It sure felt like that's what happened to my U-pick berry operation. I also host weddings and that seemed to go up in smoke overnight as well. I imagine that's how many farmers feel after they've experienced a natural disaster too. Farmers are made of tough stuff though. We'll fight to bounce back and make it work.
So, you don't have a farm stand or a stall at the farmers market? If not, then I'm assuming you just grow what your family likes because that's what I would probably do.
I think we have some differences in terms there: customer-base was intended to mean the current (loyal?) customers who know about and shop a particular location (potentially looking for specific items). That knowledge of location/product isn't something that typically changes quickly. Where the market demand was meant to include both the current customer-base along with every one else and they (collectively) are carrying out the act of looking for and buying a specific product -- and that can completely evaporate overnight for any number of reasons (pandemic, recalls, popular trends/fads, etc.).
As for me I'm currently working to figure out what grows well in my current area - and what could (I'm not a native to the area, and am learning the very different climate/soil) prior to starting any sort of commercial operation open to the general public. Particularly since the general public (from what I've seen) isn't generally supportive of producer learning processes or changes in product availability (whether temporary or permanent). The exception to that might be if as a producer/seller you're known for having the occasional exotic/different product (in addition to basic staples) that can't be found elsewhere. In that case ceasing to carry those different products could have a negative outcome.
Though whatever the business I figure if you're selling directly to the public having repeat customers walk away empty handed or not finding what they were looking for on their visit isn't a good trend to have or create. I have worked enough different types of jobs (& been part of trying to explain why something was the way it was) to have learned that lesson.
Figuring out how to get them aware, and to a location to buy product can be challenging enough in normal times ..so when they are scared of even going out due to a pandemic?...... That's not exactly a time I'd want to consider making drastic changing the core nature/uniqueness of the already known business (unless absolutely forced to do so as it could almost be like starting over). If anything, it'd very likely be the time I'd want (or want to create) a repeat-customer contact list in order to be able to communicate directly to them (preferably en-masse & while not sharing their contact info) to advise of what mitigations have been put in place and advise when products (especially unique ones) have become available for sale -- much like many major corporations try to do with their loyalty programs and emailing lists.
....again just me and the only business/plans I understand the details of are my own so feel free to disregard or use/adapt as desired. Differences in situations drive difference in solutions.
