How to Preserve Family Farms

Family farms are a dying breed. The struggles are endless, day in and day out, and the rewards are few. Farm land is a hot commodity for developers, and many next-generation farmers see dollar signs rather than family history. Yet all is not lost. Many still work the family farm, and there are ways to save them.

Instructions

How to Preserve Family Farms

1. Open your farm for people to come and purchase food directly from you. This gives people the opportunity to see what you are growing, how you grow it and what they will be putting into their bodies.

2. Set up at a farmer's market. The farmer's market is a great place to find a variety of food with one-stop shopping. Local farmers get together perhaps once a week at a designated spot and sell their fruits and vegetables. This is great for the customer as she knows just where her food is coming from, as well as can ask questions from an expert (that's you) about what she is buying.

3. Sell your fruits and vegetables at a roadside farm stand. This is very popular when the corn harvest comes. This is another great way to get out and see the people in your neighborhood and show off what you can grow

4. Join a food co-op where the community gets together to plant, grow and harvest their own food. Co-ops are open to the public, and the food grown is for sale.

5. Create a demand for locally grown produce, such as organic. Find a specialty, a niche market for foods.

6. Ask the manager at your local grocery store to stock your produce. What better way to get your name out there than to have everyone in the community know your food is what they are buying at the store?