PPB September 2018

Agritourism is serving as an additional source of income and educational opportunity for small family farms throughout the U.S. But transforming a farm into a tourist destination takes some savvy marketing strategies. Building a brand that can be visually promoted and sharing that brand with community stakeholders are just a couple ways to jumpstart an agritourism business, according to the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) office at the University of California-Davis. ANR also recommends promoting a professional appearance among staff and workers by investing in quality logoed uniform apparel, and by installing high-quality, durable signage to help guests find their way to the destination. Farm To Table: Next Generation Chefs with a penchant for the freshest finds are bypassing the farmers’ market and heading straight to the source—either partnering with small local farms or growing and raising food themselves. The more direct approach means menus are built entirely around available foods, but it’s a process and a product that appeals to locavores—individuals whose diet is made up primarily of locally sourced food. Chefs who have been sourcing direct for years say the cost is not necessarily lower than purchasing at markets or through wholesalers, but the end result is a higher level of confidence among diners that the food they are served is of the highest quality, and at its freshest. Making Do: Eliminating Food Waste Food insecurity remains a top issue throughout the United States, and while retailers are helping to eliminate food waste by donating unsold goods to food banks, farms are also beginning to curtail food waste with best practices at the source. More than 140 billion pounds of food is thrown away each year, according to the USDA, which offers loans to help farmers provide better storage conditions for crops. Additionally, organizations like the Society of St. Andrew are sending volunteers into fields to gather crops that are left after a commercial harvest is complete. The gathered food is provided to food-insecure communities. Sources: Wall Street Journal, www.moveforhunger.org Ag r i cu l t ur e Jen Alexander is associate editor of PPB . 62 | SEPTEMBER 2018 | GROW