Organic food has become the talk of the town in many homes as a good number of people are trying to eat more healthy foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, right from the garden.
In line with this, everyone is also looking for ways to bring in extra cash as another source of income. Many people take the advantage of these trends by opening a fruit and vegetable shop.
A renowned farmer, Mr. Jimmy Ekundayo, said that organic food comes straight from the farm as natural as ever.
“You can sell produce from your garden or orchard, or you can buy produce from other sources and sell it in your stand. This might be a great business idea for kids and teens during the summer months,” he said.
Ekundayo explained that most people use a stand to sell fruits and vegetables they grow themselves, offering whatever is in season.
“Another option is to buy directly from local farmers or orchards. If you do not live in a rural area, you could find produce at a wholesale store,” he said.
According to him, it is important to take the produce to a place that potential buyers can easily be attracted.
“Decide where to locate your produce stand. Choose a location that is visible and highly trafficked by potential customers.
“If you set up in an indoor location such as a garage or barn, you need to put up signs so your customers can find you. Another option is to have a mobile produce stand, selling and delivering produces door-to-door services,” he added.
He advised that it is also important that the seller create a signage for the stand or the spot.
“This is because you want to attract the attention of potential customers and let them know what you are selling. You can buy signs from an office supply store or create your own signs using pain and cardboard or wood,” he advised.
Ekundayo said one must decide how much to be charged for the produce.
“As a starting point, check out how much similar produce costs at your local supermarket and see what other stands are charging. People might pay a little more than supermarket rates to get really fresh produce, but you don’t want to be the most expensive stand in the area,” he said.
“If you bought produce from a local farmer or wholesale distributor, price your produce so that you earn a profit. But make sure that it remains fresh as ever.”
Ways to generate more income
Sell organic produce at the market
The perfect garden enterprise – the organic market: You can grow fruit and vegetables in your personal allotments and then sell on to hungry buyers. This is a larger project that will require more time, experience and money. But the rewards will be worthwhile and for big projects, sell at a local market stall if you can grow and maintain enough produce.
Open Your Garden to the Public
For those of you with a large and beautiful garden – why not share your pride and joy with others? Hosting an open garden event is an easy way to make money and can be a great way to raise money for charity.
Sell fruit smoothies with produce from your garden
Using the produce from your organic garden, why not start up your business in the kitchen and blend up some signature smoothies. With the health kick that’s currently in vogue, your smoothies could be a successful way to make a second income.
Make homemade jams & chutneys
Selling home-grown jams and chutneys is an innovative way to make an extra wage. Why not try personalising with a ribbon and some bespoke homemade packaging to really grab people’s attention? Something the whole family will enjoy – a jam or chutney (or both!) business could be fun as well as money-making.
Warning
Before you open your stand, check with your local city or state government to see if you need to get a permit or meet other regulations. This will enable you to be free from unwanted
embarrassment.
