Special Article for the
Darrell Blackwelder
Commercial vegetable producers at Patterson Farms, Inc, Frank Patterson
Farms, Wetmore Farms and Eagle Farms, just to name a few, traditionally sell to
distant markets are now diversifying their crops and selling locally off the
farm. Patterson Farms Inc. of China Grove has erected a new building near their
strawberry and farm tour operation while Greg Hartsell and Tim Sloop of Frank
Patterson Farms operate a satellite stand marketing produce at the corner of
Marketing produce from the farm to the public was not accepted for years,
being a hassle for some growers because of the time taken from their operation.
Realizing the opportunity for more income, growers have now found a way to
integrate on farm-retail as part of their normal business.
More
people are enjoying the drive down away from town and appreciate the opportunity
to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Consumers
often have the opportunity to chat with growers and learn about the crops.
Seeing the fruits and vegetables growing in the field is a treat in
itself for many. Conversely, direct
contact with consumers and their neighbors provide growers with valuable
information for marketing their wares.
Direct marketing of produce is a very successful venture in some of the
Northern regions of the
With public demand for fresh
fruits and vegetables and the longing to get away from city make these types of
markets an attractive venture for producers. Direct marketing is thrives in
urban/agricultural settings in other areas of the country, it has promise in
Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of
horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in
.