Niche Markets ProjectNiche Markets
Growing fruits, vegetables, and other farm products particularly specialty items preferred by ethnic populations, unusual minor crops grown on a limited scale, or certified organic produce offers profitable niche markets for small farmers.
Choose a crop mix compatible with your climate and soils for which there is unmet market demand.
Cultivation techniques.
Each crop has special requirements in planting, pruning, fertilizing, etc.
Regulations.
Certain crops or value-added products may be regulated by law, such as processed foods, medicinal herbs, or on-farm activities for the public. Check with government agricultural and health agencies to see if your product line may be subject to regulations, permit approval, etc.
Risk management.
As with all new crops, there is added risk involved for crop or market failure. Limit risk by starting with a small investment, and expanding on success; by spreading risk over 2-3 crops; and by selecting crops with multiple products and benefits. Consider selling to several markets in case one does not perform as expected.
Value-added.
Food processing and packaging can add greatly to the value of a crop. Also, increasing the perceived value of products by offering an enhanced user experience (freshness, desirable varieties, etc.) add value to products.
Food safety.
Clean, fresh, and pesticide free, products can bring higher prices.
Direct-market fruits and vegetables
Farmer cooperatives.
Farmers markets.
The Internet. Web site advertising exposes a business to a markets in a wider local community and worldwide.
