2001 Annual Report for FNC01-367
Clearspring Produce Auction
Summary
Harvey Bontrager of LaGrange, Indiana wanted to create a system the would encourage produce growers and area farmers to take advantage of a new marketing practice that would not only increase the farm income but also add more to sustainable agriculture. With the help of a 2001 SARE grant Harvey was able to add to the success of Clearspring Produce Auction, which began in 2000.
Clearspring Produce Auction’s goals are to provide a system of marketing which encourages a high quality product from its sellers while giving the vendors the opportunity to unite their products with a large selection of other types of products. Its central location offers many benefits to the buyers and gives them the chance to purchase the freshest produce available.
With the help of many individuals the auction project has been very successful in its first few years of operation. The large amount of community support has helped increase the commitment from both the buyers and sellers. The improvements have allowed Clearspring to hire a full time experienced sales manager to keep up with the supply and demand of the produce market.
The Clearspring Produce Auction has received positive publicity and comments through local, area, and regional news media and is excited about the continuing success and future improvements made to the business.