Organically-farmed produce is widely beneficial for a variety of reasons. Overall, it is healthier, better for the environment, and a way for small farmers to remain profitable in the face of larger competitors.
However, it is also disruptive for the current industry and may result in higher costs for consumers. This is why marketing plays such a vital role in the success of organically-grown goods. Farmers must expand their skills and knowledge to showcase their products to a wide pool of consumers.
Transparency
Organically-farmed produce is created in a very different way. You’ll need to be transparent in regards to the details of how your product is made, and what sets you apart from industrial farms. This is done not only through traditional marketing channels, but by making your farm a part of the community: inviting customers to visit and form a relationship with you and your farm. This takes time but proves to be an invaluable asset.
Selling Your Food
Farmers must be clear about the fact that they are selling food. Farmers and producers are often removed from consumer focus, but this can more easily be bridged when it comes to farming produce. One method is to set up partnerships with restaurants, allowing restaurants to offer farm-to-table service and providing you with the chance to present your products for what they are: the foundation for daily meals.
Ease of Purchase
Often, organic farms fare poorly in comparison to large stores, due to the convenience of larger retail chains. Farmers can combat this by embracing new technology, such as digital payment and ordering methods. Focusing on your online marketing will help to achieve this. It’s an additional expense requiring extra maintenance, but it can open you up to a younger, more urban market.
Political Representation
Organic farming isn’t just about selling your products for a profit but changing how we approach agriculture and the food industry. This requires political representation. A portion of your marketing efforts should be geared towards achieving better representation as an organic farmer.
You should also make sure that the issues and the problems facing your local community are represented in the public sphere, and that your customers are aware of them. This doesn’t mean that every organic farmer needs to be civic-minded, but if others are organizing for action, you should as well.
Community Support
A portion of your marketing efforts should be oriented towards others in the organic farming community. This is done by helping and promoting other farmers: working alongside your neighbours and joining together to collaborate on larger projects. Such efforts aren’t only about making a name for yourself, but providing yourself with business opportunities and potential connections that arise from joining such organizations.
Conclusion
Promoting organic farming is important, not only to gain customers but to make a broader case for the value of organic farms.