You don’t have to be particularly tech-savvy to launch an online store
Farmers and ranchers are increasingly turning to online sales to reach customers, especially with COVID-19 disrupting the operation of many farmers markets, restaurants and stores.
You don’t have to be particularly tech-savvy to launch an online store, but the variety of vendors, platforms and services to choose from can be daunting, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, says Maria Rodriguez-Alcala, a University of Missouri Extension community economic development specialist and member of MU Extension’s Food Systems program team.
MU Extension hosted a webinar in June titled “Choosing an Online Platform & Selling Online: Four Missouri Farmers Share Their Success Stories.” MU Extension facilitated the virtual workshop in partnership with the Webb City Farmers Market and the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.
“This panel really helped illustrate the opportunities and challenges these farmers face when making decisions to expand or diversify their operations,” says Rodriguez-Alcala.
A recording of the farmers’ presentations and question-and-answer sessions is available at youtu.be/1hzweVW2j4E, and the farmers are available for free one-on-one consultations.
“The farmers have committed to a set number of hours through Aug. 30, so people interested in receiving consultation or mentoring should contact the farmer of their choice as soon as possible,” she says.
