Dalton Rhodes, Rhodes Berry Farm
Make Blackberries Local Again
Grant Award: $6,000
Currently, Rhodes Berry Farm sells their entire product to a national broker who markets in the midwest and northeast of the US. Research has shown that the farm could get roughly twice as much for berries sold in the local WNC market.
To be able to capture the local market, Rhodes Berry Farm will need to package their berries under their own name. To do this, they will be adding a 15’ x 25’ packaging storage shed that will serve as a space to pack berries and will be their sales/shipping office.
By building relationships with local buyers and reducing their dependence on the national broker, the farm will be more profitable and resilient. Another outcome would be a more stable and happier work force, as increased profits would allow them to pay their workers more.
Contact the Local Extension Agent