Local, regenerative, and agritourism farming frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is micro-farming? Farming from backyard sized spaces to about ten or so acres for profit. Settings can be urban rooftops to small town backyards to rural small acreage. Also called micro eco-farming.
See Micro Eco-Farming for more information.
How to start a small farm for profit? Determine how much land is available for growing. Brainstorm, then choose niche crops to produce in that area. Learn to grow those crops locally (local farm tours, regional farming courses, etc.) because crops are produced differently depending on bio-region.
How do I start agritourism farming? Choose an agritourism project such as a roadside stand or a u-pick cut flower farm offering flower arrangement workshops. Check with your county and insurance agent to make sure it's legal and safe to operate. Begin slowly, such as a single day of flower cutting and arranging for a local garden club before eventually inviting larger crowds for more days of the year.
See Agritourism Hub for more information.
How do farmers benefit from agritourism? Farmers who add agritourism can boost their income in three ways. They generate revenue by charging for workshops or entry onto the farm, they generate future income with customer loyalty by inviting customers to the farm, and/or they sell direct for full retail to on-farm customers without having to deliver their crops.
See Agritourism Hub for more information.
What is an example of agritourism? Examples of agritourism include an herb farmer charging for on-farm herbalism workshops, an on-farm store selling crops and products made from the crops, or a tiny home set up on a farm as a B&B accommodation.
See Agritourism Hub for more information.
What do you grow on a small farm for profit? Small farms produce crops for local or niche markets that aren't already cheaply produced by big ag. This could be unusual herbs for local chefs or rare wool sheep for handspinners. They also grow unique premium versions of big ag crops such as heirloom tomatoes or ancient wheat varieties.
How do you run a small farm for profit? Grow high demand niche crops that aren't already cheaply produced by large farms. Sell direct to customers when possible to eliminate income cuts from middlemen.
How do you make money in agritourism? Make money in agritourism by charging for on-farm events and activities, by selling crops on the farm directly without having to deliver them, and by generating brand loyalty from farm visiting customers appreciating your farm.
See Agritourism Hub for more information.
What is niche farming? A niche farm produces crops or farm services specific and unique from others. Niche farming allows the farmer to thrive in his or her particular environment or unique market with little competition but with the need to generate ongoing market demand for lesser known crops.
What is regenerative agriculture? Regenerative ag produces crops in a holistic manner that leaves the earth in better condition than it was previously. This includes topsoil depth, soil minerals, soil microbiology, and soil water retention. It improves native wildlife and ecosystems, and carbon sequestration more and more as time goes on.
See Regenerative Agrarian for more information.
