What can be done to support direct marketing/speciality farms?
Development of community food systems and fresh produce farmer market networks can be key for various types of farms that sell directly to consumers. Development of effective organic and/or ethnic food standards and labeling can be important as long as they reflect factors that are of concern to consumers. While proximity to metropolitan areas has often been sited as a success factor, there are examples of direct marketing specialty farms out in the hinterland that also have developed a loyal base of repeat customers. In addition, E markets and overnight delivery systems have created newly emerging national and international venues of commerce. Developing more client-driven partnerships like the Leopold Center to do customer/retailer research and client-driven training programs on direct marketing, managerial skills, management information systems and industry expertise could be an important method of supporting these farms. Tax incentives for venture capital and community seed capital
