The economy, with rising food, gas and other prices has made many consumers very price-conscious. Yet, at the same time, these same consumers are seeking U-Pick and agri-entertainment locations in numbers never seen before. Pick-your-own farms and orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms are drawing families looking for fun, fresh, healthier produce and better prices. The customer ranges from the cost-conscious looking for an inexpensive bushel of apples, to families seeking a pumpkin and a hayride to those with disposable income seeking the best produce they can find (and pick themselves).

– excerpt from guest column by Blake Slemmer in the Oct. 2008 issue of Foodie-News. Slemmer is Web Master of www.PickYourOwn.org.

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