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Marketing

Marketing specialty crops is challenging North Carolina farmers. Tobacco growers throughout the state are looking for new cash crops as federal buyouts become a reality. Fortunately, as consumer demand increases for these diverse products, so will sales opportunities for farmers growing specialty products. Niche marketing to ethnic populations, gourmet restaurants & retailers, and developing value-added products are a few ways to build a local, as well as national and international, demand for specialty crops.

Consumer Marketing Surveys by NC Specialty Crops Program

Honey Dew Surveys (2004 | 2005, Raleigh Farmers Market | 2005, Specialty Crops Field Day | 2005, Highcroft Subdivision)
Grape Tomato Survey (2004)
Specialty Crops Survey for Western North Carolina (2002)
Mushroom Survey (2002)
Red Sweet Corn Survey (2002)

Marketing Information on the Web
Departments of Agriculture & Extension Resources

Alternative Crops & Enterprises for Small Farm Diversification
U.S. Dept of Agriculture
www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/altlist.htm

Specialty Crops Marketing
NC Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services
www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilit/mktcent/east.htm

Marketing Horticultural Crops
NC Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services
www.ncagr.com/markets/commodit/horticul/index.htm

Considering Specialty Crops?
VA Cooperative Extension
www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/commhort/2002-02/2002-02-02.html

PMA: Produce Marketing Association

Market News & Prices

Other Marketing Tools on the Web
There are lots of searchable directories of farms and agricultural commodities on the web. All farmers will benefit by including thier enterprises on such websites.

North Carolina Farm Fresh
Directory of North Carolina Farms & Markets
www.ncfarmfresh.com

Local Harvest
Directory of organically grown food & farms
www.localharvest.org