This article focuses on factors which incite farmers to sell their production at the retail level, a marketing channel that is currently enjoying renewed interest. Based on data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network 2006-2014, we establish the contrasting profiles of farms that sell their production directly to consumers: they are smaller, permanent-labor-intensive and propose an increase range of produces compared to other kinds of farms. While we highlight sectorial differences, the common point of these farms is to use fewer pesticides, which is consistent with the quality signal sent to consumers. Implications in terms of public policy are suggested.