The Internet can be of assistance in this financial planning process. For example, if you have been in the business of growing carrots and onions in the past but are now interested in growing organic vegetables, the Internet can be the place to look for enterprise budgets, excel worksheets and agricultural financial software to assist you in the development of the budgets. Direct Farm Marketing or Agri Tourism Another business application for the Internet is the marketing of a direct farm outlet or agri tourism business. For example, if you are considering starting a direct marketing outlet on your farm or maybe a bed and breakfast the Internet offers you a method to introduce and promote your products and services. You can even start an email list for your customer to make them aware of special events throughout the year.
Customers can order products or make reservations via email on the Internet.
This all reduces promotional telephone, mail and print costs and can allow the owner to reach a wide audience with minimal cost and effort. Of course, the Internet is just one of the options which can be utilized when promoting your business. The Internet can provide access to production-related information such as supplier, equipment, weather, and field and animal management. The web can provide you with access to contacts around the world including factsheets from Canadian and U.S. Universities, Departments of Agriculture, and Associations. In many cases the publications are available right on the web in full or partial form.