PIKETON, Ohio — The Ohio State University extension, along with Penn State University extension, will sponsor a two-day bus tour to several farm markets in their states to demonstrate successful operation of local food systems.

The “Are You Crazy?” Retail Farm Market Tour will be July 9-10 and will feature several farms, farm markets and farm businesses that offer seasonal or year-round produce, food, agritourism, value-added products, entertainment and educational farm direct-to-consumer marketing.

“The tour demonstrates how farms, farm markets and farm businesses are using direct marketing to promote their businesses in a hands-on way, for participants to see how direct marketing strategies have helped make these businesses successful,” said Heather Mikulas of the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Allegheny County, organizer of the tour. “This is a great opportunity for peer networking, sharing and learning.”

The tour bus will trek through western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, with plenty of discussions, food and fun.

“We will tour eight premier farms and businesses with a focus on the marketing strategies that have helped make these businesses successful,” Mikulas said. “We will begin the tour at Giant Eagle’s flagship Market District in Robinson, Pennsylvania, and make our way north, looking at some great examples of family-owned and -operated farm markets, ending the day with a relaxing wine tour and tasting at Wilhelm Winery.

“On day two we will head west to Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson, Ohio, and fill the day with focuses on local meats, produce operations, CSAs (community supported agriculture) and agritourism.”

According to Mikulas there is something for everyone: seasonal, year-round, produce, food, tourism, value-added, entertainment and educational farm direct-to-consumer marketing.

After the initial stop at Giant Eagle’s flagship Market District store in Pittsburgh, attendees will visit Soergel Orchards Family Farm Market in Wexford, Pa. The market is family-owned and -operated since 1850, featuring a farm market, bakery, deli, turn-of-the-century gift barn, garden center, greenhouses, cider press, a specialty foods story featuring organic, natural, gluten-free and allergen-free foods.

Third stop on the tour is the Volant Village Shots in Volant. This is a unique village of quaint shops and restaurants nestled in the rolling hills of scenic western Pennsylvania Amish country. Next is the Wilhelm Winery in Hadley, Pa. What began in a basement in 2000 is now a full-scale business. In addition is an antique wine making museum.

Fifth stop on the tour is Covered Bridge Gardens. The Prochko family has been part of the agricultural community in Ashtabula County since 1936. Today Covered Bridge Gardens produces more than 45 acres of fresh market vegetables delivered to farmers’ markets across northeastern Ohio.

Molnar Farms in Poland, Ohio, is a three-generation farm that offers local produce, providing activities from strawberry season in May to Halloween functions in the fall. Sweet berries, famous corn, pumpkins, mums and more are highlighted.

Finally, the tour will visit White House Fruit Farm in Canfield. This is one of the largest farm markets in Ohio, growing more than 75 acres of fruit and vegetables. White House Fruit Farm offers Ohio cheeses and meats, homemade donuts, pies, breads and cookies. Fresh apple cider and homemade fudge are its specialties.

“Any farm market owner, manager, personnel or general food enthusiast interesting in seeing and learning from a variety of entrepreneurs should consider attending,” Mikulas said. “We’ll tour each operation and focus on what made it a success, with the emphasis on seeing what other farm markets and businesses are doing. This is a great opportunity for peer networking, sharing and learning.”

For more information contact Tawnesha Anderson at 412-473-2540 or tea3@psu.edu