RICHMOND—Farmers and food hubs interested in selling products online have an opportunity to do so more easily.

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability, also known as VA FAIRS, is marketing Lulus Local Food, an innovative sales and marketing software. Farmers can use the secure, cloud-based product to make sales directly to individuals or through local food hubs.

Numerous individual farms, community-supported agriculture operations, farmers’ markets and more than a dozen food hubs currently use the product. “The software allows farmers and businesses to get started or to grow their programs,” said Molly Harris, who created Lulus Local Food with the help of VA FAIRS in 2008.

“The growth of this program allows fundamental change to take place in how food is sourced in local communities,” Harris explained. “We’re hoping to see an increase in direct marketing sales, especially in areas that may not have access to local foods. The software allows farmers or direct marketers to have an online inventory, and it is very easy to update and manage.”

Additionally, the software processes credit card payments, collects sales tax and provides financial reporting.

Chris Cook, executive director for VA FAIRS and assistant director of rural development for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation said the program helps promote local food and product sales year-round, especially during months when farmers’ markets traditionally are closed.

“We hope this will help increase employment in the areas where Lulus is used and become an economic development driver,” he said. “We look forward to connecting consumers and locally grown products through the use of this software.”

For more information visit luluslocalfood.com.

Media: Contact Harris at 804-334-2439.