Distribution
Growing fresh produce year-round is only half of your story.
Distributing what you grow is the other half. Here are some strategies to consider as you’re planning your farm project.
Direct-to-consumer
Sell a weekly supply of produce to customers for a subscription fee, also known as the community supported agriculture (CSA) model.
Your customers: Your local community
Customer example:
Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Society runs a fresh greens subscription box in one of Canada’s rainiest cities and donates the surplus to community members in need
Wholesale
Sell directly to a distributor or customer who purchases a bulk order.
Your customers: Grocery stores, schools, hospitals, restaurants, local institutions
Customer example: New Horizon Co-op grows right in their parking lot and sells locally grown produce under its store brand so customers can choose to keep their dollars local in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Hybrid
Distribute your produce with a combination of the wholesale and direct-to-consumer model.
Your customers: Grocery stores, schools, hospitals, restaurants, local institutions AND your community
Customer example: Audrey Turgeon diversifies her 40-cow dairy operation with a Growcer farm to supply fresh greens in rural Quebec. She offers a weekly subscription of greens to her local neighbourhood and sells directly to grocery stores under the brand “Verdures Dorey.”
Impact
Distribute either wholesale or direct-to-consumer to break even first, then consider subsidizing or donating the surplus produce.
Your customers: Similar to the previous models but includes your local impact partners (charities, non-profits, health programs)
Customer example: Squamish Nation uses their Growcer farm to grow fresh produce for their community kitchen and pantry that supports Ayás Mén̓men Child and Family Services.
Comparing distribution models
Each distribution model comes with its pros and considerations. Your decision is based on how much customer interaction, administration, and profitability you want.
Want to talk this through with our experts?
Choose your business model and understand what the ROI looks like for your business by contacting a member of the Growcer team.
We’ve also summarized this page for you in a handy cheat sheet!