Connecting with Consumers is a Market Opportunity
Tim Hammerich
News Reporter
Consumers are more and more interested in seeing where and how their food is being grown. Allan Robinette, fifth-generation farmer sees this as a market opportunity, and offers the public a farm, apple haus and winery.
Robinette.. “People want to get out and be on the farm, and with such a large suburban population nearby, we’ve been able to provide that so close to them. They don’t have to drive two hours to be on a farm or pick apples on a farm.”
Since 1973, the Robinettes have provided generations removed from the farm an opportunity to connect back to agriculture.
Robinette… “I can see people, you know, they came with their parents and now they’re coming with their own children, and so that’s something that I’ve seen that’s been huge for us, you know, being a part of this tradition for West Michigan families.”
As one of two farms remaining in their township, the attraction has been popular with many Grand Rapids residents.
Robinette… “There’s been a lot of development around us and so I’m seeing new customers all the time and for most farmers, that’s a problem, but for us, that means there’s more customers to come and visit the farm so I see it as an opportunity rather than a problem. Looking to the future is a way to use all these high-density housing developments that come, you know, give them something to come and see.”
Learn more about the Robinette’s Apple Haus, Winery, and farm at robinettes.com.
