[Pdf Sample] Business Plan For Horticulture Farming Docx

In today’s thriving market, the horticulture industry presents a world of opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to cultivate their own green success. Whether you have a passion for plants, a love for nature, or a desire to contribute to sustainable living, developing a well-structured horticulture business plan is essential for turning your dreams into reality.

This comprehensive guide will take you through the key steps of creating a horticulture business plan, providing you with insights, strategies, and practical tips to help your venture blossom and thrive.

[Pdf Sample] Horticulture Business Proposal Plan Docx

Agrolearners.com is a horticulture-focused business dedicated to providing education and resources to individuals interested in the field of horticulture. We believe in the power of horticulture to create sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for food production, environmental preservation, and personal well-being.

By offering comprehensive online courses, practical training, and a vibrant community platform, Agrolearners.com aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the horticulture industry.

Executive Summary: Painting a Picture of Success

Agrolearners.com envisions becoming the leading online platform for horticulture education globally. By leveraging innovative teaching methodologies, state-of-the-art technology, and a passion for horticulture, we strive to revolutionize the way people learn and engage with the industry.

Company Overview: Cultivating a Vision

Agrolearners.com is founded by a team of horticulture enthusiasts who possess a deep understanding of the industry and a shared commitment to fostering knowledge and skill development. Our core values revolve around quality, accessibility, and community engagement.

Market Analysis: Sowing the Seeds of Opportunity

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Products and Services: Nurturing Nature’s Bounty

Agrolearners.com offers a diverse range of horticulture courses and resources designed to cater to various skill levels and interests. Our course catalog includes subjects such as plant biology, crop production, landscape design, pest management, and sustainable agriculture practices .

We employ a mix of instructional videos, interactive quizzes, practical assignments, and live webinars to ensure an engaging and immersive learning experience. Additionally, learners have access to a vast library of resource materials, case studies, and expert advice to support their educational journey.

Marketing and Sales Strategy: Growing Your Customer Base

We will also offer free trial courses, discounted packages, and referral programs to incentivize enrollment and foster customer loyalty. By actively engaging with our target audience and consistently delivering high-quality content and learning experiences, we aim to establish Agrolearners.com as the go-to platform for horticulture education.

Operational Plan: Tending to Business Operations

Our team will consist of experienced horticulture professionals, instructional designers, content creators, and customer support staff who will collaborate to develop and deliver high-quality educational content, maintain the platform, and provide responsive customer service.

Organizational Structure: Building a Strong Foundation

To effectively manage operations and drive growth, Agrolearners.com will adopt a hierarchical organizational structure. The core team will comprise a CEO, department heads, and key personnel responsible for content development, technology, marketing, customer support, and finance.

As the business expands, additional staff will be recruited to meet growing demands. We will prioritize building a collaborative and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation, continuous learning, and employee satisfaction.

Financial Plan: Harvesting Profitable Growth

We will closely monitor expenses, such as content development, platform maintenance, marketing, and administrative costs, to ensure profitability and sustainable growth. Additionally, we will seek external funding through grants, investments, and strategic partnerships to support expansion plans and further enhance our offerings.

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Risk Analysis: Preparing for Stormy Weather

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Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: Cultivating a Greener Future

Conclusion: planting the seeds of success.

Agrolearners.com is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for horticulture education. By leveraging our expertise, embracing technological advancements, and nurturing a vibrant learning community, we are confident in our ability to revolutionize horticulture education globally.

With a strong business plan, a dedicated team, and a passion for sustainable agriculture, Agrolearners.com is ready to sow the seeds of success and empower individuals to create a greener and more sustainable future.

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ATTRA - Sustainable Agriculture

Market Gardening: A Start Up Guide

By Janet Bachmann, NCAT Agriculture Specialist

horticulture business plan pdf

Photo: Edwin Remsberg, USDA/CSREES

Market gardening involves the intense production of high-value crops from just a few acres and gives farmers the potential to increase their income. Market gardening is also of interest to people considering agriculture as an alternative lifestyle. This publication provides an overview of issues you need to be aware of as you consider starting market gardening and suggests helpful resources.

Introduction Business plan Choosing markets Learning production and marketing techniques Selecting equipment Planning and recordkeeping Labor Food safety Agricultural insurance Organic market gardening Grower profiles References Further resources

Introduction

Market gardening is the commercial production of vebgetables, fruits, flowers and other plants on a scale larger than a home garden, yet small enough that many of the principles of gardening are applicable. The goal, as with all farm enterprises, is to run the operation as a business and to make a profit. Market gardening is often oriented toward local markets, although production for shipping to more distant markets is also possible.

Business plan

Starting any business demands an investment of time and money. When you invest in your own business, be it market gardening or something else, a business plan will help ensure success. Developing your business plan helps you define your business, create a road map for operations, set goals, judge progress, make adjustments and satisfy a lender’s request for a written explanation of how a loan will be used. A basic business plan includes:

  • What? Describe your product or service
  • Why? Describe the need for your product or service
  • Who? Describe your customer
  • When? Draw a timeline and list all the tasks you need to accomplish
  • Where? Describe the location of your business
  • How? Describe equipment, materials and supplies you will use in your market garden and how you will finance your market garden

The 280-page publication Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses is an excellent tool for business planning. Developed by the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture in St. Paul, Minn., and co-published by the Sustainable Agriculture Network, the book helps people involved with commercial alternative and sustainable agriculture create profitable businesses. The book contains sample and blank worksheets that help you learn how to set goals, research processing alternatives, determine potential markets and evaluate financing options to create a business plan.

The book Sustainable Vegetable Production from Start-Up to Market , published in 1999 by University of Vermont vegetable specialist Vernon Grubinger, has an outline for a basic five-part business plan. The ATTRA publication Agricultural Business Planning Templates and Resources lists additional resources, primarily website links.

Choosing markets

horticulture business plan pdf

Farmers market. Photo: Jim Lukens

You need to develop a focused marketing plan before planting any crops. A marketing plan helps, but does not guarantee, that most of what you plant will be sold and can help eliminate wasted time, space, produce and money. Many market gardeners try to maximize their income by selling directly to consumers and bypassing wholesalers and other middlemen. Tailgate markets, farmers’ markets, roadside and on-farm stands, pick-your-own operations and subscription marketing are common direct-marketing strategies. Sales to restaurants, institutions and schools and grocery stores are common wholesale marketing strategies. More in-depth details are provided in other ATTRA publications. Most market gardeners use several outlets. Diversity in marketing, as well as diversity in planting, is a cornerstone of stability.

If you choose a wholesale market, you will not be able to charge retail prices, but your labor cost for marketing may be reduced. The case study summarized below points out that price premiums at farmers’ markets are not pure profit and less-costly wholesale marketing produced the highest profits.

A California case study When comparing markets, be sure to compare the costs as well as the returns. If you sell wholesale, you will not get the price premiums expected at a farmers’ market, but your labor cost for marketing will be lower. A case study in California compared marketing costs of three farms selling by wholesale, community-supported agriculture and farmers’ market methods. All three farms were well-established, diversified organic growers in northern California. One farm was small, with 20 acres and two full-time employees; one medium, with 70 acres and seven employees; and one larger, with 240 acres and 30 employees. Labor was the highest marketing expense for all the farms. At the small farm, labor was 77 percent of all marketing costs, ranging from 67 percent for wholesale marketing methods to 82 percent for farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets generated the lowest net revenue return for all three growers, while wholesale provided the highest net return for all. The study shows that price premiums at farmers’ markets are not pure profit. (Hardesty, 2008).

horticulture business plan pdf

Selling melons from a tailgate. Photo: UM Food Services

Tailgate marketing is one of the simplest forms of direct marketing. It involves parking a vehicle loaded with produce on a road or street with the hope that people will stop and purchase the produce. This is commonly used for selling in-season regional produce. This method takes very little investment and can be set up on short notice. Check with your city government first if you plan to set up inside a city. Some cities have regulations governing transient vendors.

Farmers’ markets are an excellent place for a beginning market gardener to sell his or her crop. Farmers’ markets do not demand that a vendor bring a consistent supply of high-quality produce every market day, although that is the goal. If you have less-than-perfect tomatoes, you may be able to sell them as canners at a reduced price. A farmers’ market is a wonderful place to meet people and develop steady customers, which can lead to additional marketing channels. Disadvantages include the need to spend time away from the farm and the possibility of having produce left over at the end of the market. The ATTRA publication Farmers’ Markets: Marketing and Business Guide offers more information and resources about establishing, promoting and being successful at a farmers’ market. On-farm marketing strategies include roadside or farm stands and pick-your-own arrangements.

horticulture business plan pdf

Farm stand. Photo: Maggie Hoback, fullcirclefarm.com

On-farm marketing strategies are often successful because pick-your-own customers who come for the enjoyment of spending time in the field will often also purchase harvested crops. Innovative farmers have found that on-farm entertainment, like animals to pet or pumpkins to carve, can be profitable additions to on-farm markets. For these marketing methods, a mower may be your most important piece of equipment since you will need to keep the farm landscape neat to attract customers. See the ATTRA publication Entertainment Farming and Agri-Tourism for more information about on-farm selling.

Subscription marketing is a strategy that continues to gain interest and has benefited from the use of the Internet. Community supported agriculture (CSA) is one type of subscription marketing that involves providing subscribers with a weekly basket of seasonal produce, flowers or livestock products. The subscribers pay at the beginning of the season for part of or their entire share of the farmer’s planned production.

horticulture business plan pdf

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Bivalve MD. Photo: Edwin Remsberg, USDA/CSREES

This eliminates the problem of covering up-front production costs at the beginning of the season and guarantees a market.

The challenge for the grower is to have a consistent and continuous supply of popular vegetables throughout the growing season. It is helpful to survey the customers or members about their preferences before planting. Refer to ATTRA’s publication Community Supported Agriculture for more information.

Restaurants that are interested in serving fresh, locally grown produce can be a good market. Chefs or restaurant owners are very busy people. Ask the chefs what day and hour is the best time to call to find out what produce they need, and then be consistent about calling at that time every week. You can also find out when to make deliveries. Chefs appreciate the opportunity to tell you what they can use or would like to try. ATTRA’s Selling to Restaurants has more information about selling to chefs, as does Diane Green’s Selling Produce to Restaurants: A Marketing Guide for Small Growers , which is listed in the Further resources section.

A green restaurant supplier Greentree Naturals, a certified-organic farm in Sandpoint, Idaho, supplies a number of local restaurants. Diane Green and her husband, Thom Sadoski, created greentreenaturals.com to let people know about their products, workshops and projects. The website also gives Green and Sadoski a way to answer questions from other farmers. “We receive frequent requests asking us how to do what we do,” Green explains. ” While on the one hand, we do not want to give away the hard-earned knowledge that we have learned about being successful small-acreage growers, we feel it is very important that more people are exploring the possibilities of becoming farmers. We believe that our experience has value. We are proud of what we do.”

Grocery and natural food stores may be one of the most difficult markets to break into for small-scale growers, but as interest in locally grown food increases, some stores are looking for ways to make this easier. If you want to sell to retailers, remember that they need consistently available and high-quality products. Have a sample of your product with you when you visit the store and know your selling price for the product.

A number of farm-to-school programs across the country make schools and institutions another market for small-scale growers. Food service departments at schools across the country are joining forces with concerned parents, teachers, community activists and farmers to provide students with healthy meals while simultaneously supporting small farmers in their region. Check to see if a farm-to-school program exists in your community. Healthy Farms, Healthy Kids: Evaluating the Barriers and Opportunities for Farm-to-School Programs, a campaign started by the Community Food Security Coalition, examines seven farm-to-school projects from around the country and provides plenty of information to start a farm-to-school program. See the Further Resources section for information on how to find the Healthy Farms, Healthy Kids publication.

Market gardeners can use the Internet to transact business or distribute information about farms and products. How to Direct Market Farm Products on the Internet , a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service publication, discusses what to consider before using the Internet as a marketing tool and provides examples of farmers’ experiences, as well as links to more information.

Learning production and marketing techniques

Apprenticing with an experienced market gardener is one of the best ways to learn sound techniques. If that opportunity isn’t available, you can attend workshops and conferences, visit with other market growers, read industry materials, watch videos and experiment. State fruit and vegetable grower organizations, sustainable agriculture and organic grower groups and regional and national organizations host conferences, trade shows, workshops and field days where a wealth of information is shared. A few of these organizations, workshops and educational materials are listed in the Further resources section.

The Cooperative Extension System is an excellent source of bulletins on production basics for most crops. The service may be able to provide on-site consultation if you have production questions. Check calendars in trade magazines and the ATTRA events calendar for conference postings. See ATTRA’s website for current publications on soil fertility management; season extension techniques; organic production of specific crops; postharvest handling; and insect pest, weed and disease management.

The books listed below are all highly recommended by those who have used them. Which one may be the most useful to you on a day-to-day basis depends on your scale of production. See the Further resources section for ordering information.

Market Farming Success was written by Lynn Byczynski, editor and publisher of the journal Growing for Market. The advice in this book comes from the personal experience of the author and her husband, Dan Nagengast, as market growers in eastern Kansas, as well as interviews with many other growers around the country. The book is intended to help those who are or want to be in the business of growing and selling food, flowers, herbs or plants create a profitable and efficient business. Market Farming Success identifies the key areas that usually hamper beginners and shows how to avoid those obstacles. The book discusses how much money you will need to start growing, how much money you can expect to earn, the best crops and markets, essential tools, how to keep records to maximize profits and further resources.

Eliot Coleman’s The New Organic Grower: A Master’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener is written for market gardeners with about 5 acres of land in vegetable crop production. Coleman, an agriculture researcher, educator and farmer, describes techniques using walking tractors, wheel hoes, multi-row dibble sticks and soil block transplants. The sections on planning, crop rotations, green manures, soil fertility, direct seeding and transplants are inspiring. Coleman includes season extension techniques in this book and authored additional books on this topic, including Four Season Harvest and The Winter Harvest Manual.

Sustainable Vegetable Production from Startup to Market was written by Vern Grubinger, a vegetable and berry specialist for University of Vermont Extension and director of the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The book is aimed at aspiring and beginning farmers. The book introduces the full range of processes for moderate-scale vegetable production using ecological practices that minimize the need for synthetic inputs and maximize conservation of resources. The book provides practical information on essential matters like selecting a farm site; planning and recordkeeping; marketing options; and systems for starting, planting, protecting and harvesting crops. The book’s final chapter profiles the experiences of 19 vegetable growers, focusing on individual crops, and provides each grower’s budget for these crops.

How to Grow More Vegetables: And Fruits, Nuts, Berries, Grains, and Other Crops Than You Ever Thought Possible on Less Land Than You Can Imagine, by John Jeavons, details biointensive gardening techniques. The book emphasizes the use of hand tools, raised bed production, intensive spacing, companion planting and organic fertility management. The planning charts are aimed at helping families provide for their own food needs, but can be adapted for use by market gardeners as well.

Selecting equipment

Table 1 is adapted from a chart distributed to participants at an Advanced Organic Vegetable Production Workshop sponsored by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. The chart provides an estimate of equipment needs for market gardens of various sizes. The publication Grower to grower: Creating a livelihood on a fresh market vegetable farm also provides information on equipment options for different sizes of farms (Hendrikson, 2005). Please keep in mind that your own needs will differ. You may be able to adapt machinery that you already have or you may be able to buy used machinery. If you are just starting out with a small amount of land, it may be more economical to purchase transplants than to build a greenhouse and grow your own. It may make sense to have primary tillage done by someone with a large tractor rather than purchase a tractor for this purpose.

Depending on your location and choice of crops, irrigation is a must for consistent and high-quality production, even on a scale of less than an acre. Drip or trickle irrigation is becoming the method of choice for many fruit, vegetable and flower growers. Grubinger’s book provides a summary of overhead sprinkle and drip or trickle irrigation systems. Byczynski’s book also explains how to set up a drip system. Your local extension office can supply detailed bulletins. An irrigation specialist who will work with you to design a system to meet your needs is also helpful.

Tools of the trade It is possible to operate a market garden of less than an acre with little more than a shovel, rake, hoe and garden hose. However, most serious market gardeners acquire labor-saving tools such as walk-behind rototillers, mowers, small greenhouses and small refrigerator units. Some growers, especially those farming more than an acre, use small tractors with a limited array of implements. Experienced market gardeners advise beginning growers to first purchase equipment that will support the back end of their operations. A small walk-in cooler to maintain high product quality or an irrigation system to assure consistent yields and quality might be more important early purchases than a tractor (Hendrickson, 2005).

Planning and recordkeeping

Recordkeeping may be one of the most difficult tasks for market gardeners, but good records are critical if you want to know which crops are profitable. Market gardeners need records to fine-tune planting, cultivation, pest management and harvest schedules. Records help answer questions about labor, equipment and capital needs, and are valuable when developing business plans.

Alex Hitt of Peregrine Farm in Graham, N.C., keeps extensive records. The records include planned and actual data for what crops he plants, where crops are planted in the field and when Hitt plants the crops. He keeps a harvest record and a crop rotation record. Hitt tallies the produce he brings to farmers’ markets, charts selling prices and notes what doesn’t sell. In addition, he keeps track of farm expenses and income and records daily activities, including time spent on each farm task. A sample planting record is included on a CD titled Organic Vegetable Production and Marketing in the South with Alex Hitt of Peregrine Farm, produced by the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group.

The size of your operation and the crops, markets, and equipment you choose will determine the amount of labor needed. Two of the growers profiled in this publication have decided that they do not want to hire outside help and planned their production and marketing accordingly.

Many market gardeners, however, will need help. In an advanced organic vegetable production workshop offered by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Richard DeWilde of Harmony Valley Farm explains how to manage labor so crews will be happy and productive. DeWilde’s operation is one described in the grower profiles at the end of this publication.

DeWilde emphasizes that it is important to be clear about your employee expectations and operating procedures. He does this by meeting regularly with his employees and using an employee manual. An employee manual details farm standards and expectations. For example, it might tell people what to do with trash and include a Friday night checklist to ensure that supplies and equipment are properly stored at the end of the week. Employees do not work on Saturday or Sunday.

On Monday morning DeWilde meets with his crew in the packing shed. He makes the day and week manageable by writing down all that needs to be accomplished on two dry-erase boards. One board provides information about tasks planned for the entire week. On the other board, De Wilde posts tasks for the day with assignments for who will do each task. Past records show how long it should take to do each task. This information is critical for determining assignments.

Separate task sheets list supplies needed for each task. For example, if floating row covers need to be laid, the task sheet will include shovels, markers and marking pens.

Harmony Valley Farm commits to providing full-time jobs. A list of rainy-day tasks and extra chores is on hand to ensure that employees always have something useful to do.

DeWilde emphasizes that it is important for employers to be knowledgeable about government regulations, including field sanitation, drinking water, worker protection and safety regulations. A resource for learning about government regulations is Neil D. Hamilton’s The Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing. The book includes a chapter on labor and employment. See the Further resources section for ordering information.

Food safety

Changing lifestyles and a growing interest among consumers in fresh, nutritious food has created an increase in produce consumption. Along with this increase, there has been an increase in the number of food-borne illness outbreaks associated with fresh fruits and vegetables. An occurrence can cause irreparable damage to a business, both legally and from the negative effects on its reputation (Cuellar, 2001).

Currently, there are no mandatory rules for the safe growing and packing of fruits and vegetables, except for those regulating water and pesticide residues under the surveillance of the Environmental Protection Agency. In 1998, however, the EPA published the Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, comprising a set of Good Agricultural Practices. Although the practices are optional, many growers incorporate them into their operations. Extension offices in a number of states provide bulletins outlining safe growing and packing practices. Cornell University compiled a number of educational materials in English and other languages. The National GAPs Education Materials can be found at Cornell’s website. Kansas State University published Food*A*Syst , a handbook to help address food safety and environmental concerns. The University of California’s Good Agricultural Practices: A Self Audit for Growers and Handlers is also available online.

Agricultural insurance

According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, insurance is one of the most overlooked pieces of running a farm business. In today’s litigious culture, it is wise to have adequate coverage for all your farm activities. Insurance coverage is available for nearly any activity on your farm, but the cost of coverage may not be economically viable. Shop around for the insurance that best suits your needs and balance the coverage into your farm business plan.

If your farming operation is very small, you may be able to simply add coverage to your homeowner’s policy. Larger operations may require a farm policy that includes property coverage as well as liability coverage for physical injury and ingested food products. A farm policy can also cover a roadside stand whether or not it is on your property and may be extended by endorsement to cover a farmers’ market stand. Farms that process foods or sell primarily flowers or other non-edibles may require a commercial general liability policy (WSDA, 2006).

Visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture website for more information.

The Pennsylvania State University bulletin Agricultural Business Insurance discusses the different types of insurance you should consider as part of your risk management strategy. Agricultural business insurances include general liability, product liability, business property, workers compensation, vehicle and crop insurance and more.

A very readable discussion on insurance is in Lynn Byczynski’s Market Farming Success . She advises that your best bet in finding what you need is to sit down with an independent agent and explain your business thoroughly. Another excellent resource on this issue is Neil Hamilton’s The Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing.

Organic market gardening

Some market gardeners grow their crops organically. The motivations vary. Some market gardeners think it is the socially and environmentally responsible thing to do. Some are motivated by economic benefits. Organically grown produce typically commands higher prices in the marketplace. Growers who sell through CSAs or use other forms of relationship marketing sometimes find that their customers expect and demand organic produce. There is a long history that equates organic farming with fresh, whole foods.

The production and marketing of organic foods is subject to federal regulation. Organic production is defined in legal terms and use of the term organic is controlled. You must be certified by the USDA to market your products as organic unless your annual sales of organic products are less than $5,000. ATTRA has numerous publications that address organic matters. See ATTRA’s Guide to Organic Publications for more information.

Grower profiles

To give you additional ideas and inspiration, several market gardeners from different parts of the United States agreed to share information about their operations. Alex and Betsy Hitt are featured in the Sustainable Agriculture Network publication Building Soils for Better Crops , 2nd Ed. and The New American Farmer . Richard DeWilde and Linda Halley are also featured in The New American Farmer.

It is interesting to note that although each operation is unique, all have a number of things in common. These include:

  • Diversity of crops
  • Diversity of marketing strategies
  • Cover crops grown for soil building
  • Detailed recordkeeping systems
  • Willingness to share knowledge and ideas with others

Peregrine Farm , Alex and Betsy Hitt, Graham, N.C.

Alex and Betsy Hitt began market gardening on their 26-acre farm near Chapel Hill, N.C., almost 20 years ago. They grow organic vegetables and specialty cut flowers on 5 acres and have a quarter of an acre in highbush blueberries. The Hitts sell primarily to local farmers’ markets, but have also sold to restaurants and stores.

“Our original goals,” Alex Hitt said, “were to make a living on this piece of ground while taking the best care of it that we could.” For the Hitts, making a living doing work they enjoy and finding a scale that allows them to do most of it themselves are key aspects of sustainability. Their crop mix and markets have changed over the years, as they continue to evaluate the success of each operation and its place within the whole system.

When the horse stable down the road went out of business, it forced the Hitts to reevaluate their farm fertility program. Without this source of free manure, the Hitts created an elaborate rotation that includes both winter and summer cover crops to supply organic matter and nitrogen, prevent erosion and crowd out weeds.

“We designed a rotation so that cover crops play a clear role,” Hitt said. “Many times, where other growers might say, ‘I need to grow a cash crop,’ we’ll grow a cover crop anyway.”

The farm stays profitable thanks to a marketing plan that takes full advantage of their location near Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina. More unusual produce like leafy greens, leeks and rapini find a home in restaurants, and sell well alongside their most profitable lettuce, tomato, pepper and flower crops at area farmers’ markets.

A year in the Hitts’ rotation may include a cool-season cash crop and a summer cover crop like soybeans and sudangrass followed by a fall cash crop and then a winter cover.

“We have made a conscious decision in our rotation design to always have cover crops,” Alex Hitt said. “We have to. It’s the primary source for all of our fertility. If we can, we’ll have two covers on the same piece of ground in the same year.”

While other farmers grow beans, corn or another profitable annual vegetable in the summer after a spring crop, the Hitts don’t hesitate to take the land out of production. Instead, Alex Hitt said, their commitment to building organic matter in the soil yields important payoffs. The farm remains essentially free of soilborne diseases, which they attribute to “so much competition and diversity” in the soil. And, despite farming on a 5-percent slope, they see little or no erosion.

Table 2, above, shows the Hitt’s 10-year rotation plan.

Beech Grove Farm, Ann and Eric Nordell, Trout Run, Pa.

Neither Ann nor Eric grew up on a farm, but both gained experiences on other farms during and after college before they bought Beech Grove Farm, their small farm near Trout Run, Pa. In this area with steep, rugged terrain and a relatively short growing season, they had three goals:

  • Remain debt-free
  • Keep the farm a two-person operation
  • Depend on the internal resources of the farm as much as possible.

Of the 90 acres on the farm, 30 are wooded. Six are cultivated for the market garden. The remainder, excluding the homestead and house garden, is left in pasture. They use draft horses and low-cost implements for cultivation and tillage and have the 6-acre plot divided into half-acre strips of 20 yards by 120 yards, which the Nordells find to be a good size for working with horses and by hand.

Because the farm is distant from major markets, the Nordells first chose crops that can be sold wholesale, like flowers and medicinal herbs for drying and root vegetables. As the couple became known in the area, they were approached by restaurant buyers to supply cool-season and specialty items. By 1998, they were selling to 10 fine restaurants in the area and at the Williamsport farmers’ market. Income from wholesale markets is now only 10 percent of their total income.

For the Nordells, as for all market gardeners, weeds presented a major challenge. They adapted a traditional field crop rotation system of corn, oats, wheat, grass and legume sod used in the Midwest and Pennsylvania to a rotation that includes vegetables, cover crops and a summer fallow. The half-acre strips are managed so that 3 acres are in crops and 3 acres are in fallow or cover crops. Over the years, the Nordells reduced the fallow period to six weeks or less as the weed population has diminished.

The Nordells collected copies of the articles they’ve written about rotation, cultivation, growing onions, using pigs to turn compost, designing a barn for animals and for compost production and more. They have a weed management publication, Weed the Soil Not the Crop ( ordering information can be found here ).

Harmony Valley Farm , Richard DeWilde and Linda Halley, Viroqua, Wis.

Richard DeWilde has farmed for most of his life. He moved to Harmony Valley Farm in 1984 after his farm in Minnesota was paved over by urban sprawl. Linda joined him there in 1990. The DeWildes grow vegetables, fruits and herbs on 70 acres and have pasture, hay and a few Angus steers on 220 acres. They sell produce wholesale at the Dane County Farmers’ Market in Madison, and through a 500-member CSA. DeWilde handles this scale of operation by hiring labor, becoming highly mechanized and through careful management.

DeWilde notes that his wholesale markets have been the most profitable, and CSA the least. The time needed for management makes the difference. The wholesale market is the least diverse. The money-making crops are turnips and daikon radishes. A CSA market demands a tremendous diversity of crops and a complexity of management needed for market.

Soil building is done with cover crops, compost and additional micronutrients as needed. Favored cover crops are sweet clover, vetch, rye, oats and peas. Seeds for these are available locally and are reasonably priced. The residue is chopped into the top 1 or 2 inches of soil with a rotovator.

DeWilde and Halley have experimented with many ingredients for making compost and have been pleased with dairy manure and cornstalks, which are readily available and have a good carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. The compost is made in windrows, turned with an old wildcat turner pulled by an International tractor equipped with a hydrostatic drive so that it can move slowly. Finished compost is spread on fields at a rate of 10 to 15 tons per acre.

One strategy for insect pest management on Harmony Valley Farm is to provide permanent habitat for natural predators and parasites. Refuge strips in the fields are made up of plants that attract and harbor beneficial insects and birds. A number of these plants can also be cut and sold as flowers or woody ornamentals.

Richard says his goal is “to develop an organic farming curriculum, complete with slides. My time and focus could be put into a Harmony Valley Farm operating manual. It would deal with communication, employee training and recordkeeping. Who knows? Maybe I would retire and do training seminars.”

Halley adds, “We really do have clear family goals: to continue to learn new ways to do things on the farm and communicate those things.”

Thompson Farms, Larry Thompson, Boring, Ore.

Oregon farmer Larry Thompson has a long history of using innovative, sustainable practices to grow his array of berries and vegetables. He also works closely with the fast-growing community of Damascus to develop policies that help farmers hold onto their operations as urban boundaries grow around them. Thompson Farms has 140 acres in strawberries, raspberries, cauliflower, broccoli and other crops. Produce is sold at farmers’ markets and farm stands; one in a new location just outside a hospital where patients, nurses and staff benefit from his healthy fruits and vegetables.

Thompson’s parents, Victor and Betty, began raising raspberries, strawberries and broccoli in the rolling hills southeast of Portland in 1947. Thompson’s parents sold their produce to local processors, where agents for canneries always set the purchase price. In 1983, Thompson took over operating the farm and sought more profitable places to sell his produce.

After Thompson started working on the 140-acre farm, he quickly learned that selling to canneries failed to cover production expenses. The family opened their farm to the local suburban community. Thompson started offering pick-your-own berries and selling the fruit at a stand he built at the farm. Strawberry sales were so strong that Thompson decided to plant new varieties to extend the season.

The Thompsons soon attracted a loyal following, primarily from Portland, which is 20 miles away. The family started selling at area farmers’ markets, too. The family and 23 employees raise 43 crops and sell them at six markets and two farm stands and through on-farm activities. For Thompson, profitability means that each year he earns more money than he spends. “I reach that level consistently,” he said.

Thompson makes sure he earns a profit. He calculates the cost of planting, raising and harvesting each crop, and then charges his customers double that. His most profitable crop is strawberries. Retaining different marketing channels gives Thompson a chance to cross-promote.

Thompson is a dedicated advocate of crop rotations and planting a succession of flowering species to control pests without pesticides. He relies on cover crops to control weeds and provide habitat for beneficial insects. Thompson allows native grasses and dandelions to grow between his berry rows. The dandelion blossoms attract bees, which are efficient berry pollinators. The mixed vegetation provides an alluring habitat that, along with flowering fruit and vegetable plants, draws insects that prey on pests. Late in the year, Thompson doesn’t mow broccoli stubble. Instead, he lets side shoots bloom, creating a long-term nectar source for bees into early winter. Thompson Farms sits on erodible soils and runoff used to be a major problem. But thanks to the cover crops and other soil cover, now virtually no soil leaves the farm.

Thompson won the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education’s 2008 Patrick Madden Award for Sustainable Agriculture. Many call him a pro at relationship marketing, or forming bonds with customers who see a value in local produce raised with few chemicals. Thompson regularly offers tours to students, other farmers, researchers and visiting international delegations to show off his holistic pest-management strategies and bounty of colorful crops. As a result, the farm attracts people by the busload for educational seasonal events.

“Instead of seeing my farm as a secluded hideaway, I am getting the community involved, bringing them to see our principles in action,” Thompson said (USDA CSREES, 2008).

Cuellar, Sandra. 2001. Assuring produce safety: A key industry marketing strategy. Small Fruit News of Central New York. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County. November. p. 3-5.

Hardesty, Shermain. 2008. Case study compares marketing costs of farms selling wholesale, CSA, and farmers market. Small Farm News. p. 4.

Hendrickson, John. 2005. Grower to Grower: Creating a Livelihood on a Fresh Market Vegetable Farm. CIAS, University of Wisconsin-Madison. p. 7.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service website. 2008. Larry Thompson-Boring, Oregon. Accessed April 2009.

Washington State Department of Agriculture website. 2006. Insurance and Risk Management. Accessed April 2009.

Further resources

Corum, Vance et al. 2001. The New Farmer’s Market: Farm-Fresh Ideas for Producers, Managers and Communities . Covers the latest tips and trends from leading sellers, managers and market planners all over the country, including the hottest products to grow and sell as well as how best to display and merchandise your products, set prices and run a friendly, profitable business. The second half of the book, written for market managers and city planners, offers ideas about how to use farmers’ markets as a springboard to foster community support for sustainable and locally grown foods. List of additional resources.

Hamilton, Neil D. 1999. The Legal Guide to Direct Farm Marketing. Drake University. 235 p. Covers questions about liability, insurance coverage, labor laws, advertising claims, zoning, pesticide drift, inspections and food safely issues.

Green, Diane. 2005. Selling Produce to Restaurants: A Marketing Guide for Small Growers . 95 p. The author is a certified organic grower in Idaho who markets through restaurants, CSA subscriptions and a farmers’ market.

DiGiacomo, Gigi, Robert King, and Dale Nordquist. 2003. Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses . Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. 280 p.

Byczynski, Lynn. 2006. Market Farming Success . Fairplain Publications, Lawrence, KS. 138 p.

Coleman, Eliot. 1995. The New Organic Growers: A Master’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener , 2nd ed.

Coleman, Eliot. 1998. The Winter Harvest Handbook . 63 p. A supplement to The New Organic Grower, this manual records recent experience in planning, carrying out and fine tuning a fresh vegetable production and marketing operation on the back side of the calendar.

Grubinger, Vernon. 1999. Sustainable Vegetable Production from Start-Up to Market . NRAES-104. 270 p.

Jeavons, John. 2002. How to Grow More Vegetables , 6th ed. Ten Speed Press. 276 p.

Magdoff, Fred and H. van Es. 2000. Building Soils for Better Crops 2nd ed. [PDF/4.03M] Available for $19.95 plus $3.95 shipping and

Valerie Berton, editor. 2005. The New American Farmer . 200 p.

Azuma, Andrea Misako and Andrew Fisher. 2001. Healthy Farms, Healthy Kids . CFS Coalition. 64 p. This report documents the barriers and opportunities for school food services to purchase food directly from local farmers. Case studies and policy recommendationsare included.

Klotz, Jennifer-Claire. 2002. How to Direct Market Farm Products on the Internet . USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. 50 p.

Newenhouse, Astrid et al. 1998-2001. Work Efficiency Tip Sheets . University of Wisconsin. A series of tip sheets on labor efficiency for vegetable and berry growers.

Periodicals

Growing for Market Growing for Market is published 10 times per year. It covers growing and direct marketing vegetables, fruits, herbs, cut flowers and plants, farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture, the local food movement, organic growing, cut flowers, and much more.

Small Farm News The 12-page Small Farm News is published four times per year. It features farmer and farm advisor profiles, research articles, farm-related print and web resources, news items, and a calendar of state, national, and international events. The newsletter is free. However, contributions to help defray expenses are encouraged. Many past newsletters contained articles on marketing produce and crafts. Other SFC publications of possible interest include Small Farm Handbook, a guide for people interested in operating a successful small farm; Production Practices and Sample Costs, Chili Pepper, Eggplant, Lettuce, and Okra.

The Packer Target audience is primarily large-scale produce growers and wholesalers.

American Vegetable Grower Monthly publication featuring production and marketing information. Annual Sourcebook provides information on state vegetable grower organizations. Also information about equipment and supplies. Print or online. Free to qualified growers and consultants. Meister also publishes American Fruit Grower.

Agencies, associations and organizations

North American Direct Marketing Association NAFDMA is a 501(c)6 trade association whose members include farmers, farmers’ market managers, extension agents, industry suppliers, government officials and others involved with agritourism, on-farm retail, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own, consumer-supported agriculture and direct delivery. The organization hosts an annual conference and trade show.

Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Formed in 1988, the essential goal of ASCFG is to help growers of specialty cut flowers produce a better crop. The ASCFG hosts an annual conference and trade show, regional workshops, coordinates new variety trials and publishes the Cut Flower Quarterly. Its members share information based on their field and marketing experience through a Bulletin Board.

Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers is an intensive three-day course held in January or February. The course demonstrates what it takes to set up and run a successful market garden or small farm, including capital, management, labor and other resources. Topics include soil fertility, crop production, plant health and pest management, cover crops, equipment needs and labor considerations at different scales of operation and marketing and economics. The course is taught primarily by three growers whose farms vary in scale, cropping mix, marketing strategies and growing methods. It includes presentations and hands-on labs by University of Wisconsin faculty and other specialists.

Michael Fields Institute Michael Fields Agricultural Institute offers courses of benefit to people who want to become farmers and those who have been farming for many years. They are also creating opportunities for consumers to enter into farm life through cooking, gardening and farm tours. These include interactive workshops and on-site field trainings.

These videos were produced by Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension, and feature vegetable growers in the Northeast:

  • Farmers and Their Diversified Horticultural Marketing Strategies
  • Farmers and Their Innovative Cover Cropping Techniques
  • Vegetable Farmers and Their Weed-Control Machines
  • Farmers and Their Ecological Sweet Corn Production Practices

For more, check out the University of Vermont’s youtube channel .

Market Farming list serve A discussion group that covers tools and equipment, markets, production practices, labor, and more.

Business plans

Developing a Business Plan . 2004. Agriculture Alternatives. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension.

Building a Plan for Your Farm: Important First Steps . 2003. Jones, Rodney. Presented at the 2003 Risk and Profit Summer Conference.

Market Gardening: A Start Up Guide By Janet Bachmann NCAT Agriculture Specialist IP195 Slot 201 Version 062409

This publication is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG .

Originally Published May 2009, IP195

horticulture business plan pdf

Related Publications

  • Direct Marketing
  • Community-Supported Agriculture
  • Farmers’ Markets: Marketing and Business Guide
  • Entertainment Farming and Agri-Tourism
  • Postharvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables
  • Resource Guide to Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production
  • Scheduling Vegetable Plantings for Continuous Harvest
  • Season Extension Techniques for Market Gardeners
  • Specialty Cut Flower Production and Marketing

Freshly Picked

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NCAT Websites

NCAT.ORG ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture  Armed to Farm AgriSolar Clearinghouse Soil for Water Latino Farmer Conference LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana Harvest of the Month Grow Montana Mississippi Food Justice Collaborative

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Financial Model, Business Plan and Dashboard Templates - FinModelsLab

How To Write a Business Plan for Horticulture in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on horticulture.

  • Financial Model
  • Business Plan
  • Value Proposition
  • One-Page Business Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for horticulture! With the horticulture industry in the US experiencing remarkable growth, now is a great time to enter this market. According to recent statistics, the horticulture industry is projected to reach a value of $XX billion by XXXX , indicating the immense potential for businesses in this field. To help you get started, we have put together a comprehensive checklist of nine essential steps to create a successful business plan for horticulture. Let's dive in!

Identify Your Target Market And Research Their Needs

Before starting your horticulture business, it is crucial to identify your target market and understand their specific needs and preferences. This step will help you tailor your products and services to meet the demands of your potential customers and increase your chances of success.

Researching your target market involves gathering information about their demographics, preferences, buying habits, and pain points. This data will provide valuable insights into their needs and help you develop effective marketing strategies.

Here are some tips on how to research your target market:

  • Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to understand their preferences and challenges.
  • Analyze market trends and industry reports to identify growth opportunities.
  • Study your competitors' customer base to determine if there are untapped segments.
  • Use social media platforms and online forums to gather feedback and engage with your target audience.
  • Attend industry conferences and trade shows to network with potential customers and gain insights into market needs.

Once you have identified your target market, it is important to delve deeper into understanding their needs. This requires conducting behavioral analysis to determine how your customers make purchasing decisions, what influences their choices, and what factors are important to them when selecting plant suppliers.

  • Identify the specific plant species and varieties that are in demand in your target market.
  • Research the preferred packaging and labeling requirements of your potential customers.
  • Understand the preferred delivery methods and schedules of your target market to ensure timely and efficient service.
  • Identify any unique needs or niche markets within the horticulture industry that you can cater to.

By thoroughly researching and understanding your target market, you will be equipped with the knowledge needed to develop products and services that meet their specific needs. This will give you a competitive edge and position your horticulture business for success.

Conduct A Thorough Market Analysis

Before starting a horticulture business, it is crucial to conduct a thorough market analysis. This step involves gathering and analyzing data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the horticulture industry and identify potential opportunities and challenges.

To conduct a thorough market analysis, consider the following:

  • Identify the demand: Research the demand for plants and flowers in your target market. Identify the specific needs and preferences of potential customers, such as nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and other organizations that utilize plants. This will help you tailor your products and services to meet their requirements.
  • Analyze the competition: Research and analyze your competitors in the horticulture industry. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, pricing strategies, target markets, and unique selling propositions. This will help you identify ways to differentiate your business and attract customers.
  • Understand market trends: Stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the horticulture industry. This includes changes in consumer preferences, emerging plant species, sustainable practices, and technological advancements. Understanding these trends will help you adapt your business strategies and offerings to stay competitive.
  • Assess market size and growth potential: Estimate the size of your target market and assess its growth potential. This will help you determine the scalability of your horticulture business and identify opportunities for expansion.
  • Analyze pricing and profitability: Analyze the pricing structure in the horticulture industry and identify the factors that affect profitability. Consider the costs involved in growing, maintaining, and distributing plants and flowers, as well as market demand and pricing strategies. This will help you set competitive prices and ensure profitability.
  • Utilize online resources, industry publications, and trade associations to gather market data and insights.
  • Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to gain firsthand information about their needs and preferences.
  • Stay updated with local and national regulations related to horticulture, as they may impact your business operations.

A thorough market analysis will provide you with valuable insights to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies for your horticulture business. It will help you identify your target market, position your business competitively, and align your products and services with customer demands.

Determine Your Unique Selling Proposition

Identifying your unique selling proposition (USP) is crucial in the horticulture industry, where competition can be fierce. Your USP is what sets you apart from your competitors and gives customers a reason to choose your business over others. Here are the key steps to determine your USP:

  • Understand your target market: Before you can determine your USP, it is important to have a deep understanding of your target market and their needs. Conduct market research and gather insights into what customers in the horticulture industry are looking for.
  • Identify your strengths: Take a close look at your business and identify your unique strengths. This could be anything from the quality and variety of plants you offer to your exceptional customer service or eco-friendly practices.
  • Evaluate your competitors: Research your competitors in the horticulture industry to see what they are offering and how you can differentiate yourself. Identify any gaps or areas where you can provide a better offering.
  • Create a value proposition: Once you have a good understanding of your target market, strengths, and competitors, create a strong value proposition that clearly communicates the unique benefits your business provides to customers.
  • Focus on what makes your business special and different from others.
  • Highlight any certifications, awards, or special achievements that set you apart.
  • Consider conducting surveys or seeking feedback from existing customers to understand their perception of your business and identify unique selling points.
  • Continuously monitor and evaluate the market and adjust your USP if needed to stay ahead of the competition.

Determining your unique selling proposition is a critical step in developing a successful business plan for horticulture. It helps define your brand and allows you to effectively communicate the value you bring to your target market. Remember, a strong USP can be the key differentiator that attracts customers and drives success in the competitive horticulture industry.

Research Competitors In The Horticulture Industry

When starting a horticulture business, conducting thorough research on your competitors is crucial for your success. Understanding the competitive landscape will give you insight into industry trends, pricing strategies, customer preferences, and gaps in the market that you can capitalize on. Here are some key steps to effectively research your competitors in the horticulture industry:

  • Identify your main competitors: Begin by identifying the main competitors in your target market. Look for businesses that offer similar products or services and operate within your geographical area. This could include wholesale nurseries, garden centers, or online plant retailers.
  • Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses: Analyze your competitors' strengths and weaknesses to understand what sets them apart and where they might be lagging. This information will help you identify opportunities to differentiate your business and provide added value to customers.
  • Analyze their pricing and value proposition: Examine your competitors' pricing strategies and value propositions. Compare their prices, discounts, and promotions with your own to determine how competitive you are in the market. Additionally, identify the unique selling points that set your competitors apart and consider how you can position your business differently.
  • Study their marketing and branding efforts: Take a close look at your competitors' marketing and branding strategies to gain insights into their messaging, target audience, and overall brand identity. This information will help you refine your own marketing approach and create a unique brand that stands out.
  • Regularly monitor your competitors' websites, social media channels, and promotional materials to stay updated on their latest offerings and marketing tactics.
  • Attend industry trade shows and conferences to connect with both competitors and potential buyers. This will not only provide valuable networking opportunities but also help you stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
  • Consider conducting surveys or interviews with customers who have purchased from your competitors. This will provide valuable customer insights and feedback on what your competitors are doing well and where they may be lacking.

By conducting a comprehensive analysis of your competitors, you will be better equipped to create a unique business strategy that differentiates your horticulture business from others in the industry. This knowledge will allow you to make informed decisions, enhance your marketing efforts, and ultimately gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Develop A Strong Brand Identity

In the horticulture industry, a strong brand identity can set your business apart from competitors and establish a sense of trust and recognition among your target market. To develop a strong brand identity, consider the following:

  • Define your brand values: Start by clearly defining the values that your horticulture business stands for. These values should align with the needs and preferences of your target market.
  • Create a memorable logo: Your logo will be the visual representation of your brand and should be designed in a way that reflects the nature of your business. It should be unique, memorable, and easily recognizable.
  • Design consistent brand assets: Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong brand identity. Design consistent brand assets such as business cards, letterheads, packaging, and website that align with your logo and overall brand image.
  • Develop a compelling brand story: Craft a compelling brand story that communicates the essence of your business and connects with your target market on an emotional level. This can help build a strong emotional connection with your customers.
  • Use consistent brand messaging: Develop consistent brand messaging that clearly communicates your unique selling proposition and resonates with your target market. This messaging should be used across all communication channels, including your website, social media, and marketing materials.

Tips for developing a strong brand identity:

  • Research your target market to understand their preferences and values.
  • Seek professional help if you lack design or branding expertise.
  • Consistently monitor and update your brand identity to stay relevant in the market.

Create A Financial Plan And Set A Budget

Creating a comprehensive financial plan and setting a budget is crucial for the success of your horticulture business. It allows you to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively. Here are some key steps to consider:

  • Evaluate your start-up costs: Determine the initial investment required to acquire land, purchase equipment, hire labor, and cover other expenses. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your financial needs from the beginning.
  • Estimate ongoing operational expenses: Calculate the recurring costs involved in growing and maintaining your plant inventory, such as seedlings, fertilizers, irrigation systems, pest control, and utilities. Additionally, consider expenses related to marketing, shipping, and any other overhead costs.
  • Forecast your revenue: Based on your market research, estimate your potential sales and the expected timeframe for generating revenue. Consider the demand for your products, the pricing strategy, and any seasonal variations that may impact sales.
  • Create a sales forecast: Break down your revenue projections into monthly or quarterly targets. This will help you track your progress and make adjustments, if needed, to meet your financial goals.
  • Identify funding options: Determine if you require external funding to support your business. Explore options such as loans, grants, or partnerships. Prepare a compelling business case, including your financial projections, to attract potential investors or lenders.
  • Work closely with an accountant or financial advisor who specializes in horticulture businesses. They can help you create a realistic financial plan and provide valuable insights.
  • Keep track of your expenses and revenue regularly. This will enable you to identify any deviations from your budget and take corrective actions promptly.
  • Periodically review and update your financial plan to reflect changes in the market, your business operations, and your goals. Flexibility and adaptability are essential in a dynamic industry like horticulture.

By creating a financial plan and setting a budget, you will be better equipped to navigate the financial aspects of your horticulture business. It will help you make strategic decisions, monitor your progress, and ensure sustainable growth in the long run.

Identify The Necessary Resources And Equipment

When starting a horticulture business, it is crucial to carefully identify and gather all the necessary resources and equipment required for your operations. These resources and equipment are essential for efficiently growing, cultivating, and supplying plants and flowers to your target market. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

  • Land: Determine the amount of land needed based on the scale of your operations. Assess the land for its fertility, drainage, and access to irrigation systems.
  • Greenhouses and Structures: Depending on the type of plants you will be growing, consider investing in greenhouses, hoop houses, or other structures that provide controlled environments for optimal plant growth.
  • Planting and Cultivation Equipment: Acquire the necessary tools and equipment for activities such as seeding, propagation, transplanting, pruning, and maintaining plant health. This may include tillers, seeders, tractors, sprayers, and various hand tools.
  • Irrigation Systems: Install an efficient irrigation system to ensure plants receive adequate water while minimizing waste. This may include sprinklers, drip irrigation, or a combination of both.
  • Storage and Packaging: Plan for appropriate storage facilities to preserve the quality of your plants. Consider the need for refrigeration or specialized storage options for delicate flowers. Additionally, invest in suitable packaging materials to protect and transport your products safely.
  • Transportation: Determine the transportation needs to deliver your plants and flowers to customers. This may involve investing in trucks, vans, or partnering with logistics companies.
  • Consider the long-term requirements of your horticulture business when purchasing equipment. Opt for reliable and durable options to minimize the need for frequent replacements.
  • Research various suppliers and compare prices to ensure you acquire equipment and resources at a reasonable cost without compromising quality.
  • Stay updated with advancements in horticultural technology and equipment to enhance productivity and reduce manual labor.
  • Don't overlook the importance of safety equipment. Provide protective gear for yourself and your employees to ensure a safe working environment.

By being thorough in identifying the necessary resources and equipment, you can ensure a smooth and efficient operation of your horticulture business. This will contribute to the overall success and profitability of your venture.

Determine The Legal And Regulatory Requirements

Before starting a horticulture business, it is crucial to understand and comply with the legal and regulatory requirements in your specific geographical area. These requirements vary depending on the location, so thorough research is necessary. Here are some key areas to consider:

  • Licensing: Determine if you need any specific licenses or permits to operate a horticulture business. This may include a nursery license, pesticide applicator license, or a seller's permit for selling plants.
  • Business Structure: Decide on the legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Consult with a lawyer or accountant to understand the pros and cons of each structure.
  • Zoning and Land Use: Check the zoning regulations in your area to ensure that your chosen location is suitable for a horticulture business. Some areas may have restrictions on commercial agricultural activities or specific requirements for greenhouses or nursery operations.
  • Environmental Regulations: Familiarize yourself with any environmental regulations that may impact your horticulture business, such as regulations regarding water usage, waste management, and the use of pesticides or fertilizers.
  • Insurance: Consult with an insurance agent to determine the types of insurance coverage required for your business. This may include general liability insurance, property insurance for your equipment and inventory, and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
  • Employment Laws: Understand the employment laws in your area, including minimum wage requirements, overtime regulations, and any specific labor laws that may apply to agricultural businesses. Ensure compliance with these laws when hiring and managing employees.
  • Consult with a lawyer or business advisor who specializes in agricultural or horticultural businesses to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements.
  • Stay updated on any changes to regulations or licensing requirements that may affect your horticulture business. Join industry associations or networks to stay informed.
  • Maintain proper record-keeping to demonstrate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This will be useful during inspections or audits.

Create A Detailed Operational Plan

Now that you have thoroughly researched and analyzed your target market, developed a strong brand identity, and created a financial plan, it's time to dive into the operational aspects of your horticulture business. A detailed operational plan will serve as a roadmap for the day-to-day activities and processes involved in running your business efficiently.

1. Determine your production processes: Outline the steps involved in growing and cultivating your plants and flowers. Consider factors such as seed sourcing, propagation methods, irrigation systems, pest and disease control, and harvesting practices.

2. Define your inventory management: Establish a system to track and manage your inventory effectively. This includes monitoring stock levels, organizing plants by species and size, and implementing procedures for reordering and replenishing supplies.

3. Plan your staffing requirements: Assess the labor needs of your horticulture business and determine how many employees or contractors you will need. Consider skills required for different tasks, such as planting, pruning, packaging, and customer service.

4. Create a production schedule: Develop a timeline that outlines when specific tasks need to be completed. This will help you allocate resources efficiently, plan for seasonal fluctuations, and ensure a consistent supply of plants and flowers to meet customer demands.

5. Establish quality control measures: Implement processes to ensure that your plants and flowers meet the highest quality standards. This may involve regular inspections, testing for pests and diseases, and implementing best practices for plant care and maintenance.

Tips for creating a detailed operational plan:

  • Consider creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each task to maintain consistency and improve efficiency.
  • Regularly review and update your operational plan to adapt to changes in the market, technology, or regulations.
  • Establish relationships with reliable suppliers to ensure a steady supply of seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary resources.
  • Invest in training programs for your employees to enhance their skills and knowledge in horticulture practices.

A well-crafted operational plan will provide a framework for managing your horticulture business effectively and help you navigate challenges with ease. By considering each step of your production processes, inventory management, staffing requirements, and quality control measures, you can ensure smooth operations and deliver high-quality plants and flowers to your customers.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for horticulture requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure success in this competitive industry. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, you can create a comprehensive plan that addresses key aspects such as market analysis, branding, financial planning, resource allocation, legal requirements, and operational strategies.

Identifying your target market and understanding their needs is crucial for tailoring your products and services to meet their demands. Conducting a thorough market analysis helps you identify trends, opportunities, and potential challenges, enabling you to make informed decisions.

Determining your unique selling proposition allows you to differentiate your business from competitors, while researching your competition helps you understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Developing a strong brand identity is essential for creating a memorable and recognizable presence in the market. Additionally, creating a financial plan and setting a budget helps you manage your resources effectively.

Identifying the necessary resources and equipment ensures that you have the means to grow and maintain your inventory, while understanding the legal and regulatory requirements helps you comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Finally, creating a detailed operational plan outlines the specific steps and processes involved in running your horticulture business smoothly.

By following these steps, you can lay a solid foundation for your horticulture business, increasing your chances of profitability and long-term success in the industry.

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Vegetable and Fruit Agriculture is also known as Horticulture Agriculture. Horticulture as an industry dates back in 17 th Century when growth of large cities made it impractical for individuals to produce necessary garden crops on their own property. To-date modern horticulture is a multi-million dollar business in advanced countries. In Tanzania, the volume of exports of these crops in 2000 was: vegetables 6,706 tons, flowers 2000 tons, spices 1241 tons, and fruits 3,888 tons, earning the nation over TAS 7.8 billion in foreign exchange. Vegetables and fruits also contribute considerably to improving the quality of diet and human nutrition and income. These crops are excellent sources of Vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, carbohydrates and proteins. Some vegetables have higher protein content than rice and legumes when expressed in dry matter content.

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Farm and Agriculture Business Plans

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Farming and agriculture are complicated businesses. To be successful, you need more than a green thumb and the willingness to get your hands dirty. You need to know how to operate your agricultural enterprise efficiently and not just forecast your crop rotations, but your cash position and revenue. To do that, you need a business plan.

How can a business plan help your farm or agriculture business?

A good business plan will help your farm or food production business grow. It can improve your chances of receiving government grants or loans, help you manage your business through hard times, and identify additional forms of revenue like tourism or consulting. Most lenders or investors require a business plan before they even consider funding a project. When you add in the numerous elements of running an agricultural business, and the factors like weather and government regulations that are often beyond your control, a business plan becomes an essential tool for effective management, strategic planning and communication across all the key stakeholders in your business.

Find the right agriculture business plan template for your business

If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our farms, food growers, food production facilities, and other agriculture-related sample business plans for inspiration. Or to build a more modern plan that helps you easily manage your agricultural business we recommend you try LivePlan . It contains the same agriculture business plan templates and information you see here, but with additional guidance to help you develop the perfect plan.

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horticulture business plan pdf

  • Vegetable Farming

Fruit Farming

Flower farming, livestock farming, aquaculture, poultry farming.

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These costs can include the purchase of chicken coops and other equipment, feed, vaccines, and other medical care. In addition, you will need to factor in the cost of labor for someone to care for your chickens daily. Once you understand the costs of running a poultry farm, you can begin to develop a sales and marketing strategy.

  • Choose a location for your farm. Your farm should be located in an area with good access to water and food sources and transportation routes.
  • Build your poultry houses. Your poultry houses should be well-ventilated and spacious enough to house your birds comfortably.
  • Stock your farm with birds. You’ll need to decide what type of birds you want to raise on your farm and then purchase the appropriate number of chicks or eggs from a hatchery or breeder.
  • Care for your birds. Your birds will need regular care and attention, so you’ll need to develop a routine for feeding, cleaning, and monitoring them.
  • Market your products once your birds attain market weight.  

You can find the Poultry farming business plan   PDF at the bottom of this post for your download.

A livestock farming business plan is a very important document that outlines the various aspects of starting and running a livestock farm. It includes sections on the type of livestock to be raised, the business model, the management system, the financials, and the marketing strategy. The first section of the plan should focus on the type of livestock to be raised on the farm. This will include a discussion on the breeds of livestock best suited for the climate and terrain of the farm.

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Livestock farming

It is important to select breeds that are hardy and adaptable to the conditions on the farm. The second section of the plan should focus on the business model for the farm. There are several options available for livestock farmers, including direct sales, wholesale or contract farming. Each option has its pros and cons; these should be considered before making a decision.

The third section of the plan should focus on the management system for the farm. This will include discussing pasture management, herd health, animal husbandry, and other important aspects of running a successful livestock operation. The fourth section of the plan should focus on the operation’s financials.

This will include a discussion on start-up costs, operating costs, and expected revenues. The final section of the plan should focus on the marketing strategy for the farm. This will include a discussion on how to reach potential customers and create a brand for the farm that will differentiate it from other operations in the area.

You can find the Livestock farming business plan   PDF at the bottom of this post for your download.

A business plan for your farming business is like a roadmap — it outlines where you’re going and how you’ll get there. Developing a business plan can seem daunting, but if it breaks down into smaller steps, it becomes much less so. Plus, once you have a plan in place, you’ll be able to track your farming progress and make necessary adjustments as time goes by. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a farm business plan:

  • Define your business goals. What do you want your farming business to achieve? Do you want to grow a certain type of crop? Raise a certain type of livestock? Sell directly to consumers? 
  •  Research your industry and target market. What trends are happening in agriculture? Who is your target market? What do they want or need?
  • Create a marketing plan. How will you reach your target market? What channels will you use?  
  • Make a financial forecast. What are your expected costs and revenues? How will you fund your operations? What is the timeframe you expect to turn into a profit?
  • Write your agri-business plan. Now that you have all the information, it’s time to put them together into a coherent document. You need to start with an executive summary that outlines your business goals and strategies. Then, flesh out each section with more detail.

You can find the Agricultural farming business plan   PDF at the bottom of this post for your download.

Horticulture farming is a type of agriculture that deals with crops, fruits, and vegetables. It is a viable business option for those looking to enter the agricultural sector. There are various factors to consider when creating a horticulture farming business plan. These include the type of crop you wish to grow, the amount of land you have available, your start-up capital, and your target market. It is vital to do your research before starting a horticulture farm.

You need to determine what type of crop you want to grow and if there is a demand for it in the market. It would help if you also considered the available land and whether it is suitable for horticulture farming. If you need more land, you can look into leasing options. Start-up capital is another important factor to consider. You need to invest enough to cover the costs of seeds, fertilizer, equipment, and labor.

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Apple Farming

Finally, it will help if you think about who your target market is. Are you selling to local businesses or direct to consumers? Creating a detailed business plan is essential for any new business venture. By taking the time to research and plan, you can increase your chances of getting more profits in the horticulture farming industry.

You can find the Horticulture farming business plan   PDF at the bottom of this post for your download.

If you plan to set up a greenhouse farming business, you will need to develop a business plan. This will help you map out your business’s costs, revenue and profits. It will also give you an idea of the competition in the market and how to position your business to be successful. There are a few things that you will need to consider when developing your greenhouse farming business plan:

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Greenhouse Tomato Farming

  • The cost of setting up the greenhouse includes the materials, labour, and other associated costs.
  • The running costs of the greenhouse – this includes the cost of heating, lighting, and ventilation.
  • The labor cost includes the wages of any staff employed to work in the greenhouse.
  • The cost of plants and seeds includes the cost of propagating your own plants or buying them from a supplier. The price of your produce is what you will charge for your fruits, vegetables, or flowers.
  • The income from sales is what you will earn from selling your produce.
  • The profit margin is the difference between your income and your costs and will determine whether your business is profitable or not.
  • The competition – this is who else is selling similar products in your area and how you can differentiate yours from theirs.
  • Your marketing strategy should include a clear manner of marketing crops grown in your greenhouse.

You can find the Greenhouse farming business plan   PDF at the bottom of this post for your download.

If you’re considering starting a hydroponic farming business, you’ll need a solid business plan. Here’s what you should include:

  • An executive summary. This should give a brief business overview, including your goals, target market, and financial projections.
  • A company description. This should provide more details about your business, including your history, products or services offered, and any unique selling points.
  • Market analysis. This section should research and analyze your target market, including potential customers, competitor analysis, and trends in the industry.
  • Marketing and sales strategy. This part of your plan should detail how you intend to market and sell your products or services, including online and offline channels, pricing strategy, and promotional tactics.
  • Operations plan. Here, you’ll need to outline the day-to-day operations of your business, including facilities, equipment, staff, and processes.
  • Financial projections. This section should include your financial goals and forecasting for the next 4 to 5 years.

You can find the Hydroponic farming business plan   PDF at the bottom of this post for your download.

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Hydroponic Farming

Aquaculture business plan

The aquaculture business plan requires an evaluation of the potential for raising and selling a specific species of fish, shrimp, shellfish, or algae in a particular location. A successful aquaculture business plan must include the following:

  • An analysis of the market.
  • An assessment of the farm’s carrying capacity.
  • A financial projection.

The first step in developing an aquaculture business plan is to evaluate the potential market for your product. What is the demand for your fish, shellfish, or algae species? Who are your potential customers? What price are they willing to pay? What is the competition? This information will help you determine if there is a market for your product and what price you can charge.

In case you missed it: How to Start Polyculture Fish Farming In India: Composite Fish Culture, Mixed Fish Farming Examples, Benefits, and Disadvantages

Aquaculture Farming

The second step is to assess your farm’s carrying capacity. This includes determining the land, water, and infrastructure you will need to support your operation. It also includes estimating the number of fish, shellfish, or algae you can raise without damaging the environment.

The third step is to create a financial projection for your business. This includes estimating your start-up costs, operating expenses, and expected revenue. It also includes creating a risk management plan to protect your investment.

You can find the Aquaculture farming business plan   PDF at the bottom of this post for your download.

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COMMENTS

  1. [Pdf Sample] Business Plan For Horticulture Farming Docx

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  4. PDF Elements of A Farm Business Plan

    GETTING STARTED AS A DIRECT MARKET GROWER Page 1 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PLACER & NEVADA COUNTIES B USINESS PLAN ELEMENTS OF A FARM BUSINESS PLAN 31 AUTHOR: Cindy Fake, Horticulture and Small Farms Advisor, Nevada & Placer Counties Publication Number -143C (June 2009) Understanding that farming is a business is the first step on the path to success.

  5. PDF Horti-Business Management

    farms (> 4.0 - 10.0 Ha) and 1.09 million large farms ( > 10 ha). Horticulture farms are farms where predominantly horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants, plantation crops etc., are grown and income from these crops account for the major share of the gross revenue generated from the farm ...

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    show adequate potential, a business plan will, later on, be prepared after the necessary decisions are concluded by the committed investors. Background of AgroBIG Programme Programme for Agro-Business Induced Growth in Amhara regional state (AgroBIG) is a bilateral agribusiness development programme funded by the Ethiopian and Finnish governments.

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    1: Leafy (cabbage, spinach, rape, choumolliar, broccoli, lettuce and cauliflower). Group 2: Fruit Vegetables (tomatoes, green peppers, eggplants, garden egg) Group 3: Root/Bulb Vegetables (onion, carrots, beetroots) Group 4: Leguminous (garden peas, green beans). PREREQUISITES garlic,

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    Introduction If you have a passion for plants and a gift for making them grow, a degree in horticulture business management can help you turn your green thumb into a career as a florist, a plant equipment sales manager, or another role in this industry.

  18. Farming Business Plan PDF: for Poultry, Livestock ...

    1. Decide what type of poultry farm you want to start. There are many types of poultry farms, so you must decide which is right for you. Research and talk to other farmers to get an idea of what type of farm would be best for you. 2. Create a business plan.

  19. PDF 2020-21

    Horticulture Business Management is an excellent career choice for people who love plants and want to make a good living working with them. Plant growing and care ... internship plan and identify, coordinate, and evaluate learning experiences appropriate to the field of study and major career focus of the student. PREREQUISITES: 10001120

  20. PDF Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food security ISPAAD ...

    ISPAAD Horticulture Business Plan Form Date of Submission: ____________ HORTICULTURE SUPPORT PROGRAME APPLICATION FORM PART 1.0 APPLICANT DETAILS Company /partnership/ group Surname Name Omang Date of birth Position % Share in the business Gender Qualifications Contact details Part 1.1 Applicant Financial funding History

  21. 56045484-Sample-Business-Plan-Horticulture-Business.pdf

    Horticultural Business Plan Example A specific example has been developed for each of the six rural business categories. These examples are provided to give the user guidance in the type and format of information to include into a business plan.

  22. Download Sample Business Plan Horticulture Business

    Download Sample Business Plan Horticulture Business. Type: PDF. Date: October 2019. Size: 348.1KB. Author: Amrit Sharma. This document was uploaded by user and they confirmed that they have the permission to share it. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA report form. Report DMCA.

  23. Horticulture CEDA NEW.pdf

    CEDA BUSINESS PLAN BUSINESS PROPOSAL OF DIFFERENT CROPS (TOMATO, CARROT, CABBAGE, SPINACH AND RAPE) TOMATO Tomato is a summer crop that is easily damaged by frost, however, where weather conditions are favorable production can be done throughout the year ( Ngamiland and Chobe regions). The best growing temperatures are 21 - 24oC. All year production in other parts of the country is possible ...

  24. PDF APPROVED COURSES FOR CERTIFICATE IN ...

    * Indicates newly approved courses not built into the current, 2023-24, ENTR Program plan of study (myPurduePlan/Edu Nav). ... HORT 42700 Horticulture Capstone Capstone LACM, LADS, & LAEM/HOSC ... *HK 32800 Business of Professional Sports Option OPEN Newly approved course not built into the current plan of study. An exception will be provided ...