What’s Next? Steps to Take After the Matchmaker Tips for Buyers: Follow up is important! Don’t worry about being pesky; just be persistent and respectful. o Send an initial “thank you/nice to meet you” note within days of the event. o Decide on a next point of contact. If you don’t get to this during your matchmaker meeting, make a plan during the follow up: Who will contact whom and when will this next contact occur? As you prepare to begin ordering from this new producer: o Communicate with producers regarding the best times to get in touch with you, including at what point in the week you usually place orders. o Communiate with producers regarding delivery: what are the best days and times for you to receive deliveries and/or pick up items? o Communicate with producers regarding quantities and/or packaging required/desired by your business. Promoting your relationship with the producer. It’s likely that sourcing local food is either a personal goal or business-related mission—if so, show your customer that you’re meeting your goal by advertising your new relationship with the producer. o Use producer names and logos on menus, brochures, or advertisements o Feature pictures of producers or their farms on location o Include information about your relationship in a newsletter or press release o Utilize producer names, logos, and even bios on websites and over social media o Train your staff so that they can speak knowledgably about the relationship when answering patrons questions or promoting certain products A Note on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification: GAP is a set of food safety standards promoted by the USDA. GAP certification requires an annual on-farm review administered by trained USDA representatives. Law does not require GAP certification for most small and medium-sized growers. Currently, there is an advisory group of farmers and other interested bodies working with UVM and the State of Vermont to identify food safety measures that are responsive to the needs of small and diversified farms. If you have questions about whether or not your business should require GAP certification, please contact: Ginger Nickerson GAP Outreach Coordinator: UVM Extension (802) 656-5490 Virginia.nickerson@uvm.edu
Steve Parise Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (802) 828-2436 steve.parise@state.vt.us