17/04/2026
Value addition and what it is in farming .
Value-added agriculture entails changing a raw agricultural product into something new through packaging, processing, cooling, drying, extracting or any other type of process that differentiates the product from the original raw commodity. Examples of value added agricultural products include garlic paste, bagged salad mix, artisan bread, lavender soaps and sausages. Adding value to agricultural products is a worthwhile endeavor because of the higher returns that come with the investment, the opportunity to open new markets and extend the producer’s marketing season as well as the ability to create new recognition for the farm. Increasingly, value-added products are hitting the local market as producers take advantage of high-demand product niches. This is the key to success in value added agriculture—niche markets are where smaller producers can be most successful in creating value and establishing a profitable business.