Consumers Are Purchasing More Vegetables Direct From Grower

The good news is that consumers are buying more of their produce direct from the grower according to the recent report from the USDA Economic Research Service. The 2007 Census of Agriculture has been tabulated and reports that 26% of farms growing vegetables and melons are selling their product direct to the consumer.

The buying direct news isn’t new.  However, the direct vegetable sales of $335 million in 2007 represent money going directly to farmers and not to the middleman. This allows the farmer to receive a fair return for his product and not having his food travel hundreds of miles before it is eaten.

The number for direct sales is actually 36% in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region of the U.S. The growth of farmers markets, on farm sales, farm stands and community supported agriculture (CSAs) and online sales account for this big surge in spending. Many of these farms not only sell what they grow directly to the consumer but they are also part of the growing farm industry called “agritourism.”

The combination of selling direct to the consumer and providing unique on farm experiences is helping the small family farm succeed today. Many of these farms can be found online at www.ruralbounty.com  Support your local farmers – buy direct and shake the hand that feeds you!

If you buy from a local farmer, please share your experience here. Thank you.

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009, by Jane and is filed under "Agritourism Marketing, Agritourism Today, 2007 Ag Census, agritourism, Buying local, Community Supported Agriculture, CSAs, Eckert Agrimarketing, family farms, farm markets, farm stands, Jane Eckert, Rural Bounty, USDA, USDA Economic Research ".

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