Archive for February, 2009
Ag Census Results Now Online
We have all been waiting for the tabulation of the (2007 Ag Census) to see the number of farms involved in agritourism. While the Census questions aren’t perfect we finally have a few more numbers that we can talk about. Here are a few of the facts: Total farms in the US 2,204,799 – up 4% from 2002. Of that number, 136,817 farms report that they sell their fresh products direct to individual consumers from road side stands, farmers markes, PYO etc accounting for over $1.2 Billion in sales. Additionally, 23,350 agritourism farms indicated they have recreation income from non-ag products such as tours, hunting, fishing etc.
The report is actually over 700 pages long plus you can find individual numbers for your state and county. It takes awhile to plod through the numbers but it is reassuring to know that almost 160,000 farms participate in direct sales/agritourism.
New Ag Census Just Released
The new Ag Census tells us that more people went into farming in the past 5years. This is no surprize to me because I continue to meet these people at farm conferences. This is not only a trend in the U.S. but I just returned this week from Moncton, New Brunswick and met a couple of people who have done the same.
Of course, most people still must relay on their “day jobs” to support their farming interests. However, I am pleased to tell you that as farms embrace the concepts of agritourism they are increasing their revenues. Next week I will be speaking in both Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Red Deer, Alberta to further the education and skills for family farmers to succeed in agritourism.
Here is an article from last week’s New York Times that gives you more information collected from the 2007 U.S. Ag Census
What are retail “atmospherics?”
This week I am participating in the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention Trade Show. I took the time this morning to sit in on a conference session titled Using Trends, Tips and Techniques to Encourage Sales in Your Retail Outlet given by Dr. Kathleen Kelly, Penn State University. (Mid-Atlantic Specialty Crops Initiative)
She talked about a few items called “the atmospherics” of retail that most of us don’t consciously think about but that can have a huge impact on creating a postive first impression for our customer. They are our choice of floor, wall, ceiling ,color, lighting, sounds & furnishings as all being a major contributor to creating an inviting retail environment. PLEASE NOTE: she said nothing about the actual products sold.
Another important factor she told us is Signage – which she called “Our Silent Salesperson.” It’s said that women form an impression about our retail businesses in just 3 seconds upon entry. Are you doing all you can to ensure those 3 seconds guarantee a repeat visit?
