Farm Products Marketing Practices by Limited Resource Farmers

This study explores the perceptions and practices of limited resource farmers in South Central Alabama regarding farm product marketing. The objectives are to identify the demographic characteristics of the farmers, assess their marketing characteristics and identify their marketing problems and marketing assistance needs. A two-page questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 144 limited resource farmers using face-to-face interviewing procedures in spring to fall, 1996. The findings revealed most of the farmers believed they were not experiencing any marketing problems. Those that did believe they were experiencing marketing problems listed higher prices as their greatest concern. A majority (68%) earned $10,000 or less annually. The investigators concluded that an increase income and consequently enhance profitability of production. Further studies are suggested to look closely at other issues related to marketing, such as enterprise budgeting to discern profitable cropping alternatives for limited resource farmers.