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. 10 Common Marketing Mistakes
    Articles
    10 Common Marketing Mistakes
    By Brian F. Moyer
    We want to make sure we are making the most of our marketing efforts, but there are several common mistakes that can hinder success.
  2. Expanding Your Retail Farm Market
    Webinars

    Free

    Expanding Your Retail Farm Market
    When 02/19/2025
    Length 30 minutes
    Event Format Virtual | Live
    Learn innovative strategies for attracting customers, boosting sales, and strengthening community ties. Featuring real-world insights from Plum Creek Farm Market and Creamery.
  3. Who is Shopping at Your Market?
    Articles
    Who is Shopping at Your Market?
    By Brian F. Moyer
    Collecting customer information and data is crucial for retail farm markets to understand customer preferences, improve service offerings, and enhance marketing strategies and the customer experience.
  4. Food for Profit: Entering the World of Instagram
    Webinars

    Free

    Food for Profit: Entering the World of Instagram
    When 10/10/2024
    Length 30 minutes
    Event Format Virtual | Live
    Are you a food entrepreneur, looking to boost your business presence and profitability? Register for our webinar to learn how leveraging Instagram can help!
  5. Owners of Fifers Orchards speak with Bus Tour participants. Photo by Miranda Harple
    Articles
    Retail Farm Market Tour Highlights
    in 2023, the Farm Market Bus Tour visited markets across Delaware to helps farm market owners and staff stay current, competitive, and connected in today’s local food marketplace.
  6. Tips from the Road: Retail Farm Market Bus Tour Highlights
    Webinars

    Tips from the Road: Retail Farm Market Bus Tour Highlights
    Length 30 minutes
    Offering practical strategies from the 2024 Retail Farm Market Bus Tour, this webinar focuses on enhancing retail farm market appeal, boosting profitability, and effectively integrating agritourism.
  7. Brand vs logo; Image by creativeart on Freepik
    Articles
    Unveiling the Divide: Brand vs. Logo
    By Brian F. Moyer
    In the realm of marketing and business, the terms "brand" and "logo" are often used interchangeably, but they signify distinct concepts.
  8. Farm family; Photo Credit: Canva
    Articles
    Fund Your Farm Planning with PA's Farm Vitality Grant Program
    Are you ready to invest in planning for your farm? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Farm Vitality Grant Program will reimburse 75% of costs up to $7,500.
  9. Are Farmers Markets Good For Your Retail Farm Market?
    News
    Are Farmers Markets Good For Your Retail Farm Market?
    Date Posted 3/13/2024
    Farmers markets and retail farm markets serve somewhat different purposes and can potentially complement each other rather than directly competing.
  10. Effective Retention Strategies for Keeping CSA Members Engaged
    Articles
    Effective Retention Strategies for Keeping CSA Members Engaged
    By Brian F. Moyer
    Retaining CSA members not only ensures a stable income for farmers but also fosters a sense of community and commitment to local food systems.
  11. Farmers market
    News
    Growing the Customer Base at Farmers Markets
    Date Posted 1/18/2024
    An award from the USDA Agricultural and Food Research Initiative to the Farmers Market Coalition aims to help strengthen the ability of farmers to attract new consumers.
  12. Developing a Rewards Program for Your Farm Market
    Articles
    Developing a Rewards Program for Your Farm Market
    By Brian F. Moyer
    In the world of farm markets, building a loyal customer base is essential for long-term success. A well-designed rewards program can be a game-changer, encouraging repeat business and fostering lasting connections with your customers.
  13. Effective Pricing Methods for Produce at Farmers Markets
    Articles
    Effective Pricing Methods for Produce at Farmers Markets
    By Brian F. Moyer
    Setting the right prices for your produce at farmers markets is a delicate balancing act. Let's explore 6 common pricing methods for produce at farmers markets.
  14. Lancaster Central Market
    Articles
    Destination Marketing Strategies for Farm Markets
    By Brian F. Moyer
    Creating a compelling destination marketing strategy for retail farm markets involves promoting your markets' unique experiences, products, and atmosphere.
  15. Farm market and sign
    Articles
    The Power of Marketing Automation and Personalized Engagement
    By Brian F. Moyer
    One of the most potent strategies that has emerged in recent years is the seamless integration of marketing automation and personalized engagement techniques.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Image of vegetables. Photo credit: Svenhilker on Pixabay.
    Articles
    Collaborative Marketing
    By Brian F. Moyer
    Learn about collaborating with nearby businesses to fulfill consumers' needs. Is this an opportunity for your business?
  19. Choosing the Right Market Channel
    Articles
    Choosing the Right Market Channel
    By Brian F. Moyer
    Diversified farming means being experts in production and having a market for each product. How we plan to sell our products is just as important as deciding how we will grow them.
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