Conference turris::cooks

    The idea of picking my own repels me.  I don't mind going out once
    a year to pick a year's cupply of blueberries or strawberries, but
    the thought of going out every week to pick my broccoli, tomatoes,
    cucumebers, etc. I would rather by veggies at the supermarket loaded
    with pesticided.  
    
    In addition to pick your own, I would suggest that she has already
    picked veggies also.  I would also pay a slight premium to have
    her pick them.
    
    Whether I would use the place or not depends on how convenient she
    is from my home or office.  I won't drive an hour out of my way
    for it, but 5 minutes I would.
    
    

Pick-your-own rabbit fleece sounds pretty repellent.  (smiley-face goes here.)

I think I would be uncomfortable paying a membership fee as well.  If I drive 
up to a farm stand, I get to examine what's available and pay for what I
like -- I feel I am in control of the deal I get.  But if I paid a membership
and then found out only runt produce was available because I wasn't able to 
show up at 6:00am on the first day to start picking, I'd feel pretty abused.

					>>>==>PStJTT

    Ill "second" the previous replies....usually, when cukes are in
    "season" there are scads of little stands all over the place selling
    them....same with beans/tomatoes/squash, etc.
    
    Then there are all kinds of farmers marts etc....they even sell
    produce at flea markets (the large ones)...
    
    Plus, if I REALLY wanted something special, I'd plant it in the
    backyard garden.....
    
    Rick

    Now, if the idea is to provide pesticide-free produce, you might
    have yourself a niche.  Your P.R. would have to educate customers
    on the effects of no pesticide on produce appearance and taste (and
    health!), but I bet there are people who are willing to pay a premium
    for nice-looking pesticide-free produce.
    
    In the 3-M area I doubt that "pick-your-own" for all crops would
    attract many customers.  Those who would are likely to be willing
    to spend the time gardening anyway, so they largely have their own
    crops.
    
    Frank 

  The possibility of really fresh eggs would interest me (if
  conveniently located, as mentioned). Also, organically grown veggies,
  if the supply is adequate (as mentioned). And the possibility of fresh
  rabbit and exotic poultry would be nice (I'm not interested in their
  pelts, though). Also, would prefer not to have a membership fee, but
  might kick $50 in just to help with startup costs. If after the first
  year or two it didn't seem to be working out, I might still go, but
  wouldn't want to pay to be a member. I have to agree with the comment
  about the wide availability of good veggies in season. This area has a
  fairly short growing season, so there's really not much you can offer
  that isn't already around in season, even if your products are
  organically grown. The competition's pretty stiff.

  I'll tell you what I've often wished for, though: a "gourmet"
  ("yuppie" if you insist) complete shopping center. We shop at
  Idylwilde a lot for some of their gourmet products (although I'm not
  as impressed with them as I once was), and we always comment about
  what a smart idea it would be if someone could open stores right next
  door where you could buy (1) fresh fish/seafood, (2) really good
  and/or exotic meat and poultry, and (3) good wines. For the
  convenience such an arrangement would offer, they'd be able to charge
  quite a bit higher prices than other stores which sell similar
  products. If you really wanted to get ambitious, you could add a
  cooking-supplies store, a cookbook store, etc. I know there's a market
  for such a center in MetroWest - just look at the cars which are
  parked at Idylwilde on Sunday.

    I'd like to suggest, .0, that you place the same note in the 
    HOLISTIC notes file.  You MIGHT get different responses there.
    
    I have to be an echo on this one.  Each person reflects some of
    my own thoughts on this.  I think your friend would do better to
    grow pesticide-free products (which often are less attractive than
    pesticide-ridden ones - perhaps because of inexperience growing
    that way) and sell them at just above the "going rate."
    
    Give HOLISTIC a try.
    
    Susan

    If it's a monetary return on the 'farm' that is the goal, then in view of
previous replies, your friend might consider 'renting' garden space for
'do-it-yourselfers' that have no space and offering some services supplied for a
fee (sort of if the gardener can't make it this weekend, you turn on the
sprinkler for $2).  As mentioned before location is the key element. 


FWIW

    
    
    I'll have to agree with .7...your best bet for a start-up would be some
    sort of CO-OP venture which would utilize your space and allow you to 
    sample the prospective value of your venture....I would also recommend
    that you consider placing your idea in PICA::GARDEN...Good Luck !!
    
    					Cary in SOUTH CAROLINA

    I agree with everyone.  Especially the 'pick your own' part. (Gag
    me with a creepy crawly) - I would probably NEVER go back in after
    I found the first creepy bug staring up at me. blecch!
    
    Although - I do love this time of year because of (previously
    mentioned) the farm stands with fresh stuff are pretty abundant.
    
    Good Luck to your friend!

    I would love to be part of your friend's dream.
    
    Picking the vegetables or fruits myself sounds great
    to me.
    
    Where is this farm located?