profitable independent vegetable farmers

17 years ago

Anyone have success being an independent vegetable farmer? By this I mean 1-3 full time workers, either greenhouse or outdoor growing? I am interested in growing tomatoes, peppers etc. hydroponically outdoors and in greenhouses. Working 30-60 hrs a week is it common to make a comfortable salary? Is $40-$50,000 a year profit too much to expect from an independent operation after a few years experience?

I know there are many factors involved. It just seems to me that most small growers are unfortunately the starving artist type if you know what I mean.

I should add that I would prefer to sell my produce in bulk, vs farmers markets, and roadstands, etc.

Any advice would be appreciated, regardless of location.

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Comments (4)

laag
17 years ago
Start by finding out the wholesale price of these items. If you can meet or beat that price and make $50k, the answer is yes. If you can't, it won't be easy.
flowerbug_2009
17 years ago
I would suggest organic - will have to be certified but the market is much better. You can seek help from the extension office of your state university or find the contact information of the vegetable specialist from the university web site and talk to him/her directly.
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veggierosalie
17 years ago
Hi, I am new to this site - so this post may be a little late -

There are a great number of regulations to follow in order to sell vegetables to the wholesale supply chain. You will need food safety inspections, specialized packing equipment, storage/refrigeration, access to shipping, factor in the boxes for shipping fertilizer, set up costs etc...making that amount with short hours (30hrs a week? really?) and never having done it...don't know how successful you will be.

The reason most small growers are direct marketers (farmers market. farm stand) is because breaking into the supply chain is nearly impossible for the little guy. The farms that sell to Safeway and big boxes have 100's of acres and 100's of employees. You could however sell to small neighbourhood grocery shops or specialty grocery shops (if you are organic, but then you need to get certified and well, have a look at the regulations for that in your country!)

Much easier to sell flowers!

Not to discourage you, but next time your buy your veggies, have a look at the country of origin sticker and google the name of the farm that produced it...chances are that it is in Mexico and it is a huge corporate, industrial farm.

and ps. I sell at the farmers market and the farm gate and I am making a very good living, but I have over 100 acres, 20+ employees...and I work over 90 hrs a week!
hanselmanfarms
17 years ago
In your area, you will be competing with alot of large farms, more than 1-3 employees. $50K might be alot more than you can make, but IF you start out smaller, with your own labor and see locally, you will be able to see if you can expand enough to make it.

I would not quit your "day" job to jump in head-first. I know you can find the customers, but you will probably have to start with retail instead of wholesale. How about "hooking up" with a CSA in the area? this might be beneficial to both parties.