Business
In order to be economically viable, vegetable and small fruit growers must be good business people. Growers utilize a variety of markets in New York, including retail farm stands and farmers' markets, wholesale markets and produce auctions. Sales of produce continue to increase and expand in New York as growers create new markets for their product. Recent expansions have included more sales directly into New York City and year-round farmers' markets.Growers must also pay close attention to the costs of doing business on the farm. As costs of inputs such as fuel and fertilizers continue to increase, growers must find new ways to increase efficiency and help consumers understand the value of their products. By keeping costs under control and selling product at a fair price, growers are able to expand the industry in New York.
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
What's Up with Wholesaling?
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This is one of two narrated PowerPoint presentations investigating farmers experience with and attitudes towards wholesaling. The project, Assessing Barriers to Wholesaling for Small-Scale Produce Growers: Case Study, ran from 2016-2018. We investigated how some produce growers have fared well with wholesaling and how they got started; while others have been stumbling and have misconceptions about what makes wholesaling successful. A farmer survey was developed and results of the 199 survey respondents are presented in this presentation.
Wholesale Barriers: Case Studies Overview
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This is the second of two narrated PowerPoint presentations providing further findings from a USDA-AMA funded project, Assessing Barriers to Wholesaling for Small-Scale Produce Growers: Case Study. In this presentation, we provide more information found by diving deeper into the barriers of wholesaling for New York produce growers. The previous video provided information on a large grower survey whereas this video provides more in-depth findings from 8 individual farms selected from 3 focus groups. The farms agreed to provide more details about their marketing experiences, issues, and/or needs. These 8 farms became our 8 case studies; some of the case study farms had wholesaling experience while other farms had no wholesaling experience but were considering moving into that market.
Growing for Wholesale: Grading and Packing Guidelines by Crop
Grading and packing guidelines are now available for 17 commonly grown specialty crops in NYS: acorn squash, broccoli crowns, Brussels sprouts, corn, green peppers, cucumbers, green cabbage, red cabbage, savory cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, jalapenos, poblanos, Hungarian hot peppers, summer squash, and zucchini.
More Business Content
Guide on How to Purchase at the NYS Produce Auctions
Video: New York State Produce Auctions
Growing for Wholesale: Vegetable Grading/Sizing Templates
Cornell Small Farms Program: Aiding in Small Farm Business Development
Farmers Markets in the Finger Lakes Region
Workplace CSAs
Collaborative Marketing for Small Farms
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Women in Agriculture Discussion Group: Urban Farming
May 6, 2019
Monday, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Buffalo, NY
Each monthly Women in Ag discussion group meeting will feature an established, innovative Farm-her leading the group on a tour of her operation and sharing her expertise on business management and production. Several guest speakers, as well as Cornell Vegetable Program staff, will be brought in to act as resource people for developing solutions to common production challenges.The May 6 meeting will cover positive public relations and navigating municipal ordinances in urban farming. The meeting will be hosted by Mayda Pozantides (Groundwork Market Garden) and Allison DeHonney (Urban Fruits & Veggies). Participants will learn about production in urban soils and how to adapt farming techniques for urban environments.
Women in Agriculture Discussion Group: Small Fruit & Vegetable Production plus Insect Control
July 15, 2019
Monday, time TBA
East Aurora, NY
Each monthly Women in Ag discussion group meeting will feature an established, innovative Farm-her leading the group on a tour of her operation and sharing her expertise on business management and production. Several guest speakers, as well as Cornell Vegetable Program staff, will be brought in to act as resource people for developing solutions to common production challenges.The July 15 meeting will cover small fruit production and insect control led by Elizabeth Buck, CCE Cornell Vegetable Program, and Abby Seaman, NYS IPM Program. The meeting will be hosted by Gayle and Naomi Thorpe (Thorpe's Organic Family Farm). Gayle and Naomi will share their experiences managing a diversified organic farming operation and family farm transitions.