Alyson Wade, The Farm Connection
Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Gardens, Video Marketing and Risk Mitigation
Grant Award: $8,000
Working on a multi-pronged approach to grow their successful nursery, The Farm Connection used their grant in three ways. Because nursery sales are highly dependent on the customer knowing what trees/plants look like when fully grown, they planted a demonstration garden at their retail location. During the growing season, her customers will be able to see what those plants look like in a landscape once they are fully grown.
They have captured footage of the process and finished product and will be producing educational marketing videos to share on their website/social media to educate customers, build online presence and promote nursery visits and sales.
Additionally, they have added equipment to the farm to enable backup emergency water and electric resources. The grant funds went toward
professional botanical signage, a landscaped demonstration garden, electric generator and accessories, backup water pump, hoses and fittings, and videography.
With these improvements, The Farm Connection’s goal is to increase revenue through increased customer knowledge and understanding, reach new customers and significantly reduce risk on the farm.
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