Find the Award-Winning Publication Online or Request a Copy
Contact: Ashley Huibregtse, 608-224-5002
MADISON – The second edition of the Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide publication is now available from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. This 132-page soft-cover book is a producer’s guide to marketing locally grown food.
This guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to begin a new business venture, including making a business plan, setting prices, developing a marketing strategy, and adding value to products. Producers can learn more about direct marketing to consumers at farmers’ markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations, agritourism sites, and on-farm stores; or selling through an intermediary via restaurants, grocery stores, or institutional food service. Rules, regulations, licensing, and liability are also described in this guide.
In 2008, the first edition of the Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide garnered the Wisconsin Library Association Government Roundtable’s Distinguished Document award and received the American Library Association Notable Document award. The Library Journal on May 15, 2010 described the guide by writing, “Cogent prose and fascinating profiles make this a pleasure to read. Though a portion of the text is specific to Wisconsin, this title belongs in every library serving farmers and other producers.”
The second edition includes updated information, additional resources, and expanded content to capture the growth in local food sales. Highlights include:
* New and updated profiles of current operations
* Improved ‘Getting Started’ chapter for the beginning farmer and those launching a business
* More marketing tools including social media and promotional programs
* Farm to school update
* Additional information on artisan meat, wine, and beer production
* Extended grocery section
* New information on sales tax, food sampling laws for farmers’ markets and agritourism, and other regulations
The second edition of the Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide publication was made possible through DATCP and the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program, which strives to increase the sale of Wisconsin food products to local buyers. The guide is available online at datcp.wisconsin.gov, under Business, Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin. Individuals may request hard copies by sending names and addresses to Nicole Breunig at DATCPBLBW@wisconsin.gov or DATCP-DAD, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911.
