This twilight meeting will be held at the Two Gander Farm at 110 Buck Road in Downingtown from 6:30 to 8:30 in the evening on Wednesday, July 19.
Established in 2009, Two Gander Farm is a first-generation vegetable & CSA farm owned by Trey and Deirdre Flemming. Nestled on 10 acres, within 260 acres of preserved land owned by the Brandywine Conservancy, just outside of Downingtown, Two Gander Farm grows delicious local food for local people. The USDA certified organic farming business currently consists of a 130 member CSA, farmers markets stands, and wholesale sales to retail stores and local restaurants. Two Gander is well known for their great-tasting heirloom tomatoes, fresh lettuce selections, and high quality greens. The Two Gander apiary provides several on-farm honey selections. The Two Gander Farm mission statement; “Through sustainable small scale farming, we strive to strengthen the connections between our local environment, the health of our community, and the vibrancy of our local economy.”
Discussion topics for the evening will focus on various aspects of Marketing. Farm market strategies, marketing economics—for farm-markets and wholesale markets—and the differences in growing techniques between farm markets and wholesale markets will be discussed. Other focuses will include how to grow to exceed the expectations and changing demands of today’s vegetable and produce shopper. Deirdre and Trey will share an overview of how they started their farm, how they bring product to market, sow-to-sale, and they will share their future marketing goals. Deirdre believes, “The way you make a customer feel is really important. Listen to your customers and grow what makes them feel good, provide them what they want to eat.” Marketing conversations will also revolve around finding that happy balance between what you’ve produced, what’s ready, and what you should bring to market.
There is no registration fee and light refreshments will be provided. To register or for information, contact John Wodehouse at 610-696-3500 or chesterext@psu.edu. Please register by July 14 if possible but walk-ins are welcome.