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 Economist
Offers Strategies for Fall
Farmers’ Market Displays
By
Aimee Nielson
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Aug. 30, 2006) - More than 1,800 Kentucky
farmers sell at more than 100 community farmers' markets around
the commonwealth each year. Most markets continue in full
operation in the fall and provide an excellent resource for fall
crops such as pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, mums and fall
annual vegetables.
“Many of these items are ornamental and are a fun way for
patrons to connect to farms in a small way,” said Tim Woods, an
agricultural economist with the University of Kentucky College
of Agriculture. “Halloween, still two months away, remains the
second largest retail holiday behind Christmas. Fall is also
just a fun time to freshen up landscapes with locally grown
plants and ornamental products after a hot summer.”
Woods said product display is increasingly important for market
vendors who sell fall products. Color, variety, creativity and
service are some of the key sources of value for market
visitors.
“Merchandising, or how you present your product, is an important
success factor in any kind of retailing,” Woods said. “Visit
other markets, look at magazines or online markets for ideas.
Good displays provide lots of information about the products,
where they come from, how they are unique and how they might be
used.”
In addition to creative elements, good displays have prices of
products clearly marked, baskets and cases are organized for
visual appeal. And, of course, the vendor also is part of the
display, Woods added.
The UK College of Agriculture currently is working with the
Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Center for
Agriculture and Rural Development to sponsor a farmers’ market
display contest for the fall season. The contest is titled
“Displays That Sell.” Woods said pictures of displays should be
submitted to the KDA by Sept. 30. The top four displays in three
regions across Kentucky will receive a cash prize. All community
farmers’ market vendors are eligible. The Kentucky Proud logo
must be prominently displayed.
County Extension offices have all received information about the
contest and they should be able to help with educational
materials for the displays and contest logistics. Additional
information is available at the
KDA Farm Market Web site and from market managers.
Marketing fall products should be fun and creative,” Woods said.
“I encourage people to visit their local farmers’ market this
fall to pick up some interesting decorating ideas for their
homes. Whether you’re a vendor or a visitor – get involved.” |
Contact: Tim Woods,
859-257-7270 |
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth
with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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Copyright © 2001-2006 University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,
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