2021Under the Ground provides businesses with valuable qualitative customer feedback, peer networking, and immersive educational experiences. -
NewsExtension Coordinates Successful At-Market Workshop during PA Produce Month 2021
Date Posted 9/22/2021After 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 -
WorkshopsTwilight At-Market: Eagle Point Farm Market
Learn from a local farm market how their retail and wholesale marketing makes their business successful! -
ArticlesResults of Ithaca Farm Market Survey
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. -
ArticlesSelling Alcohol at Farm Markets
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. -
ArticlesFarmers Market Customer Counts: How and Why
By tracking the number of customers who attend your market, you can easily map out your growth. -
ArticlesFarm Market Buzz
In marketing any business, you want to use your marketing dollars as wisely as possible. -
WebinarsFree
The Psychographics of Direct To Consumer Sales
When Watch NowRecorded Feb 15, 2019Darlene Wolnik focuses on the world of "retail anthropology" and how to understand the demographics and behavior of shoppers. -
NewsLooking to Buy Local? Penn State Extension Farm Market Finder Can Help
Date Posted 5/26/2020The Farm Market Finder, an interactive tool developed by Penn State Extension, is aimed at helping Pennsylvania consumers find farmers markets in their area. -
Tools and AppsPennsylvania Farm Markets, Attractions, and Experience Finder
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. -
WebinarsFree
Retail Metrics for Farmers and Markets Webinar
When Watch NowRecorded Apr 15, 2019Nothing about the design of a retail space should be sacred. -
WebinarsFree
Farmers Markets: Data Collection and Analysis Webinar
When Watch NowRecorded May 14, 2019Allison 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. -
ArticlesFruits and Vegetables: Roadside Market
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. -
ArticlesTypes of Farmers Markets
There are multiple types of farmers markets. What kind of market do you want to have? Explore how the different types function. -
News"Are You Crazy?!" Visiting Markets in Transition
Date Posted 4/28/2020Each year this tour brings unexpected learning opportunities and beneficial networking connections to its participants.




