Anna Littman ASAP Program Coordinator & Owner of Ivy Creek Family Farm

“In the local food economy building connections to the community is the

most important thing farmers can do to build their business.”

-Allison Perrett, ASAP Researcher

Why? . . .

Making Community Connections

Builds Interest in Local Food and Farms Increases Farmer’s Visibility Results in Relationships and long-term customers

From the consumer survey ASAP has conducted over the last decade (since 2002), ‘connections to the community’

in recent years emerged as a key reason people in our region seek out local food

and farms.

Relationships build trust and an appreciation for what farmers do.

Appreciation both as a kind of gratitude but also knowledge of what goes into

growing food.

What else?

Community connections enable farmers to get feedback and educate customers.

Direct connections with the community mean that farmers can influence the market by introducing new products more effectively.

All of this results in farmers growing their customer base

and increasing their sales.

Strong Farms Make Strong Communities

Community Resilience Buying local food supports a diversity of innovative and interdependent businesses that make it possible for communities to both survive and thrive in good times and bad. Community Ties Purchasing products made or grown by our neighbors builds relationships that strengthen the economy while creating opportunities for greater civic engagement. And More!

Okay, this is great, but SHOW me the Money!

More real life examples

Amos Nidiffer, Trosly Farm Christina Newhouse, Mighty Greens and SAFF (Southern Appalachian Family Farms)

Ideas on How to Make Community Connections

Do outreach Connect with your local library. Give library talks or put flyers about your farm up at the library.

Connect with your local school. Volunteer to do a farmer classroom visit, talk at a PTA meeting, participate in a fall fair, or volunteer in a garden.

others. . .

Connect With Neighbors

Put up visible signage Submit information about your farm in your community newsletters

Organize a farm open house or tour for neighbors

Keep in Touch With Customers Create a customer database Send out updates Get active in social media Organize farm potluck brunches or picnics Offer tours to staff of restaurants or retailers you sell to

Offer specials to loyal customers