Vol. 7 No. 18 | Direct Marketing Tools for Mississippi Vegetable Producers

According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (http://www.agmrc.org/business-development/operating-a-business/direct-marketing/direct-marketing/), “marketing food products directly to consumers is a popular way of adding value to a farming operation. Direct marketing can be done by an individual producer or a group of producers working together.”

By using the Search function of the Mississippi MarketMaker and typing the keywords mentioned below, I was able to determine how Mississippi vegetable growers sell their products. Mississippi farmers employ the following direct marketing tools in the sale of their vegetable products in local markets:

Community Supported Agriculture

MarketMaker Search. Keywords: vegetables » State: MS » Type: Farmer/Rancher » Profile: Farmer/Rancher > Vegetables > Methods of Sale > Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

MarketMaker Map. Click this Link to view the online database.
 

Farm to School

MarketMaker Search. Keywords: vegetables » State: MS » Type: Farmer/Rancher » Profile: Farmer/Rancher > Vegetables > Methods of Sale > Farm to School.

MarketMaker Map. Click this Link to see the online database. 
 

Farmers Market

MarketMaker Search. Keywords: vegetables » State: MS » Type: Farmer/Rancher » Profile: Farmer/Rancher > Vegetables > Methods of Sale > Farmers Market. 

MarketMaker Map. Click this Link to view the online database. 

On-Farm Sales

MarketMaker Search. Keywords: vegetables » State: MS » Type: Farmer/Rancher » Profile: Farmer/Rancher > Vegetables > Methods of Sale > On Farm Sales.

MarketMaker Map. Click this Link to see the online database.  

Pick-Your-Own

MarketMaker Search. Keywords: vegetables » State: MS » Type: Farmer/Rancher » Profile: Farmer/Rancher > Vegetables > Methods of Sale > Pick-Your-Own.

MarketMaker Map. Click this Link to view the online database.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is MarketMaker?
MarketMaker is the largest and most in-depth database of its kind featuring a diverse community of food-related businesses: buyers, farmers/ranchers, fisheries, farmers markets, processors/packers, wineries, restaurants and more. MarketMaker provides simple yet powerful search tools to connect with others across the production and distribution chain (http://ms.foodmarketmaker.com/).

Where can you find Mississippi MarketMaker?

MarketMaker is located at http://ms.foodmarketmaker.com/.   
Ask Siri or Cortana to search for “Mississippi MarketMaker” on your smart phone.

How do you register your food business in Mississippi MarketMaker?
Click Register and type your email address and a password in the spaces under Register. Be prepared to enter information (and pictures) about your business.

What are the benefits in registering your food business in Mississippi MarketMaker?
Producers register their businesses in MarketMaker because food buyers of all types access our database to find products and services to meet their specific needs. Through MarketMaker, producers can reach more buyers and more efficiently form profitable business alliances.

How do you search for your business profile in Mississippi MarketMaker? 
Click Search and type the name of your business in the space under Search MarketMaker.

How do you update your business profile in Mississippi MarketMaker?
Click Register and then click UPDATE YOUR PROFILE. Type your email address and password in the spaces under Account Login.  Be prepared to enter updated information (and pictures) about your business.

MarketMaker Training Workshops 
This training workshop is available upon request by a group of 6-12 producers, extension agents, state regulatory agencies staff and teachers. Each workshop will best fit the needs of the participants. Email Dr. Ben Posadas for details at ben.posadas@msstate.edu.

How do you search for local food businesses in Mississippi MarketMaker? 
Click Search and type a keyword in the space under Search MarketMaker.

What is the Market Research tool of MarketMaker?

The MarketMaker research tool is an interactive mapping resource for identifying target markets, developing customized census profiles, and mapping food related businesses over demographic maps.

Where do you find the Market Research tool in MarketMaker?
Look for the Market Research section in MarketMaker and click Research your market now or Use previous version.