Getting Started:
If you would like to be a part of WVfarm2u.org, and have the ability to upload your county events, Farmers Market, On the Farm, Roadside Stand, CSA (formerly known as Buyer's Club), Restaurant or WV made (products that you make yourself) then there are some simple steps that you will need to take to get started. You do not need to register if you just want to browse.
There are three different ways to register:
a. Consumer
b. Farmer or Artisan
c. Restaurant
Consumer
When you register as a consumer, you can:
- If you are a West Virginia resident you can events in your area such as a spaghetti dinner at the local fire hall, 4H fundraiser dinner, FFA Ham and Bacon Sale.
- If you live outside of West Virginia or a resident you can purchase products in the General Store (coming soon in 2008). You do not need to be registered to purchase a product in WV Made.
Farmer or Artisan
When you register as a Farmer you can:
List your Farmers Market, On the Farm, Roadside Stand, Buyer’s Club, WV Made and list a community event. For further explanation please see below:
- Farmers Market – A Farmers Market is generally a pre-determined place where more than 1 farmer and/or artisan gathers to sell goods. Usually this is a group effort so it would be wise to discuss amongst your group who will be inserting this data. Your Farmer’s Market MUST be selling West Virginia Fresh product, not product purchased at a wholesalers club or in surrounding states.
- On The Farm – This registration is for those who wish to have customers come to their farm. Typically On the Farm has a pick your own but also sells the produce pre-packaged or offers other services. If you are strictly a pick your own farm, this is still the best place to register. Your On the Farm be selling West Virginia Fresh product, not product purchased at a wholesalers club or in surrounding states.
- Roadside Stand – Typically a roadside stand has one vendor, but sometimes more. This can be as simple as a pickup truck with the tailgate down to a canopy to an actual building. When you register as a Roadside Stand on this website, you MUST be selling West Virginia Fresh product, not product purchased at a wholesalers club or in surrounding states.
- CSA - formerly known as Buyer’s Club – This is a subscription service for your farm. "In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production" source: http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csadef.shtml. Some farmers prefer to have a Buyers Club. A Buyers Club generally offers product for a set price every week during the growing season. Every Community Supported/Subscription Agriculture or “Buyer’s Club” has different rules. The registration form will provide ample space for you to explain your CSA. When you register as a CSA on this website, you MUST be selling West Virginia Fresh product, not product purchased at a wholesalers club or in surrounding states.
- WV Made – You can list your farm, and sell your wares in this area. However, you MUST have a PayPal Account (to learn more click here) and be responsible for your own inventory, updating your inventory counts, shipping, customer communication and customer satisfaction. WVfarm2u.org does not have access to your PayPal account. The Collaborative 21C recommends a verified business account with PayPal.
When you register as an farmer/artisan you MUST sell products that were made in West Virginia not purchased from wholesalers in other countries or surrounding states. We recognize that raw materials for your project can come from outside the state, for example: brass, copper, silver or gold beads. We ask that at least 50% of your product is West Virignia Made. If you are selling a craft that is produced in the state of West Virginia it must NOT be produced by means of a kit sold at a craft store.
Examples of the types of wares that can be sold here: Jams and Jellies, Hot Sauces, Salsas, Bath Products (like homemade soap), Primitives and wood crafts etc...
As a farmer, you also have the opportunity to become a participant in the Farmer to Chef eMarket area. When you register you were given the choice to click on the check box that says "Farmer to Chef eMarket", if you did not click on that check box at the beginning of your registration process you can still join. Go to the "My Account" area and click "click here" to edit your account. Once you're there click on the check box for Farmer to Chef eMarket, you will be redirected to an online form. Once we receive your information, we will then verify that you are a producer in West Virginia who uses sustainable earth friendly practices. When you have been approved, we will contact you via email with your access information to the Farmer to Chef eMarket area. Please note: To participate in the Farmer to Chef eMarket you MUST have a Pay Pal Account (to learn more click here) to participate. Chefs have requested the convenience of credit card transactions, therefore we have chosen Pay Pal. This is a free service to open an account and WVfarm2u.org as well as the Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia, do not take any service fees or sales commissions for this opportunity.
Thanks again for becoming a part of WVfarm2u.org.
When you register as an Artisan, you can:
Create your own on-line store and list an event in the event calendar.
- WV Made – You can list your business, and sell your wares in this area. However, you MUST have a PayPal Account (to learn more click here) and be responsible for your own inventory, updating your inventory counts, shipping, customer communication and customer satisfaction. WVfarm2u.org does not have access to your PayPal account. The Collaborative 21C recommends a verified business account with PayPal. When you register as an artisan you MUST sell products that were made in West Virginia not purchased from wholesalers in other countries or surrounding states. We recognize that raw materials for your project can come from outside the state, for example: brass, copper, silver or gold beads. We ask that at least 50% of your product is West Virignia Made. If you are selling a craft that is produced in the state of West Virginia it must NOT be produced by means of a kit sold at a craft store.
Examples of the types of wares that can be sold here: Jams and Jellies, Hot Sauces, Salsas, Bath Products (like homemade soap), Primitives and wood crafts etc...
When you register as a Restaurant, you can:
List your restaurant, including contact information, hours of operation, Executive Chef and other miscellaneous information.
When you register your Restaurant you MUST sell some percentage of West Virginia Fresh product; including meat, dairy, eggs or produce in your establishment.
Your restaurant is automatically registered for the Farmer to Chef eMarket when you register with the website. The "My Account" box (the top yellow box on the right hand side) will show three links they are: MY ACCOUNT | FARMER TO CHEF EMARKET | YOUR NAME. Click on the Farmer to Chef eMarket link to see what the growers have available. You will be able to pay for the products on-line by Master Card or Visa via their PayPal account. The grower will then receive an email that you've made a purchase. Please recognize that WVFarm2u.org serves only as a conduit and does not ship the items or collect fee for this service. If you have grievances with your grower, please contact the grower first. If the issue escalates, please email us at support@wvfarm2u.org.