Question: I’m growing farm products now to sell early this spring. How do I plan for direct sales and what do I do about my wholesale accounts?
Answer: Consumer buying habits are rapidly changing. Restaurants are only open for carry out and delivery while many schools are implementing meal drop off programs. No one knows exactly what will happen, but as COVID-19 updates come in, remember the following:
Communicate closely with your sales channels and keep your customers informed. If you use social media or newsletters to engage customers, continue to do so. Let them know you are continuing to raise your normal products (farming goes on regardless!) and are staying up to date and modifying your food safety plan as needed.
Consider adding or expanding delivery services to meet your customers’ needs. You may drop off CSA baskets at the front porch during a certain time period and send the customer a text.
Consider adding drop off locations while minimizing close interactions. For example, “I’m glad to see you today, but just pop the trunk and I’ll load you up. We can catch up on the phone later.”
Keep in mind the social distancing and sanitation recommendations with ALL interactions. Consider drop-offs with payment over the phone or online.
If you have restaurant or wholesale accounts for produce, stay in communication with points of contact as best you can and be aware of their projected needs in the next 30 to 60 days. You should expect those accounts to decrease dramatically simply due to decreased consumer sales if they have not already.
Schools have closed as a precaution for two to four weeks in many districts across the state. If your customer is a school system, be in contact with local food coordinators in the district. Needs may become similar to summer-feeding programs as schools decide how to ensure all students have access to meals.
Make sure you can accept payment in low-contact ways. KCARD has just put out some options with regard to credit card processing through online platforms here.
Remember, as farmers, large or small, we are all navigating this time together. As always, give KCARD a call if you want to discuss any of these options. You can reach us at 859-550-3972 or via email at kcard@kcard.info.