When people ask me why Farm Trader exists, I always go back to the day it all began. Rick and Moriah, my siblings, ran a small horse farm in North Carolina. Life on the farm was busy and full of caring for animals, maintaining the land, and keeping every part of the operation running smoothly. One afternoon, Moriah was online shopping for new goats. Rick’s best friend saw her and jokingly asked, “What are you on, Farm Trader?”
That one comment lit a spark in Rick’s mind. It was not a real platform at the time, but it got us thinking. Why did something like that not already exist? From that day on, Rick, Moriah, and I began researching the small farm community. We looked far beyond our own county in North Carolina and discovered the same truth over and over again. There is a gap in the food system nationwide.
The Gap We Found
Farmers work tirelessly to grow, raise, and catch the food we eat. Yet connecting them directly to consumers is often more complicated than it should be. Many small farms do not have the time, resources, or technology to market themselves effectively. We wanted to change that. We already have wonderful options for you to shop locally. Farmers markets, food hubs, farm stores, and more allow you to truly know your farmer. But what if we could make it even easier? Not taking away from what already exists, but amplifying it.
Building Something Better
The idea for Farm Trader was never to create another directory of farms. Directories often become outdated and provide little detail. They rarely offer a real way for consumers to connect or shop. Instead, we built Farm Trader as a platform where farmers can create their own page, list their products, and immediately connect with new customers in their area. It also connects farmers with each other, helping build a stronger agricultural network.
Our Mission Moving Forward
Our goal with Farm Trader is simple. We want to make shopping local as easy as possible for consumers. When people are given the right tools and access, they are more likely to choose fresh, local products instead of big box alternatives.
What started as an idea in our living room has turned into our daily passion. This is not just a business for us. Farm Trader is our mission, and we will continue working until we create lasting change for small farms across the country.
Thank you for believing in us!
All the best,
Julia
