Exploring Farm Diversification: Pick Your Own
Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist, explores how farms can boost income with a "pick your own" experience, sharing essential tips and strategies for successful implementation.
Farm diversification provides a pathway to reduce dependency on conventional farming practices. It introduces new income-generating activities that leverage the farm’s existing assets, such as land, buildings, or the farmer’s expertise. Successful diversification can help to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations, create new business opportunities, and increase community engagement.
Farmers can diversify their operations by offering a "pick your own" (PYO) experience. PYO farms allow customers to personally harvest fruits, vegetables, or other produce directly from the farm fields. This approach can be an engaging and enjoyable activity for customers, providing them with a connection to the farm and fresh, locally grown produce.
Key Considerations
Crop Selection
Identify suitable crops for PYO, such as berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), apples, pumpkins, or vegetables (tomatoes, peas), based on local demand, seasonality, and the farm's capabilities.
Field Accessibility and Amenities
Ensure easy access to the fields, designate picking areas, and provide adequate signage, parking, paths, and possibly rest areas for visitors.
Customer Experience
Create an enjoyable and family-friendly experience by offering activities like hayrides, farm tours, petting zoos, or picnic areas near the picking areas.
Educational Opportunities
Use the PYO experience as an educational opportunity by informing visitors about farming practices, crop cultivation, and the importance of locally grown produce.
Pricing and Payment
Establish transparent pricing per unit or weight for the produce picked. Determine payment methods and logistics for handling transactions.
Marketing and Promotion
Develop a marketing strategy to attract customers, including advertising through social media, local events, farm websites, or collaborating with community organizations.
Safety and Regulations
Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, including hygiene standards, signage for picking guidelines, and providing containers or bags for harvesting.
Customer Service
Focus on providing excellent customer service, guidance, and assistance to visitors during their picking experience. Customers generally notice customer service when it either exceeds or falls short of their expectations. If customer service meets expectations, it often goes unnoticed.
Diversifying into a PYO operation allows farmers to engage directly with consumers, offer a unique farm experience, and generate additional income. However, successful implementation requires planning, attention to visitor experience, crop management, marketing efforts, and compliance with regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Read the full publication: Branching Out - A Guide to Farm Diversification in Ireland
Explore our Rural Development information series as well as available support for farmers