It’s no secret that the demand for organic produce is rising. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic produce sales rose to a record $55.1 billion in 2019. Each year, more people are moving to organic food in a bid to eat healthier food.
It goes without saying that setting up an organic farming business will prove a lucrative move for any entrepreneur. But, what are the key elements needed to establish a new organic farm in your area?
Take a look at these six examples for some inspiration.
1. Land
An organic farm isn’t something you can start in your backyard. Well, you probably could, but you wouldn’t produce enough items to make your business viable. It makes sense to seek land that offers nutrient-rich soil for your requirements.
Be sure to look for land that isn’t next to any industrial zones as the chemicals from factories in such areas could potentially contaminate your land.
2. Shelter, Storage, and Housing
Whether you’re producing organic fruit, vegetables, or meat, one thing’s for sure: you’ll need some shelter. For example, you must have an enclosed building that offers protection against the elements for the food items that you’ll eventually be selling to your customers.
You’ll also need shelter for any farm animals, and you’ll need a suitable house for you and your family to live inside.
3. Equipment
When you’re dealing with several hundred or even thousands of acres of land, you’ll need some technology to help you cultivate your land. The equipment you use will likely be diesel-powered items like tractors and combine harvesters.
You’ll also need some tanks of diesel oil to fuel the equipment you use on your farm. Thankfully, you can get diesel delivered to your organic farm; click here for more information on the subject.
4. Irrigation
How do you plan to water your crops or provide hydration for any animals on your organic farm? It makes sense to devise a comprehensive irrigation system before you start growing or rearing anything.
Make sure you only use top-quality pipes, taps, and irrigation systems to avoid problems such as loss of pressure, leaks, and blockages in your water feeds.
5. Packaging Materials
Irrespective of whether you sell to retail or trade customers, you’ll need to package the organic food you sell. With that in mind, you should have ample supplies of packaging materials such as containers, bags, boxes, and sacks.
You’ll also need a stock of pallets so you can easily ship your organic goods to wholesale customers, supermarkets, and other resellers of your produce.
6. Customers
Last but by no means least, you’ll need to have customers to purchase the items you produce on your organic farm. You may decide to sell directly to retail customers, or you may prefer to set your sights on the wholesale market.
Some organic farms sell to both retail and wholesale customers so they can maximize their profit potential. Whichever audience you target, be sure to do so with a clear plan of how you’re going to sell to them and what you’re willing to charge for your produce.
Good luck!
