WSDA Releases Small Farm and Direct Marketing Handbook

Farmers who sell their agricultural and food products directly to consumers now have a new tool to help launch a business or expand into new products:  Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Small Farm and Direct Marketing Handbook.

Announced at the annual meeting of the Washington State Farmers Market Association last week, the handbook provides practical information about resources available to farmers; how to operate a farm business, marketing strategies, and regulations on specific products. Chapters include sections on licensing, food safety, organic certification and marketing directly to consumers through farmers markets, retailers and institutions, community supported agriculture (CSAs), farm stands and U-pick, and information on agri-culinary tourism. It also discusses regulations affecting the marketing of specific products such as poultry and meats, eggs, fish and shellfish, fruits and vegetables, honey, milk and dairy.

WSDA Director Dan Newhouse notes the information in the handbook makes it easier for businesses to navigate local, state and federal rules to sell their goods, as well as capture a higher percentage of the retail food dollar.

“Helping farmers sell their products and increase the economic viability of small farms is the core mission for our Small Farm and Direct Marketing Program,” Newhouse said in a press release issued yesterday. “A lot of farm wisdom went into this handbook and we paid special attention to summarizing pertinent rules and regulations in plain language.”

Direct marketing has grown in popularity as consumers voice preference for buying fresh local products and learning more about where their food comes from and how it is produced. The vast majority of Washington’s 39,000 farms are classified as small farms.

Sales at 140 farmers markets exceeded $55 million in 2008, the latest figures available. There also are about 200 Community Supported Agriculture operations where consumers purchase regularly from a local farm and some 500 farm stands that provide the public with additional opportunities to buy locally.

The Small Farm & Direct Marketing Handbook was partially funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency. Printed copies may be obtained by e-mailing your address to smallfarms@agr.wa.gov or by calling Leisa Schumaker at (360) 902-1926.

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