Marketing directly to consumers through roadside stops provides the opportunity to increase farm income and offers consumers access to fresher, higher-quality foods. Freshness is important in consumers purchasing decisions and with the decreasing choices in vegetable types, consumers want to have access to the best varieties. Sadly seed varieties shrank about 93 percent during the 80-year period between 1903 and 1983. The National Seed Storage Laboratory in 1983 showed that about 93 percent of seeds had been lost in 80 years. 544 varieties of cabbage shrank to just 28 cabbage varieties; 463 different kinds of radishes reduced to 27 varieties. At Exit 111 off I-75 in Wapakoneta, OH consumers won't have to worry about those varieties disappearing and can have a choice again of what radish type they want.
The results of a HealthFocus Trend survey indicate that product “freshness” has become more important than less fat, convenience, price, or other product considerations. This roadside stop has the advantage of
