From seed to store
When Banny Oakes started a produce stand in South Florida in the 1930s, he likely could not have foreseen that his no-frills business would grow into the largest independently owned agribusiness in the region. Under... more »
Understanding and addressing customer pain points
It's crucial to shift our focus from working “'in”' our business to working “'on”' our business. By doing so, we can grasp the customer's journey and identify potential pain points that may hinder their experience.... more »
Industry leaders honored at Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention
The Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania, celebrated excellence in fruit and vegetable production by recognizing growers, markets, and industry leaders from across the region. More than 1,600 growers, exhibitors, Extension personnel, and... more »
University of Vermont conducting national agritourism survey
The deadline has been extended for participation in an agritourism survey. Agritourism operators are being encouraged to participate in a national survey on agritourism operations. The University of Vermont (UVM) is conducting a survey to... more »
Stevenson’s Strawberries thrives as one of Maine’s top pick-your-own strawberry farms
Stevenson’s Strawberries has grown into one of Maine's most popular pick-your-own strawberry farms and pumpkin destinations. What began with a single acre nearly five decades ago has expanded into 130 acres of strawberries, pumpkins and... more »
Measuring success with a marketing plan
I don't know about you, but I need a plan to get up in the morning. Without one, there is a good chance that not much gets done that day. If you own a business,... more »
Define your value proposition in direct-to-retail vegetable marketing
One of the benefits of my work with Extension is visiting a wide variety of markets. Each one is unique and, either consciously or unconsciously, reflects its values and the reasons it is in business.... more »
Farm Market Pricing Survey wants operator input
Great American Media Services, which publishes Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News, is seeking farm market operator input. Properly pricing farm market produce and goods can be tricky. In the 2025 Farm Market Pricing... more »
Chicago farm market’s success
Goebbert’s Farm, a northwest Chicago suburb farm market operation, has been selling fruits and vegetables since 1948. Goebbert’s Farm, based in South Barrington, Illinois, sells a large variety of fruit and vegetables, including cabbage, cucumbers,... more »
Farmers market sales strategies to boost your success
In my great-grandfather’s diary of his farming activities, most Saturday entries read "in market." One can imagine what it took in the late 1800s to prepare for market day. Today, while travel is easier, growers... more »
