Marketing

Farmers’ markets prove to be essential, resilient

Ninety percent of my work during the COVID-19 crisis has been with farmers’ markets throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The very day that Gov. Tom Wolf announced the closure of schools and businesses, Pennsylvania Secretary... more »

COVID-19 preparedness urged for Michigan agritourism operators

As Michigan moves into autumn, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) on Sept. 3 reminded the state’s U-pick, corn mazes and other agri-tourism operations opening up to implement and follow plans to... more »

Rules for agritourism outlets revised in New York state

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Sept. 1 new state guidance for agritourism businesses as New York State enters the Fall season. The businesses, which include corn mazes, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations, hayrides... more »

Efforts made to pursue talks with Mexico to help US growers

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce released a report Sept. 1 outlining the Trump administration’s plan to address the threat posed by increased foreign imports... more »

Top 10 vegetables increased in dollar sales versus year ago

Entering the latter half of August, the very different nature of this year’s back-to-school season is becoming evident. Wave 17 of the IRI COVID-19 shopper impact survey, conducted between Aug. 7-9, finds a growing number... more »

Vegetables continue to increase in dollar sales versus year ago

Five months after two of the biggest weeks in the history of food retailing, consumer demand for fresh, frozen and center-store food and beverages continues to ride well above the 2019 baseline. The week ending... more »

Mexican import impact stressed by Georgia specialty crop interests

Georgia Fruit and Vegetable producers joined Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, GFVGA, Executive Director Charles Hall Aug. 20 to testify before U.S. trade officials about the crisis Georgia farmers are facing because of a... more »

Costco members driving organic sales, Frank Padilla says

As one of the nation’s largest retailers, Costco has publicly advocated for increased production of organic fresh produce items. It is the chain’s member shoppers, however, who are driving organic sales growth as they vote... more »