Small farms see bigger profits by selling direct to consumers

Direct farm marketing is becoming a big part of Oregon agriculture. According to the 2007 USDA Census of Agricultural, 6,274 Oregon farms sold products directly to consumers, with total sales of $56 million. This is a 144 percent increase over the $21 million in farm direct sales reported in the 2002 Census. It’s a trend that OSU Extension is supporting with direct marketing research and education.

“Farmers’ markets are a great success story for Oregon agriculture,” said Larry Lev, OSU Extension economist. “They create a direct way that communities can support agriculture in the local area, which contributes to the vitality of communities and Oregon agriculture.” Lev works with the OSU Extension small farms program to conduct direct marketing research and deliver outreach education to help Oregon farmers learn how to market directly to consumers more effectively.