There are some county farmers who have goods for sale, but there is a logistical problem: how to connect the producer with the consumer. I saw on the HERALD’S website recently a survey trying to determine the interest in a local farmers’ market. I suspect a cooperative effort might not be as successful unless the sales’ site is in a big box parking lot, highly unlikely, but evidently there are individual producers who have already found their own local marketing site/niche.
First of all, an important element to a successful operation is to find a good selling location meaning a place that has plenty of convenient, safe parking with instant visibility along with a location where traffic flows abundantly and consistently. While having a central unified location would add to one-stop shopping, perhaps being able to locate independently and randomly would entice more local vendors with less expense providing permission to locate is granted.
Of course selling involves competition and officials do not want to show favoritism to locals over those established businesses who already sell the same product; however a mom and pops operation is not going to be a serious business threat. Too, if necessary a modest fee for a business license would not break the bank.
There are already such businesses in place locally. While the products being sold are not grown exclusively in the county, most of the vegetables are with other state-grown products added such as, for example, peaches currently available. I did business with one today.
The aim was to find locally grown produce and an out-of-town trip was planned until it was suggested that there was a vendor nearby in a no-longer-used parking lot, who grew what he sold at least not counting the peaches. Parking was easy and the welcome was friendly.
The employee in charge (the owner was from Latta) who had all the answers to our questions enticed us with a special promotion for a larger purchase just like the big boys might do in their advertisements. He even offered us an opportunity to make personal selections. He knew his products well and even where and by whom they were grown. There was no sales tax, a plus.
The business operation itself was functional and somewhat primitive but effective. The operator had a small box for the money, a modest sign, a folding chair and a portable tent to shield himself and his merchandise from the near 100 degree sun plus a willingness to do business with two strangers who became immediate friends and likely repeat customers.
I have seen similar ‘stands’ usually on the back of pickup trucks in various other locations around the town’s business center especially near frequently visited public buildings. It might be debatable that one can actually save money by buying local produce, but one would be assured that the goods are fresh, not shipped from Peru on an airplane plus helping the local enonomy.
Locations? Now that Belk’s is history, perhaps this might be one possible site for such ventures. It generally meets the mentioned criteria.
Then there are others who provide locally produced farm goods but on a more commercial scale. They are worthy of your patronage too.
“Farming is not really a business. It is a calling. “ Anon
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Bill Lee, PO Box 128, Hamer, SC 29547
