Farms farm shops

It is possible to sell directly to the consumer (via farm shops, farmers markets, mail order and internet), or to restaurants and institutional buyers, or to brokers, distributors, wholesalers, processors, food manufacturers, millers, abattoirs, butchers, farm shops, co-operatives, local retail stores, speciality stores and large supermarket chains. If one outlet does not work, it is possible to switch to another. Some farmers use multiple outlets, selling directly to consumers as well as commercially to middlemen. In this way, the farmer is not reliant on just one outlet. Some farmers also take the decision to have their own processing facility, such as milk processing or cheese-making. 

The most important points to consider regarding the farm shop are the following. 

The bigger the farm shop, the more staff are needed to deal with the customers, and the more stock control, insurance and theft protection become essential. It may become a big enterprise which would then require sophisticated organisation. Is this what you want, and is this what you are good at If not, be careful. 

The farm shop proprietor may need to explain to customers why organic products are different or superior. For example, many consumers will not be aware that organic meat is likely to be slightly darker and more dense than conventional meat. The fact that it has no water or colouring added will affect its appearance. Beef and lamb raised entirely on grass are not as heavily marbled as grain-fed beef and lamb. Seasonal variations in the availability of fresh products should be presented as a virtue and proof of freshness. Similarly, variations in size and shape may be seen in a positive light. 

Farmers can develop their mailing lists from contacts made at farm shops and farmers markets. They can also buy mailing lists or obtain lists from buyers clubs and from exhibitions and fairs. They could invite consumer groups to visit their farms, making sure the visitors leave a contact address for future promotions. 

This includes specialist shops, gourmet food shops, health food shops, natural food stores, and other farm shops, including delicatessens and food halls in large departmental stores. 

Supermarkets are clearly not the only source from which consumers choose to buy their organic produce. Indeed, the organic world presents unique opportunities for consumers to buy produce that does not exist in the conventional arena. Box schemes and farmers markets represent a different and interesting way of buying fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, farm shops are becoming an increasingly popular outlet for produce. 

A direct relationship with a local butcher or farm shop... 

One response to the growth of private-label and other competitive activity must be for small and medium sized organic producers to seek out the new opportunities which are emerging in the form of specialist organic stores and farm shops, organic local markets, mail order via the internet and so on. 

Chung-Chi H, Cheng-Han W (2008) Capacity allocation ordering, and pricing decisions in a supply chain with demand and supply chain uncertainties. Eur J Oper Res 184 667-684 Coley DA, Howard M, Winter M (2009) Local food, food miles and caibon emissions A comparison of farm shop and mass distribution approaches. Food Policy 34(2) 150-155 Dabbene F, Gay P, Tortia C (2014) Traceability issues in food supply chain management A review. Biosyst Eng 120 65-80... 

The production building is only one part of a full-fledged fine chemicals plant. Apart from the multipurpose plant building there is usually an office and R D building, the warehouse, the maintenance shop, tank farms, the iaciaerator, and wastewater treatment faciUties. 

I recall a wedding I attended last month in Tucson to celebrate a couple who had met at the farm and had been two of my favorite students and friends. I left straight from the farm, changing my clothes in the shop, transferring the contents of work pants pockets to wedding pants pockets keys, wallet, knife—my daily triumvirate. I hurried to the car, and eating a bag lunch, sped to the airport. 

---