Farm store and online sales shoot up as farmers pivot due to pandemic

Like grocery stores and restaurants, farms and farm stores have modified their operations since the closure of farmers' markets.

For the most part, re-organizing their stores or closing them to customers has seen a new shift to online ordering and pickup that has proved successful for these businesses: many report smooth, safe-distancing operations and increased sales.

While the spring and early summer harvest is only just beginning after a slow start due to weather conditions, farm businesses are reporting that they've been busy filling online customer orders.

Is the model sustainable? Like restaurants, it's a new way of doing business, so operators don't really know yet and aremonitoring closely.

One question they have is: Do theyhave the resources to sell at farmers' markets when they re-open, tocontinue offeringon-farm sales while they keep the newpick-and-pack online order system for customer pickup?

What the farmers do say is that they appreciate the positive support they are getting from customers, adding that those customers in turn say they appreciate the opportunity to buy local food with safe distancing.

Some examples

Here are a few randomly selectedfarmstores in the area, both large and small, and how their operations have evolved.

Barrie's Asparagus Farm, Cambridge:Spring was rough and many farmers lost up to 20 per cent of their first-growth asparagus to a freeze. Prices have gone up accordingly; Barrie's says they have held the increase to four per cent over last year.

A drive-in service channels you to either asparagus and rhubarb barn or the store. Online ordering is offered. Only three people are allowed in store at a time. Masks are mandatory or Barrie's offers a personal shopper. Pay by e-transfer (preferred) or cash in $10 amounts. No tap; no credit. Zero contact purchasing. Delivery option.

Edwards Family Organics, Millbank:The small indoor sales counter is closed, according to Krista Edwards. Order online, call or email. Pay by e-Transfer. Curbside pickup at your designated time. "Orders have been flying out the door," Edwards says.

Faul Farms,Ayr:One person in the small store at a time. Pre-order by phone or email for pickup. Visit pre-orders page on their website. Quantity limits are in effect. All payment options.

Herrle'sCountry Farm Market, St. Agatha:Open Saturday, May 30; then daily starting June 4. Between 25-30 customers inside at a time. One-way aisles lead to check-out. Plexi-glass barriers. Bag-your-own groceries if using your own bags. For online ordering, book a time for curbside pickup (based on availability). All payment options.

"Strawberry season is late," says TrevorHerrle-Braun. "But we should have some of our own berries in about three weeks." Pick-your-own strawberries will happen sostay tuned toHerrle'sfor details as they develop.

MosboroughCountry Market, Guelph:Located between Kitchener and Guelph, the market was flooded with customers at the lockdown, says co-owner Matt Oxley. "We shut down walk-in traffic and went to order ahead and pick-up window," he says. Extended hours. They do about 60 orders per day; 80 on the weekend. Set your pickup day and time. Turn-around time is usually within a day.

Oakridge Acres Country Meat,Ayr:The Gerber family has recently seen the popularity of its bison as a protein grow exponentially so much so that they are in the process of offering more. No entry to the store. Order via email for "porch pickup." Minimum 24 hours notice needed. Delivery upon request.

Top Market Meats, Ariss:During their events, it's normal for Top Market to have 500 visitors to the farm. On-farm store is closed but replaced by outdoor farmers' market tables with safe distancing. Select from posted boards and staff pack your items. Tap and go. As one vehicle leaves, another enters. Market is bi-weekly starting May 30.