As Canadian grocery prices rise, where is that profit going if not to Canadian farmers?
Tag Archives direct marketing
‘Systemic imbalance’ beats farmers out of food price gains
As Canadian grocery prices rise, where is that money going? Agriculture advocates say farmers aren’t the ones benefiting
Direct marketing can pay off
Phil Veldhuis asks his students in the University of Manitoba’s agriculture diploma program to think about ways to add value to a farm through direct sales. “It’s a bit of a passion of mine to see farms diversify,” said Veldhuis, who is also a beekeeper near Starbuck, Man. “A new enterprise is a good way […] Read more
Perseverance makes direct marketing work
Ten months into the pandemic, more people are buying food directly from farmers. Studies out of Dalhousie University indicate 4.7 percent of Canadians have done so since early last year and the trend is expected to continue. That is good news for Lorin Doerksen of Gemstone Grass-Fed Beef of Gem, Alta. He and his brother, […] Read more
Strong marketing plan key to success
MYSTIC, Conn. — People spend so much money developing their new products that they often don’t leave enough to get them to market. Gary Morton of SKUFood and Morton Horticultural Associates in Coldbrook, N.S., said most don’t realize the challenges of launching a new enterprise. “Sitting on the loading dock, they’re only 10 percent of […] Read more
VIDEO: Customer interaction key to ranch’s success
CALGARY — Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch has one huge advantage over many other farm and ranch operations, says its general manager, Dr. Terry Church. It gets direct feedback, on a regular basis, from those who use and eat its bison, elk and beef products. The ranch is owned by the O’Connor family of Calgary, which […] Read more
Know your employees to succeed
Agribusinesses must adjust to different work ethics of youth and retain expertise of older workers
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Andrew Dixon wasted no time getting into farming, making the leap from high school into the family business nine years ago. A featured presenter at the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association annual conference here in February, Dixon said his generation can offer a fresh look at the farm business. “We are […] Read more
Zest for rural experience holds promise
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A growing interest in reconnecting with farm and rural life is an opportunity for agriculture, said the executive director of the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association. “Projections for consumer demand to visit farms will increase 10 and 20 fold in the next 10 to 20 years,” Charlie Touchette said in an […] Read more
Businesses collaborate for greatest benefit
Operators promote other products or services in the area to bring in more tourism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Producers along an historic trail are pooling their resources to showcase their operations and reduce their marketing costs. The rural merchants of the Historic Otter 248th Trail at Langley, B.C., include Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery, JD Farms Specialty Turkey, Bonetti Meats, Kensington Prairie Alpaca Farm, Blackwood Lane Winery and the […] Read more
Smart marketing strategies help boost farm sales
Buying directly from a farm to get fresh, local products is one of the hottest trends among foodies. “Fifteen years ago, local wasn’t really hip,” said Kerry Engel of Alberta Agriculture. The president of the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association, who is monitoring trends in direct farm sales, shared tips to get more customers […] Read more
