Georgia Organics - Market Tool

Choosing Your Market -- A Direct Marketing Decision Tool

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Farmers' Markets

Case Studies

Crystal Organic Farm

Nicolas Donck was one of the pioneer farmers who helped to set up the Morningside Farmers' Market in Atlanta ten years ago. The market started out small, a good match for the small, organic farm he was developing. As the years passed, the customers at Morningside learned to appreciate the fresh, delicious food and demand has grown. As more customers have come to the market, Nicolas' offerings have increased, along with those of the other farmers. Morningside Farmers' Market has given its farmers a connection to this increasing customer base for local, organic produce, so they have been able to increase production.
"This is the perfect moment to start a new farmers' market," Nicolas says. There is a growing demand, as evidenced by the crowds at Morningside and the new farmers' markets popping up all across the state. It works out well for new farmers to start a new farmers' market so that they can grow together. By the time the farmers' market has developed a faithful customer base and really taken off (about three years), the farmers will have learned enough to increase their production to meet the demand. These new markets also will help build a sense of community in the farm's local area.
For Nicolas, the real value to his organic farm is the ability to live with his family close to the earth. He says, "It's what makes it worthwhile. Having the kids out there with you in the fields, watching them grow! I love it!" Nicolas and his wife, Madeline Rains, run Crystal Organic Farm with the help of their children, Gillen and Jesse.
Nicolas Donck
Crystal Organic Farm
Newborn, GA 30056
770-784-6571
madnic@mindspring.com

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