As we celebrate another New Year and reflect on both challenges and growth opportunities for local food systems, Local Food Marketplace is as committed as ever to helping farmers share their products (without increasing their workload). We are excited to kick off the year with a new app especially for...
Why should farms start to think about their online and offline sales more cohesively? As online offerings become more prevalent and in-person sales fluctuate with weather, health crises, and competition, being able to integrate online and offline sales is a crucial maneuver for success. Over the last 12 years, we...
Have you been struggling with managing order pick-ups from your customers? Are your more popular pick-up times overrun with customers while other timeslots are slim? Do you want to accept gratuities for your online store’s services? We have great news for you! Here at LFM we have recently released two...
Selling to restaurants can be very intimidating and poses many unique challenges. Maybe you have weathered the ups and downs of selling to restaurants in 2020 due to COVID regulations limiting, or even closing, restaurant doors. Although the exact future of restaurant dining is uncertain, the world is beginning to...
In early 2020, many farms and markets found themselves adapting to COVID market conditions without the time to make a proper business plan. In preparing for 2021, it is time to take a look at your sales and operational plan to ensure profitability. In light of the shift to online...
As people stay at home for their health and safety, delivery has become the most convenient way people can shop for essential goods. For many farmers and food hubs, incorporating a home delivery service has been key to not just surviving the pandemic but thriving during these challenging times. Delivery...
Photo courtesy of Zaklan Heritage Farm Nestled in the middle of suburban British Columbia, you can find Gemma and Doug on Zaklan Heritage Farm: a 90 year old mixed vegetable and egg farm serving Surrey and their urban neighbors. Now in their 7th year of production, Zaklan Heritage Farm focuses...