HARRISBURG, Pa. — Vegetable sales through farmers markets, farm stands, CSAs, and direct wholesale are a $439 million industry in Pennsylvania. Yet, little information is available to guide vegetable farmers about expected returns from these channels. Pasa Sustainable Agriculture’s Diversified Vegetable Financial Benchmark Study is designed to help farmers make more informed financial decisions by comparing their data with peer farms.
Pasa is inviting both first-time participants and farmers who have participated in the past to join this year’s study. At one of four upcoming virtual work sessions in February and March, participants will complete a detailed financial survey based on their farm’s 2020 financial records. Pasa will then compile personalized financial benchmark reports for each study participant. These reports will show how each farm’s finances compare to all other study participants across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, and will help them identify opportunities for improving their bottom line. General results from this study will be shared publicly, but each farm’s specific data will be kept confidential.
To be eligible, participants must 1) own or operate a for-profit, diversified vegetable operation that direct markets at least some of their produce, and 2) prepare 2020 financial records ahead of time and have them on hand for the session. All participants are eligible for a $100 stipend for completing the study.
One past study participant commented, “Before this, we had no basis for comparison to help determine if we were fairly successful relative to other farms or how much is reasonable to expect to make.” Another participant said that the study “motivated me to keep better records and critically analyze revenue streams and expenses.”
Virtual worksessions for this year’s Diversified Vegetable Financial Benchmarks Study will be held on Thursday, February 25; Thursday, March 4; Wednesday, March 24; Wednesday, March 31.
Those interested in participating can learn more details and register by visiting bit.ly/financialbenchmark-
–Pasa Sustainable Agriculture