There are a number of ways for farmers to make money. Largely, farmers will make money by selling the crops or other produce that they grow or draw from animals that they have raised on their farms. Sure, there are other things you can do - you can rent out some of the expensive farming machinery that you own or you could host farming vacations, allowing families to stay on your land for a break from the city. But by and large, selling your produce will get you the furthest and help you to generate the most profit. Now, the big money does lie in securing clients with large scale demand like supermarkets or food companies who will use your ingredients to create their products. But another way to make a bit of money on the side is to attend farmer’s markets and sell your produce there too! Here’s a little more information on this to help you along the way!
What Is a Farmer’s Market?
Nowadays, consumers are looking to support small businesses. They are also increasingly interested in eating more local produce. There are various reasons for this. Supporting smaller businesses is preferable to funding huge companies who have monopolised the market. People feel more of a sense of satisfaction knowing that they are supporting someone who needs the money and appreciates their money than major companies who are often unfair to their workers. People are also more interested in eating locally produced produce, as they feel it is more natural, healthier and generally contains less artificial preservatives and additives. A farmer’s market helps to tick both of these boxes! Put simply, a farmer’s market is an event that’s held at a select location, where farmers can rent stalls to sell their produce to the public at recurring intervals. There are farmer’s markets held around the world! Most towns or cities will have one.
What to Sell
Now, there aren’t really all too many limits as to what you can sell when you attend farmer’s markets. You can sell raw produce, or you can sell final products that you have put together by combining the different things you produce or grow on your farm. Here are a few popular ideas!
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
One of the best selling products at farmer’s markets are fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only do they draw in money, but this is one of the most simple and straightforward options that requires little preparation! Simply bring along some of your fresh fruit and veg, display them well and make sales.
Cakes, Bread and Baked Goods
Fresh bread, cakes and other baked goods go down a storm at farmer’s markets. Especially if you can bake well and make a name to yourself. Learn how to make sourdough loaves. Learn how to make baklava. Learn how to make a sponge. You can charge more for these goods, so it’s a perfect money maker!
Honey
If you’re a bee farmer, a farmer’s market is a good place to sell your honey. More and more people are looking to buy local honey in order to combat the symptoms of hayfever in the summer.
These, of course, are just a few ideas. But hopefully, some of the information above will be able to help you out at your very first farmer’s market!
