This is the ultimate reason as to farmers go commercial. They want to produce foods on the farm, sell them through proper marketing and then make a profit.
Therefore, a farmer must take an important decision on the farm, as far as marketing is concerned. These include;
-Produce food for local customers; this means that a farmer may produce with his neighbours in mind as the very first customers. To do this, a farmer should start with a simple list of all the products and services that are mostly consumed locally. Why should a farmer grow aloe vera, when his neighbours and the general local market want pineapples?
– Identify your farm market; this is important because it helps you understand the market dynamics and the needs of your customers. You can do this by visiting the actual market locations and talking to the actual consumers.
-Know potential competitors; again, this helps you gauge their strengths and weaknesses and then use those to find your level in the market. For example, do they produce off-season? (i.e, when the rains are off). Then find a way of doing so also. Look at their branding, and customer care and talk to consumers about their products.
-Tailor your marketing message to suit your farm products; for example, if you are producing organically (without using artificial fertilizers) make sure that this message is loud and clear. If you are a poultry farmer whose layers produce yellow york eggs, put it clearly in the message etc.
-Timing is also very important in effective marketing. Try to produce at a time when other farmers are not producing. This will lower competition and also give you a good profit. If you are selling direct to a market like St Balikudembe, make sure that you find out at what time consumers buy your product most.
