Certified Farmers' Market Marketing Tips

• Quality counts. Never let your produce sit in the field.
• Quantity sells. One overflowing crate often outsells five half-full crates.
• Use wet burlap sacks behind the counter to cool heat-resistant summer vegetables.
• Post signs asking customers to bring in excess plastic/paper bags.
• Display photos of your farm and family, recipe cards, pricing information, and your certified producer's certificate.
• Be prepared for the first rush of shoppers. Have 25 percent or more of your load ready to be sold (bagged if necessary) when the market opens.
• Choose your shade or umbrella color carefully. A blue covering makes peaches look green.
• Develop employee training.
• Avoid displaying food items on the ground.
• Participate in market promotion activities.

(Tips contributed by farmers, farmers' market managers, and Southland Farmers' Market Association for their complete listing.)