Industry Insights from Merchandise Food Written by by Dean Starros Automated Guidance Managing a farm shop requires constant human supervision. But consider driving in traffic: millions of people are automatically guided every day to navigate safely in highly complex environments. Farm shops should be operated similarly! Real-time operational guidance can systematically guide teams to complete work on time, with quality and precision, whether or not a supervisor is present. Effective Training Traditional training methods fall short in fast-paced retail environments. A more effective approach is to mimic a "basketball coach", by delivering quick, non-disruptive guidance while the game is on. This continuous reinforcement builds confidence, improves quality, and increases productivity. Risk & Liability: Automation can also be used to detect HR and operational risks, in order to prevent costly legal liability. At Merchandise Food, we help farm shops implement operational strategies to increase efficiency, improve quality and reduce risk. To learn more, visit us at https://merchandisefood.com/

At NAFDMA, we are always looking for ways to create more value for our members — not only through education and connection, but through opportunities that help your business grow stronger and more sustainable for the future. That is why we are EXCITED to share a new opportunitiy designed to support NAFDMA members. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program — Available to NAFDMA Members at No Cost Running an agritourism business requires more than passion — it requires strategy, leadership, and a strong understanding of how to grow sustainably. That’s why we’re excited to share that NAFDMA members can participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program completely free of charge. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a national nonprofit initiative focused on strengthening local economies by supporting small businesses and the communities they serve. In partnership with Goldman Sachs, ICIC helps deliver this highly respected and competitive growth program designed specifically to help business owners build the skills, connections, and confidence needed to scale. What Makes the Program Valuable? Participants in the 10KSB program receive: A full scholarship funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation — offered at no cost to the business owner Hands-on education focused on real business growth Practical, action-oriented learning designed for immediate implementation Curriculum covering real-world business skills such as: Negotiation Marketing Employee management Financial growth strategies Access to highly trained professionals who understand what it takes to grow a small business A powerful peer network of growth-minded business owners from across the country Real Results for Small Businesses The impact of the program speaks for itself. Within six months of graduating: 66% of participating businesses report increased revenues 44% report adding new jobs Programs like this provide business owners the opportunity to truly work on their business — not just in it. For agritourism operators balancing operations, staffing, guest experience, marketing, and long-term planning, this kind of focused business development can be transformational. Learn More & Apply To learn more about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program or begin the application process, visit: 10,000 Small Businesses Application We encourage NAFDMA members to explore this incredible opportunity and consider how investing in your leadership and business growth today can shape the future of your operation tomorrow. At NAFDMA, we believe strong businesses create stronger farms, stronger destinations, and stronger communities. We’re proud to continue connecting members with opportunities that support growth, innovation, and long-term success across the agritourism industry.