Agricultural businesses are invited to learn more about customer perspectives, marketing, merchandising strategies and customer service through Penn State Extension’s Under the Ground series.

Under the Ground is an annual subscription-based service and network providing businesses with a comprehensive picture of retail storefronts as seen through the eyes of customers, peers and marketing specialists.

The 2020-21 program will provide businesses with engagement materials to gain customer insight into operations. Through direct observation as a secret shopper, participants will explore how different agricultural retail spaces are designed to enhance customer experience.

In addition, participants will receive tools to engage customers for their feedback. Each business involved will receive quarterly newsletters and reports detailing feedback from both fellow business owners and industry experts.

This program is open to all small agricultural businesses across Pennsylvania. The types of businesses welcome to subscribe include wineries, on-farm markets, coffee roasters, craft cidery, bakery, craft breweries, distilleries, millers, creameries, garden centers, butchers/meat markets, specialty oils producers, craft candy makers, homemade soap makers, florist, apiarists, maple syrup producers, herb producers, wool/yarn producers and canned good producers

More information and registration is available at https://extension.psu.edu/under-the-ground. The registration deadline has been extended to May 15.

Contact Tanya Lamo by emailing tel20@psu.edu or calling 717-334-6271 with any questions.