agriculture business plan ideas

Starting a Business | Tip List

27 Most Profitable Small Farm Ideas

Published September 6, 2023

Published Sep 6, 2023

REVIEWED BY: Meaghan Brophy

WRITTEN BY: Karina Fabian

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This article is part of a larger series on Starting a Business .

Starting A Business?

• 1 Rural Agriculture Small Farm Ideas
• 2 Low Capital Small Farm Ideas
• 3 Urban Agriculture Small Farm Ideas
• 4 B2B Small Farm Ideas
• 5 Agritourism Small Farm Ideas
• 6 Bottom Line

Technology and imagination have created more opportunities for farmers to develop a profitable business. Small farms (earning less than $50,000 annually or occupying less than 180 acres) in particular can profit from less traditional farming like beekeeping, microgreens, or even hops, as well as alternative income sources like agritourism.

According to the USDA , in 2023 net farm income will be 26.6% above its 20-year average (2002–2021) of $115.2 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars.

Looking for new ways to add life to your farm? Here are 27 of the most profitable small farming ideas:

Rural Agriculture Small Farm Ideas

Rural farms are located in outlying areas of the country. The vast land area is perfect for cultivating food crops, rearing livestock, and hunting; however, farming activities are highly dependent upon the seasons and natural weather conditions. Here are some profitable small farming ideas suited for rural areas.

1. Tree Nursery

A tree nursery can be a great investment when done right. Most farmers start with 10–20 seedlings on a small plot, and with the right marketing strategy, have the baby trees sold out before they mature. Seedlings run from 15 cents to $1.50 per tree, and a sapling of two years can sell for $20 to $100, making for a large profit, if you have the time to wait.

Spend some time researching how to organically source the trees you want to grow. Fruit tree propagation, for example, can be done by grafting or budding (joining parts from multiple plants), and this increases your chances of producing the same variety of trees as opposed to using seeds.

If you have 10 or more acres, experience growing trees, and the right climate, Christmas tree farms can be a profitable option. You need to watch the trees as they grow, pruning them to make sure they are healthy and bushy for the holidays.

You might also consider this spin on the tree nursery idea:

“Start an adopt-a-tree program. This allows farmers to do what they do best—grow things. To start, you’ll need to have a simple website. But if you run a farm, you should have one anyway. The next thing you’ll need are the actual trees and the tools to plant them. Invest in a good quality camera to take pictures of the trees for the people adopting them. Take pictures when you plant them and as they grow to use as proof that you planted the trees. Finally, have certificates printed up to show adoption of the trees and ones that are to be given as a gift or memorial.”

— Julie Austin, CEO, Creative Innovation Group

2. Fish Farming

Fish farming is an ideal business idea for investors with available land, and it doesn’t always require a body of water. You can start a fish farm either by creating fish ponds or investing in fish tanks; it’s a highly scalable business idea. Once you have the proper knowledge of fish raising, you will be able to decide the type of fish to raise. According to FinModelsLab , a well-run fish farm can produce a return on investment (ROI) of 5%–10%.

Fish such as tilapia, cod, trout, and catfish are popular because they are easy to raise and in high demand. Small-scale farms are the usual suppliers of fish in their local supermarkets and restaurants.

Other popular varieties of fish that are commercially raised are:

• Yellow Perch

Not all fish are raised for food. Goldfish and koi are popular fish to farm as well.

The decision as to which fish you want to raise will ultimately rely on your skill, financial capacity, market demand, and agro-climatic condition. This refers to the normal soil types, rainfall, temperature, and water availability that affects the type of vegetation in the area.

3. Dual Crop Farming

Dual crop farming or multiple cropping can be either mixed cropping or intercropping. Mixed cropping refers to raising two or more types of crops in the same area while intercropping is raising different crops in close proximity. Dual crop farming is very popular among farmers because it optimizes the use of equipment, soil, and water as well as farming supplies; it also maximizes the production of a small farm all year-round.

Farmers like that it reduces the risk of total loss from calamities, drought, pests, and diseases. Some good examples of multiple cropping are growing strawberries and watermelons in Florida or wheat and soybeans in addition to corn and canola in the Carolinas.

4. Goat Farming

Goats are highly versatile livestock. Goat milk products are expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030 as more and more people seek an alternative to cow’s milk for infant food, allergies, and nutrition. A quick look online shows goat milk selling for $4.50 to $23 per gallon, and the milk can be made for cheese or even soap. The initial outlay for milking equipment can be expensive, and goats need to be milked twice a day.

Goats aren’t just for milking. Angora goats produce mohair and cashmere. Plus, you can rent goats out for brush removal, as petting animals, for photo shoots, and even for goat yoga! The demand for goat meat is increasing as well and can sell for as much as $22 per pound. Different breeds of goats are needed for milking or meat (although they all will eat the weeds).

Goats are versatile animals for profitable small farming. (Source: Pixabay)

No matter the business, you’re going to need a way to accept payments. Whether selling at a market or online, Square’s free point of sale is a great place to start. It’s quick and easy to set up, and you’ll have no long-term commitments. Even accept payments while offline. Get started today with Square POS .

5. Alpaca Farming

Alpaca ranching is easier than cattle or horse ranching, and with as little as an acre of land, you can raise five alpacas. They are best for fleece, which is sheared annually. Raw fleece runs $3 an ounce , so they are better as a supplement to your farm. The bigger profit is in breeding and stud fees. Plus, they’re so cute that some farms get side income from photos or social media.

Alpacas will live amiably with other livestock and are good guard animals, ready to run off a fox or defend their territory or fellow animals. Some farmers have found a side business in renting out their alpacas as “guard sheep.” You can also sell their manure, as it’s a good source of nitrogen and potassium.

Low-capital Small Farm Ideas

If you’re short on capital, there are some low-cost business ideas that are easy to start. While these types of farm businesses usually earn less than other farms that invest in land and equipment, they continue to provide a steady stream of income.

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6. herb gardening.

According to Profitable Plants , “Just one small backyard growing bed with 100 square feet of growing space will hold 400 potted herb plants with a retail value of over $2,400.” When starting your own herb garden, emphasize variety and choose herbs in local demand for easier sales. You can start an herb business with small farmers market sales from your backyard, selling herbs that you cut, the plants, seeds, or all three, but also check with local restaurants, herbalists, or essential oil makers. If you grow catnip, you can sell it to pet stores, or make catnip toys. Also, consider selling your herb and herb products online.

7. Bee Farming

Apiculture or beekeeping often starts as a hobby, and the capital needed to begin is quite low. According to Beekeeping for Newbies , it costs about $760 for the first year for a single hive, protective gear, and basic tools. In addition to honey, you can sell bee byproducts such as beeswax, bee pollen, and royal jelly. Bee pollen and royal jelly are considered superfoods and are sold at a high price. You can also rent out beehives for added income.

You only need a small area in your backyard but need to check local ordinances (and HOA if applicable) to make sure beekeeping is allowed.

There are many ways to get your first set of bees:

• Catch a swarm: If you live at a location where bees are often found, you can opt to catch your own swarm for free.
• Buy a bee package: This package consists of about 3 pounds of bees with a young, mated queen. Large bee farms regularly sell bee packages in the spring for about $180 each.
• Nucleus hive: Typically consists of a box with five frames of bees, brood, pollen, nectar, and a fertile, laying queen bee. They are sold between April to June for about $200.
• Full hive: This simply means an entire hive setup, including an existing colony that large beekeepers sell to beginner bee farmers for around $300 each.
• Split hive: Split hives are created when several frames of an existing colony are moved to a new box where a new queen is introduced. They’re often sold for around $200 each.

Beginner bee farmers are encouraged to purchase a nucleus hive as it helps them learn the basics of beekeeping and nurture its growth. You will also need other equipment such as protective gear, hive tools, a bee brush, and a honey extractor.

In today’s world, profitable farming includes online as well as in-person sales. To sell your farm products online, you’ll want an easy-to-use ecommerce software. Shopify is one of the best ecommerce software as it is easy to use and feature-rich and has a mobile and register point-of-sale option if you sell in person on the farm or at farmers markets.

8. Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a farming method that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water). This means farmers produce crops using less water and land. That means lower investment and a faster yield. Experts advise beginners to start small and expand as they learn how to maximize their production.

Aquaponics is expected to have a CAGR of 7.15% between 2023 and 2027 . Getting started costs between $2,000 and $7,000 for equipment and stock, and a well-run farm can generate profits of $5–$10 per square foot per year, per BootstrapBee .

9. Microgreens Farming

Microgreens are young vegetables or baby plants that are around 10–14 days old and one to 3 inches tall. They are the small edible vegetables that restaurants use in salads or as garnish. Chefs add them to create depth of flavor. According to Microgreens Farmer , a standard rack can produce $800 or more. The microgreen market grew from $1.71 billion in 2022 to $1.94 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 13.7% .

Beginner farmers should consider this business because microgreens are easy to grow, turnaround time is high, and it requires little investment to start. You can grow them indoors or outdoors, although for year-round yield, you need a greenhouse, which can get pricey. Plus, most microgreens like temperatures similar to our homes. While any young vegetable can work, here are some of the more popular microgreens:

• Mustard greens
• Swiss chard

With the right strategy, farming herbs and microgreens for commercial use can be a very lucrative small investment venture.

Generally speaking, the more land required to start a farming business, the higher the investment cost. As the cost of an acre of farmland averages to around $3,800 across the country, maximizing the use of a small area can help in bringing down the cost of starting a farm business.

Urban Agriculture Profitable Small Farm Ideas

Urban agriculture is a farming business located in densely populated areas such as cities. This mostly refers to cultivating, processing, and distributing food products but can also include small-scale livestock and fishery. Space and pollution can be challenges, but local restaurants and supermarkets may seek urban farmers for a closer supply of fresh produce.

10. Vegetable Landscaping

Starting a landscaping business can be expensive, but farmers who want to opt for a greener path should enter this world of edible landscaping. This option creates more flexible opportunities so your required startup capital will be considerably lower. You will mostly be investing in tools to grow vegetables either on freshly tilled soil or in containers. When using pots, remember to purchase the ones that are eight to 12 inches deep; also, space them out evenly, so you can maximize your yield.

“Urban areas have many food deserts—places where there are no quality products available for residents. There are also many suburban homeowners with too much landscape to maintain on their own. By launching an urban vegetable landscaping business, you can tap into readily available lawns that homeowners do not wish to maintain themselves. They will pay you for your work (and workers), and all you need to do to keep them happy is offer a few vegetables in return each week. Take the surplus product, and sell it at a local farmers market or on street corners if permissible.”

— Gregory Heilers, Agricultural Technology Writer, G.P. Heilers Writing & Editing

11. Hydroponic Farming

Hydroponics is the process of growing crops with nutrient-rich water kept in contact with the plant roots instead of using soil. This process significantly reduces the risk of wastage and pollution that can harm the produce and cause diseases, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. Like aquaponics, the minimal use of land area needed also makes hydroponics a low-cost investment. Plus hydroponic plants grow 40% faster and produce 30% more than those grown in soil. This means you will have more products available to sell.

There are different hydroponic systems farmers can learn and try:

• Static: Plants are grown in tubs or plastic buckets. Water may be unaerated or gently aerated (water infused with gas).
• Continuous flow: The nutrient-rich water solution constantly flows past the roots, so plants can absorb oxygen better.
• Aeroponics: Plant roots are only misted with a nutrient solution instead of submerged in liquid.
• Ebb and flow: Plants are flooded with water and then drained several times a day.

Hydroponics is all about careful management of the environment for your plants. So while it seems like an easy business to try as a beginner farmer, take your time analyzing your options and learning about hydroponics from experts before you start your own.

12. Cannabis Farming

If you live in an area where cannabis use is legal , cannabis is another profitable farming alternative. Although you can produce better quality plants in a controlled environment, the easiest way to start is by growing them outdoors. Having a large backyard is an advantage; It helps keep your investment low while giving you a flexible space with which to work.

Growing cannabis outdoors can cost as little as $10 per square foot , although a greenhouse helps by providing an efficient, controlled environment. According to Medicgrow , a 5’x5’ grow space indoors costs about $225 per pound, with a 10.5-pound yield.

• Best Cannabis Payment Processing Companies in 2023
• Cannabis Insurance: Cost & Coverage

13. Rooftop Tea Garden

A rooftop tea garden, a twist on the more common rooftop gardens found in many cities, has many potentials for profit. Naturally, you can grow a variety of aromatic and medicinal herbs and greens to sell directly to consumers. But if you have the ability, you can also create a rustic coffee and tea shop directly on the rooftop. You’d need to partner with the landlord or whoever has legal right to use the rooftop, and of course, it helps to know or partner with someone for running the cafe.

Some important things to consider before designing your rooftop garden:

• Review building codes: Check with your local government to see if there are rules about creating rooftop gardens in your area. Also, ask about possible restrictions that can affect the kind of business you want to put up.
• Monitor how much the roof is exposed to the elements: Sun and wind exposure are critical if you want to properly grow your tea garden. Make sure that your plants will get enough sunlight and shade and are protected against strong gusts of wind; it’s a good idea to include solutions for these issues in your business plan.
• Determine your rooftop’s loading capacity: Rooftops do have a maximum limit to the weight they can hold, and it is important to know and take this data into account when designing your garden. Consult with a structural engineer who can determine this information exactly and keep the building and your business safe.

It can take a lot of work to start your own rooftop tea garden, but a well-designed and run tea garden cannot only provide profit but also a beautiful escape from the city without having to leave the neighborhood.

Rooftop farmers have the advantage of creating a versatile space for a combination of business ideas.

As with any business, there are certain risks involved when starting your own farm. Rural farms, in particular, can be seriously affected by calamities and natural disasters that threaten both crops and livestock. It is, therefore, important to be prepared by knowing your options such as how to apply for disaster loans .

B2B Profitable Small Farm Ideas

B2B farming is a business method that farmers use when producing agricultural products to supply business clients. Businesses—including restaurants, grocers, and even brewers—prefer to deal with farmers directly for the low cost and quality. While many of the suggestions above can also work in the B2B market, here are some favorites.

14. Snail Farming

Heliciculture, or snail farming, can be a very lucrative business venture. Most large snails are edible and can be sold at a high price, but some breeds are more popular in specific locations, so find out what businesses in your area are after. That helps you create the right habitat and food sources, too.

Snails thrive in areas like California where the climate and well-tilled soil are suited to their growth, and since they are considered agricultural pests, you can easily ask organic farm owners to let you harvest them.

Some of the things you need to consider when starting a snail farm are:

• Climate control: The ideal temperature for growing snails is between 16° to 24°C (60° to 75°F); they also need humidity, so include sprinklers and humidifiers.
• Soil requirements: Snails thrive in well-cultivated soil and groomed gardens because of their nutrient-rich quality. Calcium in the soil is important for the snail’s shell. Soil should also be at least 2 inches deep for egg-laying purposes.
• Farming system: Protect and contain snails in pens that are either inside a building or greenhouse or with plastic tunnel houses.
• Food source: Snails drink water and eat various types of feeds, but they also survive on natural food such as vegetables like cabbage, flowers, fruits, most green leaves, and microscopic algae.
• State regulations: Interstate movement and shipping of snails are strictly controlled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as these creatures are considered invasive plant pests. Check for your state’s rules and requirements on raising a snail farm so you can obtain the necessary permits to operate.

Snail farming is still considered a niche in the US, so there is more opportunity for farmers to profit by supplying fresh snails to restaurateurs and other snail enthusiasts. There’s also a growing demand for snail slime in the cosmetics industry and even live snail facials.

15. Mushroom Farming

Mushrooms are relatively easy to cultivate, considering that they can grow in the wild, even in the harshest of conditions. Making a profitable business out of mushroom farming will depend on knowing which mushroom strain to cultivate and how to maximize your production to become a steady supplier to other businesses.

Gourmet mushrooms such as oyster and shiitake are some of the most sought-after variations of mushrooms in the market. Indoor production provides a better harvest; they can even be grown in bags. It only takes an average of six weeks to grow and harvest mushrooms that are ready to be sold. Mushroom farmers harvest an average of 25 pounds of produce per square foot every year and sell them for $6 to $8 per pound .

16. Organic Farming

Generally speaking, organic farming is a method of raising crops and livestock, but thanks to a growing market of health conscious-consumers, this method has created a niche of its own. Nowadays, you’ll find restaurants and supermarkets that market specifically for organic produce. These businesses rely on organic farmers to supply them with organically grown fruits and vegetables and organically raised, or free-roaming, livestock.

While the yields are generally less than conventional farms, organic foods command a higher price. You may also need to go through a certification process to be registered as officially organic in order to sell to businesses that promote their foods as such.

Some of the popular organic farms to consider are:

• Farm-to-Table Restaurant
• Organic Grocery Wholesaler
• Organic Dairy Farm
• Organic Produce Farm
• Organic Livestock Farm
• Organic Fish Farm

The global organic farming market is expected to grow to $187.84 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 11.1%, and to $287.83 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 11.3%. It’s also a more environmentally friendly way to farm and good for the health-conscious farmer as well as consumer.

17. Poultry Farming

Chicken farms, especially organic ones, can achieve profits of 60% or more per batch of chickens. Plus, you can sell eggs and even poultry manure. Some farmers find profit (and fun) in raising rare breeds of chickens to sell the chicks. The downside is that poultry farming is highly regulated to ensure the safety and health of the residents within the community.

Poultry farming is still one of the most profitable businesses for farmers who are looking to break into the B2B market.

It costs anywhere from $200 to $8,000 to build a chicken house, depending on the complexity and size. When building, think about protection, ease of access for gathering eggs, and whether you need climate control. You’ll need different breeds of chickens for different purposes.

• Sussex hens
• Rhode Island Red
• White Leghorns
• Plymouth Rock

Meat (broilers)

• Cornish Cross
• Jersey Giant
• Freedom Rangers

Running a farm involves tracking expenses, inventory, sales, and more. A strong accounting software can make this process easier. QuickBooks offers a variety of built-in tools and expansions (including payment processing) to help you stay organized. Check out our QuickBooks Online review .

18. Plant Nursery

If you simply love gardening, then a plant nursery might be a way to indulge that love for a profit. Backyard nurseries can turn as much as a 95% profit . Plants can be grown from seeds and sold for an average of $7. If you grow outdoors or use pots, the startup costs are minimal, although if you need a greenhouse, this can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on size and complexity.

When starting a nursery for profit, research what kind of plants are in demand in your area. Is there a local flower shop that would welcome quality orchids? Is there a demand for poinsettias during the Christmas season? Does the local nursery always sell out of ground cover plants?

19. Hop Farming

The growth of microbreweries has led to an increase in the demand for quality, local hops. Hops can be grown in as little as 1 acre of land. Starting costs can be expensive—about $12,000 per acre—and usually need a year to establish their root system before they produce well. If you have the time, however, you can harvest up to 1,800 pounds of hops, which sell from $3 to $15 per pound.

Hops require at least 120 frost-free days. They grow on bines (the technical term for hop vines) that can reach 25 feet and weigh over 20 pounds, so you need strong, tall trellises. The soil needs to be loose and well-drained.

Starting a small farming business aimed at supplying a large volume of produce to your local market can be costly. You may need a grant or even a business loan to get started. A well-written business plan is a first step for securing funding, plus it helps you ensure you’ve considered all the aspects of building a thriving business.

Agritourism Profitable Small Farm Ideas

Agritourism or farm tourism is a business model that derives the majority of its income from attracting visitors to experience and learn about farm life. Agritourism activities include visiting a working farm and selling fresh, organic, or even homemade produce. Both urban and rural farms benefit from this business structure, but business owners will have to invest more in advertising and marketing strategies.

To succeed in agritourism, you need a professional website. Check out Bluehost for reliable web hosting service to make sure your website is always online. It also offers domain registration and a business email address, all for just $2.95 per month. Sign up to get your online shop hosted today.

20. Flower Farm

Flower farms are a popular destination for tourists, but apart from that, this type of business is versatile. It can create other avenues for income such as supplying flower shops and event organizers. You can start a low-cost flower farm in your backyard for about $2,000 and grow from there. Like other businesses, research is key to growing your flower farm.

“One example of an agricultural business idea is a sunflower maze. A business owner can plant hundreds of sunflowers and charge a small fee for visitors to stroll through the beautiful fields of flowers every summer. They can then sell bouquets of sunflowers and other sunflower decor items at the entrance to the maze. Also, local photographers and brides will pay to reserve the field for special photo shoots. Startup costs are low—just seeds, labor, and the reasonable rental fee for an unused field by the roadside.”

— Marsha Kelly, Marketing Consultant, Best 4 Businesses

21. Forest Gardens

Forest gardens are picturesque and make efficient use of the land to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables together. It requires a canopy of mature trees (nut trees are good, although any native tree works), shorter fruit trees, berry-producing shrubs, perennial vegetables like rhubarb or dill, root vegetables like carrots, ground cover like Canadian ginger, and edible vine plants like cucumbers or beans.

These kinds of gardens are great community projects, although small farms can use them as part of an overall tourist experience—imagine a hike through the woods where you pick the ingredients for your own dinner!

22. Recreational Fish Farming

Fishing is a very popular recreational activity in the US, so if you’re a fish farmer, you can start accepting visitors to fish in your ponds or lakes. Extra-large fish farms can even host different types of sport fishing and draw in more crowds. You can charge visitors by day or per pound of fish that they catch. A good marketing strategy to help you boost sales, especially if you charge per pound of fish, is to create an area for barbecuing or a rustic-style restaurant where visitors can ask to have their freshly caught fish cooked for them.

23. Animal Petting Farm

Most farmers get into the petting farm business to augment their income from selling eggs, dairy, and livestock. Petting farms are not only for student field trips; families like them because they provide a more interactive experience for their children. A traveling petting zoo can be a big sell for birthday parties. Some businesses use them as an opportunity to hold team-building events. Also, be open to giving customers a sample of the products (eggs, dairy) you get from each animal and have a small store where they can buy more food products to bring home.

Customers who pay the entrance fee expect an educational experience, so have them engage with the animals while being supervised by your staff. Safety will be your first priority when you invest in a petting farm. Make sure your staff is well-trained to instruct and supervise. They will also need to know how to administer first aid.

24. Fruit Picking Farms

Fruit picking is a popular weekend activity for families, and small farms have found this to be a lucrative venture. While most entrepreneurial farmers who consider offering fruit picking have had a running farm for some time, hobbyists can also use this to generate income from the tourism aspect of the farm.

One advantage of having a “pick-your-own farm” model is that you’re able to hire fewer people to harvest your products, which reduces overhead costs. Additionally, buyers come to you, so you also reduce the cost of transporting your produce.

Fruit-picking farms interact directly with customers, so there are additional things to consider:

• Consider planting more than one type of produce if possible. Berry picking is also popular and can attract more customers.
• Provide ample parking space for visitors.
• Carefully consider the pesticides you use for your crops because your customers can be exposed if not properly handled.
• Invest in customer service training for your staff.
• Don’t ignore opportunities to supply other businesses with your produce.

Your business will largely depend on customer feedback. Be sure to make your farm safe and clean and ensure that your staff is efficient and helpful. Also, have a QR code handy at the exit or end of tours so that it’s easy for customers to leave a review on Yelp.

Pick-your-own farms are a popular destination for families and large groups looking for quick weekend trips, so make sure you provide the best experience.

25. Wedding Venues

Farms can be idyllic locations, which makes them a big demand for couples that want a beautiful backdrop for their wedding. Even small wedding venues can bring in $10,000 or more per year. Converted barns are popular places for ceremonies and receptions. Of course, the longer you keep them celebrating on your property, the better your profit, so also think about preparation rooms, cocktail hours, after-party arrangements, and even a rustic honeymoon suite.

However, it requires more than just clearing out the barn and throwing open the doors. Here are some minimum requirements:

• Check local ordinances including noise and parking.
• Check with the local fire marshal about how many people your barn or venue can hold.
• Make sure you have a clear (and preferably mud-free) walk from parking to the event area or areas.
• If the wedding is planned for outdoors, do you have a last-minute foul-weather alternative?
• Consider whether you’ll rent or purchase tables, chairs, place settings, etc.
• Get to know local caterers and florists.
• Do you need an alcohol license? (It may be covered by the caterer.)
• Check to see if there is any liability insurance you may need.
• Invest in a website and photographer to take beautiful photos of your land.

If you grow flowers or vegetables, consider offering these for the catering and decor. With some imagination, beautiful centerpieces can be made with local foliage as well.

Wedding venues are profitable but can have a downside. Wedding venues can be time-intensive for the days leading to the big event. You may also be dealing with high emotions from the families during plans. Guests may get drunk and wander from the area.

Learn more: Special Event Insurance: Cost & Coverage

26. Educational Farms

Educational farms take petting farms to the next level. You provide tours, hands-on experiences, or even classes about the animals and crops on your farm. If you have a farm craft, like making herb soap or raveling alpaca fleece, then you can teach these as well. You can offer tours and classes to schools or home schooling groups, 4-H and other clubs, or local universities. You can also sell farm products or educational materials on the side.

Not all your classes need to be in person. With good webinar software, such as those in our best webinar software guide , you can also sell classes online. Or you can create a 10-minute mini-class to post on social media as a lead magnet to your farm.

Like with other agritourism ideas, you’ll need to check your liability insurance and consider having students sign waivers. You’ll also want to develop a program and practice beforehand, including anticipating questions. However, it’s a great way to share your love for the farm life, and in some cases, even get some help.

Make sure your guests have something to remember the experience by. Souvenirs with your farm logo or photos make great mementos and promote your farm to others. Check out this list of the best swag ideas , many of which make great options for souvenirs.

27. Farm Stay Experience

Farm experiences, where a vacationer stays on a farm, actually participating in farm life, have been popular since the 1990s. Farm stays are about having a wholesome experience in a natural environment, which makes small farms well-suited, especially those with organic farming. You can advertise online or through services like Airbnb.

Usually, vacationers stay on the farm (sometimes in a cabin or dedicated campsite) and help out with the chores, like feeding the animals. They may be treated to a tour or a small course on farming; others will simply take part in daily farm lifelike one of the family. Be sure to research the applicable liabilities and ordinances, decide what you want to offer, and, like with all agritourism experiences, consider extras like souvenirs, samples from the farm, or add-ons like actual classes.

Bottom Line

Small farms are often started for the love of the land, a desire to be self-sufficient, and an appreciation for the farming lifestyle. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t turn a tidy profit. If you are seriously considering going into the farming business, our list of farming business ideas can help you get started.

About the Author

Karina Fabian

Karina Fabian has more than seven years of experience writing on business topics and reviewing software. Before writing for Fit Small Business, she reviewed business software and services for other online websites. Karina has also worked as a marketing content specialist for Naviga. After her husband started a rocket company, Karina got a crash course on the ins and outs of starting a business and all the work that goes into launching a startup. In her free time, she writes science fiction and fantasy.

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How to Start a Farm: Plan Your Operation

Think about your operation from the ground up and start planning for your business.  A good farm business plan is your roadmap to start-up, profitability, and growth, and provides the foundation for your conversation with USDA about how our programs can complement your operation. 

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Why you need a farm business plan.

A comprehensive business plan is an important first step for any size business, no matter how simple or complex. You should create a strong business plan because it:

• Will help you get organized . It will help you to remember all of the details and make sure you are taking all of the necessary steps.
• Will act as your guide . It will help you to think carefully about why you want to farm or ranch and what you want to achieve in the future. Over time, you can look back at your business plan and determine whether you are achieving your goals.
• Is required to get a loan . In order to get an FSA loan, a guarantee on a loan made by a commercial lender, or a land contract, you need to create a detailed business plan . Lenders look closely at business plans to determine if you can afford to repay the loan.

How USDA Can Help

Whether you need a good get-started guide, have a plan that you would like to verify, or have a plan you’re looking to update for your next growth phase, USDA can help connect you to resources to help your decisions.

Your state's beginning farmer and rancher coordinator  can connect you to local resources in your community to help you establish a successful business plan. Reach out to your state's coordinator for one-on-one technical assistance and guidance. They can also connect you with organizations that specifically serve beginning farmers and ranchers.

It is important to know that no single solution fits everyone, and you should research, seek guidance, and make the best decision for your operation according to your own individual priorities.

Build a Farm Business Plan

There are many different styles of business plans. Some are written documents; others may be a set of worksheets that you complete. No matter what format you choose, several key aspects of your operation are important to consider.

Use the guidelines below to draft your business plan. Answering these kinds of questions in detail will help you create and develop your final business plan. Once you have a business plan for your operation, prepare for your visit to a USDA service center. During your visit, we can help you with the necessary steps to register your business and get access to key USDA programs.

Business History

Are you starting a new farm or ranch, or are you already in business? If you are already in business:

• What products do you produce?
• What is the size of your operation?
• What agricultural production and financial management training or experience do you, your family members, or your business partners have?
• How long have you been in business?

Mission, Vision, and Goals

This is your business. Defining your mission, vision and goals is crucial to the success of your business. These questions will help provide a basis for developing other aspects of your business plan.

• What values are important to you and the operation as a whole?
• What short- and long-term goals do you have for your operation?
• How do you plan to start, expand, or change your operation?
• What plans do you have to make your operation efficient or more profitable ?
• What type of farm or ranch model (conventional, sustainable, organic, or alternative agricultural practices) do you plan to use?

Organization and Management

Starting your own business is no small feat. You will need to determine how your business will be structured and organized, and who will manage (or help manage) your business. You will need to be able to convey this to others who are involved as well.

• What is the legal structure of your business? Will it be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, or other type of entity?
• What help will you need in operating and managing your farm or ranch?
• What other resources, such as a mentor or community-based organization , do you plan to use?

Marketing is a valuable tool for businesses. It can help your businesses increase brand awareness, engagement and sales. It is important to narrow down your target audience and think about what you are providing that others cannot.

• What are you going to produce ?
• Who is your target consumer ?
• Is there demand for what you are planning to produce?
• What is the cost of production?
• How much will you sell it for and when do you expect to see profit ?
• How will you get your product to consumers ? What are the transportation costs and requirements?
• How will you market your products?
• Do you know the relevant federal, state, and local food safety regulations? What licensing do you need for your operation?

Today there are many types of land, tools, and resources to choose from. You will need to think about what you currently have and what you will need to obtain to achieve your goals.

• What resources do you have or will you need for your business?
• Do you already have access to farmland ? If not, do you plan to lease, rent, or purchase land?
• What equipment do you need?
• Is the equipment and real estate that you own or rent adequate to conduct your operation? If not, how do you plan to address those needs?
• Will you be implementing any conservation practices to sustain your operation?
• What types of workers will you need to operate the farm?
• What additional resources do you need?

Now that you have an idea of what you are going to provide and what you will need to run your operation you will need to consider the finances of your operation.

• How will you finance the business?
• What are your current assets (property or investments you own) and liabilities (debts, loans, or payments you owe)?
• Will the income you generate be sufficient to pay your operating expenses, living expenses, and loan payments?
• What other sources of income are available to supplement your business income?
• What business expenses will you incur?
• What family living expenses do you pay?
• What are some potential risks or challenges you foresee for your operation? How will you manage those risks?
• How will you measure the success of your business?

Farm Business Plan Worksheets

The Farm Business Plan Balance Sheet can help gather information for the financial and operational aspects of your plan.

Form FSA-2037 is a template that gathers information on your assets and liabilities like farm equipment, vehicles and existing loans.

• FSA-2037 - Farm Business Plan - Balance Sheet
• FSA-2037 Instructions

Planning for Conservation and Risk Management

Another key tool is a conservation plan, which determines how you want to improve the health of your land. A conservation plan can help you lay out your plan to address resource needs, costs and schedules.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff are available at your local USDA Service Center to help you develop a conservation plan for your land based on your goals. NRCS staff can also help you explore conservation programs and initiatives, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) .

Conservation in Agriculture

Crop insurance, whole farm revenue protection and other resources can help you prepare for unforeseen challenges like natural disasters.

Disaster Recovery

Special Considerations

Special considerations for businesses.

There are different types of farm businesses each with their own unique considerations. Determine what applies to your operation.

• Organic Farming  has unique considerations. Learn about organic agriculture , organic certification , and the  Organic Certification Cost Share Program  to see if an organic business is an option for you. NRCS also has resources for organic producers and offers assistance to develop a conservation plan.
• Urban Farming  has special opportunities and restrictions. Learn how USDA can help farmers in urban spaces .
• Value-Added Products . The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) is a national virtual resource center for value-added agricultural groups.
• Cooperative.  If you are interested in starting a cooperative, USDA’s Rural Development Agency (RD) has helpful resources to help you begin . State-based  Cooperative Development Centers , partially funded by RD, provide technical assistance and education on starting a cooperative.

Special Considerations for Individuals

Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers: We offer help for the unique concerns of producers who meet the USDA definition of "historically underserved,"  which includes farmers who are:

• socially disadvantaged
• limited resource
• military veterans

Women: Learn about specific incentives, priorities, and set asides for  women in agriculture within USDA programs.

Heirs' Property Landowners: If you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership, learn how USDA can help Heirs’ Property Landowners gain access to a variety of programs and services

Business Planning

Creating a good business plan takes time and effort. The following are some key resources for planning your business.

• Farm Answers from the University of Minnesota features a library of how-to resources and guidance, a directory of beginning farmer training programs, and other sources of information in agriculture. The library includes business planning guides such as a Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses and an Example Business Plan .
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers information about starting, managing, and transitioning a business.

SCORE is a nonprofit organization with a network of volunteers who have experience in running and managing businesses. The Score Mentorship Program partners with USDA to provide:

• Free, local support and resources, including business planning help, financial guidance, growth strategies.
• Mentorship through one-on-one business coaching -- in-person, online, and by phone.
• Training from subject matter experts with agribusiness experience.
• Online resources and step-by-step outlines for business strategies.
• Learn more about the program through the Score FAQ .

Training Opportunities

Attend field days, workshops, courses, or formal education programs to build necessary skills to ensure you can successfully produce your selected farm products and/or services. Many local and regional agricultural organizations, including USDA and Cooperative Extension, offer training to beginning farmers.

• Cooperative Extension  offices address common issues faced by agricultural producers, and conduct workshops and educational events for the agricultural community.
• extension.org  is an online community for the Cooperative Extension program where you can find publications and ask experts for advice.

Now that you have a basic plan for your farm operation, prepare for your visit to a USDA service center.

2. Visit Your USDA Service Center

How to Start a Farm with USDA

Get an  overview of the beginning farmer's journey  or jump to a specific page below.

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.

Learn more about our Urban Service Centers . Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office  or to find an insurance agent near you.

Agricultural Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Agricultural Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Agricultural business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Agricultural companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Agricultural business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Schrute’s Roots is a startup agricultural business that produces crops for Scranton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. Schrute’s Roots will specifically grow root vegetables, including potatoes, onions, and beets. The company’s mission statement is to work hard to grow these vegetables organically and without any chemicals. We will sell our produce at local farmer’s markets as well as to local restaurants and other establishments that would like to use or sell our produce.

Schrute’s Roots is owned and led by Dwight Schrute. Dwight has been a farm operations manager for the past twenty years, bringing a plethora of knowledge and skills that will prove to be invaluable to all aspects of the business. After working as a farm operations manager, Dwight desired to run his own agricultural farm business that grows organic produce and benefits the local community. He will utilize his prior knowledge and experience to manage crop production, operations, and other aspects of the business.

Product Offering

Schrute’s Roots grows a variety of root vegetables for Scranton, Pennsylvania and the local community. All produce will be organically grown. We alternate our crops, so the exact crops that are grown will be dependent on the season and current crop cycle. Some crops that we plan to grow include the following:

Customer Focus

Schrute’s Roots will primarily serve the residents and businesses of Scranton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. Any individual or establishment that is interested in purchasing our crops is welcome to partner with us. We will sell our crops to individuals at local farmer’s markets and directly to wholesalers, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Management Team

Schrute’s Roots’ most valuable asset is the expertise and experience of its founder, Dwight Schrute. Dwight has been a farm operations manager for the past twenty years, bringing a plethora of knowledge and skills that will prove to be invaluable to all aspects of the business. After working as a farm operations manager, Dwight desired to run his own agricultural business that grows organic produce and benefits the local community. He will utilize his prior knowledge and experience to manage crop production, operations, and other aspects of the business.

Success Factors

Schrute’s Roots will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Management: Schrute’s Roots’ management team has years of experience in agricultural operations, which will prove invaluable to all aspects of the business.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for twenty years, Dwight Schrute knows all of the local leaders, media, and other influencers. As such, it will be relatively easy for Schrute’s Roots to build brand awareness and an initial customer base.
• Quality products at affordable pricing: Schrute’s Roots will provide quality products at affordable pricing, as it has high-quality equipment and uses the latest techniques.

Financial Highlights

Schrute’s Roots is currently seeking $750,000 to start the company. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the land and purchasing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs and marketing costs. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Land: $200,000
• Equipment: $200,000
• Three Months of Overhead Expenses (payroll, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing Costs: $100,000
• Working Capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Schrute’s Roots.

Company Overview

Who is schrute’s roots.

Schrute’s Roots is a startup agricultural business that produces crops for Scranton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. Schrute’s Roots will specifically grow root vegetables, including potatoes, onions, and beets. The company’s mission is to grow vegetables organically and without any chemicals. We will sell our produce at local farmer’s markets as well as to local restaurants and other establishments that would like to use or sell our produce.

  Schrute’s Roots is owned and led by Dwight Schrute. Dwight has been a farm operations manager for the past twenty years, bringing a plethora of knowledge and skills that will prove to be invaluable to all aspects of the business. After working as a farm operations manager, Dwight desired to run his own agricultural business that grows organic produce and benefits the local community. He will utilize his prior knowledge and experience to manage crop production, operations, and other aspects of the business.

Schrute’s Roots’ History

Dwight Schrute incorporated Schrute’s Roots as an S-corporation on May 1st, 2023. The operations aspects of the business will be run from Dwight’s home, while the agricultural aspects will be run from the land purchased for crop production.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found land to grow the crops and wrote a letter of intent to purchase it
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Determined agricultural equipment and inventory requirements
• Began recruiting key employees

Schrute’s Roots’ Services

Industry analysis.

The agricultural industry is vital to all communities. The crops and products grown by local farmers and crop production companies are essential to the health of local communities. They provide jobs to the locals and result in locally grown food that the nearby residents can purchase. Larger agriculture businesses do not offer these benefits to smaller communities. Because of this, there has been a greater demand and emphasis on the sustainability of local agricultural companies that can directly benefit the local community.

Furthermore, market research shows that local communities are demanding that crop production and other agricultural companies grow their products organically. Organic foods are much healthier for individuals to eat because they provide more nutrition and aren’t laced with chemicals. Improved technology and research into organic methods are making this form of crop production more profitable and sustainable.

Therefore, with the increasing demand for local organic farms, we are confident that Schrute’s Roots will succeed in the local market and benefit the residents of the Scranton area.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Schrute’s Roots will serve the industries and community residents of Scranton, Pennsylvania and its surrounding areas. We will sell our produce at farmer’s markets to individuals and directly to establishments that wish to partner with us.

The demographics of Scranton, Pennsylvania are as follows:

Customer Segmentation

Schrute’s target audience segments include:

• Individuals
• Restaurants
• Grocery Stores

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Schrute’s Roots will face competition from other agriculture businesses. A description of each competitor company is below.

AgraFarm is one of the largest raw food manufacturers in the U.S., owning a 15,000-acre farm for agriculture. It has well-established connections with big FMCG companies and has been thriving in the agricultural industry for 12 years. It also has automated equipment and machines, which helps in improving its operations and reducing costs. AgraFarm is also known for delivering large orders at the right time without delay.

BDA Farms was established in 1998. BDA Farms is a very well-known company that provides good quality organic produce to companies. It also has a very good brand value, and its product packaging is second to none. BDA Farms is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and it has a very effective distribution and supply chain network.

BeetFarms was initially a beets producer company and then branched out to other vegetables. BeetFarms is now one of the ten largest vegetable producers in the state. The Company’s packaging and processing units are located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It has recently acquired other local vegetable producers, expanding its operations as well as limiting the variety of farms producing vegetables for the community.

Competitive Advantage

Schrute’s Roots will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Schrute’s Roots will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Production of high-quality organic produce
• Affordable pricing
• Providing excellent customer service and customer experiences

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Schrute’s Roots is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. The company will use social media to develop engaging content in terms of various forms and technologies of commercial cultivation and post customer reviews that will increase audience awareness and loyalty.

Website/SEO

Schrute’s Roots will develop a professional website that showcases pictures of the farm and the products we will grow. It will also invest in SEO so that the company’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Industry Events

By attending regional farming conferences, association meetings, and symposia, Schrute’s Roots will network with agricultural industry leaders and seek referrals to potential customers.

Direct Mail

The company will use a direct mail campaign to promote its brand and draw customers, as well. The campaign will blanket specific neighborhoods with simple, effective mail advertisements that highlight the credentials and credibility of Schrute’s Roots as a high-quality crop production agriculture business.

Schrute’s Roots’ pricing will be competitive. Pricing will be about 50% lower than retail prices to allow wholesalers and retailers to earn their margins.

Operations Plan

Operation Functions: The following will be the operations plan for Schrute’s Roots.

• Dwight Schrute will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. He will help with the produce cultivation until he has hired a full staff of farmhands. Dwight has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Meredith Grant – will oversee all administrative aspects of running the farm. This will include bookkeeping, tax payments, and payroll of the staff.
• Kevin Baird – Head Farmhand who will oversee the farming staff and day to day operations.
• Oscar Smith– Assistant Farmhand who will assist Kevin.

Milestones:

Schrute’s Roots will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 07/202X Finalize land purchase
• 08/202X Design and build out Schrute’s Roots
• 09/202X Hire and train initial staff
• 10/202X Kickoff of promotional campaign
• 11/202X Launch Schrute’s Roots
• 12/202X Reach break-even

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Schrute’s Roots’ revenues will come from the sales of root vegetables to its customers and local food establishments.

The major cost drivers for Schrute’s Roots will be labor expenses, land purchase, equipment purchases and maintenance, and marketing plan expenses.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $100,000
• Working capital: $100,000

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of customers per month:
• Annual equipment maintenance costs: $20,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, agricultural business plan faqs, what is an agricultural business plan.

An agricultural business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your agricultural business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Agricultural business plan using our Agricultural Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Agricultural Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of agricultural businesses , some examples include: Animal feed manufacturing, Agrichemical and seed manufacturing, Agricultural engineering, Biofuel manufacturing, and Crop production.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Agricultural Business Plan?

Agricultural businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an Agricultural Business?

Starting an agricultural business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Agricultural Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed agricultural business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your agricultural business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your agricultural business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Agricultural Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your agricultural business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your agricultural business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Agricultural Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your agricultural business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your agricultural business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

12: Business Plans

What is a business plan.

A business plan is a document that helps you to organize and succinctly summarize the vision you have for your business. The plan contains the operational and financial objectives of a business, the detailed plans and budgets showing how the objectives are to be realized.

A good business plan will contain the following:

• Your business vision, mission statement, key values, and goals
• Description of the product(s) you intend to produce
• Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats the business may experience are described
• Production plans
• Marketing plans
• Estimated start-up costs
• Information on your legal structure and management team
• Current financial statements or projected financial statements.
• Resume or brief explanation of your background and relevant experience
• Less than 10 total pages so that people actually read it

Helpful Publications for Writing a Business Plan

General Business Resource Publications:

• Starting an Ag-Business? A Pre-Planning Guide http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2004/Cornell_AEM_eb0408.pdf
• Business Transfer Guide: Junior Generation http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2016/Cornell-Dyson-eb1605.pdf
• Producing a Business Plan for Value-Added Agriculture http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2007/Cornell_AEM_eb0708.pdf
• Business Planning for the Agriculture Sector: A Guide to Business Plan Development for Start-up to Mid-size Operations http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2010/Cornell_ pdf
• Building a Sustainable Business (Sustainable Agricultural Research Education (SARE)Publications) sare.org/publications/business.htm 280 pages of education and practical exercises to guide you through the financial, management, and interpersonal skills needed to start a successful farm business. Order hard copy for $17 or download PDF online for free.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Publications for Specific Commodities:

• Landscape Business Planning Guide http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2003/Cornell_AEM_eb0313.pdf
• Writing a Business Plan: A Guide for Small Premium Wineries http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2002/Cornell_AEM_eb0206.pdf
• Writing a Business Plan: An Example for a Small Premium Winery https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/122203/2/Cornell_AEM_eb0207.pdf

Getting Help Writing a Business Plan

Farm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 3,500 farmers create business plans to start and grow their farm businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a farm business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Farm Business Plan Template here >

What is a Farm Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your farm business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Farm

If you’re looking to start a farm business or grow your existing farm business you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your farm business in order to improve your chances of success. Your farm business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes. It can be used to create a vegetable farm business plan, or a dairy farm, produce farm, fruit farm, agriculture farm and more.

Source of Funding for Farm Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a farm business are personal savings, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a farm business is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of farm business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a farm business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of farm businesses.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the farm business industry. Discuss the type of farm business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of farm business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types among others:

• Vegetable Farm : this type of farm grows a wide variety of vegetables (but not grains or soybeans) and melons in open fields and in greenhouses.
• Dairy Farm : this type of farm primarily raises cattle for milk. Typically, this type of farm does not process the milk into cheeses or butter, etc.
• Fruit Farm : this type of farm primarily grows fruits.
• Hay and Crop Farm : More than half of these types of farms grow hay, while a small number grow sugar beets. A variety of other crops, such as hops and herbs, are included in the industry. Some operators also gather agave, spices, tea and maple sap.
• Industrial Hemp Farm : this type of farm grows and harvests cannabis plants with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of less than 0.3% by weight.
• Plant & Flower Farm : this type of farm grows nursery plants, such as trees and shrubs; flowering plants, such as foliage plants, cut flowers, flower seeds and ornamentals; and short rotation woody trees, such as Christmas trees and cottonwoods.
• Vertical Farming : This type of farm involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often using controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technologies. This method dramatically reduces the amount of land space needed for farming and can increase crop yields.

In addition to explaining the type of farm business you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, acquisition of additional acreage, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the farm business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the farm business industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards decaffeinated farm business consumption, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for plenty of decaffeinated options.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your farm business plan:

• How big is the farm business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your farm business. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your farm business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: food manufacturers, grocery wholesalers, retail grocers, restaurants, individual consumers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of farm business you operate. Clearly food manufacturers would want different pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than retail grocers.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other farm businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes processed foods, imported goods, and growing produce themselves. You need to mention such competition to show you understand the true nature of the market.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other farm businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be farm businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior products?
• Will you provide products that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a farm business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of farm business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to wholesale crops, will you also offer subscriptions to individuals?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the products you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your farm. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your farm centrally located near gourmet restaurants and specialty grocers, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. Also, if you operate or plan to operate farm stands, detail the locations where the stands will be placed.

Promotions : the final part of your farm business marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your farm stand extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Distributing produce samples from the farm stand or at farmers markets 
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites 
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your farm business such as serving customers, delivering produce, harvesting, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or acquire more arable land.

Management Team

To demonstrate your farm business’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in farming. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in farming and/or successfully running small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 100 customers per week or 200? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your farm, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a company approached you with a massive $100,000 supplier contract, that would cost you $50,000 to fulfill. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for seed, equipment, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180 day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a farm business:

• Location build-out including barn construction, land preparation, etc.
• Cost of equipment like tractors and attachments, silos, barns, etc.
• Cost of nutrients and maintaining machinery
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Your new farm’s business plan must include a detailed financial plan based on reasonable assumptions of your costs and revenues. To determine if the results you show in this plan will be attractive to investors, look at industry standard financial metrics to see how you measure up against the farming industry, or your sector of the industry, on average. These are some basic measures and ratios to study.

Value of Production

The value of production is equal to your farm’s cash receipts plus the changes in value of product inventory and accounts receivable, less your livestock purchases. This is a measure of the value of the commodities you have produced in the period.

Net Farm Income

The NFI or net farm income, represents the value of production less direct and capital costs in the time period. This is a dollar figure, and not a ratio relating the income to the investment made, so it cannot be used to compare the farm against other farms.

Gross Margin

This represents the NFI less depreciation. The gross margin shows how much money is available in the year to cover the unallocated fixed costs, and dividends to owners and unpaid operators.

Return on Farm Assets

This is a ratio that can be used to compare the farm with others. This is calculated as NFI plus interest expense less unpaid operator labor, all divided by the total assets of the farm.

Asset Turnover Ratio

This ratio is equal to the value or production over the total farm assets. Combined with the operating profit margin ratio, this shows the efficiency of the farm in generating revenues.

Operating Profit Margin Ratio

This ratio is similar to Return on Farm Assets, but divides the same numerator (NFI plus interest expense less unpaid operator labor) by the value of production figure. This shows the percentage of each revenue dollar that becomes profit. If it is low, a higher turnover can compensate, and if it is high, a lower turnover ratio is required.

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Farm Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your farm business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. It can be used for a small farm business plan template or any other type of farm. You will really understand the farm business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful farm business.

Download Our Farm Business Plan PDF

You can download our farm business plan PDF here . This is a small farm business plan example pdf you can use in PDF format.  

Farm Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my farm business plan.

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You can download our farm business plan PDF template here . This is an example business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Details of a Small Farm Business Plan

• Swarthmore College

• Ohio Wesleyan University
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Writing a farm business plan can be a tool for you to plan your farming business. It can also be a requirement of securing grants and loans for your farm business. The process of writing a farm business plan may seem overwhelming and intimidating at first, but if you break it down into its component steps, it becomes much more manageable.

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a roadmap for your small farm . It is both process and product. During the writing of a farm business plan, you'll develop an overall vision and mission for your business. You will think about your short- and long-term goals. You'll define the steps needed to achieve those goals. You'll set the direction for your business to develop over the next five years.

If you're already an established business, your new business plan will show where you're going next. A good business plan should be:

Mission Statement

Your farm’s mission statement is your overarching purpose for your business:

• Why does your farm exist?
• What purpose does your farm serve?
• Where is your farm headed?

This is beyond “make money.” This mission statement is based on your values and your core identity as a small farm.

The goals in your business plan are the specific, measurable “things” you will achieve with your small farm. Short-term goals are defined as those that you will complete within one year. Long-term goals are those that take longer than one year to complete.

SMART Goals are:

• Rewarding, and have a

Background Information

In this section of your business plan, take inventory of what you have right now:

• Where are you located?
• How many acres of land are you farming?
• When did you begin farming?
• How are you currently operating?
• What general practices do you use for such things as conservation, tillage, environmental impact, and marketing?

Farm Strategy

This is where your business plan gets to looking forward. You are going to formulate your farm strategy from now into the next five years or so.

• Gather information and research markets. Make sure that your farm plan fits into the general market in terms of supply and demand. Investigate and analyze industry trends, identify competitors, and define buyers.
• SWOT Analysis. This is an analytical tool that can be used in making decisions. SWOT stands for: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. As a business, analyze your internal strengths and weaknesses. Then look externally at what opportunities and threats exist - competitors, new markets, government regulations, economic conditions, and so forth.
• Create alternative strategies. Looking at the information you've gleaned and the analysis you just did, think through options for your farm strategy. Don't rely on price alone; economies of scale are challenging on the small farm level.
• Don't jump to one conclusion immediately. Really spend some time fleshing out the specifics of some of the strategies and looking at their advantages and disadvantages. Try to find options that combine your internal strengths with opportunities in the external environment.
• Look at all your strategies, then reread your mission statement. The ideal farm plan will fit your mission best.
• Write an implementation plan. This is where you write a plan that will make your new strategy happen.

Marketing Strategy and Plan

In the next part of your farm business plan, you develop and outline a marketing strategy for your products and services. This can build on the research you did in the previous step. For each product, include ​the price, placement, and promotion ideas. Consider how you will convey real and perceived value to your customers.

Management Summary

This part of your business plan details your farm business’ structure. Everyone who is involved in the management of the business should be listed here. External resources are listed here as well.

Financial Analysis

In this section, you will need to detail the financial aspect of your farming operation. List your current finances in detail, including all income and operating expenses. Referring to your new strategy, you will forecast what is needed for future growth and to meet the goals you have outlined in terms of capital. Include what your future operating expenses will be.

Pulling It All Together

Writing a farm business plan is a big project. Don’t let that put you off. Your plan can be as simple as it needs to be for right now. Begin with your mission statement and goals. Do your homework by analyzing markets and researching competitors and trends. Have fun brainstorming alternative strategies and let them marinate a while. Take it one step at a time.

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Farming Business Plan

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How to Write a Farming Business Plan?

Writing a farming business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some components to add to your summary:

Start with a brief introduction:

Market opportunity:, mention your services:, management team:.

Name all the key members of your management team with their duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Financial highlights:

Call to action:.

Ensure you keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.

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2. Business Overview

Depending on what details of your business are important, you’ll need different elements in your business overview . Still, there are some foundational elements like business name, legal structure, location, history, and mission statement that every business overview should include:

About the business:

Provide all the basic information about your business in this section like:

• The name of your farming business and the type of business you are running or will run: organic farming, agricultural farming, dairy farming, commercial farming, or something else.
• Company structure of your farming business whether it is a proprietorship, LLC, partnership firm, or some other.
• Location of your farm and the reason why you selected that place.

Mission statement:

Business history:, future goals:.

This section should provide an in-depth understanding of your farming business. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.

3. Market Analysis

Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market in which your farming business will run along with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:

Target market:

Market size and growth potential:, competitive analysis:, market trends:, regulatory environment:.

Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:

• Use a variety of sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
• Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
• Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
• Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan

4. Products And Services

The product and services section of an agriculture business plan should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

List the products & services:

• List the products you will produce or sell, such as crops, fruits, flowers, livestock, or value-added products like cheese or jams.
• Describe each product: Explain the features of your products, such as their quality, variety, and uniqueness. Also, discuss how your products will be packaged and marketed.

Emphasize safety and quality:

Overall, the product and services section of a business plan should be detailed, informative, and customer-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Operations Plan

When writing the operations plan section, it’s important to consider the various aspects of your business operations. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:

Operational process:

Technologies:.

By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your farming business.

6. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of the individuals responsible for running the farming business. This section should provide a detailed description of the experience and qualifications of each manager, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Key managers:

Organizational structure:, compensation plan:, board of advisors:.

Describe your company’s key personnel and highlight why your business has the fittest team.

7. Financial Plan

When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections for the first few years of your business.

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:, financing needs:.

Remember to be realistic with your financial projections, and to provide supporting evidence for all of your estimates.

8. Appendix

When writing the appendix section, you should include any additional information that supports the main content of your plan. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.

• Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
• Include financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
• Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the agriculture industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
• Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the information they need.

Remember, the appendix section of your farming business should only include relevant and important information that supports the main content of your plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This farming business plan sample will provide an idea for writing a successful farming business plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you are still confused about how to write an investment-ready agriculture business plan to impress your audience, then download our farming business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a farming business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful farming business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your farming business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your farming business.

How to get funding for your farming business?

There are several ways to get funding for your agriculture business, but one of the most efficient and speedy funding options is self-funding. Other options for funding are!

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting many people to invest in your farming business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought options for startups.
• Venture capital – Venture capitalists will invest in your business in exchange for a percentage of shares, so this funding option is also viable.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your farming business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your farming business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your agriculture business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any farming business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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10+ Best & Profitable Agriculture Business Ideas [2023]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 07, 2024

Our List of 10+ Best Agriculture Business Ideas:

Urban farming, greenhouse farming, hydroponic farming, sustainable farm consultancy, organic fertilizer manufacturing, crop storage and distribution, farm equipment rental business, diary farming, greenhouse construction and installation, e-agriculture services.

Hey there, future agricultural entrepreneur! Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about the smell of fresh earth, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and the satisfaction of watching something grow from a seed to a full-fledged plant? If these thoughts resonate with you, then you're in the right place. Welcome to a world where your green thumb and entrepreneurial spirit can merge to create something truly remarkable.

We're about to embark on a journey through the fertile fields of opportunity in the agriculture sector. A journey that will not only feed your passion but also your wallet! As we move forward into 2023, the agriculture business is ripe with potential and profitability. So, whether you're a seasoned farmer, a city dweller with a country heart, or a business enthusiast looking to branch out (pun intended), there's a place for you in this industry.

Ready to dig in? Let's explore the 10+ best and most profitable agriculture business ideas for 2023. Trust us, it's going to be a fruitful journey.

Urban farming is an innovative approach to food production that takes advantage of the space and resources available in cities. The idea is to use existing infrastructure and land, such as rooftops and balconies, to grow fruits and vegetables. Urban farming can be a great business opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the growing focus on sustainability, local food production, and health-conscious eating habits. Here are some of the key benefits of urban farming: • Reduced reliance on industrial agriculture, made possible through increased local production • Increased access to healthy foods in areas with limited access • Increased environmental sustainability through reduced emissions from transportation• Can provide both economic opportunities for city dwellers as well as improved nutrition for those in need

Greenhouse farming is a type of agriculture where crops are grown in enclosed structures, such as greenhouses, to protect them from the elements. This type of farming allows you to have complete control over the environment, allowing for greater predictability and higher yields. There are many advantages to greenhouse farming that make it a great business idea:

• Control over environmental conditions – Create the ideal environment for your chosen crop.
• Increased consistency – You can rely on consistent yields, giving you a greater potential for profit.
• Reduced risk – You can reduce your exposure to weather-related risks and pests.
• Efficient use of space – You can maximize your crop yield by using a fraction of the land that traditional farms need.

Examples of successful businesses:

The agriculture business industry is an incredibly diverse field ranging from animal production and processing to farming and food retail. Here are some examples of companies that have been successful in this industry:

• Tyson Foods
• Land O'Lakes
• Smithfield Foods
• The Mosaic Company
• Syngenta AG
• Bunge Limited
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• Kellogg Company

Hydroponic farming is the practice of growing plants without soil, by giving it nutrients directly in a solution of water. This type of farming is becoming increasingly popular due to its efficiency in controlling growth factors, such as temperature and light. As a business idea, hydroponic farming offers the following benefits:

• Requires less water than traditional farming methods
• Reduces soil erosion
• Can be used in limited space and controlled environments
• More cost effective than traditional agricultural methods
• Faster growth for plants with quicker yield times
• Pesticide use is often reduced due to the closed environment

More resources:

A Sustainable farm consultancy is a business that helps farmers to understand and implement sustainable agricultural practices. This could include helping farmers to develop an agricultural plan that runs their farm more sustainably, creating a better environment for the land, animals, and people of the area. The key benefits of establishing such a consultancy include:

• Advising farmers on how to operate their farm more sustainably and efficiently.
• Helping to reduce the environmental impact of farming.
• Supporting communities by providing sustainable farming methods that are socially conscious.
• Educating farmers on the importance of maintaining a healthy environment.

Organic fertilizer manufacturing is a business concept that involves the production of organic fertilizers, which are used to help improve soil quality and promote healthy plant growth. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials like manure, compost, and other biological materials. These fertilizers do not contain chemicals or synthetic substances and are considered a more environmentally friendly option than their synthetic counterparts. Organic fertilizer manufacturing has become more popular in recent years due to the increasing demand for organic products.

• Organic fertilizer is more effective at improving soil quality than synthetic fertilizers.
• Organic fertilizer manufacturing requires minimal startup costs.
• Organic fertilizers can be sold directly to consumers or to retailers for a higher profit margin.
• Organic fertilizers are safer for the environment, as they do not contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic substances.
• Production costs can be kept low with careful sourcing of raw materials.

Related business ideas:

Crop storage and distribution is the process of storing agricultural products and delivering them to markets. This can be a lucrative business idea, as it provides a needed service for farmers and facilitates the sale of agricultural products. Here are some reasons why crop storage and distribution makes a good business idea:

• It provides an essential service for farmers, who often do not have the resources to store, package, and transport their crops.
• It can help facilitate the sale of crops to local markets or other buyers in different areas.
• It is a relatively low-cost, low-risk business opportunity.
• It allows entrepreneurs to build relationships with local farmers and other buyers.

A Farm equipment rental business is a great business idea for those looking to start their own business in the agricultural industry. It provides a way for farmers to access the farm equipment they need without having to purchase it. This can be especially helpful during peak farming seasons when additional equipment is needed on a temporary basis. The following are the benefits of starting a Farm equipment rental business:

• Low overhead costs with minimal required capital
• Ability to provide diversified services such as repairs and routine maintenance
• Potential for long-term customer relationships and repeat business
• Opportunity to access different markets such as corporate farms, small farms, and hobbyists
• Flexibility in scaling your business as demand grows or wanes

Diary farming is a type of agribusiness which involves breeding and raising dairy cows for the production of milk and other dairy products. Dairy farming has the potential to become a profitable and successful business venture, as dairy cows can produce large amounts of milk, which can be turned into other dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Here are some reasons why diary farming makes a good business idea:

• A high demand for dairy products, due to their nutritional value.
• Relatively low startup costs compared to other types of farming.
• Steady income source from the sale of milk or processed dairy products.
• High potential for growth and expansion due to the ability to increase herd size.

Greenhouse construction and installation is a business idea that specializes in building and installing greenhouses. Greenhouses can be used for many different purposes, including growing plants and vegetables, raising animals, and even extending the growing season of plants. This business idea can be a great way to make money, as greenhouses are an increasingly popular trend in many households and commercial businesses. Some of the many benefits of this business idea include:

• Cost-effective – Greenhouse construction and installation is relatively inexpensive to start up.
• Flexible – Businesses can easily adjust their services to meet the needs of their clients.
• Easy – This type of business requires minimal equipment or training to begin.
• Scalable – Business owners can scale their operations as demand increases.
• Versatile – Greenhouse construction and installation offers a wide range of services, from basic to complex projects.

E-Agriculture is the use of digital technologies, such as computers, mobile phones, drones, and other digital tools, to facilitate the exchange of agricultural information, delivering education and training, improving decision making, and managing risk. It can be used to increase access to resources such as land and water; to reduce agricultural costs; and to optimize the productivity of agricultural production.

• Improving farm productivity
• Supporting climate smart agriculture
• Providing access to information on market prices
• Facilitating weather data access
• Providing access to loans and grants
• Offering remote sensing and precision agriculture services
• Creating an online marketplace for selling produce
• Providing an online platform for farmers to connect with buyers, agribusinesses, government officials, service providers etc.

E-Agriculture services offer a host of business opportunities that could benefit both farmers and consumers. By connecting farmers with buyers in different countries around the world, they can access markets they may not have been able to reach before. Additionally, they can increase yields by providing access to new technologies and data on market prices. Furthermore, they can reduce costs by providing access to loans more easily. All these benefits could make e-agriculture services an attractive business opportunity.

More helpful resources about LLCs:

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

• Agriculture

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Agricultural business plan

An agricultural business is an enterprise that engages in producing, processing, and marketing agricultural products. Agricultural businesses can be small, family-owned operations or large, multi-national corporations. Farmers may sell their products directly to consumers or through intermediaries such as wholesalers or retailers. There are many different types of agricultural businesses, including livestock farms, dairy farms, crop farms, and horticultural businesses.

Each type of agricultural business has its unique challenges and opportunities. Livestock farms raise and care for animals used for meat, milk, eggs, or other products. Dairy farms produce milk and other dairy products. Crop farms grow fruits, vegetables, grains, and other crops. Horticultural businesses grow plants for sale as ornamentals or use in landscaping.

Agricultural businesses must carefully plan their operations to be successful. They must consider factors such as the type of product they will produce, the market for their product, the cost of inputs (land, labor, capital), and the price they will receive. A well-executed business plan can help an agricultural business to thrive and become profitable.

In case you missed it: Carrot Farming Business Plan: How to Grow from Seed to Harvest

There are many reasons to start an agricultural business. Agricultural businesses can be very profitable, provide a valuable service to the community, and offer an excellent lifestyle for the owners and employees. An agricultural business can be profitable because of a strong demand for food and other agricultural products. In addition, the world population is growing, and more people are moving into cities with less access to fresh food.

This creates a large market for agricultural businesses that can provide safe, healthy, and affordable food. Starting an agricultural business can also provide a valuable service to the community. Agricultural businesses can help meet the needs of local communities by providing fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other products. They can also create jobs and support the local economy.

Finally, owning an agricultural business can offer an excellent lifestyle for the owners and employees. Agricultural businesses are often located in beautiful rural areas, where the pace of life is slower and more relaxed. The work can be challenging and rewarding, and a sense of pride comes from producing food for others to enjoy.

An agricultural business can be a very profitable venture. There are many benefits to starting and owning a farming business. Some of the benefits include:

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• Agricultural businesses provide a much-needed service to society. They produce food and other necessary items that we need to survive. Without agriculture, the world would be a very different place.
• Agricultural businesses are typically very stable. They are not as prone to the economy’s ups and downs as other businesses. This stability can provide security for families and employees alike.
• Agricultural businesses offer an excellent opportunity to be your boss. You can be in control of your destiny and make all of the decisions regarding your business. This can be a very empowering feeling.
• Agricultural businesses often have a positive impact on their local communities. They provide jobs and economic stability to rural areas that might otherwise struggle financially. Additionally, they usually give back to the community through charitable donations and other forms of giving.
• Agricultural businesses offer a unique lifestyle that can be very rewarding. An agricultural business may be the perfect fit if you love working outdoors and being around animals and crops. However, this type of business is only for some people, so make sure it is something you are genuinely interested in before committing.

If you’re thinking of starting an agricultural business, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to understand the business you want to create. What kind of products or services will you offer? What is your target market? Who are your competitors? Once you understand the business you want to start, you must develop a business plan.

This plan will help you map out the steps, process you need for getting your business up and running, and it will also help you secure funding from investors or lenders. Next, you need to choose a location for your agricultural business. For example, if you’re starting a small farm, you’ll need to find land suitable for farming. Once you’ve found a location, you’ll need to get the necessary permits and licenses from the government.

Once you have your location and all the required licenses and permits, you can start buying equipment and hiring staff. For example, starting a small farm requires tractors, planting equipment, irrigation systems, etc. You’ll also need employees to help with the farm’s day-to-day operations.

As your agricultural business grows, you’ll need to focus on marketing and sales. You’ll need to find ways to reach your target market and convince them to buy your products or services. You may also want to consider expanding your operations by opening additional locations or offering new products.

Several agricultural businesses can be pretty profitable. One option is to start a small farm and sell products directly to consumers at farmer’s markets or through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Another option is to raise livestock for meat, eggs, or dairy products.

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Other possibilities include starting an organic gardening business, operating a nursery selling plants and trees, or running a landscape design business specializing in creating gardens and outdoor spaces for homes and businesses. There are also opportunities for value-added agriculture businesses such as making and selling jams, jellies, or other food products made from fruits and vegetables grown on the farm.

There are a few key things to start an agricultural business. First, you need to choose the correct location. You want to pick a spot with good soil and a lot of sunlight. You also want to make sure there is enough water for your crops. Next, you need to choose what crops you want to grow. Then, it would be best to research which crops are in demand and which will fetch a good price.

You also want to consider your chosen location’s climate so you can pick crops that will do well there. Finally, you need to develop a business plan. This includes figuring out your costs, how much you need to sell your crop, and marketing your business. Once you have all this figured out, you can start planting and growing your business!

When choosing the most profitable crops to grow for your agricultural business, there are several factors to consider:

• The market demand for the crop. What crops are in high demand and will fetch a good price?
• The growing conditions required for the crop. Some crops are very sensitive to climate and soil type, so choosing ones that can be successfully grown in your area is important.
• The input costs associated with growing the crop.

Make sure to factor in things like seed, fertilizer, labor, and equipment costs. Some of the most profitable agricultural crops to grow to include:

• Corn/Maize : Corn is a staple crop used in various products, from food to biofuels. It is relatively easy to grow and has high market demand.
• Soybeans : Soybeans are another widely used crop that has a variety of uses, including animal feed, biodiesel, and human food. They are relatively easy to grow and have a high market demand.
• Wheat : It is a versatile grain from bread to pasta to beer brewing. It’s relatively easy to grow and has strong market demand.
• Rice/Paddy : Rice is a dietary staple for billions of people around the world. It’s easy to grow and has high market demand.
• Cotton : Cotton is a high-dollar cash crop to consider.

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There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best state for your agricultural business. The climate, soil type, and availability of water are important considerations. You will also want to consider the market for your products, transportation infrastructure, and the overall business environment.

The best states for agricultural businesses vary depending on the type of business. For example, California is well-suited for businesses that produce fruits and vegetables, while Nebraska is better suited for livestock production. Here is a more detailed look at some of the best states for different types of agricultural businesses:

• Fruits and Vegetables : California, Florida, Hawaii, Texas
• Livestock : Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota
• Grain : North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois
• Dairy : Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania

If you’re considering starting a farming business, you’ll need to create a business plan. This will help you secure funding, find the right location, and hire employees. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan for an agricultural business:

• Define your business. What type of agricultural business do you want to start? What products or services will you offer? Who is your target market?
• Write your executive summary. This is a brief overview of your business plan. Include your mission statement, company description, and goals.
• Do your market research. First, conduct a feasibility study to see if there’s a demand for your products or services in your target market. Then, research your competition and pricing options.
• Develop your marketing strategy. How will you reach your target market? What marketing channels will you use? What are your sales goals?
• Create a financial plan. Estimate your start-up costs and projected revenue for the first few years of operation. Create a budget and cash flow statement. Find sources of financing, such as loans or investors.
• Plan for management and operations. Describe how you’ll organize and run your business on a day-to-day basis. Include information on staffing, facilities, and logistics.

When starting an agricultural business, you must keep a few key things in mind to succeed. Firstly you need to have a well-thought-out business plan. This plan should include your goals and objectives for the business, as well as how you intend to achieve them. In addition to a strong business plan, you must have the financial backing necessary to get your business off the ground.

This means having access to capital through savings, loans, or investors. Another important aspect of starting a successful agricultural business is understanding the market well. You need to know your target customers and what they are looking for. Additionally, you should have a solid marketing strategy to reach these customers.

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Finally, it is also crucial that you have a strong team in place to help you run the day-to-day operations of your business. This team should be composed of individuals with expertise in various areas such as marketing, finance, and agriculture. By working together, you can increase your chances of success exponentially.

Many different agricultural businesses can be profitable, but it is vital to have a clear plan before getting started. This article has provided tips on developing a profitable agricultural business plan, including researching, knowing your costs, and having a clear marketing strategy. Following these tips gives you the best chance of success in starting your own agricultural business.

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Agriculture Farm Business Plan Example

JUL.25, 2013

Agriculture business plan for starting your own business

Farming and agriculture business is not as easy as it seems. An even difficult step is to plan how to write a business plan for agriculture. Whether it is a Christmas tree farm business plan or an organic fertilizer business plan , you need to put real effort into planning each and every aspect of your agriculture business plan . To become successful, you should know the ways to operate your enterprise efficiently. You should know your revenue and cash position. You also need to forecast your crop rotations.

We have here provided a detailed business plan so that you can avoid any inconvenience in making a plan for yourself. No matter if you want to make a fish farm business plan or fountain pepper farm business plan , hydroponics farm business plan , or even an aquaponics farm business plan , this sample business plan agriculture template will help you.

A well-formed business plan of agriculture will help your agriculture business plan grow and generate the revenue that you dream of. It will help in managing your business in hard times and will also improve the chances of getting loans from the government for your business. So, if are thinking of creating a business for a bank loan , check out this template.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

The Old Maple Way will be a registered farm in New York, US. The business will aim to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to its customers. Along with it, we provide high-quality dairy products. Instead of competing with other farms in town, we will mainly focus on the quality and pricing of our products.

In any business plan agriculture project, the aims and goals should be clear. Instead of looking for an online business plan expert , you can write your business plan exact like agriculture business plan examples available online.

2.2 Management of Agriculture

The Old Maple Way Farm will be managed by James Celery. He will look into all the operations going on the farm. For his assistance, three managers will work with him. These managers will be trained for a month before starting their jobs. As per this agriculture business plan pdf, James will hire some highly experienced farmers who will look after the growth and management of fruits and vegetables. James will ensure the quality of production himself.

2.3 Customers of Agriculture

Customers are the backbone of every business. If you know the right audience for your agriculture business , you will be able to achieve your target. You will get the idea of how to run your agriculture business plan if you understand your customers. The main customers for the agriculture business will be the following:

• Export to Foreign Markets
• Domestic Hotels and Restaurants
• Domestic Food Companies

2.4 Business Target

The main goal of Old Maple Way Farm is to produce high-quality products for the people. We do not compromise on the hygiene and our team takes care of it.  The most important thing matter to us is our customers’ satisfaction.

Here are our targets:

• Our primary target is to become the most loved farm by people within the next 3 years of our launch.
• Our secondary target is to increase the net profit every month.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The owner of the Old Maple Way will be James Celery. James had a dream of starting his own agriculture business plan since he was a teenager. He wanted to produce high-quality products that do not contain harmful chemicals.

3.2 Why the farm is being started?

When James was asked why he is interested in starting a farm, he said he wanted to produce chemical-free and organic products for the people. He says that nowadays, it is difficult to find something that is purely organic and chemical-free.

Companies and farms are using harmful chemicals to increase their production. Due to it, they have ignored the quality and only focus on the quantity of production. To produce pure products, he planned to start a farm of his own. He further added that he wants to produce products that are affordable and easy to buy.

3.3 How the Farm will be started?

In a business plan for agriculture, you should mention the steps to start a farm. When you know how to make a business plan for agriculture, your agriculture business  will be successful. The agriculture export business plan includes all the necessary steps needed to start an agriculture business. To start a farm, you need the right techniques and ideas. Before starting a farm, you need to consider these essential steps:

Know your Niche

The first and most important step before starting the agriculture business  is to identify your niche. Without deciding the niche, you cannot start a healthy business.

Research Market

Once you have decided on your niche, you need to do market research. For instance, you have planned to grow a specific fruit, so to make the business successful, you should know who will buy your product. Making research on the market will let you know about your competitors and how will you sell your product.

If you are interested in particular fruit, vegetable or product, first learn more about the local market.

Find the Right Land

Once you have decided what product you are going to plant, you need to take the next step, i.e, deciding the land.

If you are starting at a low budget, you can take land on lease. But if you have sufficient investment to start, you can buy your land. If you start the farm on your land, you will have complete control of your farm. But at the same time, there will be more risk factors of financial loss.

In the sample of an agricultural business plan, you will find more detailed steps on how to start an agriculture business  depending upon the type of farm you want to start.

In agriculture service business plan, you should mention all the services and products that your farm will produce. In the business plan agriculture pdf and business plan for agriculture available online. You will find the services that farms offer. Our products include the following:

We will produce fruits that are chemical-free and pure. We believe in producing organic products. Unlike other farms, we do not use any chemical that increases the quantity.

We will produce 100% organic vegetables. Our main focus is on quality and our customer satisfaction.

Cereals & Grains

We will also produce export-quality cereals and grains.

Dairy Products

We will also be offering two dairy products (milk and butter) to further supplement our sales.

20 Highly Profitable Agricultural Farm Business Ideas

If you are an entrepreneur willing to start an agriculture farm business, the following 20 agriculture farm business ideas can come in handy for your business venture.

Growing Mushrooms

Mushroom is a very popular Unlike various other crops, mushrooms can grow in less than a month. It is ready to be harvested in just about 21 days. This is the reason mushrooms have a high profit margin. Often new entrepreneurs are restless to harvest and sell their crops. So, if you too are one such impatient entrepreneur then mushrooms won’t make your wait too long to be ready. You can sell them in 3 weeks time from d date of cultivation.

• Mushroom farming comprises of 6 stages- first you need to compost; next spawn; case; pin and finally crop it.
• The soil of your farming land must be suitable for growing mushrooms. If this suits your soil then this is the best crop to grow. Some soils only support specific mushroom cultivation. The environment also plays a significant factor.
• You can aim to sell the produce in the local markets and also trade them. There are various countries that use mushrooms in their everyday meals. If your land in near such countries, where mushrooms are a favorite among the masses, then this is the best crop to cultivate in your farming land. Also, the convenience of export can take your mushroom business to far off markets as well.

Potato Farming

This is a very common vegetable. Yet, you should consider this as potato cultivation is greatly rewarding in many ways. Potato is consumed in meals almost daily by people both at home as well as in canteens. It is yummy, simple and very nutritious. The demand for potato is so high that even if there are other near-by farming areas growing potatoes, you still can produce it and benefit largely.

• There are a large variety of potatoes, so check the soil and the market, in order to decide which potato you should cultivate in your land. You can opt for the sweet potatoes or Irish potato farming. They are quite popular across the globe. Furthermore, they can be sold as vegetables directly and can also be sold in the processed form.
• You can choose bulk potato farming and process them if you have the capital and equipment. Potato chips and French fries are savory snacks loved by all. You can never go wrong with potato business as it ensures a high profit margin.
• You can also choose to sell potato seeds. This is an excellent money-spinning business idea. Get in touch with local, national and international potato cultivators to sell potato seed tubes and make a flourishing agriculture business out of it.

Spice Production

With the widespread knowledge about the health benefits hidden in various spices, household cooking as well as commercial restaurants have started using spices in their food in daily basis around the world. Furthermore, the boost in flavor and the pleasant aroma that come from adding spices to cuisines has made spices a favorite ingredient in the kitchen. The high demand and being a very costly product, spices are a great option for agriculture farm business plan. Spice cultivation can churn a lot of money making farming a flourishing business opportunity.

• There are a large variety of spices available such as cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, cumin, etc. You have a lot of agriculture farming options when it comes to spices.
• You can choose to start farming the spice as per the popularity in your locality.
• Spices can be used in food either whole, sun dried, powdered, paste or even in liquid form. You can sell the whole spice. You can also extract the oils from the spices and sell it in bottles.
• You can plan to grow either a single type of spice or multiple ones depending on your soil. There are different spices that grow in different seasons. You can also opt to grow a spice rarely cultivated in your state and reap huge profits.

Cashew nut agriculture production

Cashew nuts a type of dry fruit that is widely popular across the globe. It is consumed mostly as a savory snack with salt and other spices. You can sell them raw, as well as in processed form. Cashew nut processing entails 4 simple stages. It starts with cleaning the nuts, they roasting them, followed by drying and finally removing the peel.

• Cashew nuts are highly nutritious, boosts energy and fiber in the body. Hence, demand for cashew nuts is quite high globally. You can earn huge capital by producing cashew nuts in your farm land.
• Processed cashew nut sale can get you high profits if you can ally with wholesalers near your land and draw in a fixed cashew nut supply. Wholesalers will sell you the raw cashew nuts at a low cost. You can process the cashew and make profit.
• The medicinal value of cashew nuts has made cashew nut farming a highly lucrative business.

Poultry farming

Chicken is the particular poultry bird raised to the highest number. Gone are the days when households had a few chickens in their backyard to serve their need for eggs and meet. Currently, poultry farming is a huge money-making business that has made its mark internationally. Poultry farming being a lucrative venture has led to the birds being injected with harmful chemicals and are reared in large number without proper hygiene. This has resulted in the rise in demand for good quality poultry farms. This can be your opportunity to grab. Strategize to start an excellently well-maintained poultry farm business to give the masses the best quality eggs and meat.

• Eggs and meat being a high source of protein have notched a vital place in the dietary charts for good health. This has made people from all walks of life add eggs to their breakfast and consume a portion of meat regularly. Hence, a magnificent rise in the sales of poultry farms.
• Another way of making gains through poultry farming is selling frozen chicken. You would needs some additional tools and storage facilities incorporated in your farm for this sort of business. Get in touch with the local eateries, fast-food joints, restaurants and hotels to deliver them- frozen chicken. This can be a profitable venture when you have some good contacts established.

Bee-Keeping and Honey-Making Business:

Producing honey by keeping bees in the garden was a personal choice earlier. People passionate about making honey who had a little space in their backyard kept bees. But now, it has turned out to become a huge farming industry that a large number of entrepreneurs take interest in pursuing as an agriculture endeavor. With the heightened honey consumption worldwide, the sales margin has also increased drastically. This has drawn more entrepreneurs in bee farming. The reason for such rise in the demand for honey is because people are switching to honey intake instead of sugar. Honey has been proved very healthy, helps in losing weight and is also used in beauty products. If you desire to start agriculture farm business plan, then this is one of the best choices. Bee-keeping does not require a large farming land nor do you need to invest huge capital. All you require is- some knowledge and training on the basics of keeping bees for agriculture business. There are training schools and experts who teach how to start a honey producing business and also how bees should be monitored. Furnished with such skillful training you can conveniently start farming and run a bee-keeping and honey making business. If you produce honey in your farming area, you can have several prospective clients to sell, such as –

• Sell it to high net-worth person,
• There are hard-working people, fitness conscious people who prefer honey to sugar
• You can buy low-priced top quality honey from dealers, bottle it up and sell it in the market, both in the local as well as global arena.

Herb and Flower Plantation

The best part about herbs and flower plantation is that they can be grown in small quantities. You do not need any skills or expertise to grow them. They can be grown indoors as well as outdoors. Moreover, both hers and flower plants have multiple usages. You can even do a profitable business with dry herbs and flowers. Both are easy to grow, high in demand and lucrative ventures. Furthermore, you can grow both herbs and flowers in the same farming land.  Yes, you will need some appropriate apparatus for good quality plantation results. Adequate water supply, proper sunshine, manure and right method must be followed too. Herbs have a wide range of usages-

• They are a central ingredient in flavoring food
• Used for making beautiful fragrances
• Is majorly bought by the Pharma company
• Are also used in healing centers to help people relax and loose there stress

Flowers too have multiple usages-

• There are edible flowers used in cakes and various cuisines
• They are used in beauty products, to make lipsticks, nail-polish, hair color and so on
• Several fragrances and extracted from flowers, rose, lavender, orchid being popular blooms. In fact, dry flowers are majorly bought by the fragrance company.
• Extensively used for decorating venues
• Flower bouquets, for weddings as well as gifting item is always in trend

Aloe Vera Plantation

Aloe Vera is basically a tropical plant but the good thing about this plant is that, it can be cultivated in dry farming lands as well. Aloe Vera is a profitable agriculture business idea because its medicinal value makes it a highly saleable agriculture product. It can be consumed as well as applied externally. It has lots of vitamins and minerals that are good for heart, immune system, digestion, skin ailments and many more.

Aloe Vera crop is most suitable if your farming land is in a dry area where the climate is mostly warm and humid. This plant doesn’t require much rainfall and doesn’t grow is cold regions. Light sandy type of soil is absolutely befitting for the plantation of aloe Vera agriculture crops.

Aloe Vera plants are best suited for selling globally to the-

• Herbal industry
• Pharma companies

Bamboo Plantation

Bamboos mostly grow in the hilly areas. This is why we most often see bamboo farming in the mountains. The immense uses of bamboos plants have made it a successful agriculture business plan choice for several entrepreneurs. There is no way you can fail with bamboo farming plan as there are always buyers inclined to purchase the raw product and process it to use in various form.

Some of the uses of bamboo plants may be listed as follows-

• Bamboos are strong and flexible. Thus, a very useful construction product. Be it to build roofs, floors, fences etc.
• They are utilized to build various interior decoration items
• Furniture made from bamboo plants are a modern trend
• Best writing papers are made from bamboo fiber
• Various types of musical instruments are also made using bamboos
• Tender Bamboo tips are used in cooking
• Several infectious diseases can be cured through the medicine made from bamboo plants
• In Asia, the chopsticks being used, are mostly made of bamboo

The huge number of uses makes bamboo plantation a very rewarding business.

Coffee & Tea Plantation

Tea and coffee are two drinks that are very popular globally. So, with coffee and tea plantation you can extend your agriculture business plan and earn huge benefits through export. Coffee and tea plantation requires a suitable soil and good amount of rainfall. The rains and dry season must be well defined so that there can be a growing season and a maturing season. You can plan to directly sell the tea leafs and coffee beans or choose to sell the processed product. With the basic plantation and harvesting techniques learnt, and equipped with the processing tools, machinery and staff, you can make flourishing business out of tea and coffee farming. Get in touch with the tea manufacturing industries, restaurants and cafeterias where there is a constant demand for tea leaves and coffee beans.

Cocoa Farming

Take your love for chocolates a step further! Plan on beginning a cocoa agriculture business. It can prove to be a flourishing enterprise. Chocolate is a favorite not only among kids but among all age groups. Relished across the globe, cocoa farming can be hugely profitable agriculture prospect. You can earn huge capital income by exporting the produced cocoa from your farming area. Cocoa is grown mostly in humid tropical region. Its beans are extracted for cocoa solids and cocoa butter. So, in order to begin farming cocoa trees in your land, you first must ensure you have an agriculture land in a humid area, or plan to buy some area. Once you have the suitable soil you can begin with your cocoa plantation business.

• To satisfy chocolate lovers delight, cocoa is added in all sorts of foods, beverages and even fragrances.
• Dark chocolates, chocolate ice-cream, cakes, muffin, cookies, various sweets, deserts, etc., are found everywhere.
• Spas & beauty parlors too use cocoa in their beauty therapies as it’s very good for skin.
• Chocolate consumption is a very delicious and easy way to counter bouts of stress & depression.

So, you have a farming soil and climate suitable for growing cocoa; prepare yourself to turn your passion into a agriculture business venture. Cocoa crops can land for hundreds of years. So follow the proper methods of farming and you can be very rich soon.

Lettuce Plantation

Lettuce has become a very popular farming vegetable for its fresh flavor. Restaurants add it to their salads, burgers, sides, etc. as consumers enjoy the crunchy fresh texture of this leafy vegetable.Additionally, the health benefits in lettuce have also made it a favorite among those fit and active person who are always on the look-out to incorporate healthy greens to their daily meal. Lettuce can be grown in several types of farming soils. Mostly, it is suitable to grow in soils rich in organic matter. The best soils for lettuce are those that can contain good quality of water and also have well made drainage system. As far as the temperature goes, lettuce grows well in fairly cool weather, about 15 degree Celsius. If your agriculture farm business plan space is in a slightly warmer land, you can grow lettuce crops by building a shade. You can go for a soil test before beginning to work on the farming area.

Lettuce crops cannot be stored for a longer period. So, keep connected with nearest markets and eateries. After harvesting the lettuce, you must sell them fresh. Lettuce farming is a rewarding business idea for start-ups.

Fruit Plantation

Various types of fruits are consumed around the globe. You may opt to begin farming any type of fruit that suits the land and climate of your particular region. When the soil is befitting only then you will get a productive yield out of which you can gain revenue.

Peaches, exotic fruits, papaya, berries, mangoes, apples, jackfruit, oranges etc., are some fruit types. You can grow any of these fruits or any other for your agriculture business endeavor depending on your soil suitability.  Most fruits are used for making juices, added to cuisines, incorporated in meals as fruit salads, and beauty treatments. Since fruits can be consumed raw you may plan to market and export them immediately after you harvest the produce. You may build processing equipments to make fruit juices and pack them to sell them anywhere in the world.

Fruits contain various healthy & healing ingredients. Hence, maximum nutritionists & doctors suggest children, adults and the elderly; to consume fruits regularly. The fruit agriculture business is an opportunity you must definitely try out.

Palm Tree Cultivation

This is the crop that gives the most quantity of oil. Due to it high yielding capacity palm tree farming is considered a money-spinning business idea. If you intend to earn on a monthly basis through agriculture business then palm tree cultivation is the best choice for your start-up venture.

Deep, moist and well-drained soils are best suited for farming palm trees. This particular crop requires a humid tropical climate. Throughout the year an even amount of rainfall is essential. When every aspect is satisfactory for palm tree farming then you should start off with it at the earliest.

Palm tree plantation and selling of the palm oils, can aid you to cut down the sale of other oils , in turn enhancing the sale of your business. Those oils that are imported are costly for the local market, thus your palm oil will sell more. It is a win-win situation for both you as well as your buyers. Thus, your business will flourish.

Cotton & Wool Production

Textile firms need wool and cotton at all times. They need it constantly for manufacturing various types of cloths. Therefore, it’s a lucrative business idea for any entrepreneur.

Cotton flower and sheep give cotton and wool respectively. So for cotton crop cultivation you need a suitable land. There may be some basic agriculture methods to be followed, certain tools and apparatus required. Of course you have to invest at the onset but after harvest you can make high business gains from your sales. You can also opt to rear sheep and get wool from them.

An advantageous factor of cotton flower and wool is that you can export them easily. There is not much critical process attached to attain the cotton from flowers and the wool is just shaved off the sheep. Furthermore, unlike fruits and vegetable, cotton and wool can be stored for as longer time span and exported to far-off countries as they do not get damaged. Thus you can plan to earn good capital by national and global export of your cotton and wool.

Rubber Production

Rubber, a stretchy materiel, is in huge demand in the market. This crop plantation can prove to be very rewarding. The innumerable items made from rubber makes it a very suitable farming product as it is sale-able in the worldwide market. For instance- Tires, Bags, etc are made from rubber.

Rubber plants cannot grow in extremely windy and freezing temperature. It needs 5-7 hrs of sunlight per day and adequate rainfall. Porous farming soil which is somewhat acidic having well-drainage is best suited for rubber plantation.

Rubber trees when taken proper care can survive for generations. So, this is a good agriculture business investment indeed.

Cattle Ranch

A very common and popular livestock raising business that includes animals such as cows, calves, ox, donkeys, bulls, etc., are known as a cattle ranch. You can choose to breed a single type of animal or several ones depending on the capital and land you have. It is best to start off with a single type of animal and slowly progress to rearing more types in your farming area. Actually, each type of animal needs to be well taken care of, with the proper food and hygiene maintained in your farming space.

Cattles are reared for multiple purposes, milk, manure, skin, as well as meat. Having a cattle ranch can instantly place you in the international business market if the quality of milk, meat and manure supplied by you if of good quality. With high sales and recognition in the global market you can easily gain huge profits and grow your agriculture business.

Shrimp Business

If you plan to own a land near the coastal region, or rent a riverside area, you can earn cash through shrimp farming. Earlier shrimp was farmed in a smaller quantity, but the rapid growth of consumption worldwide has turned it into a large scale global industry.

Shrimp is high in protein and contains anti-oxidants. A favorite among a large group of people, this is marketed in bulk in several countries. Japan, US, Thailand and China are some countries where shrimp farming is done is large quantity. You can definitely give shrimp farming a shot as success is guaranteed.

Saffron Cultivation

This costly spice is actually very easy to grow in any type of farming area. The reason for saffron being so pricey is the extensive toil that goes into harvesting the crop. Only a few strands of saffron are acquired from a flower.

Saffron is mostly used in cooking, creating beautiful fragrances and in cosmetic products. If you have a fertile agriculture soil suitable for saffron cultivation and reside in a sub-tropical warm region then saffron is the spice you must opt to cultivate in your farming area.

You can market it across the whole world. This expensive spice can churn huge money.

Rosemary Cultivation

Rosemary shrub can be cultivated across the world. It is best suited for region with cool temperatures. It can also handle frost. You can harvest rosemary 2 times per year. It depends on whether you want to harvest it for the leaves or the oil.

Rosemary is most famous for its oils. It has high commercial value for its medicinal and herbal properties.  This is a lucrative business idea and if you reside in a cold region then get a soil test done and you can start off your rosemary cultivation.

Marketing Analysis of agriculture

To make your agriculture business  successful, you need to keep an eye on the market trends as well. If you run a complete analysis of the market, you will get an idea about many things. Understanding the trends and variables will help you in making decisions for your business. The goal of this market research is to understand and get a general idea of the overall market around your farm and how you can adjust to that ecosystem. The marketing plan for agriculture business includes market trends and market segmentation.

5.1 Market Trends

The agriculture industry is a kind of industry that never goes into loss. It continues to evolve with time. Over the past five years, the agricultural industry has grown at an incredible rate. People are now more attracted to buy organic products that are chemical-free and hygienic.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

In agricultural business ideas and agricultural business proposal, the market segmentation is clearly defined. Besides knowing how to start an agricultural business, you need to make a complete analysis of market segmentation for it.

The most important part of a farm business plan is to have an idea of the expected marketing segmentation. In agriculture start up, you should know about the market segmentation. Here is the market segmentation that will be facing our farm:

5.2.1 Foreign Markets

The products that we manufacture will be exported. It will generate the largest part of our revenue.

5.2.2 Domestic Hotels and Restaurants

We will offer our products to restaurants and hotels. Along with fruits and vegetables, we will provide dairy products such as milk and butter to the restaurants in town.

5.2.3 Domestic Food Companies

We will also sell our products to food companies in the domestic markets.

5.3 Business Target

In a community sustained agriculture business plan, the following are our business target

• Building a trustworthy relationship among customers
• Providing high-quality products to customers
• Making an excellent customer care service for our loyal customers
• Recovering the initial investment within two years of launch
• Increase the revenue every year by at least 20%.

5.4 Product Pricing

The prices of the products that Old Maple Way provide are comparable to other farms. We will try to provide better products and customer care to our clients. We will satisfy our customers by providing exceptional services to make as much profit as possible.

Marketing Strategy

When you are starting an agricultural business, you should also know the marketing strategy. No business can grow and become successful without a marketing strategy. No matter how many excellent services you offer, if you do not have customers, it is all in vain. The more people know about your farm and its products, the more they reach out to you.

Nowadays, the best way of marketing is social media marketing. Social platforms are strong, and they are accessible to everyone. A good thing about social media marketing is its low cost. You can reach out to millions of people with online marketing. All the business ideas in agriculture explain the importance of social media marketing and how you can use them to reach out to people.

Along with that, you need a competitive analysis to make a strategy that will make your agriculture business plan successful. You also need some agro processing business ideas as well as a perfect understanding of what is an agricultural business.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• People are not satisfied with the products manufactured by other farms because of the chemicals they use to increase their quantity.
• The products that other farms sell are expensive and everyone cannot afford them.

6.2 Our Strategy

• We will use social media platforms to advertise our products.
• We will make our online presence so that we can reach out to more and more people.
• We will use the advertisements channels in the area to reach out to the people.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

To make your business best agricultural business, you need to make sure that the staff should work as a team. In the agriculture business model, you will find out that the environment of the farm depends on the number and type of staff which should be determined in the initial stages.

7.1 Company Staff

James Celery will be the owner and CEO of the Old Maple Way farm business. The following people will be hired to run the farm:

• 1 Operations Manager
• 2 Deputy Managers
• 8 Farm Workers
• 2 Packaging Helpers
• 1 Accountant

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Proper planning and execution of the finance help you to maintain a stable budget for the upcoming entire year. To execute farming ideas for profit, you need to manage the finances wisely. In agricultural business plans, all the finances are mentioned.

• Money to buy a land or take it on lease
• The cost of buying and maintaining animals
• The salary of employees
• The cost of buying fruits and vegetables seeds

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5  Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

• How do I make an agricultural business plan? When you look out to sample business plan agriculture farm, you will see the steps to write a business plan. Business plan for agriculture company may not necessarily be long but it should be written in an easily understandable way.
• What is an agriculture farm business plan? It is the farming production, creating a plan for marketing and management of crops and livestock in a profitable way is an agriculture farm business plan. It includes everything such as a detailed business plan for agriculture and an agriculture equipment business plan.
• Which agriculture is most profitable? One of the most profitable agriculture is an agricultural farm. You can start this business by investing a small amount of money. According to the demand of the local public, you can produce the items and sell them.
• Is agriculture farming profitable? Agriculture farming is profitable as it offers a stable revenue. It is one of the fastest-growing agricultural businesses all over the world.

Download example agriculture farming business plan pdf

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Small Business Trends

34 organic agriculture business ideas.

You already know how many great agriculture business opportunities are out there. But there’s a narrower, and potentially more lucrative, niche for entrepreneurs to consider — organic agriculture. Here are some organic agriculture business ideas for you to consider.

Why You Should Start an Organic Agriculture Business

The organic agricultural movement isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a testament to a more conscious and sustainable approach to farming that holds immense promise for the future.

As our global community continues to prioritize health, sustainability, and environmental responsibility, diving into the organic agriculture sector can be both a profitable and noble venture.

Below are compelling reasons to consider starting your own organic agriculture business.

• Consumer Demand is on the Rise : With increasing awareness about the benefits of organic foods, more consumers are turning towards organic products. This growing demand presents a lucrative market opportunity for new entrants in the organic farming sector.
• Environmental Benefits : Organic farming practices aim to maintain soil health, conserve water, and reduce pollution by foregoing chemical pesticides and fertilizers. By starting an organic agriculture business, you actively contribute to a healthier planet.
• Higher Profit Margins : Often, organic produce fetches a higher market price than conventionally grown items due to its perceived health benefits and quality. This can lead to greater profitability, especially as consumers are often willing to pay a premium for organic products.
• Builds Soil Health and Biodiversity : Organic farming practices enrich the soil with essential nutrients, fostering a healthier ecosystem. Over time, this enhances soil fertility, making it more productive and less reliant on artificial interventions. Additionally, it supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, promoting a balanced ecosystem.
• Aligns with Ethical and Health-Conscious Values : For many, organic farming isn’t just a business – it’s a way of life. If you’re passionate about promoting a healthier lifestyle and making a positive impact on the environment, then an organic agriculture business perfectly aligns with these values.

Our Methodology for Selecting Organic Agriculture Business Ideas that Can Benefit Small Business Owners

When it comes to choosing the right organic agriculture business idea, there are several key criteria to consider. We’ll rate these criteria on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest importance and 1 being the lowest:

• Sustainability and Eco-friendliness (Rating: 5) : Prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your organic agriculture business, as they align with the core values of organic farming.
• Market Demand (Rating: 5) : Assess the demand for organic products in your chosen niche or industry. Strong demand is crucial for a successful organic agriculture business.
• Organic Certification (Rating: 4) : Determine the requirements and process for obtaining organic certification, as it enhances the credibility of your products.
• Soil Health and Quality (Rating: 4) : Evaluate the health and quality of the soil in your chosen location, as it is fundamental to organic farming success.
• Crop Selection (Rating: 4) : Carefully select the crops or products you intend to cultivate, considering factors like climate suitability and market demand.
• Budget and Investment (Rating: 3) : Determine the budget required to start and run your organic agriculture business, including costs for organic inputs and equipment.
• Market Research (Rating: 3) : Conduct thorough market research to understand the preferences and buying behavior of consumers in the organic market.
• Pest and Disease Management (Rating: 3) : Plan for effective pest and disease management strategies that comply with organic farming principles.
• Local and Sustainable Distribution (Rating: 2) : Consider local and sustainable distribution channels to reduce environmental impact and support the community.
• Marketing and Branding (Rating: 2) : Develop effective marketing strategies and branding that resonate with consumers seeking organic products, emphasizing transparency and quality.

Organic Agriculture Business Ideas

And that means there are still plenty of opportunities for U.S. agriculture businesses to profit from the organic agriculture market. If you’re interested in getting involved with this growing niche industry, here are some organic agriculture business ideas to consider.

Organic Produce Farm

One of the most popular ways you can get into the organic agriculture business is to grow organic produce. This is similar to regular produce farming, just without the chemical pesticides and fertilizers used by conventional farms.

Organic Dairy Farm

Similarly, you can start a dairy farm where you use natural processes and organic feed for the cows.

Organic Livestock Farm

Or you could start a livestock farm where you also use natural materials and processes to raise your livestock.

Organic Fish Farm

There’s some debate about how organic farmed fish can really be. But you can stay away from pesticides and follow the guidelines from the USDA for organic seafood.

Organic Grocery Wholesaler

Whether you grow one type of organic food item or have a whole farm, one option for selling those items is to be a wholesaler for large chains like Whole Foods or Walmart.

Organic Market

You could also open up your own organic food market where you sell organic items directly to consumers.

Niche Organic Store

Another retail type option would be to open up a small shop that focuses on a specific niche like an organic tea and coffee shop or a health food store that sells Mediterranean inspired options.

Roadside Farm Stand

If you have a small farm, you could also sell your products directly to consumers with a roadside farm stand that you can set up during busy seasons.

Farmers Market Vending

There are also plenty of farmers markets around the country that you can rent space from to sell your organic foods.

Organic Farmers Market

Or you could actually organize your very own farmers market and just work with organic farmers.

Organic Feed for Livestock

Since organic livestock farmers need to use organic animal feed, there’s another opportunity for agriculture business to provide that product to farming customers.

Herb Growing

If you have a smaller space to work with, you can also grow herbs to package for sale to consumers or retail outlets.

Organic Bath and Body Products

You can also grow various plants like lavender and aloe to use in bath and body products that you can then sell.

Organic Canning

If you grow fruits or vegetables organically, you could create jams, salsas or other products that you can package in cans or jars to sell online or in stores.

Organic Baby Food Sales

You can also use organic produce and turn it into packaged baby food to sell to health conscious parents.

Organic Dog Food Sales

It’s also possible to use some organic food items to make dog or cat food or treats to sell in specialty pet stores or even online.

Supplement Production

You could also grow certain plants like turmeric or beets that you can turn into organic supplements to package for sale.

Organic Plant-Based Dyes

Some plants like indigo, madder, or marigold can be used to make organic dyes. You can grow these plants and produce dyes for textiles, arts, and crafts.

Organic Mushroom Farming

Mushrooms have seen a rise in demand, both for culinary and medicinal uses. Cultivate organic mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or reishi and offer them to restaurants, health stores, or directly to consumers.

Organic Agro-Tourism

Turn your organic farm into an experience. Offer tours, workshops, or farm stays for those interested in learning about organic farming practices or just wanting to connect with nature.

Organic Pest Control Solutions

With a focus on avoiding chemicals, there’s a need for organic pest control solutions. You can produce natural repellents or predators like ladybugs or nematodes and offer them to organic farmers or gardeners.

Organic Tea or Coffee Plantation You can grow organic tea leaves or coffee beans and offer them as premium products to consumers. With a growing demand for clean and sustainable produce, organic teas and coffees have a sizable market.

Organic Microgreens Farming

Microgreens like arugula, radish, or sunflower shoots are packed with nutrition and have a concentrated flavor. They can be grown indoors or in small spaces, making them perfect for urban settings. Sell them to health-conscious consumers, restaurants, or health food stores.

Natural Cleaning Products

You can even use some organic items like lemon juice or olive oil to create natural cleaning products that appeal to health and eco-conscious families.

Organic Restaurant Wholesaler

For businesses that want to sell organic foods on a wholesale basis, you could actually sell right to restaurants rather than retail stores.

Farm to Table Restaurant

Another option would be for you to grow food on a rooftop or nearby farm and then use those organic items in a farm to table restaurant menu.

Organic Juice Bar

You can also use a variety of organic produce in juices and smoothies that you can sell at a specialty juice bar.

Organic Gardening Service

If you’re looking to start a service business, you could offer gardening services to people who want to grow their own vegetables or other plants without the use of unnatural materials.

Organic Compost Sales

You can also collect materials for composting and then sell organic compost to farmers or gardeners that want to only use natural materials.

Urban Rooftop Garden

You no longer need tons of space to start a farm or grow food items. You could start an urban garden on a rooftop or in a small lot and then sell those items to visitors or nearby businesses.

Organic Farm Consultant

Or if you have lots of organic farming expertise, you can start a business as a consultant where you help other agriculture businesses looking to go organic.

Organic Seed Supplier

If you have knowledge and resources in seed cultivation, you can produce and supply organic seeds to farmers and gardeners. These seeds are non-GMO and haven’t been treated with synthetic pesticides or chemicals.

Organic Herb-infused Oils

You can grow a variety of herbs and use them to produce organic herb-infused oils, which can be used in cooking or as aromatic products. Think of rosemary-infused olive oil or basil-infused grapeseed oil.

Organic Edible Flower Farm

With a surge in culinary creativity, edible flowers are becoming more popular in gourmet dishes. You can grow a variety of organic edible flowers like pansies, calendula, or nasturtium and sell them to restaurants or at farmers markets.

Organic Beekeeping

Venture into beekeeping using organic practices. You can sell the honey as a premium product and also use beeswax for candles or skincare products.

Types of Organic Agriculture Business Ideas

Related reading: 51 Business Ideas for 2020

Photo via Shutterstock

It is about finding that business concept that is unique and will stand out. And agricultural businesses will always be in. The only difference is that there should be some advancements in technology.

I will like to start organic farming business. I have a small agric company which is registered and have partnership deeds but we are all youths. So no support.

Very helpful for everyone who wants to start a new small business related to organic products. Thank you for sharing this list of agriculture business to all.

this article is very helpful for me because I want to start this business

thanks a lot

hi looking for a suggestion of what kind of organic farming is beneficial for us ( new entrepreneur who don’t have an idea of farming).with a small limited area of land.

ThankYou so much. This article really help so much. Helpful material, thankyiu ..

Yes you are right. But i think organic food delivery is really hot selling in these days. I’ve read the article on this website about organic food https://dinnerrestaurantsnearme.com/why-is-organic-food-delivery-a-hot-selling-business-these-days/ . and really i changed my mind.

You can also order and see the list of best restaurants near you :p Thank me later 😀

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2024 federal budget's key takeaways: Housing and carbon rebates, students and sin taxes

Budget sees nearly $53b in new spending over the next 5 years.

What's in the new federal budget?

Social sharing.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland today tabled a 400-page-plus budget her government is pitching as a balm for anxious millennials and Generation Z.

The budget proposes $52.9 billion in new spending over five years, including $8.5 billion in new spending for housing. To offset some of that new spending, Ottawa is pitching policy changes to bring in new revenue.

Here are some of the notable funding initiatives and legislative commitments in budget 2024.

Ottawa unloading unused offices to meet housing targets

One of the biggest pillars of the budget is its housing commitments. Before releasing the budget, the government laid out what it's calling Canada's Housing Plan — a pledge to "unlock" nearly 3.9 million homes by 2031.

The government says two million of those would be net new homes and it believes it can contribute to more than half of them. 

It plans to do that by:

• Converting underused federal offices into homes. The budget promises $1.1 billion over ten years to transform 50 per cent of the federal office portfolio into housing.
• Building homes on Canada Post properties. The government says the 1,700-plus Canada Post offices across the country can be used to build new homes while maintaining postal services. The federal government says it's assessing six Canada Post properties in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia for development potential "as a start."
• Rethinking National Defence properties. The government is promising to look at redeveloping properties and buildings on National Defence lands for military and civilian use.
• Building apartments. Ottawa is pledging a $15 billion top-up to the Apartment Construction Loan Program, which says it will build 30,000 new homes across Canada.

Taxing vacant land?

As part of its push on housing, the federal government also says it's looking at vacant land that could be used to build homes.

It's not yet committing to new measures but the budget says the government will consider introducing a new tax on residentially zoned vacant land. 

• Freeland's new federal budget hikes taxes on the rich to cover billions in new spending
• Are you renting with no plans to buy? Here's what the federal budget has for you

The government said it plans to launch consultations on the measure later this year.

Help for students 

There's also something in the budget for students hunting for housing.

The government says it will update the formula used by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program to calculate housing costs when determining financial need, to better reflect the cost of housing in the current climate.

The government estimates this could deliver more aid for rent to approximately 79,000 students each year, at an estimated cost of $154.6 million over five years.

• Updated Federal budget's funding boost for defence spread out over multiple years
• Liberals pledge $9B in new money for Indigenous communities in 2024 budget

The government is also promising to extend increased student grants and interest-free loans, at an estimated total cost of $1.1 billion this year.

Increase in taxes on capital gains

To help cover some of its multi-billion dollar commitments, the government is proposing a tax hike on capital gains — the profit individuals make when assets like stocks and second properties are sold.

The government is proposing an increase in the taxable portion of capital gains, up from the current 50 per cent to two thirds for annual capital gains over $250,000. 

New investment to lead 'housing revolution in Canada,' Freeland says

Freeland said the change would impact the wealthiest 0.1 per cent.

There's still some protection for small businesses. There's been a lifetime capital gains exemption which allows Canadians to exempt up to $1,016,836 in capital gains tax-free on the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property. This June the tax-free limit will be increased to $1.25 million and will continue to be indexed to inflation thereafter, according to the budget.

The federal government estimates this could bring in more than $19 billion over five years, although some analysts are not convinced.

Disability benefit amounts to $200 per month 

Parliament last year passed the Canada Disability Benefit Act, which promised to send a direct benefit to low-income, working-age people with disabilities. 

Budget 2024 proposes funding of $6.1 billion over six years, beginning this fiscal year, and $1.4 billion per year ongoing, for a new Canada Disability Benefit.

Advocates had been hoping for something along the lines of $1,000 per month per person . They'll be disappointed.

According to the budget document, the maximum benefit will amount to $2,400 per year for low income individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 — about $200 a month.

• Federal government plans to lease public lands for construction through new housing strategy
• Alberta premier says she's prepared to take Ottawa to court over housing deals

The government said it plans for the Canada Disability Benefit Act to come into force in June 2024 and for payments to start in July 2025.

Carbon rebate for small businesses coming 

The federal government has heard an earful from small business advocates who accuse it of reneging on a promise to return a portion of carbon pricing revenues to small businesses to mitigate the tax's economic costs.

• What's behind the carbon tax, and does it work?
• Federal government scales back carbon tax rebates for small businesses

The budget proposes to return fuel charge proceeds from 2019-20 through 2023-24 to an estimated 600,000 businesses with 499 or fewer employees through a new refundable tax credit.

The government said this would deliver $2.5 billion directly to Canada's small- and medium-sized businesses.

Darts and vape pods will cost more 

Pitching it as a measure to cut the number of people smoking and vaping, the Liberals are promising to raise revenues on tobacco and smoking products.

• Just Asking  wants to know:   What questions do you have about quitting smoking or vaping? Do you think sin taxes will encourage smoking cessation?  Fill out the details on  this form  and send us your questions ahead of our show on April 20.

Starting Wednesday, the total tobacco excise duty will be $5.49 per carton. The government estimates this could increase federal revenue by $1.36 billion over five years starting in 2024-25.

The budget also proposes to increase the vaping excise duty rates by 12 per cent effective July 1. That means an increase of 12 to 24 cents per pod, depending on where you live. 

• 'Stay the hell away from our kids': Health minister vows to restrict nicotine pouches — but how?

Ottawa hopes this increase in sin taxes will bring in $310 million over five years, starting in 2024-25.

More money for CBC 

Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge has mused about redefining the role of the public broadcaster before the next federal election . But before that happens, CBC/Radio-Canada is getting a top-up this year. 

The budget promises $42 million more in 2024-25 for CBC/Radio-Canada for "news and entertainment programming." CBC/Radio-Canada received about $1.3 billion in total federal funding last year.

The government says it's doing this to ensure that Canadians across the country, including rural, remote, Indigenous and minority language communities, have access to independent journalism and entertainment.

Last year, the CBC announced a financial shortfall, cut 141 employees and eliminated 205 vacant positions. In a statement issued Tuesday, CBC spokesperson Leon Mar said the new funding means the corporation can balance its budget "without significant additional reductions this year."

Boost for Canada's spy agency 

As the government takes heat over how it has handled the threat of foreign election interference, it's promising more money to bolster its spy service.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service is in line to receive $655.7 million over eight years, starting this fiscal year, to enhance its intelligence capabilities and its presence in Toronto.

• CSIS chief defends his spies' work after PM casts doubt on reliability of agency's reports
• Trudeau says it's his job to question CSIS intelligence, call out 'contradictions'

The budget also promises to guarantee up to $5 billion in loans for Indigenous communities to participate in natural resource development and energy projects in their territories.

These loans would be provided by financial institutions or other lenders and guaranteed by the federal government, meaning Indigenous borrowers who opt in could benefit from lower interest rates, the budget says. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catharine Tunney is a reporter with CBC's Parliament Hill bureau, where she covers national security and the RCMP. She worked previously for CBC in Nova Scotia. You can reach her at [email protected]

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Follow these tips to quickly develop a working business plan from this sample.

1. Don't worry about finding an exact match

We have over 550 sample business plan templates . So, make sure the plan is a close match, but don't get hung up on the details.

Your business is unique and will differ from any example or template you come across. So, use this example as a starting point and customize it to your needs.

2. Remember it's just an example

Our sample business plans are examples of what one business owner did. That doesn't make them perfect or require you to cram your business idea to fit the plan structure.

Use the information, financials, and formatting for inspiration. It will speed up and guide the plan writing process.

3. Know why you're writing a business plan

To create a plan that fits your needs , you need to know what you intend to do with it.

Are you planning to use your plan to apply for a loan or pitch to investors? Then it's worth following the format from your chosen sample plan to ensure you cover all necessary information.

But, if you don't plan to share your plan with anyone outside of your business—you likely don't need everything.

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