A farmer was left stranded with 32 tons of potatoes in his field: some time later, his farm was filled with hundreds of cars
The man saw how wholesalers rejected his potatoes because they had cosmetic defects. So, he decided to sell them from his farm to anyone interested.
What was initially a big problem turned out to be a great opportunity. Jan Ryser, a farmer from Switzerland, suddenly found himself with no less than 32 tons of potatoes from his latest harvest. The reason? Wholesalers had rejected them due to cosmetic defects.
To avoid losing his harvest—and the fruits of months of hard work—Ryser decided to sell directly to consumers from his farm. Anyone could purchase a ten-kilogram sack for ten Swiss francs (approximately $11 USD). The response was a resounding success.
As 20 Minuten reports, hundreds of people arrived at his farm in their cars last Friday afternoon to collect the potatoes—and, in the process, protest against food waste. Along with his helpers, Ryser loaded the sacks into the trunks of cars, which formed an endless queue.
In just a few hours, he had sold a large portion of his 32-ton harvest. “It’s happening. We’ve supplied 22 tons, and 1,800 ten-kilogram bags have been ordered,” said a grateful Ryser. “I’m overwhelmed by the solidarity and very thankful to everyone who came. It’s heartening to see so many people supporting us farmers.”
Related stories
Various buyers came from the farm, each taking as much as they needed. Bernhard, a French citizen, purchased 100 kilos of potatoes. Afterward, he said it was “a disgrace what supermarkets are doing to farmers.” He bought food for himself and seven neighbors. Like him, many others bought for third parties, happy to support Ryser in the process.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment