Vegetable Farming

Income  $50,000   –  $300,000

The range of income for the first year will depend upon how much land you dedicate towards farming. The average yield is about 200 bushels per acre. The fruits or vegetables you chose to grow will determine the amount of income you generate. Most growers choose to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, so they can have a longer harvest season. Compare the price per pound versus the cost of growing the product in order to determine your choices.

Description

Most fruits and vegetables are grown in less expensive areas, away from metropolitan cities. There will be a lot of preparation in order to get the land ready to plant. Typically it will require about six months minimum prior to being able to harvest.

This type of farming includes cultivation of the land, planting, growing, harvesting and delivering the produce to market. It will require very long hours at the time of harvest.

Clients

Your clients will consist of upscale restaurants, produce stands, and grocery stores. If you are able to manage it, this is one business where selling directly to the public will provide a much higher return than relying solely on a wholesale business.

Marketing Plan

Your marketing plan will vary according to the type produce you choose to grow. You will need to speak with the fresh produce markets and restaurants personally in order to set up a delivery route which should include produce stands which don’t already have local resources for fruits and vegetables. Approach local retail locations to begin with and then work towards larger retail chain stores, as your production reaches a stable yield.

Power Partners

Your Power Partners will consist of anyone else who has similar distribution points. They will typically include flower growers, commercial fishermen, bakers, vegetable, and fruit producers.

The conversations with these Power Partners should include your willingness to include them in your referrals as you become aware of clients that need their services. It is important you meet with these Power Partners in person the first time, and keep in touch with them weekly by email or by a phone.

Requirements

This is one business, which has been very well documented so it should be easier to start your business from scratch and do well. The amount of land you would require would depend upon how large of a farm you want to start with. You may either lease or purchase the land.

Resources:

Here are a number of resources, which I have come across:

www.startupfarms.com/

http://www.nass.usda.gov/wi/vegetables/vegannual.pdf

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/aboutind/products/plant/veg_othr.htm

http://dmoz.org/Science/Agriculture/Horticulture/Vegetables/

Personality Type: Expressive, Amiable

Total Start Up Costs:            Less than $250,000

(includes the land, business cards, tools, a phone, seeds, land and marketing)