Business marketing

From branding and pricing to merchandising and digital outreach, OSU Extension provides farm and small-business marketers with data-driven strategies to reach and retain customers. We connect makers and producers to expert advice, peer-to-peer workshops, and hands-on resources that enhance market presence.

Farm-direct Marketing: Merchandising and Pricing Strategies

By Larry Lev

Strategies direct marketers use to make sales. It includes making a merchandising plan, display and packaging, customer service, pricing strategies and techniques, and promotional techniques for your farm-direct enterprise.

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Photo Credit: Rawpixel.com - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Selling your farm products to farmers markets

Learn how to join your local farmers market by finding out when to apply, what permits you need and how to stand out. Also, learn how programs like SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks can boost your sales and community impact.

Samikshya Budhathoki | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Adding U-pick or U-cut options to your farm

Considering adding a U-pick or cut to your business? This guide provides useful considerations and tips for a successful operation, including infrastructure, risk management, marketing and more.

Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Branding and marketing tips for coastal small farms

Learn how to make your coastal farm stand out with a strong brand identity, digital marketing and local partnerships. This guide offers practical tips to help you connect with customers and grow your farm business.

Shannon Rauter | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Need consumer testing?

The Market Research for Market Readiness (MKTRD) Protocol is designed to help entrepreneurial food makers and value-added farmers evaluate the products they are developing for market. This tool is an affordable way for you to evaluate the sensory qualities of your product, investigate how much consumers will pay, get new marketing ideas and demonstrate your market readiness to retailers and investors.

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Latest News

‘Classic Extension’ work carries across oceans

Small farms educator helps Timor-Leste farmers build networks and hope.

Chris Branam | Feb 17, 2026 | News story

OSU collaboration leads to investment in resilient food systems in Oregon

Food hubs emphasize sustainable practices, fair prices and community food security.

Lauren Gwin | May 2025 | Impact story

OSU Extension Small Farms Program among nation’s best

The program works toward improving small-farm horticultural production and small-scale livestock, poultry and forage production.

Nathan Stacey, Lauren Gwin | Feb 2025 | Impact story

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Upcoming Events

Apr 1

Agritourism Marketing Webinar Series: Google Business Profile

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Apr 15

Agritourism Marketing Webinar Series: Newsletters

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Apr 29

Agritourism Marketing Webinar Series: Websites & SEOs

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May 13

Agritourism Marketing Webinar Series: Social Media

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm PDT Online

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Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Laws for u-pick and farm stands?

Q: I have a lavender farm in Clackamas county and I am wanting to open up to u-pick for the summer. We are zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) I have not been able to get a clear understanding from the county on whether ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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