In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of small, organic farms that produce a small amount of foods and then sell then via farmer’s markets or choose to open their own farm shops. With an increasing number of people wanting to eat local produce, there’s a call for more of these small farm businesses.
It’s clear that this concept of launching a small farm business is a highly interesting one that has huge potential, but in order for a farm business to take off, the right business plan and processes need to be in place. Otherwise, as the statistics show, a small farm business has a low chance of success.
What do the experts say?
According to various studies into agricultural business endeavors, the experts say that the best advice for people who are interested in starting small farm businesses is to take the time to learn about farming and better understand the processes that need to be in place to effectively run a farming business.
Farming is the type of business venture where some of the learning will need to be done in a ‘classroom’ environment (a virtual classroom is also a popular option) as well as on the job. Being a highly practical vocation, farming isn’t something that you can master through lessons alone, experts say that it’s also about skill and experience.
Farmers need to understand how the vegetable (and fruit) planting process works and what tools are required to effectively run a small farm. Resources like https://www.fertilizerdealer.com may come in useful for this aspect of things, with studies showing that many new farmers like to do their research online to gain a better insight into the required tools and equipment.
Farmers should define what their farm will be
Historically, farming was a trade passed down from generation to generation, with fathers passing down their trade to their sons (and daughters), teaching them as they grew up about farm work and what it takes to run a farm. However, many new small farms are being opened by farming novices, which means that there’s a lot more to learn and a whole new venture to shape.
New farmers don’t get handed a ready built, fully functioning farm, they have to build and run it themselves. A key factor in this process is determining what their farm will be – will it be a micro veg growing farm, a fruit growing, jam-making farm, or an artisan cheese making farm? Or maybe, it will be a combination of all three? A farm needs to be defined, to help determine what it will be and what produce will be offered.
Grants and loans are available
For any potential farmers who don’t have the means to fund their new venture, there are various grants and loans available. As a farm is a business, new farmers who are keen to launch a farming business and have a strong business plan in place to back up their aspirations may be entitled to a business grant or loan.
