yourfarms

Membership Form                                                                                  yourfarms.com
                                                                        ...because our farms are yourfarms.com

• because...Ohio ranks in the top five states for direct farm sales according to the census of agriculture. Ohio farmers reported over $37 million in direct farm sales for '02, up 19% from '97 and the number of farms engaged in direct marketing is on the rise - more than 6,200 farms reporting direct sales in '02.
• because...direct marketing is well-suited to small and medium-scale enterprises, people can begin operating and profiting with volumes that might otherwise be too small for conventional marketing outlets. (can get in without lots of capital investment)
• because...there are 100 farmers' markets which exist in Ohio (urban state with over 11 million people) which are continually looking for farmer-vendors.
• because...we have a rich history and are known for food production.
       we are not utilizing popularity of "Marietta Sweetcorn" and "Ohio River Tomato" brands
       brand exists - just not formally
       many untaped resources to add fesstivals, events, etc.
• because...direct marketing from our farms is economic development.
       provides 'mix' for large industry for sustainable local economy
       quality of life for those moving in and keeping current popilation
       preserving 'farmers' in addition to 'farmland'
       establishing opportunities for next generation to return to farm
       nostalgia is the driving force for baby boomer spending (first one turned 60 on  
       January  1)
• because...'locally' produced' is far outpacing 'organic' in consumer research at OSU.
• because...obesity and health concerns are affecting health care costs.
       businesses no longer hire 'smokers' - and they are making folks exercise
       'farmers are instruments of public health'

criteria & membership:

• applicants must be a farmer located in or currently producing agricultural products in Washington County, Ohio. Applicants are aware of and take into account food safety/quality issues as described by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
• five categories of farms
       1. Farmers Market Type - no customers ever on farm
       2. CSA Type - customers may occasionally visit farm
       3. Pick-Your-Own Type - customers visit seasonally
       4. Farm Market Type - open year round (may have some food not raised on farm)
       5. Agritourism Type - frequent customers for food and agricultural education
• membership reviews - different set of requirements for each category to maintain membership
• Consumer Advisory Group - ask the group how, when they want product and how their friends/neighbors want to buy product.

establishing a formal cooperative:

• we have received a grant to Ohio Cooperative Development Center (OCDC) to establish by-laws, etc. (in cooperation with the Marietta/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau)
• producer organized - consumer driven!
• as farm as we know - first attempt to do this at a level smaller than a state/region

what will members do and how would they benefit?

• $50 membeship fee (first year) - one page on website
• Benefit from:
       building of the site
       promotion of the site (brochures, web hits, etc.)
       exclusivity to Washington County (build on other brands/organizations associated)
• Other benefits as developed including
       selling ads on web page
       recipe contests and listing/databank
       educational section - US vs. foreign use of chemicals, harvest season calendar, etc.