MONROE - Green County food producers have interest in expanding sales in local markets, according to a survey released Monday by the University of Wisconsin Extension.
The survey, which sampled 30 county food producers, showed that 71 percent sold at least 5 percent of their food at local markets. Eighty-five producers were asked to participate, and 30 responded.
Those that responded said local markets allow food producers to connect more personally to customers and to help support the local economy, the survey said.
The survey also asked county food producers to describe what tools would allow them to better serve their consumers. Educating consumers about the benefits of locally grown food would help increase local sales, producers surveyed said, in addition to more information about Internet-based services to help match producers with retail sellers, the survey indicated.
Only 16 of 84 retail outlets and restaurants responded to the survey, but of them 77 percent stated they would be interested in learning more about purchasing local food products to sell, the survey said.
The survey listed the level of quality, the possibility of increasing revenue, consumer demand and helping the local economy as reasons to buy local food products.
Retail outlets also listed reasons not to purchase local food, including inconsistency of delivery and the price of local products.
The full survey report is located at the UW Extension Web site ww.green.uwex.edu.
The survey, which sampled 30 county food producers, showed that 71 percent sold at least 5 percent of their food at local markets. Eighty-five producers were asked to participate, and 30 responded.
Those that responded said local markets allow food producers to connect more personally to customers and to help support the local economy, the survey said.
The survey also asked county food producers to describe what tools would allow them to better serve their consumers. Educating consumers about the benefits of locally grown food would help increase local sales, producers surveyed said, in addition to more information about Internet-based services to help match producers with retail sellers, the survey indicated.
Only 16 of 84 retail outlets and restaurants responded to the survey, but of them 77 percent stated they would be interested in learning more about purchasing local food products to sell, the survey said.
The survey listed the level of quality, the possibility of increasing revenue, consumer demand and helping the local economy as reasons to buy local food products.
Retail outlets also listed reasons not to purchase local food, including inconsistency of delivery and the price of local products.
The full survey report is located at the UW Extension Web site ww.green.uwex.edu.