The Everything Guide to Living Off the Grid Read Online Free PDF Page B

offer equal value for whatever you are bartering for. Bartering does not have to be limited to your locale. An interesting experiment in bartering was documented at One Red Paper Clip blog. Kyle MacDonald started with one red paper clip and ends up with a house. Although this is not a common occurrence, you will be able to see how bartering can work, especially in today’s economy.
    Farmers’ Markets and Other Local Produce
    One of the first things you should do when you decide where you are going to purchase your off-the-grid property is to have a conversation with the local Extension agent. Through the Cooperative Extension System, you will be able to learn not only which crops grow best in your area, but also the specific type of seed you should use. You can learn which crops are cash crops in your area, those that you can sell to local restaurants and grocery stores or are in demand at farmers’ markets. You will also learn whether there is an overage of certain crops on the market, so you’ll know to only grow enough of those for your family.

According to the USDA, between the years 2009 and 2010 there was a 16 percent increase in the number of farmers’ markets in the United States. The number grew from 5,274 to 6,132.
    The Extension agent can also give you information about local farmers’ markets, including the dates they start and the hours they run. Like anything else, you want to be sure you receive enough return on your investment. If the local farmers’ markets do not offer a lot of foot traffic, you might want to look at markets in neighboring communities.
    Many restaurants, and even grocery stores, will contract with local farmers for fresh eggs, local cheese, fresh produce, and even canned goods like preserves and relishes. Once again, your local Extension agent will be able to guide you in the right direction, but don’t be afraid to make some contacts of your own; locally produced food is gaining more popularity.
    When you bring your produce to the farmers’ market, be sure it is presented in an appealing manner. You are competing with all of the other farmers, so be sure your produce is fresh, properly cleaned, and displayed to the best advantage. Little things, like placing your produce in baskets with gingham cloth on a clean table, can pull a potential buyer from another booth to your booth. Pay attention to the prices of the produce around you. You don’t necessarily have to underprice your produce, but if your prices for the same produce are much higher, you won’t get the sale. Look into the requirements in your area to be able to call your produce “organic.” Some states require a several-year process showing that no chemicals had been used on your land. Other states’ rules are not as rigid. Having organic produce will bring a premium price for you.

Rich Pirog of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture reports that the average fresh food item on your dinner table travels 1,500 miles to get there. Buying locally produced food eliminates the need for all that fuel-guzzling transportation.
    Craft Sales
    Whether you are handy with a camera, a quilter’s thimble, or a paintbrush, there is a demand for high-quality artisanal work. Some communities actually have stores that promote their local crafters and sell their work on consignment.
    If you are an accomplished crafter, you can take samples of your work to local specialty and gift stores and see if they are willing to sell your products. You can also think of other places, like small cafés and beauty parlors that have the right demographic for your product, and ask if they would be willing to sell products for you. Remember, any of these places of business will expect a portion of the sales, so price your crafts accordingly.
    Craft shows are another way to sell your work. Except for the dates of the show, there are no obligations regarding your time. You will find that one of the nice things about participating in arts and