Consumers seek more information from food labeling to make their food choices. Examples of Grain Marketing Consumers also have a number of market venues for purchasing grain products. The number of health food, gourmet, and ethnic food stores is rising. Markets that sell directly to consumers are also growing. Bakery shops are reappearing and providing a variety of fresh, specialty breads for consumers.
Baked goods are also popular at local farmers' markets.
Many farmers are identifying ways to increase the sale of their grain products and to promote the attributes of health and freshness of their farm products. Several direct marketing mechanisms have been developed or expanded, such as buying clubs, community farmers' markets, grain export markets, and marketing cooperatives. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture offers an organic certification program for farmers wishing to promote their grains as organically produced. As the market and production segments continue to consolidate, many farmers will form partnerships or expand their operation to compete in the wholesale and retail markets. Others will look for opportunities in the local direct sales.