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

Learn strategies farm-direct marketers use to make sales, including writing a merchandising plan, setting prices and promoting your enterprise.

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Latest resources

Oregon’s Cottage Food Exemption

Get answers to answers frequently asked questions about Oregon's Cottage Food Exemption for home bakers, chefs and local food producers.

Jared Hibbard-Swanson, Joy Waite-Cusic | Mar 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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)

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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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Featured resources

Tools for rapid market assessments

Learn several methods to gain insight on farmers markets.

Larry Lev, Linda Brewer, Garry Stephenson | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Guide and Outfitter Recognized Professional Certification

The GORP training helps professional guides understand industry best practices, connect to state, US and international markets, and more knowledgeably serve their guests. Certificate earners learn how to stand out from other guides.

Aug 2022 | Video

Ecosystem services and the potential role for markets

Encouraged by successes such as pollution trading and fishery catch-shares, "markets for ecosystem services" are being promoted to foster conservation. However, costly taxpayer-funded payment schemes could deplete fiscal resources and compete with schools and public safety.

William Jaeger | Dec 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Business management

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Upcoming Events

Jun 2

Thinking of Leasing Out Your Farmland?

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Jefferson, OR

Jun 5

Pigs Can Fly Ranch - Farm Tour

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Lebanon, OR

Meet Our Experts

Tim Delbridge

Assistant Professor

Sarah Masoni

Product Development Manager

Yanyun Zhao

Value Added Foods

Rebecca Thistlethwaite

NMPAN Director

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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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Labeling requirements under Oregon’s 1,000 bird exemption?

Q: What do I have to put on the label when selling processed chicken from my small farm in Oregon?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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