Marketing
Marketing is vital if you want to engage with your customers and increase sales. On this page, you’ll find resources to help with creating a marketing plan and a social media strategy, establishing prices, customer research, and things you can do to stand out at your local farmers market.
Marketing for Farmers Markets: Tips and Resources
To start off your farm’s marketing, it’s best to create a marketing plan. The ability to attract and retain customers is key for a successful marketing strategy. One way to do this is with effective branding. Creating a strong online presence is another way to market your farm market.
There are many marketing channels to choose from, but an increasing number of farmers markets are choosing direct marketing. If this is your preferred path too, there are numerous direct marketing outlets to consider and choose from. One advantage of this method of marketing is that you can place higher prices on products.
Whether you’re running a farmers market, roadside stall, or an agritourism business, there are countless opportunities for value-added marketing success. Organic production requires years of planning and research to benefit from the possible increase in selling prices. In the meantime, having another source of income is essential.
Farm Market Customers Research
Marketing research plays a vital role in the development of a marketing strategy and plan.
There are three critical areas of research. These are your target market, your competition, and the industry. It is advisable for small-scale fruit and vegetable growers to research market and customer behavior before planning crop production.
How to Stand Out on Your Local Farmers Market
A roadside stand is a way you can sell your produce in a place with high visibility. However, it’s not an option that suits everyone. Marketing your crop through a roadside farm market requires a great deal of planning.
There has been a 30% increase in the number of farmers markets across Pennsylvania over the last decade. Farmers have their pick of markets to participate in, but this also means the customer can choose what markets they wish to frequent.
You can increase your market day bottom line by evaluating how you plan to sell your products. Get ready for the farmers market season by creating clean, colorful, and consistent signage. Deciding what to bring to market is a fundamental aspect of appealing to the customer and standing out at a farmers market. PA Preferred membership provides a brand identity for the products you grow and produce.
-
ArticlesFood Trends 2026
A new year means a new set of food trends! As in years past, we provide insight into some publications and posts by well-established marketing firms, associations, and supermarket chains. -
WebinarsFree
Farm Marketing Essentials
When 04/03/2026Length 1 hourEvent Format Virtual | LiveBuild a strong marketing plan for your farm business. Learn to evaluate tools, map the customer journey, and create promotions that align with your goals, audience, and resources. -
NewsThe National Farmers Market Survey is Open!
Date Posted 2/19/2026USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in partnership with Michigan State University (MSUE) has officially launched the 2026 National Farmers Market Survey to gather data on how farmers markets operate across the United States. -
WebinarsFood Trends: What's Ahead for Food and Farm Markets
Length 1 hourExplore 2026 food and beverage trends and learn practical strategies for farm markets, food businesses, and agritourism to stay competitive. -
NewsMaking Data-driven Decisions to Increase Farmers Market Success
Date Posted 1/26/2026This course aims to give farmers tools and techniques that increase their daily sales at farmers markets. -
ArticlesFarmers Market Checklist
A useful checklist for individuals operating a stall at a farmers market. -
NewsImpacts of Farmers Markets Managed by Organizations
Date Posted 1/9/2026The goal of the cooperative research agreement was to increase the general public's understanding of the diverse forms that farmers markets in the United States take. -
Tools and AppsPennsylvania Farm Markets, Attractions, and Experience Finder
Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for the number of farms we have that sell directly to consumers. You can shop from more than 6,400 farms and enjoy agritourism activities at more than 700 farms. -
ArticlesStrategies to Attract Today's Farm Market Shoppers
Large retailers use demographic data to tailor their offerings, and farm markets can do the same. -
WebinarsRetail Farm Market School: Merchandising
Length .5Strengthen your market's success by learning key merchandising skills, from understanding your audience to improving design, displays, and signage in this practical webinar. -
ArticlesDo's and Don'ts for Selling at Farmers Markets
Thinking of selling your products at a farmers market? There is much more to being a vendor at a market than "piling it high and watching it fly." -
NewsInside PA Farmers Markets: Spending, Shopping, and Trends
Date Posted 10/21/2025Penn State Extension conducted a comprehensive survey across multiple markets in 2025. Explore the findings and compare them to national trends to identify opportunities for growth and engagement. -
ArticlesMake Your Farm Market the Go-To Destination
Turn your farm market into the place everyone wants to visit. Here are 9 steps to improve your on line marketing. -
ArticlesIdentifying Underperforming Products in Your Farm Market
Underperforming products don't just affect your bottom line; they also impact the customer experience and inventory efficiency. -
ArticlesAligning Your Farm Market Products with Consumer Values
Understand and align with your customers' sustainability values to strengthen your market presence. -
NewsToolkit Empowers Farmers Markets to Measure Their Impact
Date Posted 8/4/2025The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) has launched a powerful new resource for farmers market operators and support organizations. -
ArticlesImproving Your Farm Market Performance
Running a successful farm market today means more than offering fresh produce. It requires smart planning, clear pricing, and a layout that encourages customers to explore and buy. -
NewsTop Fresh Food Marketing Trends for 2025
Date Posted 6/3/2025The fresh food industry is evolving rapidly in response to consumer preferences, technological advances, and global sustainability concerns. -
ArticlesImpact of Sensory Merchandising on Retail Sales
Sensory merchandising is a powerful strategy retailers use to enhance the shopping experience by engaging multiple senses of customers. -
ArticlesRetail Farm Market Benchmark Project 2025
The result from this survey tells us that Retail Farm Markets generate a conservative figure of over $200 million in economic activity in Pennsylvania. -
ArticlesCollecting Customer Data in Retail Farm Markets
Understanding customer behavior and preferences is essential for the success of retail farm markets. -
NewsNew Farmers Market Research Project
Date Posted 2/24/2025The research project is designed to help farmers increase their farmers market sales. -
ArticlesCrafting a Strong Value Proposition for Retail Farm Markets
A well-defined value proposition is essential for retail farm markets to stand out in a competitive landscape. It communicates the unique benefits and value your farm offers to customers, helping to attract and retain loyal patrons. -
ArticlesIn Market: Getting Ready for the Farmers Market Season
Market patrons want to buy from vendors whose products appear clean, high quality, with clear pricing and attractive displays. You can increase your market day bottom line by creating a plan to sell your products at the farmers market. -
ArticlesEmail Marketing Strategies for Farm Businesses
Email marketing is still considered one of the most effective marketing tools. However, email marketing requires a strategy.


