Agricultural packaging is available in a wide range of styles so you can sell your agriculture products from your farm location. Or you can use packaging supplies for agriculture to send your fresh product to market. Not too many years ago farm packaging products were hard to find. That’s not the case today. From produce packaging supplies to shrink-wrap machines, farm packing materials are readily available.

Most, but not all, packaging supplies for agriculture allow you to safely sell produce either locally or in nearby markets. Produce packing materials ensure the proper care and treatment of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Produce packaging suppliers are meeting the needs of the farmer who may be selling direct from his farm for the first time with an ever-growing selection of agricultural packaging supplies.

No matter what kind of agricultural packaging you're looking for, there are some things you should consider:

1. Choose agricultural packing material that's functional.

2. Use agricultural packaging that's stylish enough, yet doesn’t detract from your product.

3. Purchase agriculture packaging supplies that aren't so expensive, they cut into your bottom line.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose from a variety of bags for farm packaging

Whether you choose plastic or paper, you can find many varieties of bags on the market. You can take the plain bag one step farther buy imprinting your farm's name on it.

I recommend: Uline Shipping Supplies has many sizes of plain brown paper bags. They also offer specialty food bags that you can order with your name. Bradley’s Plastic Bag Company offers uniquely shaped plastic bags that would work as produce bags.

Purchase trays and boxes for your agricultural packaging

Whether you choose a flat, display-style tray or one with a clamshell design, you can find a large selection. Farm packaging supply companies also offer many produce packing boxes for you to use to ship your fruits and vegetables to market.

I recommend: Monte Package Company offers a selection of produce packing boxes for roadside stands that start at very low prices. Their plastic boxes are only slightly more expensive. Imperial Bag & Paper Co. also has containers for sale.

Consider plastic film for agricultural packaging

Agricultural packaging equipment, such as shrink-wrap machines, are becoming more commonplace. Used models are available. If you sell small items such as nuts, this might be a good agricultural packaging solution for you.

I recommend: Paper Mart and Rennco both offer shrink-wrap machines for sale. Contact their websites for information about shipping and handling fees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Packaging supplies for agriculture come in different strengths, sizes and styles. Produce packing boxes in particular need to be extra sturdy to handle the weight of produce. Cushioning materials and dividers should be strong enough to keep the produce inside the box from rolling around, yet soft enough to provide protection for the produce during transport.