The Honesty Box Opens

What a year we’ve had! It pretty quickly became apparent that getting to farmers markets with van loads of produce was not going to happen. But I also realised that, just perhaps, I’d put a little too much pressure on myself to excel to such higher standards in year one, the test year.

And so 2021 is all about sowing, growing, harvesting and exploring the new site and crop possibilities. However, I didn’t want all the produce to go to complete waste. It would also be nice to make a bit of money and so the honesty box finally appeared.

The set up itself is pretty simple. I searched FB marketplace and found this little cabinet someone was clearing out. A little bit of OSB and a pallet form the base, to which I’ve screwed the shelving too, not just for stability to make it more difficult to throw in the back of a car and steal. The honesty box itself, blackboards and chalk pens all came from Amazon.

I’m really pleased with how it looks, and it seems passersby do too as I’ve already made vegetable sales. To keep everything fresh, there are ice backs beneath the lettuces. At the end of the day I pack them into a polystyrene box with a little water in the bottom and another ice pack; they perk up just fine and I’m finding I can keep lettuce harvests crisp for several days. This is despite them being out on the stand without water for most of the day. Meanwhile the flowers are all kept in water to keep them hydrated. I’m making up fresh posies and bouquets once the flowers have sold but am not bringing them in overnight; it gives people more opportunity to purchase after all.

The one thing I’m finding difficult is pricing. I’ve always endeavoured not only to grow and produce British produce but to offer it at affordable pricing. I don’t want to be the farm that grows beautiful food but it’s so expensive no one other than the affluent can afford it. But I also need to make a living and place a value on the products.

For example, I priced lettuce heads at £1.50 each or 2 for £2. In the local supermarket last night, I noted that similar lettuces were £1.30 each; food that isn’t local and though presented well, still has plastic wrapping and many air miles attached to it. So, perhaps I should increase the price? We’ll see.

I’m also considering charging more when at farmers markets. Whilst this might seem cheeky, in fact the increased costs of going to markets will make it necessary to make more. I also think that those attending markets are prepared to spend more whereas people passing a farm gate stand just want to pick up a few, local bits at a reasonable price.

But it’s all a journey. And one I’m enjoying!