Identifying & developing potential markets Moose Meadows Farm Quesnel, BC Presented by Heloise Dixon-Warren, BSc, RPF December 3, 2009 Prince George, British Columbia Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

- Where do you start?  Begin small and test your market locally (reduce your risk); on farm marketing  Fine tune and be prepared to improve (or alter) your product (it’s going to change!);  Research other similar businesses for product lines, price comparisons, services offered, etc.; recognise that your product WILL be different! Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Where do you start?  Consider demographics, geographic location, the population base, your resources;  Consider societal philosophies & values – e.g. economic sustainability & stability; environmental (“green”)  Think outside the box bag! Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Where do you start?  Learn that just because you want to produce something does not mean that consumers will purchase it;  Link products, activities, events, festivals, etc. together – they will compliment one another!  Join a Co-operative Marketing Group; market with your competitors Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Where do you start?  Donate to community functions to expose your business and product  Sponsor community supported activities;  Participate in festivals, fairs, markets, etc.  Work with media – editorials, “additorials”, etc. Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Market Size ??  Market will depend upon product – local, regional, provincial, national, international (or any combination of these!)  How much product can you provide / produce? How big do you want to become? Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Developing the Market  Market will depend upon product – local, regional, provincial, national, international (or any combination of these!)  Local / Regional promotion: signage (sandwich, highway), markets, advertising, word of mouth, festivals, , etc.  Keep your costs DOWN! – word of mouth is free & BEST! Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Developing the Market  Provincial / National: internet;  A website is a MUST these days for expanding your market both locally and regionally; more & more use of the internet daily  Market your website EVERYWHERE; on your vehicles, signage, advertising, business cards, etc. Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Developing the Market  Don’t undervalue yourself or your product. It can take time to develop a market.  IF YOUR SERVICE & PRODUCT IS GOOD… & OF HIGH QUALITY… PEOPLE WILL BUY IT! SET YOURSELF APART! YOU DON’T NEED TO COMPETE WITH THE BIG BOX STORE! Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons

Additional Information Heloise Dixon-Warren, BSc, RPF Moose Meadows Farm 2861 Nazko Road, Quesnel, T: / Website: Moose Meadows Farm Where we farm with the seasons