With restrictions on in-person sales and the challenges many markets are now facing, it is more important than ever to collaborate with neighbors and fellow producers. Collaboration can open new doors such as new customers, new retail locations, or the ability to sell online. Below are a few ways you can collaborate with neighboring growers to give new and existing customers access to your products.

1. Guest sell at another farm. Several farms have on-farm stores that allow for customers to come in and shop or do curbside pickup. If you have historically sold at a farmers market and don’t have an on-farm store (or have one that is not in a high traffic area), reach out to fellow growers who have a store in your area. 

   If you are a farmer with a great location, consider offering some of your retail space to others, especially farmers producing what you do not have. If your customers are able to satisfy more of their farm-fresh needs in one stop, it can increase both farmers’ sales.

2. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Where are you currently distributing your CSA shares? If you partner with retail locations for CSA drop offs, you may need to make sure they are “essential” businesses and open for business. Are there new partnerships that should be formed in this unique time?

   Are there products that customers are asking for (meats, cheese, dairy, other vegetables) that you don’t have but your neighbor does? Join forces and consider a CSA drop with the ability to add-on their products.

3. Online store that serves multiple farms. Selling online is becoming more of a necessity, especially if you are doing pre-orders. It can be hard to invest the time, effort, and money required to create an online store if it is only a temporary option. Check around with other farmers or markets that might be dealing with the same issues and consider partnering to sell on one online store, splitting costs of the site and fees. Online store systems can keep records of what was sold, so divvying out funds should be straightforward.

How are you or producers you know collaborating to get through tough times? Now more than ever, people are seeking to purchase local because of supply chain issues with larger grocers. Stepping up and working together is mutually beneficial and allows you to market product to customers who might not normally buy from you. If you are considering these options or would like to explore other partnerships, give us a shout today. Call us at 859-550-3972 or send us an email at kcard@kcard.info.