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Direct-to-consumer sales creating new income opportunities for Indiana farmers

A food marketing specialist says small and beginning farmers are using direct-to-consumer sales to help diversify their income.

Patrick Nycz with Purdue University says local farmers’ markets are a good starting point.

“With direct sales, there’s an ease of entry with a wide range of opportunities,” he says. “There’s also low costs associated with it. Being creative and understanding that you can sell to anyone is something you should always keep in the back of your mind while you’re growing.”

During a recent Indiana Farm Bureau webinar, he said it also helps producers build a strong customer base.

“It’s a great place to test out your pricing, your products, and your consumer preferences,” he says. “Selling your product on a regular basis proves that your food product can find a market, and it provides a positive cash flow to help finance and manage growth.” 

Nycz says farmers that continue to explore new market opportunities will be better positioned for long-term growth.