Finding an outlet to sell your fruit and vegetables is important if you want to switch from growing for yourself (subsistence) to making money from your efforts, but as many growers have found, this is often easier said than done. For one thing, it involves planning.
Find a market before planning your crop. In other words, it’s not a case of growing the vegetables, then finding somewhere to sell them. You first need to find out what’s needed (the demand), then you must plan for the required quality and correct quantity, and make sure you can provide a continuous supply for your outlet.
This last point is very important. Think how hard it would be if you had to find a new outlet for your produce every month – it’s the same with markets. They need to know you can supply them what they want on a regular basis. So there must be a continuity of quality, quantity and supply.
There are many projects to help emerging farmers market their produce, but do some research on your own to know what options you have – especially since these are decisions you have to make before planning your crop. In this way, you’ll get the best out of whatever project you choose.
Read the brief overview of the markets available to a fruit and vegetable producer in the 8 April 2011 issue.
Contact the NAMC on 012 341 1115, or visit www.namc.co.za.
Source: Farmer's Weekly.
