RAFFL's Locally Grown Guide: A printed directory educating consumers on how to find locally grown agricultural products in the Rutland area
www.vermontgrowersguide.com: Create a profile for your farm on this statewide searchable website of Vermont farms and farm products.
Buy Local, Buy Vermont Campaign: Vermont Agency of Agriculture branding and marketing campaign. Online farm listing, resources, etc.
LocalHarvest.org: Set up a profile for your farm on this nationwide website to find farmers' markets, family farms and other sustainable food sources, searchable by zip code. Over 250 listings within 50 miles of Rutland City.
Eat Well Guide: the "eat well everywhere" function of this searchable database allows consumers to create a printable "eat-inerary". Post a profile of your farm.
Farm Website: A website is one way to inform consumers about your farm and the products you produce. Depending on your products, you can also sell over your website. Check out Small Farm Central, which provides professional and affordable web services (websites and ecommerce) to direct-marketing farmers. A local example of their work is Vermont Herb & Salad Company's website.
Print advertising: Local newspapers, RAFFL's Locally Grown Guide and statewide magazines like Vermont Life, Local Banquet and Edible Green Mountains is good for reaching new local customers.
Facebook: Especially if you direct market, set up a facebook page to alert your customers to what you're bringing to market, when your CSA pick up days are, on-farm visits and events you are hosting, where your products can be bought, etc. Targeted advertising to facebook users in your market area also available.
Twitter: build your followers through relevant tweets - sales, new items, new store locations, exciting news from the farm, etc.
Check out this great video on "Marketing Strategies for Small Farms." The presentation was given by Kilpatrick Family Farms for RAFFL's New Farmer Workshop Series, June 2010.
AGRICULTURAL COUNCILS & INDUSTRY TRADE ORGANIZATIONS
