Here is an great link about bringing value of food back to the farmer. This article discusses how processing by the producer may add value but increase safety risk, but it also addresses other methods to increase the value of your products.

Spring is just around the corner and with the recent warm weather many consumers are ready for farmers markets to open. The question is, are you? Find out why this article says that "Farmer's markets are incubators for business...These markets are there to help businesses grow and get you on your feet as a farmer."

Interested in some selling tips for the market? Click here.

link: Riverbanks Zoo offering manure to local gardeners

http://www.riverbanks.org/mediacenter/releases2012/0205.shtml

Locally Grown Food Industry

This report indicates that locally grown food was a $4.8 billion industry in 2008, and it's not slowing down any time soon. Local foods could be $7 billion industry in 2012.

Want more details on the data? Read the USDA Report "Direct and Intermediated Marketing of Local Foods in the United States".

Have a weed but not sure exactly what it is? Use the weed photo gallery to identify it.

Columbia area small farmers. Whole Foods may be interested in you.

Read more: http://www.thestate.com/2012/02/22/2162318/whole-foods-auditioning-local.html#storylink=omni_popular

http://www.extension.org/

remember www.eXtension.org for answers to many of your questions!