This page links to information and resources for farmers currently selling products locally, those transitioning to production for local markets, and new farmers getting started:  marketing local food products to local markets, distribution or processing of local food products, and means of recovering waste products for reuse on the farm. You may also browse the entire web site by typing keywords or phrases in the Search bar above.

• General information and resources on production
• For livestock farmers selling meat locally
  • Niche meat production
  • Niche meat processing
• New Producers / Beginning Farmers
• Cooperatives as a business model
• Marketing & Markets for Local Food Products
• Distribution & Aggregation of Local Food Products
• Local Food Processing
• Value-Added Processing
• Composting and Vermicomposting
• Food Safety for Growers
  The N.C. Fresh Produce Portal has several sections under the Growers page which are relevant to all producers selling locally.

Pricing Data

• Local Food Marketing Information – Current and historic NC prices; from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• A General Guide to Pricing for Direct Farm Marketers and Value -Added Agricultural Entrepreneurs. 2011. University of Tennessee Extension.
  • Produce
    • USDA Fruits & Vegetables Market Report: Ag MRC
    • Farm to School
    • Retail Farmers Market Reports
    • North Carolina Farmers’ Market Prices (Raleigh & Western North Carolina). : Wholesale pricing at state farmers markets
    • Fruit and Vegetable Prices: USDA Economic Research Service data includes each product’s average retail price per pound and per edible cup equivalent for household budgeting.
  • Meat
    • North Carolina Grass Fed Beef Report (Monthly)
    • North Carolina Pasture Raised Lamb Report (Monthly)
    • North Carolina Pasture Raised Pork Report (Monthly)
    • North Carolina Pasture Raised Poultry Report (Monthly)
• The NC Growing Together project has summarized historical price data by commodity as reported by produce wholesalers based at the Raleigh Farmers Market, and collected on a daily basis by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – available online.
• USDA Market News. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service pricing for various markets across commodities (retail and wholesale).
  • Local & Regional Market News. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service includes pricing from state farmers markets, farm to school programs, retail, and more.