Marketing Overview

The "first-ever survey conducted by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service to produce benchmark data about local food marketing practices" reports data on direct marketed sales of food; sales by marketing practice; direct-to-consumer marketing practices; location of production and type of products sold directly to consumers; demographics; and farm level practices for farms which market directly.

USDA programs, resources and presentations about direct marketing of farm products through farmers markets and other local food channels. Searchable Local Food Directories.

Informs U.S. agricultural producers interested in value-added marketing. Covers commodities, marketing outlets, business planning, market research, and recommended resources.

A collection of recent educational and information resources from Cooperative Extension Service experts. Learn about webinars, videos, case studies, tools, Web sites, publications, articles and more.

Provides publications and information to help farmers with managing risk, planning their businesses, diversifying their output, developing new markets and adding value to farm products. Topics include: business planning and management, cooperatives, direct marketing options, funding, organic marketing and labeling, risk management and value-added and processing.

A guide to marketing systems for promoting local food. Also covers local and state regulations, pricing, liability, branding and labeling, and use of the Internet. Profiles Minnesota farmers.

This "Producer's Guide to Marketing Locally Grown Food" summarizes market opportunities for farmers and producers, profiles farmers and businesses, and identifies helpful resources. Available online and in print.

Contains issued agricultural and non-agricultural patents, and published applications. The database may be searched for sustainable agriculture terms and processes.

Summarizes selected enterprise planning guides about business, financial and marketing plans. Suggests resources that focus on evaluating a new enterprise.

The Guide to U.S. Organic Marketing: Laws and Regulations and Guide to International Trade in Organics: Laws and Regulations cover U.S. Federal and State laws and regulations, U.S. organic standards, food labeling, regulatory issues and programs, food safety and international regulations and trade issues.