Design
Facilities for Roadside Markets, NRAES-52, a publication from the Natural Resouce, Agriculture, and Engineering Service. This 32-page publication features plans for roadside stands and roadside markets, along with 26 illustrations and 4 tables. Available for $8.00 from NRAES, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, New York, 14853-5701. For information about quantity discounts or for a free publications catalog, contact NRAES by phone at (607) 255-7654, by fax at (607) 254-8770, by e-mail at nraes@cornell.edu, or on the Web.

On-farm cooling
Postharvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables, by Janet Bachmann and Richard Earles, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA). Very complete guide, with many references. August, 2000.

Produce Handling for Direct Marketing, NRAES-51, is an invaluable guide for the grower who sells seasonal produce at local farmers' markets or roadside markets. The 26-page publication describes produce-handling techniques that satisfy the needs dictated by postharvest physiology of produce and concerns about food safety. It includes general guidelines on field handling and market displays, with sections on iced and refrigerated displays. It also discusses the principles of refrigerated storage and the options a grower has for cold storage rooms and refrigeration equipment. Available for $8.00 (plus shipping and handling of $3.75/copy) from NRAES, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, New York, 14853-5701. For information about quantity discounts or for a free publications catalog, contact NRAES by phone at (607) 255-7654, by fax at (607) 254-8770, by e-mail at nraes@cornell.edu, or on the Web.

Agri-tourism
Direct Farm Marketing and Tourism Handbook, by Russell Tronstad and Julie Leones, Agricultural Resource Economics, University of Arizona, a web guide designed to help farm and ranch operators (and other individuals who grow or process food products) market their products and services directly to the consumer. Long, but very complete.

The North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association, a national organization which promotes and fosters the growth of farm direct marketing by offering opportunities for education, networking, and fellowship to its members.

Thompson Family Farms, Larry Thompson, Boring, Oregon. From: The New American Farmer, Profiles of Agricultural Innovation. USDA SARE Program. 2001.

Entertainment Farming and Agri-Tourism, by Katherine L. Adam, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA). Another great ATTRA review, this one specifically for the world of entertainament farming. September 2004.

Agricultural Tourism Operation Fact Sheets, University of California, Small Farm Center, Davis, CA. A series of factsheets dealing with all phases of direct marketing.

MAiZE, a corn maize development company found in Utah that provides advise on how to design a successfull ag-tourism enterprise.

MazePlay.com, another good design company for the popular corn mazes.

Designscapes Inflatables, DesignScapes specializes in inflatable farm-related products, perfect for roadside marketing.

Legal concerns
“The Green Book” Handbook of Regulations for Direct Farm Marketing, by Leslie Zenz and Tamera Flores, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Small Farm and Direct Marketing Program. 80 pages. (PDF)

The Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing, 1999, Neil Hamilton, Professor of Law, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. $20, order from: Drake university Law Center, Des Moines, Iowa 50311, or call 515/ 271-2065. One of the best guides on the subject.