Direct Farm Marketing as a Rural Development Tool

1997

Rural Development Perspectives

Volume 12, Number 2

pp. 19-25

National Agricultural Library

In a highly urbanized society, direct farm marketing provides a link between urban consumers and rural food producers that can be valuable in developing sustainable communities. Farmers, extension workers, and government officials look to direct marketing as a means of identifying alternative income sources, preserving small farms, strengthening economic and social ties between farms and urban residents, and as an outlet for organic and specialty farm products. Direct sales to consumers can benefit small farms and rural communities in general by channeling a larger share of urban residents’ spending on food and recreation back to the communities where food is grown. Direct purchases from farmers provide city residents with a source of inexpensive fresh produce and an opportunity to get in touch with their rural roots.