urban agriculture business plan

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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. 

Keep reading about planning your business below, get an overview of the beginning farmer's journey , or jump to a different section of the farmer's journey.

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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.

Creating a Successful Urban Farm Business Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

Urban farming is experiencing a renaissance. As people living in cities grow increasingly interested in locally sourced and organic food, such ventures are proving to be more than just a trend. With the right approach and a full-proof urban farm business plan, one can turn this passion into a profitable venture. This comprehensive guide will assist prospective and established urban farmers in creating a robust urban farm business plan that will help their venture reach its full potential.

An urban farm business plan is an essential tool for any urban farming operation. It outlines the vision, strategy, and practical considerations for the growth of your business. With this guide, you can create an urban farm business plan that covers all areas of your venture, from marketing and sales strategies to funding and operations.

Starting Up: Understanding your Market

The first step in creating an urban farm business plan is understanding your market. Investigate the existing market to find potential customers and competitors. You also want to identify the types of products that have demand. Knowing your target audience and competition will help you tailor your offerings to meet the market’s needs and secure a profitable niche for your urban farm business.

Developing your Mission and Vision

A vital aspect of your urban farm business plan is your mission and vision statements. These will guide your urban farm’s direction and growth. Your mission statement should communicate the purpose of your farm, and the vision statement should outline your aspirations for the future.

Considering the Legalities and Regulations

An urban farm business plan must take into consideration the regional and local regulations related to urban farming. It’s crucial to understand what permits are required, any zoning restrictions, and guidelines regarding the sale of produce. These elements may significantly impact your business operation.

Determine and Secure Your Resources

The physical resources required for urban farming such as land, water, and supplies should be considered in your urban farm business plan. Detailed descriptions of your needs will help you plan for current and future expenses. Also, think about where and how you will secure these resources.

Crafting a Marketing and Sales Strategy

Your marketing and sales strategy is a critical part of your urban farm business plan. It helps you reach your target market effectively and turn them into loyal customers. Tactics may include online platforms, local markets, relationships with local restaurants and stores, or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

Organizing Your Operation

Your operation plan should cover all aspects of your business’ daily function. This includes crop selection, planting schedules, pest control, and waste management. Also, define your logistical needs, such as transportation between your urban farm and your selling points.

Financial Forecasting and Management

A strategic financial plan is the backbone of any successful urban farm business plan. Define your revenue streams and itemize all your expenses, including start-up costs, operational expenses, wages, and maintenance costs. From this, you can also project your sales forecast and profit margins.

Identifying Potential Risks

Every business faces risks, and an urban farm is no exception. Therefore, your urban farm business plan should detail potential threats and how you intend to address them. These can be weather-related, changes in market trends, or health and safety concerns.

Attracting Funding for your Urban Farm

At some point, your urban farm may need external funding, and a solid business plan is foundational to securing it. Whether you are appealing to investors, banks, or applying for grants, a comprehensive urban farm business plan is crucial to demonstrating the business’s potential profitability.

In Conclusion

Creating an urban farm business plan requires research, strategic thinking, and realistic financial forecasting. It is a substantial tool for guiding your business decisions, attracting investors, and measuring the success of your urban farm business. A successful urban farm is not just a matter of green fingers; it requires an equally astute business mind. With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to create an urban farm business plan that will sow the seeds of success for your venture.

5 steps anyone can take to start an urban farm and generate income, from the company behind Fenway Park's urban farm

• Since 2015, Green City Growers has generated more than 5,900 pounds of crops from its urban farm at Boston's Fenway Park. 
• Christopher Grallert, president of Green City Growers, says anyone can start their own urban farm.
• Grallert shared his five tips for turning a profit quickly on your own project. 

Off the third base line of Boston's Fenway Park, tucked behind the baseball stadium's light green walls, sits a different kind of greenery: a 5,000-square-foot urban farm. 

The farm is maintained by  Green City Growers , a business launched in 2008 out of Somerville, Massachusetts that works with property managers, residents, schools, and senior living facilities to install and maintain farm and garden spaces.

Recover Green Roofs built the Fenway installation in 2015, and so far, the farm generated more than 5,900 pounds of fresh produce — including kale, broccoli, hot peppers, and more — that's been used in the park's Dell EMC Club restaurant and concession stands. 

While the business saw a growing interest in its farms before the pandemic, lockdowns combined with increasing concerns about food production fueled an even greater spike, said Christopher Grallert, president of Green City Growers. 

Grallert declined to share exact revenue figures, but documents reviewed by Insider indicate the business booked under $5 million in revenue last year.

"Pre-pandemic, building managers wanted a sustainable initiative that engaged their constituency other than a grassy area or ping pong table," Grallert said. "We've seen a lot more interest post-COVID." 

Today, Green City Growers maintains about 150 sites, from quaint residential gardens made with raised beds to sprawling rooftop farms above supermarkets, Grallert said. Prices range between $7,000 and $50,000 for residential gardens, while a large rooftop infrastructure can cost between hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, due to the expense of retrofitting buildings to support a farm. 

Grallert shared his five tips for successfully starting an urban farm and generating income. 

Consider water and sunlight when choosing the right spot for your urban farm 

The first step to starting an urban farm is selecting a location. While you may be working with limited options in city settings, it's vital your space has sunlight and access to water, Grallert said. 

For instance, if you're exploring the option of a farm on your roof, monitor the sunlight to ensure it's not heavily obstructed by other buildings throughout the day. 

Additionally, consider how you'll water the plants. Investigate whether your future space has access to water, such as a hose hook up. Then decide on your irrigation method: Some people prefer to water by hand, while others opt for irrigation infrastructure like a drip system. 

Pick a manageable space to start with 

Not every urban farm needs to be a sprawling garden atop a baseball park. Modest farmers can start with a space as small as 20 square feet if they're looking to harvest crops for a couple of people, Grallert said. 

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However, before installing a farm, consider the future retention of the property, Grallert said. If you're a renter, check with landlords or owners about their future plans for the space in case they're planning something down the line. 

Make a 4-part business plan 

Urban farmers who want to make a profit from their crops must create a strong business plan, Grallert said. The four prongs of the strategy should include your cashflow, market fit, sales plan, and committed customers, he added. 

"You don't need to write a textbook but you need to put a good business plan together," Grallert said. "And rely on other people's experiences when it comes to farming." 

(Grallert said he couldn't estimate the ideal amount of cashflow for urban farmers, since there are too many variables including number of employees, property costs, and the size of a farm.) 

When selling your product, understand your market for the best results 

Once your business plan is established, study your target market, Grallert said. Start by considering what you hope to sell and where, to make sure there's space for you in the market. 

Another tip is to analyze your future customer, Grallert said. Think about who they are, whether they're reliable buyers, and if they'll pay you on time, he added. 

When Joanna Bassi was first examining the market for her microgreens — grown from her urban farm in LA  — she started selling at farmers markets. For six months Bassi sold her goods, mingled with members of the community, and tracked which items performed better than others. 

Tap existing resources for cost-saving help 

Entrepreneurs who are looking to make a profit from their urban farm should spend time sifting through existing resources for help, Grallert said. 

For instance, he typically recommends people read " Market Gardening For Profit: A Guide to the Successful Cultivation for the Market and Family Garden '' by Peter Henderson. While the book came out in the 1800s, Grallert said it's packed with relevant advice for today's farmers. 

There are also cost-saving resources for urban farmers, if you know where to look. When Bassi started her farm, she used free compost material from the city's zoo — affectionately dubbed "zoo poo" — and free mulch made from recycled Christmas trees. 

Check what's available in your neighborhood and talk to other urban farmers, especially if you need help, Grallert suggested. 

"This has been done all over the world for a long time," he said. "There's no need to rename or reinvent systems that have been here for a long time." 

Watch: WATCH: How any business can use live shopping to net thousands of dollars per stream

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This guide provides information for developing business plans intended to support the start-up and operations of urban farms. It outlines the type of information to be collected, assessed, and presented in each of the sections of a business plan. Each section references worksheets that support preparing the plan. 

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How to Start an Urban Farming Business and Eliminate Food Deserts

What is Urban Farming, and Why Does it Matter?

How do you Start an Urban Farming Business?

1. How do you Fund an Urban Farming Business?

2. What Will You Need to Buy?

3. Property Lease, Rental, Purchase, and Soil Testing

4. What About Rooftop Farming?

5. What Tools, Equipment, and Storage Will You Need?

ShelterLogic has developed a wide variety of greenhouse units that are adapted to various growing needs. The ShelterTech High Tunnel Greenhouse is a customizable greenhouse unit that can be used in large scale urban gardening and community gardening. Learn more here .

6. What Licenses and Permits Will You Need?

7. What About Training?

8. Help Wanted, Inquire Within

The urban farming trend is here to stay.

• A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Crops with a Cold Frame Greenhouse arrow-circle-right
• Grower's Guide: What to Grow in a Greenhouse All Year Long arrow-circle-right
• Creative Garden Ideas for Spring arrow-circle-right
• Top 10 Balcony Decor Ideas for your Apartment or Condo in 2022 arrow-circle-right
• Growers Guide: Greenhouse Growing Tips arrow-circle-right

#34 Business Planning

Back to the Guide to Urban Farming Table of Contents>>

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that summarizes the operational and financial objectives of a business and contains the detailed plans and budgets showing how the objectives are to be realized.  Developing a business plan is essential to begin to analyze if your idea for a farm is realistic, achievable and in what time frame. Additionally, a business plan is often required to receive bank loans to start your business or convince private investors to invest in your farm.  Whether you plan to setting up a not-for-profit or for-profit urban farm, a business plan is essential in planning the organization and laying our a strategic approach to getting started. A good business plan contains the following:

• Resumé or brief explanation of your background and relevant experience
• Information on your legal structure and management team
• Current balance sheet
• Your business vision, mission statement, key values, and goals
• Production plans
• Marketing plans
• Estimated start-up costs
• A projected income statement with a written explanation of your budget assumptions
• A projected balance sheet with a written explanation of your budget assumptions
• A sensitivity analysis showing the business’s break-even point
• A one-to-two-page executive summary if your business plan is long (more than 10 pages)

Helpful Publications for Writing a Business Plan

The NY FarmLink’s publication, Starting an Agricultural Business? , is a pre-planning guide to help beginning farmers focus their thoughts before writing a business plan and is available online at https://dyson.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/04/Cornell_StartingAgBizPrePlanning2021_e-VD-2.pdf or by calling (800) 547-3276.   The Sustainable Agriculture Research Education (SARE) publication, Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses , includes sample worksheets and exercises to help beginning farmers develop a business plan and is available for free download or for purchase online at http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Building-a-Sustainable-Business .  

Getting Help Writing a Business Plan

Cornell Cooperative Extension offices often staff a farm management or small business development educator who can help you develop a business plan.  The type of programming in each county is unique, however, and you should contact your local office, which can be found online at https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/contact/local-contacts/ . NY FarmNet ( www.nyfarmnet.org ) has business plan writing publications in addition to several farm counselors throughout the state who offer free and confidential help on any topic of concern, including finances, farm changes, farm transfer, natural disaster, personal stress, family communication, and marital conflict. The New York State Small Business Development Center ( www.nyssbdc.org ) is a network of 23 regional centers delivering business counseling and training free of charge to New Yorkers who want to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. The New York State License Center Business Wizard website ( https://www.its.ny.gov/nys-license-center-business-wizard ) will help you find the New York State business permits you may need. The Empire State Development’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program ( https://esd.ny.gov/entrepreneurship-assistance-centers ) is part of New York State’s economic development agency and has 9 centers across the state to provide specialized help to women, minority group members and persons with disabilities who are starting or operating an early stage business. The Federal Small Business Association ( https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ny/new-york ) is a federal agency with offices throughout the state providing counseling services and loan guarantees.  They have a special emphasis area to work with women, minorities, veterans, and businesses involved in international trade. SCORE ( www.score.org ) is a non-profit organization offering free advice and training using experienced volunteers.  Check their website for chapters in your area. The Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming , based in Ithaca, NY, offers an eight-session Farm Business Planning Course, in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and Alternatives Federal Credit Union’s Business CENTS (Community Enterprise Network and Training Services).  This course covers assessing resources, enterprise planning basics, financial planning and marketing.  Visit http://www.groundswellcenter.org/ or contact [email protected] or (607) 319-5095 for more information. Cornell Small Farms offers 5-7 week long interactive, online business planning courses for farmers on topics such as marketing, financial planning and general business planning. Visit  https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/online-courses/ The Greenhorn’s Guide is a unique resource for young, beginning farmers – not specific to urban farming. The goal of the publication is to help young people make the transition into a career of farming. It is a compilation of references about farming, including where to find an apprenticeship to how to preserve food and repair a tractor. An important aspect of the guide is that it seeks to forge a connection between young farmers and older farmers who are more experienced and can act as mentors.  www.thegreenhorns.net. Business Planning Resources for Urban Farmers For urban-specific business planning information, “The Urban Farm Business Plan Handbook” from the Partnership for Sustainable Communities provides a framework for developing an urban farm on cleaned brownfields or vacant sites, and includes guidance on marketing, operating, and financial strategies.  This handbook and affiliated worksheets are available for free download at https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/resources-about-brownfields-and-urban-agriculture . Various urban farming educational programs such as Just Food’s Farm School NYC (see Factsheet #50, General Resources) also provide information on urban farm business planning.  Contact individual organizations for details.

Tara Hammonds

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• About Urban Agriculture Manual

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Business & Marketing

Choosing Your Market

Business Planning

Additional Resources and Citations

The correct marketing channel for a small or medium-scale vegetable and/or fruit farm can be just as important to the success of a business as production practices. When choosing the market best for your agricultural operation, many factors must be considered from years in operation to regional consumer demand preferences. Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Guide to Marketing Channel Selection: How to Sell Through Wholesale and Direct Marketing Channels represents a good starting place and covers many of these factors a grower must consider when choosing the best market for their business including risk, sales volume, price, produce standards, and labor requirements. The guide also goes through market channel combination strategies and planning tools to help growers decide what is the best decision for their specific operation.

More detailed publications cover steps to take after choosing your specific market e.g. community supported agriculture, cooperatives, farmers markets, food hubs. These are provided within the Business and Marketing section of the manual and are listed under the annotated bibliography section below.

Business planning and strategic planning can be useful for the production aspects of an urban farm, even if an organization is not profit oriented and is oriented towards serving communities.  A business plan can help agricultural entrepreneurs with the startup and operation of their business. Typically a farm business plan communicates specific goals and values within a certain market, identifies product opportunities, and evaluates farm finances. A good resource for those beginning the farm business plan process is Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses developed out of the Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. The publication focuses on producers using non-traditional farming models and is organized by individual planning tasks outlining four key areas of management: marketing, operations, human resources, and finance.

If you are looking to grow within an urban center, the Urban Farm Business Plan Handbook from the Partnership for Sustainable Communities addresses additional concerns unique to the successful operation of an urban farm. This includes specific planning related focus on brownfields and other sustainable reuses of available land in urban environments. Additional supplementary documents including spreadsheets with formulas to help calculate expenditures and revenue are also included.

When completing your farm business plan, both marketing and economic concerns are discussed. However, being able to calculate your farms specific finances as well as specific marketing strategies may need further explanation. Finding Your Right Price by Susan Smalley is a quick reference on how to calculate production costs to determine direct market pricing for your products. The publication includes a list of different types of costs to pay attention to, and a tracking costs handout at the end to help organize information.

For a more detailed analysis of your on-farm production costs, see the University of Wisconsin Madison’s Veggie Compass cost analysis spreadsheet. It was created to help fresh market vegetable growers increase farm profitability and can be found at http://www.veggiecompass.com . The spreadsheet compiles different farm records relating to labor, cost, and sales to calculate the cost of production for each crop and the profitability of your chosen market channel.

For specific examples of urban farm finances first see the snapshot publication Farming in the City: Two Farm’s Finances developed for the 2014 MOSES Conference comparing the finances from Troy Community Farm in Madison, Wisconsin and Stone Throw’s Urban Farm in the Twin Cities. For a more detailed cost analysis of vegetable farming at different scales see the farmer-led case study Grower to Grower: Creating a Livelihood on a Fresh Market Vegetable Farm out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. The growers collected data in a three-year period from 2002 to 2004 to create financial ratios regarding labor, finances, and equipment. These ratios provided information on their future labor needs, product pricing, and investment in labor saving equipment.

Understanding value-added components of production can increase your farm’s profits and consumer-base. The Pennsylvania State University’s series Value-added Marketing provides a quick reference to marketing to professional chefs and new generation cooperatives as options to increase the profitability and marketability of your product.

The National Young Farmer’s Coalition’s publication Vegetable Farmer’s Guide to Organic Certification is another publication geared towards adding value through organic certification.  It provides information to growers who currently grow using organic methods and are interested in certification.

Barham, James, Debra Tropp, Kathleen Enterline, Jeff Farbman, John Fisk, and Stacia Kiraly. 2012.  Regional Food Hub Resource Guide . U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service . Washington, DC

Gilbert, Faith. 2014. Cooperative Farming: Frameworks for Farming Together . Greenhorns

Growing for Market. 2009. Special Report: Farmers Markets . Fairplain Publications, Inc.

Hendrickson, John. 2005. Grower to grower: Creating a livelihood on a fresh market vegetable farm . University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems

Kelley, M. Kathleen. 2005. Value-added Marketing: An Introduction to New Generation Cooperatives . The Pennsylvania State University

Kelley, M. Kathleen. 2005. Value-added Marketing: Community Supported Agriculture Part II:  Members and Their Role . The Pennsylvania State University

Kelley, M. Kathleen. 2005. Value-added Marketing: Marketing to Professional Chefs . The Pennsylvania State University

LeRoux, Matthew. 2010. Guide to Marketing Channel Selection: How to Sell Through Wholesale and Direct Marketing Channels . Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County

Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA). 2003. Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses . Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

Oakley, Emily. 2014. Vegetable Farmer’s Guide to Organic Certification . National Young Farmers Coalition

Partnership for Sustainable Communities. 2011. Urban Farm Business Plan Handbook . United States Environmental Protection Agency

Perez, Jan., Albie Miles, Martha Brown. 2015. Teaching Direct Marketing and Small Farm Viability: Resource for Instructors 2nd Edition . Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems, University of California, Santa Cruz

Pfeiffer, Anne, Julie Dawson, Alex Liebman, and Claire Strader. 2014. Farming in the City: Two Farm’s Finances . FairShare CSA Coalition

Smalley, Susan. 2004. Finding Your Right Price . New Agriculture Network’s on-line newsletter with seasonal advice for field crop and vegetable growers  interested in organic agriculture. Vol. 1(4)

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Urban Agriculture

USDA assists urban, small-scale, and innovative producers with growing, processing and selling. We provide technical and financial assistance for a variety of growing operations, including community farms and gardens, rooftop, indoor, and vertical farms, and hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities.

These operations provide healthy, local food, encourage economic development, provide employment and on-the-job training, expand community greenspaces, foster community collaboration, build climate and disaster resilient communities, and are an essential part of a resilient diversified food system.

Grants Apply Here - deadline April 9, 2024 Cooperative Agreements for Composting and Food Waste Reduction Innovative Production

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Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production’s mission is to include urban, small-scale, and innovative producers in USDA’s support of American agriculture in all its forms. The Office coordinates across USDA agencies to update programs and engage with stakeholders to determine and adapt to the needs of producers.

Grants are available to initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, schools, cities, tribes, and other stakeholders to increase food production, provide training and education, support infrastructure needs, encourage climate resilient practices, and more.

Learn more about Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants .

Cooperative Agreements for Composting and Food Waste Reduction

Cooperative agreements help local and tribal governments develop infrastructure and strategies for composting and food waste reduction. Preference is provided to projects that make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, integrate plans to save and reuse food waste, anticipate economic benefits, and provide collaboration with multiple partners. Proposals require a 25% match, which can include in-kind contributions.

Learn more about Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreements .

Federal Advisory Committee

This committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well as identifies barriers to urban farmers and agricultural innovation.

Learn more about the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production .

People’s Garden

The People’s Garden is a growing network of gardens nationwide, including one at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. They empower communities to join, grow and teach about gardening in a sustainable way and the benefits of resilient, local food systems.

Learn more about The People’s Garden .

Partnerships

The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production partners with a variety of agencies and stakeholders to support and further the goals of urban, small-scale, and innovative production producers.

The Office coordinates an Internal Advisory Committee, made up of representatives from agencies across USDA, to provide USDA-wide coordination and messaging. This coordination allows the Office to provide recommendations to agencies for program and policy updates, outreach, and identify linkages with other programs that may not be explicitly focused on urban agriculture, small-scale and innovative production.

In addition, the Office partners across the Federal government and conducts outreach with a variety of external stakeholders to reach a broad audience and ensure fairness in program delivery.

Newsletters

The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production releases a monthly newsletter that includes funding opportunities, helpful resources, and updates from around the country. Sign-up to receive the newsletter and other announcements at farmers.gov/urban . View our current and previous issues:

• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #14 (03/22/2024)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #13 (02/16/2024)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #12 (01/23/2024)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #11 (01/01/2024)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #10 (11/18/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #9 (10/12/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #8  (9/18/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #7 (8/9/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #6 (7/14/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #5 (06/15/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #4 (05/09/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #3 (04/12/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #2 (03/10/2023)
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production News #1 (11/28/2022)

Additional USDA Support and Resources

USDA offers a wide variety of programs and services to urban, small scale, and innovative producers to help them start, expand, and improve their operations. The Urban Agriculture at a Glance brochure highlights USDA programs and resources available to customers, partners, entities, and their communities.

Additional USDA support includes conservation, disaster assistance, crop insurance, and safety-net programs. Learn more at farmers.gov/urban .

Urban Hubs in select cities, further assist urban, small-scale, and innovative producers. The USDA has established Urban Service Centers , Flagship People’s Gardens and partnerships with Community-Based Organizations in the following cities:

• Albuquerque, NM
• Atlanta, GA
• Chicago, IL
• Cleveland, OH
• Detroit, MI
• Grand Rapids, MI
• Los Angeles, CA
• Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
• New Orleans, LA
• New York, NY
• Oakland, CA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Portland, OR
• Richmond, VA
• St. Louis, MO

Farm Service Agency Urban County Committees are located in the above cities, as well as these recently added cities:

• Little Rock, AR
• Kansas City, MO
• Jackson, MS
• Las Vegas, NV
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Columbia, SC
• Memphis, TN
• Houston, TX

March 19, 2024: Applications for USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants Due April 9

January 25, 2024: USDA Invests Approximately $11.5 Million in Composting and Food Waste Reduction Projects in 23 States

November 6, 2023: 2023 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week

October 31, 2023:  Urban and Innovative Producers, Public Invited to Attend November Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

October 2, 2023: USDA Offers New Crop Insurance Program for Producers Using Controlled Environments | RMA

July 21, 2023: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Investments in Urban Agriculture, Food and Market Access through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

July 18, 2023: USDA Invests $7.4 Million in 25 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Efforts

July 6, 2023: Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend August Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

June 15, 2023: Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees

March 21, 2023: NIFA Invests $9.4M in Urban, Indoor, and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education and Extension Initiative | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (usda.gov)

November 10, 2022 News Release: Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend November Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

November 9, 2022 News Release: 2022 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week

October 26, 2022 News Release: USDA Invests $14.2 Million in 52 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Efforts

August 24, 2022 News Release: USDA Announces Up to $550 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for Projects Benefiting Underserved Producers and Minority Serving Institutions that Create Career Development Opportunities for Next Generation Leader

June 22, 2022 News Release: USDA Partners with Reinvestment Fund to Invest $22.6 Million to Increase Equitable Access to Healthy Foods Across Country

• June 3, 2022 Press Release: USDA Advances Food System Transformation with $43 Million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, Adds New Urban County Committees
• December 7, 2023 Blog: Can I Grow Here? Helping Urban and Innovative Growers Navigate Local Policies
• Fact Sheet: USDA Urban Agriculture Programs at a Glance
• Fact Sheet: Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants Fact Sheet (PDF, 2.6 MB)
• Fact Sheet: USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production: Reducing Food Waste (PDF, 746 KB)
• Sign up for E-mail updates on Urban Agriculture
• Farmers.gov Blog: Urban Farming Posts

Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. Washington, D.C. 20250-0170 Email: [email protected]

For more information on USDA and urban agriculture, visit www.farmers.gov/urban or email us at [email protected]

• Starting an Urban Farm?

Business and Financial Planning

• Labor Laws and Risk Management
• Food Safety, Handling, and Processing
• Community and School Gardens
• Laws, Zoning and Regulations
• Resources and Help

• What is Urban Agriculture?
• Yisrael Family Urban Farm
• Wild Willow Farm
• The Michelle Obama Treasure Island Job Corps Green Acre
• Ploughshares Nursery
• The Growing Experience
• Farm Lot 59
• Urban Agriculture Blog
• PAST: 2018 San Diego Area Workshop Series
• PAST: 2018 Sacramento Area Workshop Series
• PAST: 2017 Bay Area Workshop Series
• PAST: 2017 Los Angeles Area Workshop Series

Business Planning Guides and Templates

• Urban Farm Business Plan Handbook
• Urban Farm Business Plan Worksheets

University of Minnesota

• Ag Plan (an online farm business planning program)

Oregon State University Growing Farms

• Successful Whole Farm Management Planning Book: Think It! Write It!

CA FarmLink

• Create A Farm Business Plan                  

SARE/Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture

• Building a Sustainable Business                                                                   
• Cost and return studies for fruit, vegetable, field, tree and vine crops                                                                  
• Business Planning and Management Resources ( Check-list, budget templates, etc. )

UC Santa Cruz-CASFS

• Teaching Direct Marketing and Small Farm Viability: Unit 2 Small Business Planning ( includes sample/blank cash flow spreadsheets and business plan templates )

Loans, Grants, and Financing

• Getting a Farm Loan
• Financing Your Farm - Guidance for Beginning Farmers  (info on loan applications)

How To Create a Mini Urban Farming Business Plan: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on miniature urban farming setup.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a miniature urban farming setup! Did you know that the global urban farming market is projected to reach a value of $6.8 billion by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2018 to 2023? This thriving industry presents a unique opportunity for individuals and communities in urban areas to engage in sustainable agriculture and contribute to local food production. Today, we'll guide you through the nine crucial steps to create a successful business plan for your own miniature urban farm. Let's get started!

Research The Market And Competition

In order to successfully establish a miniature urban farming setup, it is essential to thoroughly research the market and understand the existing competition. This research will provide valuable insights into the demand for urban farming solutions and help identify opportunities for differentiation.

Start by conducting market research to understand the current trends and preferences in the urban agriculture industry. Look for data on the growth of miniature urban farming, the market size, and potential areas of untapped demand. This research will help you identify your target audience and tailor your offerings to meet their specific needs.

Once you have a clear understanding of the market, it is crucial to analyze the existing competition. Identify other businesses or organizations that offer similar urban farming solutions and assess their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis will help you determine how you can differentiate your offering and provide unique value to your customers.

• Identify the key players in the market and study their business models and strategies.
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.
• Look for opportunities to fill gaps in the market or offer innovative solutions that haven't been explored.
• Consider conducting interviews or surveys with potential customers to gain insights into their needs and preferences.
• Stay up to date with the latest industry news and trends through online publications, forums, and conferences.
• Utilize social media platforms to gather insights from potential customers and engage with industry experts.
• Join relevant industry associations or communities to network with other professionals in the field.
• Consider partnering or collaborating with existing urban farmers to gain first-hand knowledge and experience.

Remember, thorough market research and a deep understanding of your competition will significantly increase your chances of success in the miniature urban farming industry. This information will guide your decision-making process and help you develop a unique value proposition for your business.

Define The Target Audience

In order to effectively market and sell your miniature urban farming setup, it is crucial to clearly define your target audience. This will help you tailor your product offerings, marketing messages, and sales strategies to appeal to the specific needs and preferences of your potential customers.

Start by conducting market research to gain insights into who your potential customers are. Are they individuals looking to grow their own food in small spaces? Are they community organizations or schools interested in promoting sustainable agriculture? Are they urban developers seeking to incorporate urban farming into their projects? Understanding the different segments within your target audience will allow you to customize your offerings and target your marketing efforts accordingly.

By defining your target audience, you can ensure that your marketing efforts are focused and effective. This will not only help you attract the right customers but also build long-term relationships with them, leading to sustainable growth and success for your miniature urban farming setup.

Identify The Potential Location And Assess Its Suitability

When considering a potential location for your miniature urban farming setup, it is essential to carefully assess its suitability to ensure the success and efficiency of your operation. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Available Space: Evaluate the available space in the urban area where you plan to establish your miniature farm. Consider both outdoor and indoor options, such as rooftops, vacant lots, or unused buildings. Adequate space is necessary to accommodate the vertical farming systems and other equipment.
• Accessibility: Determine the accessibility of the location for transporting supplies and delivering produce to customers. Consider proximity to transportation hubs, road networks, and potential retail partners or restaurants that may be interested in sourcing locally-grown produce.
• Sunlight Exposure: Assess the amount of sunlight the location receives throughout the day. Adequate sunlight is crucial for the growth and development of plants. Consider any nearby structures that may cast shadows, as this can impact the productivity of your farm.
• Water Availability: Ensure there is an accessible and reliable water source at the location. Consider water availability for irrigation purposes and for maintaining hydroponic or aeroponic systems that rely on a continuous water supply.
• Climate Conditions: Evaluate the local climate conditions and their compatibility with the crops you intend to cultivate. Some plants thrive in specific climates, so choose a location where the temperature, humidity, and seasonal variations align with your crop selection.

Tips for Assessing Location Suitability:

• Engage with local urban agriculture organizations or experts to gather insights on suitable locations and potential challenges.
• Consider conducting a soil analysis to understand the soil quality and suitability for cultivation.
• Research zoning regulations and land use restrictions to ensure compliance with local laws.
• Explore opportunities for partnerships with nearby businesses or urban developers to integrate miniature farms into their projects.

By thoroughly assessing the potential location and its suitability, you can lay a strong foundation for your miniature urban farming setup. Remember to consider the unique needs and requirements of your crops and target audience while making location decisions.

Analyze The Available Resources And Equipment Needed

Once you have identified your target audience and determined the potential location for your miniature urban farm, it's time to analyze the available resources and equipment needed for your setup. This step is crucial in ensuring that you have the necessary tools and materials to successfully operate your urban farm.

1. Assess your space: Evaluate the size and layout of the designated area for your farm. Consider factors such as floor area, ceiling height, and access to natural light or artificial lighting options. This analysis will help you determine the type and size of vertical farming systems or hydroponic/aeroponic equipment you will need.

2. Determine water and power requirements: Miniature urban farms heavily rely on proper water and power supply for successful cultivation. Assess the availability of water sources and the capacity of your electrical system to support the equipment necessary for your farming system.

3. Evaluate your budget: Determine the financial resources available for purchasing the required equipment. Research the prices and specifications of vertical farming systems, hydroponic/aeroponic equipment, and other necessary tools such as pH meters, nutrient solutions, and growing media.

4. Consider maintenance and support: Analyze the availability of skilled labor or personnel who can assist with maintaining and troubleshooting the equipment. Ensure that you have access to reliable suppliers or manufacturers who can provide technical support and replacement parts when needed.

• Create a checklist of the essential equipment and resources needed for your specific farming setup.
• Explore options for leasing or renting equipment to minimize upfront costs.
• Consider the scalability of your operation and plan for future equipment needs as your business grows.
• Research and compare different suppliers and manufacturers to find the best quality and cost-effective options.

By carefully analyzing the available resources and equipment needed for your miniature urban farm, you can ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials to cultivate crops successfully. This step will help you create a well-rounded business plan that covers every aspect of your urban farming setup.

Determine The Product Offerings And Cultivation Techniques

Once you have identified your target audience and assessed the potential location for your miniature urban farm, it is crucial to determine the exact product offerings and cultivation techniques you will be providing. This step is essential in ensuring that your farm meets the specific needs and preferences of your customers while maximizing the efficiency and productivity of your operations.

First and foremost, consider the type of crops you will be cultivating in your urban farm. Research and analyze the demand for different types of produce in your target market. This will help you determine which crops to prioritize and include in your product offerings. You may also want to consider offering a variety of crops to cater to different customer preferences and seasonal changes.

Next, evaluate the various cultivation techniques available to you. Decide whether you will be using hydroponics, aeroponics, or a combination of both. Each technique has its own advantages and considerations, so weigh the pros and cons based on factors such as resource availability, scalability, and the specific needs of your chosen crops.

• Hydroponics: Considered a highly efficient method, hydroponics involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution without soil. This technique allows for precise control of nutrient levels, pH, and water usage, resulting in faster growth and higher yields.
• Aeroponics: Aeroponics takes hydroponics a step further by using a misting system to deliver nutrients directly to the plant roots. This technique promotes even faster growth and increased nutrient absorption, making it ideal for plants that require ample oxygen and nutrient availability.

Tips for determining product offerings and cultivation techniques:

• Consider market demand and customer preferences when selecting the crops to cultivate.
• Research the specific cultivation requirements for each crop to ensure that you can meet their needs effectively.
• Evaluate the advantages and considerations of different cultivation techniques to determine the most suitable option for your urban farm.
• Experiment and refine your cultivation techniques over time to optimize productivity and resource usage.

By determining the product offerings and cultivation techniques early on, you can set a clear direction for your miniature urban farm and ensure that it aligns with the needs and expectations of your target audience. This step will not only help you provide high-quality produce but also differentiate your farm from competitors, making it a valuable addition to the urban farming market.

Develop A Detailed Financial Forecast

Developing a detailed financial forecast is a crucial step in creating a business plan for a miniature urban farming setup. It allows you to project and plan for the financial aspects of your business, helping you determine its feasibility and potential profitability. Here are some important considerations to include in your financial forecast:

• Revenue Projections: Estimate the potential revenue your miniature urban farming setup can generate. Consider factors such as the number of farms you plan to set up, the variety and quantity of crops you aim to grow, and the projected market demand for locally grown produce.
• Cost Analysis: Identify and analyze all the costs associated with your business, including equipment, infrastructure, labor, utilities, and marketing. It's important to have a clear understanding of your expenses to determine your breakeven point and establish pricing strategies.
• Cash Flow Management: Develop a cash flow forecast to track the inflow and outflow of cash in your business. This will help you identify potential cash gaps and plan for any necessary financing or investment.
• Financial Projections: Create projected financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These projections will provide a snapshot of your expected financial performance over a specific period, usually three to five years.

Tips for Developing a Detailed Financial Forecast:

• Research the market and industry trends to make realistic revenue projections.
• Consider both fixed costs (e.g., equipment) and variable costs (e.g., seeds, fertilizer) when analyzing expenses.
• Remember to account for seasonality and potential fluctuations in crop yields.
• Use benchmark data or consult with industry experts to validate your financial projections.
• Regularly review and update your financial forecast to reflect any changes in market conditions or operational plans.

By developing a detailed financial forecast, you will have a clearer understanding of the financial viability of your miniature urban farming setup and be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding pricing, resource allocation, and potential growth opportunities. It also helps in attracting potential investors or securing financing from lenders who will want to see a solid financial plan.

Identify The Legal And Regulatory Requirements

When starting a miniature urban farming setup, it is crucial to understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to your business. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties, or even the closure of your operation. It is essential to conduct thorough research and consult with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations.

Here are some important steps to follow when identifying the legal and regulatory requirements for your miniature urban farming setup:

• Research local zoning and land use regulations: Check with your local municipality or city government to determine if there are any specific zoning or land use regulations that apply to urban farming operations. Some areas may have restrictions on the types of agricultural activities allowed in certain zones, so it is crucial to ensure your miniature farm complies with these regulations.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Contact the relevant departments or agencies to identify the permits and licenses required for operating a miniature urban farm. This may include obtaining a business license, agricultural permits, health permits, or even certifications for organic farming practices. Be sure to understand the application process, fees involved, and any inspections that may be required.
• Comply with food safety and quality regulations: If your miniature urban farm is involved in the production of food or other edible products, you must adhere to specific food safety and quality regulations. This may include proper handling, storage, and labeling of produce, as well as regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Understand labor laws and employment regulations: If you plan to hire employees or engage in labor-intensive activities, familiarize yourself with labor laws and employment regulations in your area. This includes minimum wage requirements, working hour limitations, and any necessary labor contracts or agreements.
• Consider environmental regulations and permits: Miniature urban farms often rely on hydroponic or aeroponic systems, which may require specific environmental permits or comply with regulations related to water usage, waste management, or pesticide usage. Consult with environmental agencies to understand and fulfill these requirements.
• Keep track of any updates or changes in regulations: Regulations can evolve over time, so it is crucial to stay up-to-date with any new requirements that may affect your miniature urban farming setup.
• Consult with legal professionals: If you are uncertain about any legal or regulatory aspects, seek guidance from lawyers or consultants with expertise in agricultural or business law. They can help you navigate complex legal issues and ensure compliance.
• Maintain proper documentation: Keep organized records of all permits, licenses, and inspections to demonstrate your compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This documentation can be valuable during audits or inspections.

Create A Marketing And Sales Strategy

Once you have established your target audience and defined your product offerings, it is crucial to develop a marketing and sales strategy to effectively promote and sell your miniature urban farming setup.

1. Define your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine what sets your miniature urban farming setup apart from the competition. Highlight the unique benefits and advantages that your product offers to appeal to potential customers.

• Focus on the advantages of urban farming, such as fresh and sustainable produce, reduced carbon footprint, and increased food security.
• Emphasize the convenience of a turnkey solution that includes customized vertical farming systems and specialized training.

2. Identify your target market: Conduct market research to identify the specific demographics and characteristics of your target audience. Determine their needs, preferences, and purchasing behaviors to tailor your marketing messages accordingly.

• Consider targeting individuals who are health-conscious, environmentally conscious, and interested in supporting local food production.
• Explore potential partnerships with community organizations, restaurants, and grocery stores to expand your customer base.

3. Utilize online and offline marketing channels: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that encompasses both online and offline strategies to reach your target audience.

• Create a professional website and optimize it for search engines to improve your online visibility.
• Engage in social media marketing to connect with potential customers and share educational content about urban farming.
• Consider participating in local events, trade shows, and farmers' markets to showcase your miniature urban farming setup.

4. Build a strong brand: Invest in building a strong and recognizable brand that resonates with your target audience. Develop a compelling brand story and visually appealing branding elements to establish trust and credibility.

• Create a memorable logo and consistent brand identity across all marketing materials.
• Use storytelling techniques to share the mission and values behind your miniature urban farming setup.
• Highlight customer testimonials and success stories to build social proof.

5. Implement effective sales strategies: Develop a sales strategy that aligns with your target audience and their purchasing behaviors. Consider offering incentives, such as discounts or promotions, to encourage potential customers to take action.

• Train your sales team to educate potential customers about the benefits of miniature urban farming and address any concerns or objections.
• Provide ongoing customer support and follow-up to ensure customer satisfaction and increase customer retention.

By creating a comprehensive marketing and sales strategy, you will be well-equipped to effectively promote and sell your miniature urban farming setup. Remember to continuously evaluate and adjust your strategies based on market feedback and evolving customer needs.

Outline The Organizational Structure And Staffing Needs

The organizational structure plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of any business. When it comes to a miniature urban farming setup, it is essential to define the roles and responsibilities of each team member to ensure efficient operations. Here is an outline of the organizational structure and staffing needs for your miniature urban farming business:

1. Core Team:

Start by defining the core team that will oversee the overall operations of the business. This team should include individuals with expertise in agriculture, technology, and business management. Assign key roles such as a Farm Manager, who will be responsible for overseeing the cultivation process, a Technology Specialist to manage the vertical farming systems, and a Business Development Manager to handle partnerships and client relationships.

• Select team members who are passionate about sustainable agriculture and possess the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Encourage cross-functional collaboration within the core team to maximize productivity and innovation.

2. Operations Team:

Next, outline the staffing needs for the operations team. This team will be responsible for day-to-day activities such as planting, harvesting, and maintaining the farm systems. Determine the number of farmers required based on the scale of the operation and the number of miniature farms to be managed. Each farmer should be trained in hydroponics or aeroponics techniques to ensure successful cultivation.

• Consider hiring individuals with prior experience or a background in urban farming to ensure efficiency in farm operations.
• Provide ongoing training and support to the operations team to enhance their skills and knowledge.

3. Support Functions:

In addition to the core and operations team, consider the support functions that will be required to run the business smoothly. These may include roles such as an Accountant or Bookkeeper to manage financial records, an IT Support Specialist to handle technology-related issues, and an Administrative Assistant to provide general administrative support.

• Outsource certain support functions, such as accounting or IT support, if it is more cost-effective for your business.
• Clearly define the responsibilities of each support function to avoid any confusion or overlap of duties.

By outlining the organizational structure and staffing needs for your miniature urban farming setup, you can ensure that the right people are in the right roles, leading to a successful and sustainable business. Remember to regularly assess and adjust the structure as your business grows and evolves.

In conclusion, creating a business plan for a miniature urban farming setup requires thorough research and careful consideration of various factors. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, entrepreneurs can ensure they have a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan that will guide them towards success in the emerging field of urban agriculture. With the increasing demand for locally sourced, sustainable food options, a turnkey solution for miniature urban farms has the potential to not only benefit individuals and communities but also contribute to sustainable urban development.

Researching the market and competition is crucial to understand the demand and potential challenges. Defining the target audience helps tailor the offerings and marketing approach to meet their specific needs. Identifying a suitable location and assessing its viability ensures efficient operation. Analyzing available resources and equipment needed ensures smooth cultivation. Determining the product offerings and cultivation techniques enables meeting consumer preferences. Developing a detailed financial forecast helps secure funding and manage finances effectively.

Identifying legal and regulatory requirements ensures compliance and risk mitigation. Creating a marketing and sales strategy helps reach and attract potential customers. Finally, outlining the organizational structure and staffing needs ensures efficient operation and management of the miniature urban farming setup.

By adhering to these nine steps, entrepreneurs can lay a strong foundation for their miniature urban farming setup. With a focus on sustainability and collaboration with urban developers, this business idea can contribute not only to the growth of urban agriculture but also to the overall well-being of urban communities.

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• Farms and Agricultural Production Systems

Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture allows for the development of a variety of environmental, economic, and social benefits to the surrounding communities. Urban farming can reduce transportation costs, help reduce runoff associated with heavy rainfall, and lead to better air quality. On this page, find links to USDA and other federal resources, legal information, funding opportunities, recent publications, and historical materials.

USDA and Urban Farming

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a history of supporting urban agriculture as part of the local and regional food systems. Examples include USDA farmers market programs, rural cooperative grants, child nutrition programs, and USDA research and cooperative extension services. This support expanded with the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill ( Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, P.L. 115-334) [congress.gov, pdf, 529 pages] , which authorized numerous resources for urban agriculture, including:

• an Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices;
• an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee;
• USDA grant authority to support urban agriculture development and innovative production; and
• pilot projects for counties with a high concentration of urban or suburban farms. 

USDA established the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production [usda.gov] in 2022.

Find Information

Brownfields and urban agriculture: interim guidelines for safe gardening practices [epa.gov, pdf, 20 pages], resource centres on urban agriculture and forestry [ruaf.org], urban agriculture, university of california [ucanr.edu], urban agriculture [attra.org], urban farm business plan handbook [epa.gov, pdf, 51 pages], guide to farming in new york [cornell.edu], legal issues in urban agriculture, urban agriculture state legislation [ncsl.org], states' right-to-farm statutes [nationalaglawcenter.org], sustainable agriculture research and education [govinfo.gov], organic food production act of 1990 - organic certification [govinfo.gov], usda's efforts to promote and support urban agriculture [nationalaglawcenter.org].

A report from NALC detailing USDA's emerging Urban Ag programming.

Farmers Market Legal Toolkit [CAFS]

Legal resources for building resilient and accessible markets.

Managing legal risks to grow your urban farm [extension.umd.edu]

Highlighting common legal concerns that may arise during urban farm operation.

Zoning for Urban Agriculture  [healthyfoodpolicyproject.org], a guide from the Healthy Food Policy Project by the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School (CAFS), summarizes zoning laws that promote and support agriculture in urban areas. The guide can be used to help update local city laws to promote healthy food production and access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Currently there is not a statutory or single formal definition of urban agriculture.  The definition differs depending upon policy, state, or the community.  The definition is often dictated by local policy (especially policy particular to funding/programming) and may not make sense for all communities who are technically participating in urban agriculture.  The definitions are often community specific.

Federal references:

Urban agriculture, is "[c]ity and suburban agriculture [that] takes the form of backyard, roof-top and balcony gardening, community gardening in vacant lots and parks, roadside urban fringe agriculture and livestock grazing in open space." [ EPA [epa.gov] website (9/23/2022)]

"Urban agriculture includes the cultivation, processing and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban areas. Community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and vertical production are all examples of urban agriculture. Tribal communities and small towns may also be included." [ USDA [usda.gov] website (9/23/2022)]

While urban agriculture is not defined by U.S. law, the 2018 Farm Bill ( Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, P.L. 115-334) [congress.gov, pdf, 529 pages]  refers to the urban farming demographic as urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production. 

Yes. Urban agriculture is loosely defined as the production, distribution, and marketing of food and other products within the geographical limits of a metropolitan area. This includes community and school gardens, backyard and rooftop plots, and non-traditional methods of caring for plants and animals within a constrained area. Some definitions also include farms that supply to urban farmers markets, community supported agriculture, or farms located within metropolitan green belts.

Key Types of Urban Farms

• Institutional Farms and Gardens Typically linked with an institution (such as hospitals, churches, prisons, schools, public housing) whose primary mission is not large-scale food production, but instead to provide health, educational, and lifestyle opportunities.  
• Community Gardens Usually located on publicly-owned land or land trusts and managed by local resident volunteers. Community gardens mostly grow food, but some also grow flowers. Some community gardens provide space for community gatherings and events.  
• Community Farms Communal growing spaces operated by a nonprofit organization that engages the surrounding community in food production as well as social and educational programming.  
• Commercial Farms Some for-profit farms exist in urban areas, although they tend to be small and often produce niche products. Some small urban commercial farms focus on non-traditional growing techniques like vertical or soilless farming. 

USDA  funding programs, including loans, grants, and cooperative agreements, encompass urban agriculture.  Access these websites to review programs and other options:

• Urban Agriculture Programs at a Glance. [farmers.gov]
• Urban Growers. [farmers.gov]
• Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants [usda.gov]
• Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Cooperative Agreements [usda.gov]

Many states and local governments also offer funding programs. Access each state’s department of agriculture at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s  state directory [nasda.org] .

All fifty states have right-to-farm statutes. These laws are meant to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits filed by an individual who moves to an area where a farming operation exists, or in some cases where a farm has existed substantially unchanged for some time, and who files a lawsuit to stop the farming operation. 

However, there are some limitations to the protections provided by right-to-farm statutes. Some states condition nuisance protection on a farm's compliance with state and federal laws and if the operation follows good agricultural practice. These limitations fall into at least one of the following categories.

• Compliance with State and Federal Laws: The farming operation must be compliant with the applicable state and federal laws, otherwise the right-to-farm nuisance suit protection does not apply.
• Following Good Agricultural Practice: Various states’ right-to-farm laws are only applicable to farms that follow good agricultural practices. Some states may legally define “good agricultural practices;” other states have provisions that generally require the farming operation to comply with good agricultural practices as required by industry customs.
• Public Health and Safety: If the farming operation has an adverse effect on public health and safety, the operation may be considered a nuisance.

Yes. One major safety concern is the risk of contaminants, lead or other heavy metals in the soil. It is important to investigate the history of the land where produce may be grown, especially if the land is near a former industrial site. Soil tests are recommended for all new gardening sites. In areas with soil health issues, using raised beds or planting in imported soil may reduce the chances of contamination. 

Zoning is a critical issue in urban agriculture. Zoning dictates what growing is allowed and whether animal farming is permitted. Most cities have strong restrictions on raising animals for production purposes, so most urban farming involves gardening.

The Healthy Food Policy Project has a  guide on zoning for urban agriculture [healthyfoodpolicyproject.org]  that addresses zoning laws that can support urban farming and access to healthy food.

Featured Resources

Digital exhibit: mailboxes, mom and pop stands, and markets: local foods then and now.

NAL holds historical and current materials documenting the ways that food makes its way from the farm to our tables.

Urban Agriculture Toolkit

The USDA  toolkit covers the common operational elements urban farmers must consider when starting or growing their operations. It identifies technical and financial resources available from federal, state, and local partners that support a variety of  activities.

Digital Exhibit: Small Agriculture

NAL showcases three USDA initiatives in support of small-scale farming and niche agriculture: the school garden, subsistence homesteads, and victory gardens and farms.

Important Links

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City of Philadelphia

• An official website of the City of Philadelphia government
• Here's how you know
• An official website
• Feedback and support
• The latest news + events

Philadelphia’s first-ever urban agriculture plan

In 2019 Philadelphia Parks & Recreation began work on a city-wide urban agriculture plan. Work on the plan recently concluded with the publication of Growing from the Root . This is the first plan of its kind for Philadelphia. It reflects input from 650 residents and experts like local growers and gardeners.

In Philadelphia, almost one-quarter of the population lives in poverty. Gardens and farms could play a key role in reshaping the City’s food system. It can do this by providing fresh, low-cost local produce to families.

The city is home to approximately 450 active agricultural spaces. This equals nearly 130 acres of land including:

• Individual gardens.
• Community gardens.
• School gardens.
• Community farms.
• Market farms.

The plan proposes a bold vision for Philadelphia’s future food system. It is a ten-year roadmap that will support sustainable agricultural activity. This will help contribute to fairer development of the city.

The completed plan:

• Focuses on values of transparency, racial and economic justice, and inclusion.
• Provides data about the current state of agriculture.
• Uplifts Philadelphia’s rich history of urban farming and gardening.
• Confronts the legacy of structural racism and land-based oppression in the city.
• Offers recommendations on how to coordinate and strengthen urban agriculture efforts.
• Identifies resources, policies, and programs to grow urban agriculture opportunities for all Philadelphians.
• Establishes a 10-year framework for investing in agriculture and food justice.
• Provides recommendations to the City and its partners on how to achieve the plan’s goals.
• Puts the city on a path to become a fair local food system that supports urban agriculture.

Growing from the Root includes recommendations centered around six key goals:

• Provide access to growing space in all neighborhoods.
• Build support for urban agriculture initiatives into the City’s policies and programs.
• Invest in existing and new systems to support a sustainable and fair food system.
• Support locally-sourced, nutritious meals and increase fresh food access.
• Meet existing zero-waste commitments and create new ones.
• Recognize the role urban agriculture can play in the lives of people and communities.

Funding for the plan was provided by :

• William Penn Foundation
• Partners for Places
• The Nature Conservancy

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation led the project in partnership with:

• Soil Generation
• Interface Studio
• Philadelphia’s urban agriculture community.
• Nonprofit organizations.
• City government.

Related posts

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Small Business Trends

How to create a farm business plan.

If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more .

Crafting a comprehensive farm business plan is a crucial step towards transforming your agricultural visions into tangible realities. This plan serves as a blueprint, enabling you to formally articulate your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations. Engaging in this process can lead to profound insights, illuminating the path to a thriving agricultural enterprise.

Even though the term ‘farm business plan’ might evoke a sense of formal rigidity, it’s important to remember that this document is, in fact, a living, evolving entity. Just like a seedling that sprouts, grows, and changes with the seasons, your business plan is not meant to be static.

It’s something you nurture, revise, and expand as circumstances dictate and as your farm business matures. Feeling pressure to perfect your business plan from the outset could be paralyzing. Instead, we suggest you view this document as a foundation that can be continuously built upon.

To get you started, we offer a detailed farm business plan template. This invaluable resource can be tailored and expanded to suit your unique agricultural venture, whether you’re cultivating a sprawling wheat field or nurturing a boutique organic herb garden.

The most effective business plans are those that exhibit flexibility and resilience, characteristics that are at the heart of any successful farm business. Agriculture, by its very nature, is a domain subject to the whims of Mother Nature. From unpredictable weather patterns to seasonal variations, farmers of all kinds grapple with an array of external factors.

Therefore, your farm business plan should not only anticipate these challenges but also prescribe adaptive measures to navigate through them. It’s this inherent adaptability that transforms a good farm business plan into a great one.

Writing a Farm Business Plan Template: 15+ Things Entrepreneurs Should Include

A farm business plan, like any strategic document, should be comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of your operation, be it agricultural (crops) or product-based. Utilize these 15 key sections to shape your farm business plan template.

Do bear in mind that while these sections are integral, they are by no means exhaustive. Your farm business plan may necessitate additional topics based on your specific farming operations.

Creating a robust business plan is of paramount importance, whether you’re kickstarting a farm venture or acquiring an existing one. Our farm business plan template starts off with an executive summary.

Executive Summary

The executive summary provides an essential overview of your farm business. It helps to streamline communication and understanding between various stakeholders, such as internal team members, potential lenders, business partners, and customers. When drafting your executive summary, consider the following key components:

• Business Profile : Provide a snapshot of your farm business, describing its nature and scope. Are you into crop cultivation, livestock rearing, or any specialized farming practices?
• Products : Clearly outline what product or products your farm will produce. These could range from dairy products to specific crops or even services like agrotourism.
• Production Methodology : Describe how you plan to achieve your production goals. This could involve discussing your farming techniques, usage of technology, or unique methodologies.
• Target Audience : Identify the individuals or groups who will be interested in your farm products or services. These might be local consumers, restaurants, farmers’ markets, or even online customers.
• Key Strategies : Highlight the strategies you plan to implement to run and grow your business. This could cover marketing techniques, sustainability practices, or partnerships.
• Mission and Vision : Briefly outline the mission and vision of your farm business. This helps to convey your long-term objectives and core values.

Remember, your executive summary is essentially the first impression of your business plan. Making it comprehensive, clear, and compelling will help attract interest and support from stakeholders.

Goals and Objectives

A well-crafted business plan should encapsulate both personal and economic goals and objectives. Many successful farm business plans also address environmental stewardship and community outreach. You may want to include goals around preserving farm resources for future generations, ensuring that both the operational and stewardship aspects remain within the family.

Introduction

Your introduction should provide information about the business owners, including their backgrounds and levels of industry experience.

Mission Statement and Values of Your Farming Business Plan

This section enables you to express the core values that led you to the farming business, whether it’s an urban farming venture or a homemade product-based farm. Your mission statement should reflect these values. Sustainable practices and conservation are often key motivations that draw people to farming, so don’t be shy to share your commitment to such principles.

Industry History

Understanding your place within the wider agricultural landscape is key. Be sure to research farms that have historically dominated your region, whether they specialize in vineyards, urban farming, or livestock rearing. Use this research to make educated projections about the future.

Company Background and History

Share the history of your farm if it has been a long-standing family venture or the journey leading up to your purchase if it wasn’t. If your farm business is a startup, focus on the business experience and backgrounds of the involved parties.

Competitor Analysis

Understanding your competition is crucial. In the agricultural sector, farmers often share resources, such as a high-tech corn planter , or cooperate in marketing endeavors. Factor in such synergies when analyzing competitors.

Target Market

Clearly define your target market. This can include area groceries, farmers’ markets, or online customers. If you’ll be relying on online sales, ensure your website is professionally designed, keyword optimized, and easily discoverable.

Products and Services

Describe each product or service offered by your farm, highlighting those features most appealing to your target market.

Organization, Human Resources, and Management Plans

These interconnected elements cover your farm’s day-to-day operations, employee roles and responsibilities (including their job descriptions ), and overarching management plans.

SWOT Analysis

Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify your farm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This will help you strategize on how to leverage your strengths, mitigate your weaknesses, exploit opportunities, and neutralize threats.

Your vision is the roadmap for your farm’s future. It should express not just your financial aspirations but also your plans for the farm operation in the long run.

Growth Strategy

A comprehensive growth strategy should outline your plans for debt reduction, savings, and business expansion. Keeping detailed farm production records is key to evaluating the effectiveness of your growth strategy.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include elements like balance sheets, income statements, projected cash flows, loan repayment schedules, and depreciation factors.

Marketing Strategy

A robust marketing strategy is essential for your farm’s success. Look into brochures, advertisements, and joining co-op groups. Resources from institutions like the University of Minnesota and Cornell University offer comprehensive insights into effective marketing strategies for farm businesses.

Establishing a Farming Business Entity

Discuss the legal structure of your farm business. Will it be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an LLC, or a corporation? Outline the pros and cons of each and why the chosen structure is the best fit for your farm business.

Detailed Description of Farm Operations

Include a section that provides an in-depth look at your day-to-day farm operations. This can cover everything from crop rotation plans, livestock breeding programs, to the use of technology and machinery in your farming activities.

Risk Management Strategies

Address potential risks and challenges your farm might face, such as natural disasters, market fluctuations, or pest infestations. Discuss the strategies you plan to implement to mitigate these risks, like insurance coverage, diversification, and emergency response plans.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Highlight your farm’s approach to sustainability and its impact on the environment. Discuss practices like organic farming, conservation techniques, and renewable energy usage, which demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship.

Community Involvement and Social Responsibility

Describe how your farm business plans to engage with and contribute to the local community. This could include hosting educational farm tours, participating in farmers’ markets, or supporting local food programs.

Supply Chain and Vendor Relationships

Detail your farm’s supply chain and vendor relationships. Explain how you plan to source inputs like seeds, feed, or equipment, and any partnerships with local suppliers or distributors.

Technology and Innovation

Discuss the role of technology and innovation in your farm business. This could include the use of precision agriculture, innovative irrigation systems, or the adoption of farm management software to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Training and Development Plans

Explain how you intend to train and develop your staff. Include plans for ongoing education, skill development, and potentially, leadership training for future farm managers.

Expansion and Diversification

Outline your long-term plans for expansion and diversification. This could involve adding new crops, branching into agrotourism, or exploring value-added products like farm-produced jams or cheeses.

Exit Strategy

Consider including an exit strategy for your farming business. This could be a plan for succession, selling the business, or transitioning to a different type of agricultural operation.

Wrap up your business plan with a conclusion that reiterates your farm’s core mission and vision, and express your enthusiasm and commitment to making your farm business a success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Include a FAQ section at the end of your business plan to address common questions potential investors or partners may have about your farm business. This can include queries about your business model, funding needs, or market potential.

Provide an addendum for additional documents that support your business plan. This can include resumes of key team members, detailed financial projections, market research data, or letters of support from future customers or partners.

Do I Need a Business Plan for My Farm?

Even if you’re knee-deep in the dirt, tending to your crops or livestock, every farming enterprise has the core elements of a business at its heart. These include aspects such as operations, marketing, human resources, and finances. When you embark on developing a farm business plan, it might astonish you to see where the journey takes you. You could end up discovering facets of your farm business that you hadn’t previously considered.

One of the many advantages of constructing your business plan is the opportunity it affords to involve others. Employees, family members, even your loyal farm dog might have innovative small farm business ideas that could significantly enhance your farm’s productivity and marketability. A different perspective can often yield solutions for issues you might not have even been aware of. Therefore, encourage an open exchange of thoughts and ideas. Who knows, the next great idea could be lying right under your hay bale!

More than just a document outlining your farm’s structure, your farm business plan should serve as a valuable decision-making tool. With it, you can confidently navigate the varied terrain of farm management, from daily operations to larger strategic initiatives. When you’ve got a meticulously crafted, robust farm business plan, it doesn’t just narrate your farm’s story, but also provides you with a roadmap to future growth and success.

Beyond this, a top-notch farm business plan can also be a lever that helps you access critical financing. Lenders and investors are more likely to support your venture when they see a well-structured, thoughtful business plan that articulates your vision, illustrates your understanding of the market, and demonstrates your commitment to fiscal responsibility.

So, where to begin? Let’s dive into our fundamental guide to crafting a farm business plan using our adaptable template. This resource has been designed to help you capture every aspect of your agricultural venture, laying a strong foundation for a bountiful future.

How Do I Write a Small Farm Business Plan?

Don’t sit down to write the whole thing. Chip away, one section at a time. Keep in mind that the plan doesn’t have to be the definitive last word. You can make adaptations.

How do you start a farm business plan?

Start with one piece of the business plan. One of the hardest sections of a business plan to write is the Mission Statement . If you get bogged down there, continue and come back to it later.

How much do farm owners make a year?

As you can imagine, the net income varies greatly by type of farm business.

The bottom line after expenses may not be high. Farmers need to consider net worth as assets grow and the farm property increases in value.

How much does it cost to start a small farm?

Getting set up to raise 100 beef cattle costs lots more than getting set up to raise 100 rabbits.

Things like property acquisition, soil preparation, equipment and machinery and the key costs. Other costs may be i rrigation systems , packaging and trucking.

What is the most profitable farming business?

Poultry farming is currently the most profitable – and common – farm business in the world. It includes chicken, turkey, quail, ducks and goose, that are being raised for meat or eggs.

It’s also one of the most expensive businesses to start, requiring significant capital investment. The industry is very labor-intensive and labor costs are high.

Image: Depositphotos

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Discover 20 Urban Farming Startups to Watch in 2024

How do urban farms tackle food shortages and optimize space utilization in cities? Discover 20 hand-picked Urban Farming Startups to Watch in 2024 and learn how their solutions, ranging from autonomous farming systems and low-maintenance, modular solutions to vertical farming, aquaponics, and hydroponics, impact your business!

Urban farming startups and scaleups enable innovative practices that are reshaping food production in cities. One notable advancement is vertical farming, which cultivates crops in vertically stacked layers within urban structures. On the other hand, hydroponics and aeroponics systems utilize nutrient-rich water and mist, respectively, to nourish plants without soil. This enables round-the-year cultivation and optimizes land usage. Urban farmers are also leveraging aquaponics, an integration of fish farming and hydroponics, to create a mutually beneficial relationship between plants and fish.

This symbiotic system promotes efficient resource utilization and enhances sustainability. Further, IoT sensors and automated systems monitor and optimize the growing conditions of such systems to maximize yields. These advances address food security and scarcity and also reduce transportation costs and carbon footprint. As a result, novel urban farming solutions make cities more self-sufficient and resilient in the face of future challenges. Let’s check out the 20 innovative urban farming startups advancing these technologies in 2024 and beyond!

20 Urban Farming Startups to Watch in 2024

• vGreens – Automated Vertical Farms
• DeepBlue Greens – High Voltage Crop Growing Systems
• Myriad – Wall-mounted Indoor Farming
• HRVSTS – Indoor Farm as a Service (iFaaS)
• GroHo Garden – Aeroponic Vertical Garden
• Novafarm – Modular Hydroponic Farms
• HarvestX – Plant Factory Robots
• Agrisiti – Smart Agri-Pyramid System (SAP-Sys)
• ingarden – Microgreens Growing Kit
• Aejou – Plug & Play Microfarms
• Greenhub – Real-time Farm Monitoring
• FARM.NOW – Rooftop Farms
• Spacefarm – Autonomous Vertical Farms
• Agriplay Ventures – Smart Farming
• Virtual Farm – Mobile Hydroponic Farming System
• Leafood – Soilless Farming
• Raiz Vertical Farms – Hybrid Farms
• VIF SYSTEMS – Vertical Farming Equipment
• OUR GREENERY – Indoor Gardening Solutions
• Amplefresh – Automated Vertical Farming System

Global Startup Heat Map highlights 10 Urban Farming Startups to Watch in 2023

Through the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform , covering over 3 790 000+ startups & scaleups globally, we identified 345 urban farming startups. The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the 20 urban farming startups you should watch in 2024 as well as the geo-distribution of all urban farming startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research.

Based on the heat map, we see high startup activity in the USA and India, followed by Western Europe. These urban farming startups work on solutions ranging from vertical farms and aquaponics to real-time farm monitoring and automated farming systems.

Click to download

Want to explore all 300+ urban farming startups & scaleups?

As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant technologies and industry trends quickly & exhaustively. Based on the data from the platform, the Top 5 Urban Farming Startup Hubs are in Singapore, Bangalore, London, New York City & San Fransisco. The 20 hand-picked startups highlighted in this report are chosen from all over the world and develop solutions for food security, sustainable farming, hyperlocal food production, and more.

Meet 20 Urban Farming Startups to Watch (2024)

Vgreens offers automated vertical farms.

German startup vGreens develops fully automated vertical farms for strawberry production. The startup uses advanced farm-management software that autonomously controls environmental factors. This ensures strawberries grow under optimal conditions. The system features movable racks, an integrated scanning robot for health monitoring, and a harvesting robot for picking ripe strawberries.

Further, a hydroponic nutrient system delivers nutrients directly to the roots, promoting growth. The farm’s energy management integrates intelligently, adapting to fluctuations in the external energy market. These farms provide a sustainable solution for high-quality, year-round strawberry production near urban centers.

DeepBlue Greens develops High Voltage Crop Growing Systems

Canadian startup DeepBlue Greens develops indoor farming systems that significantly enhance crop yields. The Voltaponic Garden , a versatile indoor vertical farm solution, and the VoltaGrow Tower , a hydroponic grow tower, are part of these systems.

The VoltaRoot Charger provides an electrostatic nutrient mist for healthier roots and better yields. The VoltaDrip Plasma , designed for greenhouses, produces plasma-activated irrigation water, enhancing crop productivity. These systems serve indoor, greenhouse, rooftop, urban, and vertical farmers, integrating seamlessly into existing farming setups.

Myriad supports Wall Mounted Indoor Farming

Myriad , a German startup, creates an indoor gardening system that automates plant care for the efficient cultivation of vegetables and herbs. The system integrates ecological seeds, requires monthly water refills, and has a self-sufficient nutrient and water supply mechanism. It supports the growth of over 60 plant varieties. The garden design features a user-friendly interface, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a sustainable water usage approach. Myriad’s technology prioritizes convenience, sustainability, and accessibility, catering to urban indoor gardening needs.

HRVSTS provides Indoor Farm As A Service (iFaaS)

USA-based startup HRVSTS creates a platform for pre-purchasing produce from indoor vertical farms. Buyers submit fresh food orders via the site, specifying variety, quantity, delivery location, and date. The startup oversees the custom crop order from seed to harvest and delivers fresh produce within 24 hours of harvesting.

The platform offers produce grown to order, with no minimums or seasonal price spikes. It ensures year-round availability, extended shelf life, and superior quality produce. HRVSTS addresses the food service industry’s need for fresh, year-round produce of superior quality and variety.

GroHo Garden offers Aeroponic Vertical Garden

Portuguese startup GroHo Garden provides an aeroponic vertical garden system for efficient home cultivation of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The system requires a square meter of space and roughly ten minutes of weekly upkeep. It accommodates up to 32 plants at once, with over 150 plant types possible. The product features an automated timer, a water pump, and nutrient supplies for user convenience. GroHo Garden, designed for accessibility, serves gardening enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Novafarm provides Modular Hydroponic Farms

Italian startup NovaFarm offers vertical indoor farming solutions with products like Microfarm , Minifarm , and Multifarm . Microfarm , a compact, modular farm, fits any home and is easy to assemble. Minifarm serves as a smart garden for homes, suitable for kitchens and living rooms.

Further, Multifarm caters to the large-scale needs of restaurants, bars, and hotels. These systems promote sustainable, efficient urban agriculture in compact spaces. They cater to various needs, from small home setups to larger commercial spaces. Schools, workplaces, and communities leverage these solutions, fostering a greener lifestyle and urban farming education.

HarvestX develops Plant Factory Robots

Japanese startup HarvestX focuses on automating strawberry production in plant factories. The startup’s solutions include plant management, pollination, and harvesting, facilitated by advanced robotics and data technologies. A key product, the XV3 robot , serves plant factories, automating processes and enhancing production stability. Designed for high precision in pollination and data collection, it improves yield and reduces costs.

HarvestX aims for sustainable agriculture, utilizing robotics and AI to address challenges in sterile and stable strawberry production. The startup also prioritizes creating a hygienic factory environment and reducing labor risks. Its technology offers significant advancements in agricultural automation.

Agrisiti builds Smart Agri-Pyramid System (SAP-Sys)

Nigerian startup Agrisiti specializes in urban agriculture technology. It offers a Smart Agri-Pyramid System (SAP-Sys) that enables efficient farming in confined spaces. This system integrates poultry, aquaculture, and hydroponics within a single, circular, space-saving setup. It operates with minimal water and soil, making it an eco-friendly solution.

Solar-powered pumps and oxygenators form an integral part of SAP-Sys . It also leverages an additional detachable hardware device for environmental monitoring and data analysis, further enhancing its functionality. Moreover, the startup also offers standalone hydroponics and aquaponics systems.

ingarden provides Microgreens Growing Kit

ingarden , a USA-based startup, provides an indoor garden system that simplifies the process of growing microgreens. The system’s operation involves three easy steps: seed pad placement, water addition, and timer setting for ideal light cycles. The startup’s design ensures fresh microgreens sprout within a week. The system prioritizes user convenience, featuring a brightness adjuster and requiring minimal upkeep. These attributes make ingarden’s solution suitable for urban gardening enthusiasts.

Aejou designs Plug & Play Microfarms

Singaporean startup Aejou manufactures GrowFridge , an IoT-enabled micro-farm for indoor cultivation of microgreens, leafy greens, and herbs. This compact system is designed for seamless integration into homes and operates with minimal effort. The startup’s system ensures efficient growth by automating light intensity and watering cycles tailored to the seed type. The GrowFridge operates with a power outlet and internet connection, controlled via an app. Aejou provides a straightforward method for the indoor cultivation of fresh greens.

Interested in exploring all 300+ urban farming startups & scaleups?

Greenhub enables Real-time Farm Monitoring

German startup Greenhub develops data mining technology to enable real-time monitoring and management of the indoor cultivation process. The startup controls multiple growth parameters through a farm management application to make data-based decisions. It helps farmers to set lighting, irrigation, nutrient dosing, and proper ventilation to ensure efficient operations. Also, the application maintains desired electrical conductivity (EC) and pH values. Further, Greenhub provides cultivation strategies and crop management.

FARM.NOW provides Rooftop Farms

Spacefarm makes Autonomous Vertical Farms

Agriplay Ventures advances Smart Farming

Virtual Farm offers a Mobile Hydroponic Farming System

Leafood enables Soilless Farming

Raiz Vertical Farms provides Hybrid Farms

VIF SYSTEMS designs Vertical Farming Equipment

OUR GREENERY delivers Indoor Gardening Solutions

Amplefresh builds an Automated Vertical Farming System

Discover All Emerging AgriTech Startups

The AgriTech startups showcased in this report are only a small sample of all startups we identified through our data-driven startup scouting approach. Download our free AgriTech Innovation Report for a broad overview of the industry or get in touch for quick & exhaustive research on the latest technologies & emerging solutions that will impact your company in 2024!

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Write your business plan.  A business plan is a living document that serves as a roadmap for your business. Access an online guide to create your business plan.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an Urban Agriculture Toolkit. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an Urban Agriculture Toolkit with resources for urban farming.   Get the Urban Agriculture Toolkit.

The federal government regulates food safety and inspection for the production and sale of certain food items.  The federal government regulates food safety and inspection for the production and sale of certain food items. These regulations act alongside New York City and New York State regulations. Learn about food safety and inspection regulations.

For more information on opening an agriculture business in the State of New York. For more information on opening an agriculture business in the State of New York, visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website. Visit the NY State Agriculture website.

Urban Agriculture website.  Visit the Urban Agriculture website for more information on starting and operating an urban agriculture business in New York City. 

If you are planning to sell prepared foods to customers. If you are planning to sell prepared foods to customers, review the Restaurant Quick Guide by selecting "Restaurant" from the drop-down menu at the top of this page.

Roadside stands, farm outlets, and stalls at farmer's markets must follow sanitary rules that are required by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Learn about sanitary rules for farmer’s markets.

Register Your Business

Choose your legal structure.  The business's legal structure determines who owns and is legally responsible for your business and affects how you file your taxes.​  Get free advice on legal structures.

Register your business. Corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships register with New York State. General partnerships and sole proprietorships register with the appropriate county clerk. Get free legal advice.

Register as a sales tax vendor. Register as a sales tax vendor with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance in order to sell products and services. Apply early to avoid delays in obtaining additional permits. Learn more about the Sales Tax Vendor Certificate.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also known as a federal Tax ID number — is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS that businesses use for tax filing and reporting purposes. In some instances, if you are a sole proprietor, you may be able to use your Social Security Number for tax filing and reporting purposes instead. Learn more about EIN.

Research required insurance.  Research the necessary insurance types for your business, including workers' compensation, liability, and disability insurance. These are not only essential for securing permits and licenses but also safeguard your business against losses, fines, and legal actions.

Finance Your Business

Determine your financing needs. To start your business, you will need money or capital to purchase equipment and run your operations. Increase your chances of getting financing for your business.

Identify incentive programs. Your business can benefit from programs that allow you to lower your cost of doing business. Small Business Services (SBS) can help you identify and access energy cost savings, tax credits, and other incentives. Learn more about incentives.

​​Understand your insurance needs. ​​ Understand your insurance needs such as workers' compensation, liability, and disability insurance. Some are needed for permits and licenses and protect you from loss, fines, and lawsuits. Managing risk is an essential part of your business. Learn more about insurance.

Find, Plan, and Build Your Space

Find a location zoned for your business. Find a location zoned for your business, and at the legally required distance from a school or place of worship if you plan to serve alcohol. Your business location​,​ and the opinion of the local Community Board​,​ will be reviewed for your liquor license application. Learn more about zoning requirements.

Learn more about zoning in your neighborhood. Learn more about zoning in your neighborhood with the Department of City Planning's ZoLa map. Use the ZoLa Map.

Learn about facilities and program sites in your prospective neighborhood. Learn about facilities and program sites in your prospective neighborhood that might impact your business on the Department of City Planning's Facilities Explorer.

Get help understanding and signing your lease. Before signing, talk to a lawyer to make sure the timing is right, the terms are legal, and the agreement is good for you. Get free commercial lease assistance through SBS.

Review your building plans for major and minor construction within your space.  Review your building plans for major and minor construction within your space. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) offers free plan examinations, and experienced client managers can help you navigate the process. Get help with plan examinations.

Plan your  food establishment design.   Select and engage architect(s), general contractor(s), and/or interior and kitchen designers to plan any changes and ensure that your space complies with building and fire codes. Make sure your architect and/or contractor is licensed.

Changes to a landmarked property. Changes to a landmarked property or building in a historic district must be approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission before work can begin. ​​Allow time to receive approval.  Learn more about work on landmark properties.

If your location will host events where 75 people or more will gather. If your location will host events where 75 people or more will gather, you will need a Place of Assembly Permit.  Learn more about the Place of Assembly Permit.

Limit construction noise. You must create and post a noise mitigation plan to keep noises from bothering neighbors. Failure to do so can result in fines. Learn more about construction noise regulations.

Prepare to Open

Pre-operational inspections.  Schedule your pre-operational inspections with the NYC Fire Department (FDNY). Schedule pre-operational inspections.

​​Avoid common violations and fines. ​ SBS offers free compliance consultations that can save you time and money. Get help with licenses and permits​.​

The Federal, State, and City requirements. ​​ Learn about the Federal, State, and City requirements, as well as​​​ the permits your business will need by using the Step-by-Step Tool​.​

Maximize recycling and avoid violations. Set​​​-​up your space to maximize recycling and avoid violations. Attend a DSNY training and download or order educational materials. ​​ Attend a training​.​

Post applicable worker protection posters. Follow Federal as well as New York State requirements. ​ Download posters​. ​

Post prices, refund policy, and other required signs. Post prices, refund policy, and other required signs from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. ​ Learn more about posting and signage requirements​.​

​​The US Food & Drug Administration recommends Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. ​​ The US Food & Drug Administration recommends Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point​ (HACCP) Certification​,​ to ensure food safety is standardized.  Learn more about HACCP Certification.

A ​Nursery Dealer Registration Certificate​. A ​Nursery Dealer Registration Certificate​ is required for any person, firm, partnership, association​,​ or corporation that buys, acquires, or receives on consignment plant nursery stock for the purpose of reselling or transporting.  Learn more about the certificate.

A ​Plant Grower Registration Certificate. A ​Plant Grower Registration Certificate ​is required for a business in which nursery stock (trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, etc.) is propagated, grown​,​ or cultivated for the purpose of distribution or sale.  Learn more about the certificate.

Ready-to-eat packaged food or other packaged food products. Businesses that sell ​ready-to-eat packaged food or other packaged food products ​for immediate human consumption must have a Food Processing Establishment License from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.  Learn more about the Food Processing Establishment License.

​​Slaughtering animals or fowl. If your business ​will​ ​is​ ​​​slaughter​​​ing​​​​ ​​​animals or fowl​, or process meat or meat products for food, you must be licensed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.  Learn more about the Slaughterhouse License.

Apple storage. Apples labeled “controlled atmosphere” must meet storage specifications put forth by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.  Learn more about apple storage.

Food Warehouse License. A​ Food Warehouse License​ is required to hold food and/or food products for commercial distribution.  Learn more about the warehouse license.

Commercial Vehicle Registration. All vehicles used for commercial or business purposes need a ​Commercial Vehicle Registration​ from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.  Learn more about the registration.

​​Commercial Driver's License. Make sure employees have a ​Commercial ​​​Driver's​​​​ License​ from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles if they will operate commercial vehicles.  Learn more about the Commercial Driver License.

Urban agriculture business. An urban agriculture business will need to comply with regulations on stormwater runoff.  Learn more about stormwater runoff.

Composting organic waste. Businesses interested in composting organic waste will need to acquire a registration or permit with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  Learn more about composting organic waste.

Storing hazardous substances. Individuals or businesses that are storing hazardous substances in bulk must have a valid Registration Certificate for Hazardous Substance Bulk Storage from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Hazardous substances are substances that may cause injuries or illness to humans when improperly used, including organic and non-organic pesticides and nitrate-based ​fertilizers. Learn more about the certificate.

Storing hazardous substances. If you ​are​​ ​storing hazardous substances​, understand the reporting and filing requirements of the Community Right-To-Know Program. You may be required to file a Facility Inventory Form and pay the applicable fees.  Learn more about the Community Right-to-Know Program.

Pick-up trucks. Pick-up trucks ​with an unladen weight of 6,000 pounds or less may be registered as either commercial or passenger vehicles. Owners must pay a commercial registration fee along with any applicable county -or borough-based commercial use tax.  Learn more about pick-up trucks​.​​

Businesses using water or sewer services. ​​​Businesses using water or sewer services ​provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must pay for all services rendered. Businesses that use water from a fire hydrant, dump waste or wastewater into sewers​​ or have any other form of water or sewer services provided by DEP must have an active account with DEP.​​​

Wastewater allowance. ​​ Check your eligibility for a ​wastewater allowance​ from DEP, which can lower your water bill. To qualify, a property must have a dedicated metered water supply that supplies a process that does not discharge all of its water into the wastewater system.  Learn more about the Water and Wastewater Rate Schedule.

Sell products at a farmer's market, supermarket, bodega, or deli. If you plan to ​sell products at a farmer's market, supermarket, bodega, or deli​ in New York City, review the Inspection Checklists for Supermarkets, Bodegas, and Delis​,​ and for General Retail for information on how to avoid common violations.  Review the inspection checklists (PDF).

Hire a Team

Get help with hiring. Talented workers can help your business succeed. Let ​Small Business Services (SBS)​​ ​help you find the right employees. ​​ Get help with hiring.

Laws for employers . Employing New Yorkers means following rules about how much to pay, what benefits to provide and more. Learn more about local laws employers must follow.

Minimum wages. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) oversees wage regulations in New York State. Businesses employing people in New York State should consult NYSDOL resources to be aware of wage requirements and regulations.  Learn more about minimum wage.

Train your employees. Train your employees, so that your team has the skills your business needs. We can help cover training costs. Learn more about employee training.

Unemployment insurance.  I​t's important to ​understand your business’ unemployment insurance requirements​.​​​ Contact the New York State Department of Labor for more information.  Learn about unemployment insurance.

Workers' compensation. ​​It's important to​​​ understand your workers' compensation insurance requirements for your business​. Contact the New York State Department of Labor for more information. Learn about workers' compensation insurance.

Open and Operate

Display licenses and required posters.

Give customers clear receipts.  Show prices and print your business name and address on your invoices and receipts.

Prepare and pay your taxes.   Learn about taxes in NYC.

Give customers clear invoices.  Show prices and print your business name and address.

Get permits and limit air pollution. If you release fumes into the air, you may be subject to the New York City Air Pollution Control Code (Air Code).

Hazardous materials above threshold amounts. Hazardous materials above threshold amounts must be registered under NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s Right-to-Know program. Many common materials such as paint, solvents, inks, pool chemicals, and cleaning products can have hazardous characteristics. Learn more about Right-To-Know.

All vehicles may only idle as permitted or face fines. As a general rule of thumb, no person should allow the engine of a motor vehicle to idle for longer than three minutes while parking, unless it is an authorized emergency motor vehicle, or a vehicle using an engine to operate a loading device. The legal idling time is reduced to one minute if the vehicle is parked adjacent to a school facility. Learn more about idling regulations.

Watch for asbestos. A licensed asbestos investigator must determine if asbestos is present, and if so then a licensed abatement contractor must contain it and give notice to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection before you can demolish or renovate the structure. Learn more about asbestos rules and regulations.

Train your employees on sexual harassment prevention. You must do so under state law. Learn more about sexual harassment training.

​​​Maintaining plant health. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Plant Industry is responsible for ​maintaining plant health​. The Division conducts inspections of nurseries, orchards, greenhouses, ​sawmills​, apiaries, and transportation pathways to identify threats to the plant industry. Learn more about inspections. .​​

Subsidized energy use audit​. Receive a ​subsidized energy use audit​ from the State Energy Research and Development Authority that is specially made for agriculture businesses. Learn more about energy audits. ​​

​​Keeping non-aggressive honeybees . All persons​ keeping non-aggressive honeybees​ (Apis mellifera) in New York City for recreational or commercial purposes must register with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Vector Surveillance and Control. This registration informs the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of the location of the hive(s) and the ​number​​​ of bees maintained at a specific location. Learn more about beekeeper registration. ​​

Compliance Tools

Department of buildings, occupancy contrary to that allowed by the certificate of occupancy or department of buildings ​records.

How to Avoid a Violation:

• Ensure the space (building or lot) you own or rent has a current Certificate of Occupancy on file with the Department of Buildings (DOB).
• If you own or rent a space constructed before 1938, make sure your space has a Letter of No Objection from the Department of Buildings (DOB).
• If you plan to change the use, egress, or occupancy of your space, make sure the property owner has filed for an amended Certificate of Occupancy.
• Verify that your type of business is consistent with the use authorized by the Certificate of Occupancy.
• Do not own  or  operate any business in a space where it is not authorized ,  or in a zoning district where it is not allowed.

Additional Information:

• Certificate of Occupancy
• Buildings Information System
• Know Your Zoning District
• Find Your DOB Borough Office
• Resolve a Summons or Violation

Legal Basis: 

NYC Construction Code  §28-118

Department of Environmental Protection

Operating an emission source (boiler) with an expired registration.

How to Avoid ​a ​Violation:

• Owners of boilers with a capacity of 350,000 BTUs or higher must register their equipment every three years.
• Building owners​ or ​​​managers who meet this threshold should ​consult a with a design professional or a Licensed Master Plumber ​discuss their building heating system.
• Air Pollution & Regulation

Legal Basis:

Registrations §24-109 

Department of Health & Mental Hygiene

Facility not vermin proof. harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.

Violation Type: Vermin and Garbage

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:

• Seal all cracks, crevices, and holes in walls, cabinets, and doors to prevent rodents, cockroaches, and flies from entering.
• Install rodent-proof door sweeps on outside doors.
• Store food and garbage in pest-proof containers.
• Clean grease, oil, and food particles from all surfaces and equipment, including the floor underneath. Mop floors and clean surfaces before opening each morning.
• Keep range hoods clean and grease-free.
• Contract ​​a pest control professional licensed to work in restaurants.
• ​​Regularly evaluate​ ​staff performance and​ train​​​ them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 
• What to Expect When You’re Inspected: A Guide for Food Service Operators
• Information for Food Service Operators
• Information about Pest Control in Restaurants

NYC Health Code §81.23

Food Contact Surface Not Properly Washed, Rinsed, or Sanitized After Each Use and Following Any Activity When Contamination May Have Occurred

Violation Type: Personal Hygiene and Other Food Protection

How to Avoid the Violation:

• Clean and sanitize all food preparation surfaces after each use; remove caked-on food.
• Repair or replace deeply-grooved cutting boards and chipped or broken surfaces so they can be properly sanitized.
• Regularly evaluate staff performance and coach them on food safety practices and cleanliness.
• Require staff that handle food to obtain a Food Protection Certificate.
• Food Safety and Inspection Regulations

  NYC Health Code §81.27

Evidence of Pests (For Example, Rats, Mice, Roaches, or Flies) Or Live Pests Present in Facility’s Food And/or Non-food Areas

​​Code: 4K, 4L, 4M, 4N​

​​Violation Type: Food Protection ​

• Read Health Department guidance on How to Control Pests in Your Restaurant .
• Clean grease, oil, and food particles from all surfaces and equipment, including the floor underneath. Mop floors and clean surfaces at opening and throughout the day.
• ​​Regularly evaluate staff performance and ​train​​ them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 
• Information about Pest Control

  NYC Health Code §81.23

Food Not Protected From Potential Source of Contamination During Storage, Preparation, Transportation, Display, or Service

• Review Health Department rules for Temperature-Holding Requirements.
• Keep food covered until served.
• Keep food separated by temperature and type.
• Separate potentially hazardous foods (​such as​​ raw poultry) from ready-to-eat items (​such as​ salad mix) to avoid cross contamination. 
• Follow guidelines for proper​ty ​storage location in cooling units​:​ ​(for example​​, ready to eat on top shelves, meat, poultry and fish on bottom​)​.  
• Regularly evaluate your staff’s performance and​ train​​​ them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 
• ​​Require​​​ all staff ​who​​ ​handle food​ to​ obtain a Food Protection Certificate.

NYC Health Code §81.07

Fire Department

Failure to conduct specified fire-safety inspection/test.

Code:  VC20

Violation Type:  Inspection and Testing

• Test your fire suppression systems tested after installation.
• Schedule appointments for periodic systems testing. 
• Keep your records up to date.
• Ensure records are readily available for a FDNY representative upon request.
• Have appropriate Certificate of Fitness holders.
• NYC Fire Department Inspections
• NYC Fire Code
• NYC Fire Code Guide
• NYC Fire Department Permits  
• FDNY Business Login 

Legal Basis: 

NYC Fire Code §107.1

Failure to Obtain Specified Certificates of Fitness and Certificates of Qualification (Submit Copy of Certificate)

• ​​Maintain​ proper fire safety/prevention supervision of storage, handling, and use.
• ​​Ensure​ records are ​readily ​available for ​a ​FDNY representative upon request.

Additional Information:

• Certificate of Fitness
• FDNY Business Login

Legal Basis: 

NYC Fire Code §113.1

Failure to Obtain Specified Fire Safety Permit or Submit Copy of Permit Fee Receipt

Violation Type:  Permits

• Make sure to obtain the proper permits.
• Remember to renew the permits.
• Be sure to save the receipt after paying the bill for the permit.
• NYC Fire Department Permits

NYC Fire Code §105.6

Failure to Provide and​​ Maintain Required Fire Protection Systems​,​ ​​or Prevent Unnecessary​​ Alarms

Code:  VC12

Violation Type:  Fire Protection Systems

• Repair defective Fire Protection System(s).
• Have ​an ​appropriate Certificate of Fitness Holder​.​
• NYC Fire Department Permits  
• FDNY Business Login 
• Fire Alarm Systems Installation, Inspection, Testing and Service Company Recognition

  NYC Fire Code §901.6

Failure to Provide or Maintain Required Signs, Postings, Notices, or Instructions

Code:  VC6

Violation Type:  Signs, Postings, Notices, and Instructions

• Ensure all signs, postings, notices, and instructions are visible and available for inspection.
• Keep your signs, postings, notices, and instructions up to date.
• Have an appropriate Certificate of Fitness holder.
• NYC Fire Code 

NYC Fire Code (varies with materials on premises)

Failure to Provide or Maintain Fire Safety Records

Code:  VC5

Violation Type:  Record Keeping

• ​​Ensure​​​ all records are ​readily ​available for ​a ​FDNY representative at inspection.
• Have appropriate Certificate of Fitness holders​.​ 

NYC Fire Code §107.7

Department of Sanitation

Dirty or obstructed ​s​​idewalks and ​a​​djacent ​a​​reas.

How to Avoid a ​​Violation:

Keep sidewalks and adjacent areas clean. These areas include gutters (18 inches from the curb into the street), tree pits and grass strips, driveways, alleys, parking lots, front and backyards, and open storage areas. These spaces must be kept clear of anything that could obstruct pedestrian traffic, including garbage, waste receptacles, merchandise, or A-frame signs. 

• Information about Sidewalks and Cleaning Laws

NYC Administrative Code  §16-118(2)(a)

Failure to Properly Set out Waste

How to Avoid ​​a ​Violation:

• Place receptacles or bags containing solid waste or recyclables out at the curb for collection after 8:00 PM prior to scheduled collection.
• Materials ​in receptacles with a tight-fitting lid, and designated recyclable paper that is tied and bundled securely without a container, may be placed out for collection at the curb no earlier than one hour before closing, provided that the scheduled collection occurs before the establishment next reopens for business.
• Any receptacle placed out for collection must be removed from the curb no later than the time the commercial establishment next reopens for business.

​​NOTE: ​Commercial establishments that receive off-street collection, including collection from inside a loading dock, are exempt from these requirements. ​ 

Setout Times  https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/site/services/collection-setout-times

Rules of the City of New York Title 16 §1-02.1 (b)  https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCrules/0-0-0-132489

Failure to Separate Designated Recyclables from Garbage

How to Avoid ​a​ Violation:

• Recycle, at a minimum, all bulk metal, corrugated cardboard, office paper, magazines, catalogs, phone books, newspaper, and textiles (if over 10 percent of your waste stream).
• Set out trash in black bags or covered bins and bundle recyclables in labeled covered bins or clear plastic bags.
• Recycling for Businesses 

Rules of the City of New York: Title 16 §1-10

Improper ​D​​​isposal of ​G​​arbage or ​R​​​ecycling

How to Avoid ​a Violation:

• ​​Do not use trash or recycling receptacles belonging to others without their permission​.​​
• ​​D​​o not place garbage or recycling in front of any premises other than your own.

Collection and Setout Laws for Businesses

NYC Administrative Code §16-120(a)

Failure to Post a Private Carter Decal

How to Avoid ​a ​​​Violation:

Post a ​clearly labeled decal that ​states the name of the private carter ​that has been hired to provide services, the type of service rendered ​(​for example, ​garbage collection, source-separated recycling, co-collection of recycling or single-stream collection of recycling)​,​ and the days and times the service(s) is provided. The NYC Department of Sanitation does not collect commercial waste. 

Additional Information: 

• Private Carter Guidelines 

Failure to Remove Snow and Ice from Sidewalk

How to Avoid a Violation:  

• Clean snow and/or ice from the sidewalk after the snow has stopped falling. 
• Do not shovel snow into the street. 
• ​​Snow-melting material such as sand or salt may be used if the snow or ice becomes frozen and cannot be cleared from the sidewalk.
• Cleaning Laws

  NYC Administrative Code §16-123 

Improper ​D​​​isposal of ​B​​​atteries

Do not dispose of automotive or car batteries with trash or recycling. Improper disposal of automotive or car batteries is illegal. ​

• Battery Disposal
• NYDEC Lead-Acid Batteries 

NYS Environmental Conservation Law § 27-1701(3)

Improper ​D​​isposal of ​E​​​lectronic ​W​​​aste

• Do not dispose of any materials considered to be electronic waste with trash or recycling.​​ Improper disposal of electronic waste is illegal. ​
• NOTE: Only certain items qualify as e-waste under the NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act
• Electronics (E-Waste) Disposal 
• NYDEC Electronics Waste Recycling  

Rules of the City of New York: Title 16 §1-04.2 

Improper ​D​​​isposal of ​N​​​oxious ​L​​​iquids

How to Avoid ​a ​​Violation:

Do not allow noxious liquids to fall on any public place run into the street.

• Harmful Product Disposal  

NYC Administrative Code §16-118(3) 

Improper use of DSNY ​L​​itter ​B​​​asket

How to Avoid​ a​​ Violation:

• Do not dispose of commercial refuse or liquids in DSNY litter baskets. Sanitation litter baskets are designed for light waste and for use by pedestrians only. 
• Do not use litter baskets to display merchandise or wares.

NYC Administrative Code §16-120(e)

Loose Rubbish

How to Avoid a Violation:

• Securely bundle, tie, or package waste and recycling before placing out for collection to avoid it being blown away or scattered  on  the street.

Legal Basis:  

NYC Administrative Code §16-120(3)(d)

Street Obstruction

• Do not place items like boxes, barrels, garbage containers, or movable property like ATMs on a public street. It is illegal. 
• NOTE: Construction containers are allowed with an appropriate permit.

Information on Sidewalk and Street Obstructions 

NYC Administrative Code §16-122(b) 

Agricultural Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Agricultural Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their agricultural companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an agricultural business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an agricultural business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Agricultural Business Plan?

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

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Agriculture Business

If you’re looking to start an agricultural business or grow your existing agricultural company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your agricultural business to improve your chances of success. Your agricultural business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Agricultural Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an agricultural business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes 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 ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for agricultural companies.

    Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a agricultural business.

If you want to start an agricultural business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your agricultural business plan.

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 kind of agricultural business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an agricultural business that you would like to grow, or are you operating an established agricultural business you would like to sell?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the agricultural industry.
• Discuss the type of agricultural business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of agricultural business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of agricultural businesses:

• Animal feed manufacturing: the production and sale of food formulas for farm animals.
• Agrichemical and seed manufacturing: the production and sale of agrichemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides) and seeds to farmers that support the growth of their crops.
• Agricultural engineering: development, testing, and implementation of new agriculture tools and machinery to improve the process for farmers.
• Biofuel manufacturing: the production of energy from biomass.
• Crop production: the process of growing and harvesting a variety of crops such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.

In addition to explaining the type of agricultural business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include reaching X number of harvests per year, the number of customers served, or reaching $X amount in revenue.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the agricultural industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

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

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason 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 agricultural business plan:

• How big is the agricultural industry (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 target market for your agricultural 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 agricultural business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of agricultural business you operate. Clearly, schools would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize 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 agricultural businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of farmers, wholesalers, and distributors.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business 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 type of agricultural business are they?
• 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 make it easier for your customers to engage with you?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• 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 agricultural business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of agricultural company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you produce fruit, soy, or vegetable products?

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

Place : Place refers to the site of your agricultural company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your agricultural business located on a small or large farm near your customer base?  And, will you operate one or multiple locations? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your agricultural marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

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 agricultural business, including scheduling employees, tracking inventory, accepting orders and payments, and meeting with customers.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to reach your Xth harvest, or when you hope to generate $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your agricultural business to a new region.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your agricultural business’ potential to succeed, 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 managing agricultural businesses. 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 as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an agricultural business, or owning their own farm.

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 revenue 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, how many pounds of each crop do you plan to yield each season? 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

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your agricultural business, this 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 lender writes you a check for $50,000, 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 ensure 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.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a agricultural business:

• Cost of farm equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

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 farm’s location lease or a list of agricultural equipment and machinery used on your farm.  

Writing a business plan for your agricultural business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the agricultural industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful agricultural business.  

Agricultural Business Plan Template FAQs

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

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your agricultural business plan.

How Do You Start an Agricultural Business?

Starting an agricultural business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Agricultural Business
• Create Your Agricultural Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Agricultural Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Agricultural Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Agricultural Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Agricultural Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Agricultural Business Equipment
• Develop Your Agricultural Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Agricultural Business
• Open for Business

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Agricultural business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan professional services can help you create a winning business.  

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

• Money Trees (and Office Greens): Why Real Estate Developers are Transforming Vacant Office Spaces into Trendy Urban Farms

In the words of rapper Kendrick Lamar, “Money trees is the perfect place for shade and that’s just how I feel.” Now, imagine a world where these “money trees” are sprouting from the floors of empty office spaces, offering not just shade but fresh, locally grown produce (among other things).

Welcome to the trendy revolution of urban farming.

Three years ago, Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled a plan to transform vacant office buildings in downtown DC into residential properties with hopes of creating a 24/7 downtown to support the city’s economy and increase property values and tax revenue. However, as of August 2023 , while 16 office-to-residential conversions had been announced, only a quarter of those projects were in process.

In practice, many developers have found residential conversions to be challenging, expensive, and complex due to rising construction costs and difficulties in securing financing. Now, some property owners are looking toward what they consider a more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and tax-beneficial alternative — vertical farms.

Transforming vacant office spaces into indoor farms includes installing conveyor belts that rotate crops stacked in vertical layers, simulating a plant’s natural circadian rhythm while controlling all environmental factors.

Vertical farming operations aren’t just a seed of an idea. These ventures have found opportunities selling directly to consumers at farmers markets and online, supplying local eateries and grocery stores, and partnering with food delivery services. A notable example is Area 2 Farms in Arlington, Virginia, which successfully converted an old legal document storage facility into a thriving agricultural hub, offering fresh produce to local subscribers weekly. Inspired by successful conversions in places like Calgary, Alberta , and Houston, Texas , other cities are now exploring similar prospects.

Should you consider swapping your office chairs for tomato plants? Here are three things to consider:

1. Ease of Conversion

The idea of living in your office building might sound absurd, right? That’s because most commercial office spaces are not suitable for residential living . They lack essential amenities like natural light, plumbing, and electricity. Transforming them into residences requires substantial modifications, including adding courtyards, installing bathrooms and kitchens, and creating additional units for more rent. Unlike the significant capital improvements required for residential conversions, conversions to vertical farms are relatively straightforward with modern technology. Systems like the Silo and AgriPlay can adapt to a variety of spaces as long as there is steady airflow and electricity supply. While some office-to-farm conversions may require HVAC and airflow improvements, vertical farming companies insis t that these tasks will require significantly less time and labor costs compared to residential conversions.

Property owners who are thinking about converting vacant office space into vertical farms must carefully examine the applicable zoning laws. Updated zoning regulations have made it easier in most cities, including DC, to convert office space for residential use, but urban farming has not received the same attention. However, some cities, like Arlington, Virginia , and New York City , are streamlining the process for office-to-farm transformations by modifying their zoning laws.

If you’re a property owner interested in these conversions, stay alert to evolving local zoning regulations.

3. Economic Benefits

By integrating an urban farm into their property, owners may be eligible to unlock immediate financial benefits at the local level.

• DC’s Urban Farm Tax Abatement Program offers up to a 90% property tax abatement (capped at $20,000) to property owners who use their property for urban farming. The tax deduction is based on the percentage of the building exclusively dedicated to urban farming.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and DC government offer grants for urban farmers, providing additional support and stability to the urban farmer tenants and opportunities for property owners to negotiate agreements with the farmers about how these grants and funds will be used.
• Recent advancements in technology have significantly reduced operational costs, according to many involved in the sector, helping to overcome the profitability challenges that once affected vertical farming operations. Additionally, urban farm-to-table operations reduce packing and travel costs often associated with vendors stocking restaurants in high-density urban areas.

As societal and governmental attitudes shift, the concept of urban farms within vacant office buildings could take on new dimensions. One such possibility may be the cultivation of cannabis, as the industry becomes recognized as a growing and potentially lucrative sector due to changes in legislation and public perception. While it's too early to predict, the intersection of urban farming and the cannabis industry could present new opportunities and challenges for both the real estate and agricultural sectors. However, such a venture would need to navigate a complex landscape of legal, societal, and business considerations.

As developers and city officials grapple with what to do with an abundance of vacant office space, particularly in downtown areas, the unexpected harmony between urban farming and commercial real estate office buildings may emerge as a creative, even if temporary, solution — and perhaps turning these vacant spaces into thriving, green “money trees.”

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DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

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