Starting an Organic Farm Business

Maybe you own a wide patch of land and you don’t know what to do with it. There are many ways that you could make money from that land, and an organic farm is part of these.

Find out how to start an organic farm through the business guide found in this article.

Let’s say, you have a love for animals or plants, or even both. You could actually make money from this hobby while pursuing it. How? By starting an organic farm and use it as a source of income or business. It’s actually very simple to start one. Here are the things that you would need to procure or do.

Animals

It can be possible to set up an agroecosystem – the organic plants in an organic farm – without herbivores, but having these animals on your organic farm can be beneficial. Since the goal of an organic farmer is to have an ecosystem that is more or less natural in order to maximize the production of his farm, animals complete that goal because there are no ecosystems without animals. Farm animals process biomass and recycle the nutrients by eating plants and defecating. These animal feces are useful as fertilizers because the nutrients that plants produce are found in them.

Here are some things to consider when getting farm animals:

  • The animals you select must be suitable to the crops that you produce in your organic farm.
  • The population should also be balanced with the number of crops you planted.
  • The storage area for your animals should use as less energy as possible in order to be friendly to the environment of your organic farm.

Pest Control

Pests can be the bane of your plants. These pests include snails, caterpillars, aphids and mites that feed on your plants, and destroy them along the way. There are two techniques for pest control that you can use: the organic method, and the chemical pest control techniques.

The organic method involves the use of natural techniques, something that will benefit your organic farm as you try and mimic natural ecosystems. Organic methods include the use of dragonflies and green lacewings, among other predatory insects, that feed on some of the pests that can be found in your organic farm. This method is very economical, as you don’t need to spend money on pest control chemicals unlike the other pest control method.

The chemical pest control should be used only as a last resort. This is because chemical pest control solutions are toxic, and can harm your plants instead of helping them. Choose the least toxic solutions when you finally decide to use chemicals to rid your organic farm of pests.

64 Comments

  • ramesh kumar said on October 24, 2008
    I want to set up a poultry feed factory. Please give me some ideas before setting up a poultry feed factory. What are the pros and cons of establishing, and how do I save money during establishment? email: rameshbiotech007@gmail.com
  • Mary Edmonds said on January 5, 2009
    I want to build an organic turkey/chicken farm; I have some 15-plus land. Please advise on capital and whatever else is needed for it.
  • D.E.Goodman said on January 19, 2009
    I need basic info to help small farmers in developing countries, like how to start using animal manure on small sustainable farms. I need the information in your words, step by step, that they can understand.
  • D.E.Goodman said on January 19, 2009
    Advising a small sustainable farmer in a developing country, he wants to know how to use the manure.
    Does he have to incorporate it into the soil?
    How long before planting does he have to do it?
    Can he use manure on in-ground vegetables like potatoes?
  • D.E.Goodman said on January 19, 2009
    I need simple language info on how to safely compost manure into fertilizer to kill disease, parasite germs, and plant seeds.
    What kind of container do you use?
    Can a pit into the ground be used?
    How tightly does it have to be covered?
    What organic material can be incorporated into the compost?
    Can household garbage be used?
    Is green material better than dried vegetation?
    Can the final stage of the composted material be used above ground during the growing season? If so, how long after planting so as not to contaminate above-ground vegetables?
    Many thanks from my friends who need this help and have nowhere to turn.
    Earle Goodman
  • Imani Katule said on January 26, 2009
    Hi, I own a land of about 250 acres I want to know how I can divide this farm for vegetables, fruits, and livestock organically. Also if you advise me on essential things for beginning this farm? Thanks Imani
  • Brandon Glover said on February 5, 2009
    Hey, my family has 80 acres of land in NC, and we were just wondering what the basic steps of starting a profitable organic farm. How much capital is needed to create this farm? Who would I have to contact to legally wholesale organic products? How much annually would I have to spend to keep the farm operational?
  • Art Carter said on February 23, 2009
    We are starting a 200Ac. organic farm in NJ. that will incorporate a USDA approved kitchen. We will develop approx.60Ac per yr for 3 yrs. Can you provide us w/ some capital expense info. All that is there is the land and several housing units for labor and mgr. We have 200-300K to invest and want to begin in April. Art Carter
  • ADELEKE OWOLABI said on February 28, 2009
    i did not know anything about it, send me all necessary information about organic farm.
  • Antoine said on March 15, 2009
    I was raised on a farm and I love animals. I am looking into starting a small organic chicken compost business. I know that everything the chickens’ consumes must be organic. Only concerns are how entail is it. Ex I have to build the cope can I use pressure treated lumber? Or does everything must be natural. I know I have to get local business licenses, permits, and insurance. Is there any special groups, special people, state, or federal guidelines or certification involved for me to sell, and manufacture organic compost manure. Thanks
  • susan parsitau said on April 2, 2009
    i want to start poultry farming business. i can make with the help of your manual guidance. thanks
  • William said on May 8, 2009
    Anyone in DFW thinking about organics???
  • Tammy Maxey said on May 11, 2009
    I want to start raising blackberries. We have 15 acres of good tillable land. How hard is it and is there a market for these berries?
  • Richard Goodridge said on June 25, 2009
    Hello, I am trying to start up a native american organic farm growing native seed from my area and local tribes. I have a story in the "Native peoples magazine" pg. 12 title : A man for all ages " I am seeking help in starting up my farm to impact the food born illness such as diabetes and to provide for the needs of the people.
  • Andrew said on July 16, 2009
    Hi, I'm planning on going organic for the first time. I have 20 acres for now with potential to get more. I'm located in the Shenandoah Vally in VA and we have amazing soil. I have done lots of research and would like to know where the best place I can look to sell my produce.... maybe even wholesale. The list includes: Tomatoes, Corn, Berries (Blue most likely), Cucumbers, Peppers, Lettuce.
  • Xolani said on July 23, 2009
    Hello, I am in Swaziland and organic farming is most suitable for our way of life and money available to us. I have a small patch of land behind my house that has been cultivated to plant spinach, beetroot, cabbage and onions. My question is how do we organically keep our patch healthy.
  • Odessa Harris- Moore said on July 23, 2009
    Hi, I am about to start a product farm for the first time in the Delta. I have 15 acres. I want to start with at least one(1) or two(2) acres first. Then work my way up to the whole fifteen(15) acres as time progress. In the mean time, I am doing a research on the soil in my area to see what I need to do to get started. The question is; How do I get started?
  • Niraj kumar yadav said on July 30, 2009
    Hi, can anybody please help me in preparing a business plan on Organic Farming. IF yes then Please do it soon very soon
  • Dena D Gutierres said on August 4, 2009
    I do not know anything about organic farming could you please send me all the info you can
  • Steven Horton said on August 9, 2009
    Have old family farm, 20 acres, not worked in 40 years. Would like to turn it into an organic pic your on and internet farm with berries, vegetables, maybe goats. Very little $, Any ideas will be appreciated.
  • Tony said on August 22, 2009
    Hello everyone, i want to start an organic papaya and blueberry farm, can anyone help me about the projected financial aspect of this farm or do you have any idea how much capital that i am going to need and what are the things to consider and the possible expenses. please help i really need it.. thanks.
  • Mark said on November 17, 2009
    I would like to know all I need to start hydroponically growing feed for tilapia fish and perhaps roses, please help!
  • Jenny Sigarlaki said on December 1, 2009
    hi.. i need information on starting an organic farming business particularly in tropical vegetables. i live in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. thanx.
  • mercy said on December 3, 2009
    Would like to start organic farming in a piece of land in quilon in kerala. please give me guidance right from the basics. And also suggestions on what would be the best yielding plants and trees there.
  • Lisa said on December 21, 2009
    Hello. I live in Milden, Saskatchewan, Canada. I'd like to take the next couple of years to plan how to start my own organic orchard business. Where I live exists heavy clay soil. I want to make at least $1000/month and own 1 to 5 acres of land. While keeping in mind climate, land space, and my desire to be "old-school" with my use of equipment (traditional & nothing fancy), what fruits do you recommend I grow? (I only want to grow one or two different varieties). Do you know of any solid books on how to start an orchard business? Any other comments would be appreciated. Thank you so much, Lisa
  • Phumlani said on February 3, 2010
    Eastern Cape, Mdantsane. I would like sample of Business plan for chicken farming.
  • Rosita Alonzo said on March 27, 2010
    I live in Fort Belvoir VA and I am an expert vegetables gardener, I am an electrician and I am looking for job in an organic farm who needs to provided me housing for me and my twin daughters, one is an automechanic and the other is an electrician and tutor for elementary and middle school. I am a professional driver with CDL
  • SAM SOUEITY said on March 30, 2010
    I LIVE IN LEBANON AND I LOVE HEALTHY FOOD. I'M THINKING TO START AN ORGANIC VEGETABLE FARM I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START I NEED GUIDANCE ON STEPS OF STARTING THIS BUSINESS, COST ETC. THANK YOU.
  • RYAN .K said on March 30, 2010
    COULD YOU PLEASE PROVIDE ME WITH INFO ON HOW TO START AN ORGANIC CHICKEN FARM BUSINESS WITH ALL DETAILS AND ON COST. I REALLY THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
  • Kelly said on April 2, 2010
    Hi, I would like to know more info on Organic Vegetable farming in Tx.. business plan, seeds, fertilizers number of volunteers needed to work on a 5 acres non profit project etc etc....
  • jdvaru said on April 28, 2010
    hi all pl.......help for how make organic farm? pl, tell me i'm from gujrat (india) my email jdvaru@yahoo.com
  • mitchie said on May 17, 2010
    Hi i would like to know more about farming at Gabiola with 5 acre land since its really nice place but i was wondering if the soil will be fit for planting crops and breeding some animals. Hopefully you could provide me more detailed information. Pls dont hesitate to email me back at spicy2009@yaho9o.com. I really appreciate it. Thank you and God bless. Mitchie
  • La Verne said on May 17, 2010
    I have about 15 acres of land in Mississippi. I want to start an organic farm and also raise goats, chickens, alpacas. Can you please tell me where to start with this business venture. What it entails, etc. Also costs involved in the startup?
  • Taiwo said on May 29, 2010
    Dear sir, I will like to establish a poultry feed factory in oyo state Nigeria. Pls i need its exact amount and equipment to do the buisness and the cost. Thanks
  • Ighodaro famous said on June 27, 2010
    I am from benin city, Edo state, nigeria. I will like to go into farming, but the area i will like to go into are, pig and goat, cassava, corn, tomatoes. I need your professional advice on what to do and how to do it this is my mail greatfa2@gmail.com
  • Muritala said on July 19, 2010
    Sir, please i want to invest in farming, which i like the area of poultry keeping and palm plantation. feed me information require on it. Location: Nigeria, Osun State, Iwo.
  • Nitai Chandra said on August 9, 2010
    Hi, we have more than 2000 acre land. we want to do only organic farming. any body interested , who want tie up to purchase our product. & if any one want produce his/her product, we are ready to work with conditions. thanks, can contact-chandra.nitai@sify.com
  • robert said on October 20, 2010
    interested in establishing an urban farm on 2 acre parcel in a downtown in USA. chickens would be a great source of insect control and nitrogen, as well as egg production. However, presently chickens are out lawed in downtown. hothan_inc@yahoo.com
  • Zoe said on November 7, 2010
    Mareeba, Qld, Australia. Hi, I have 18 acres and would am researching starting an organic farm. what is the best produce for land and location? what has the potential to be the most financially viable produce? Any information appreciated. Kind regards, Zoe
  • Murilo said on November 20, 2010
    Hi everyone ! I am looking for a partner for an Organic Farm Project in Brazil, I already got the farm, and have started a research and drawing a Business Plan. The farm is about 120 miles away from Rio de Janeiro, close to a lot markets,good roads,plenty of fresh water, reliable infrastructure. If interested, please get in touch with us !
  • salesh said on February 17, 2011
    nadi, fiji. starting a business plan.. want to know further information how to start up into 100% organic vegetable farming.
  • Guyo Haro said on March 16, 2011
    i hail from one town in Northern Kenya which have one of the biggest livestock holding. we have a lot of animal droppings in its natural state and i would like to know any firms/farms or companies that is interested in its supply. we have a youth a group, which could easily engage in this 'manure' collection.
  • Chad Clark said on June 11, 2011
    Chatham County, NC 27344. I have been growing organic chickens for the past 5 years for a company and they have cut that program out completely. I loved doing this and want to continue it but need someone to grow for. Any suggestions on a company or doing it myself.
  • Samantha-Lee Isaacs said on September 6, 2011
    Hi, I'm looking at starting up an organic chicken project together with organic vegetables. My dad has a farm in Newcastle and this where i will be setting up the business. Please give me information on how to go about starting this and what all i would need etc. many thanks
  • Julie said on September 18, 2011
    Morris County, NJ. I'm interesting in information on starting an organic farm. Vegetables as well as chickens (for eggs) and possibly horse boarding. The farm I looked at is 50 acres! Large! And it currently houses horses and goats. There are several large fields used currently for grazing. How do I find out what it would take to be declared organic? Am I right in assuming that because the land is not currently planted in that it's likely it would not have pesticides in the soil so being declared organic may not take as long as if it had? Where is the best place to learn about what I would need to get started. I need to figure what my costs will be initially and estimate what I will need to sustain a farm. I'm not sure how to estimate how many people I will need to hire……
  • Meghan said on January 5, 2012
    Thinking about starting a 5 to 10 Acre organic farm in Rhode Island. Really just getting started on my research. Any suggestions on who to talk to or where to look for info would be great! Thanks!
  • Show Hungwe said on February 6, 2012
    I am a zimbabwean residing in zimbabwe and have joined an organization for organic farming. I recently got a 50 acre plot and would like to use it specifically for organic farming of livestock. Can you please help me with information on the best possible layout since i will be staying on the farm and also costs involved for me to make it profitable. I would want to do Chickens, turkeys, ducks and sheep.
  • Hari Krishna Maharjan said on February 24, 2012
    I am residing in Nepal. I am interested in starting an organic farming business. I have a 0.2 acre of land in city area. could u suggest me how should I start the business.
  • Liz Ansell said on March 23, 2012
    I reside in Illinois and I am looking to start an organic poultry farm for eggs and meat and also organic crops. Could you please send any information regarding starting this type of business including a business plan with costs estimates and budgets for the first few years. Thank you in advance for your help.
  • Nsekpong Emmah said on May 10, 2012
    i inherited a large expanse of arable land in the south-south region of Nigeria and i intend starting up a farm but i need advice of possible areas of farming. currently there are palm-kernel trees all around. i have thought about production of palm-oil. pls advice on feasibility and cost
  • Tammy said on August 8, 2012
    We have land in Mississippi. We are looking to lease this land to an organic company, experimental housing, etc.
  • adeniran kayode said on September 29, 2012
    I Want to start a livestock farm in ibadan oyo state(skykonsult farm)
  • laxman s solanki said on October 5, 2012
    I have own firm in Indian (Gujrat), I would like to establish poultry firm but i am not well position in finance. so kindly get me idea for finance from Government of gujarat.
  • Mohammed Khalid said on October 8, 2012
    I have little bit idea about organic farming. what else i want to know is that how minimum cost and land is required in Aligarh(UP)India, One of the city where green revolution was implemented.
  • Claire Ezigbo said on October 22, 2012
    I would like to start up an organic farming business, but i dont know specifically what to concentrate on. Pls advice me, the inputs and solutions to the risks involved. My Name is Claire, from Nigeria.
  • Vijay Chhapta said on October 26, 2012
    I would like to inform you that i have interest to start business for poultry farm but i am not well condition in finance position. so kindly get me idea/ Support/Suggestion for finance from Government of gujarat. Regards, Vijay Chhapta
  • navpreet singh said on January 22, 2013
    hi sir, i want start a chickens feed factory in sitapur, up, India . how to start in small scale & what is the process & formula to make feeds & start a small poultry farm & what type of medicine we can use to group chicks & laying eggs
  • sambhav sharma said on October 14, 2013
    Hi, Want to start organic farming in north india I have 12000 sq yad land ,fertile. Could u pls suggest the way or guideline for same. Regards Sambhav
  • Mthandazo emmanuel masuku said on November 12, 2013
    My father owns a commercial farm his old and can no longer wrk and i wish to start a business in farming on our land i have experience in poultry farming and cattle ranching. i need help financially and other technology in starting one of these projects.
  • sachin ashok jundhare said on January 9, 2014
    Give me details about poultry farm business. Cost for starting, area for 3000 birds, annual income, insurance. .
  • Isaac Mnisi said on March 8, 2014
    I want to start a vegetable garden I have a small piece of land in the Kingdom of Swaziland around Mbabane. I would like to be able to make about 2000 US dollars a month. I can feed and pay for my children's education and service my car loan.
  • Constance said on March 10, 2014
    Magnolia, Ar Want to start an organic farm on 4 acres can I do this with limited funds and will having chickens help with pest control
  • lucy said on May 13, 2015
    Hi dear, we have 2.5 acres of land we are planning to build a house in half of the land and in the other we are planning to start a organic chicken/turkey/bunnies farm. I have to start 16 chickens 34 putting eggs, 34 young chickens, 3 roster, 5 young roster, 2 ducks, 7 bunnies, and 2 cackatoos, 1 incubator machine. not to much money., can some body share with me the knowllish on how to turn what y i have into a formal and legal business farm and also i need to know the legal requirements. I live in littlerock california any advise will be appreciated and helpful to me..... lcguerrero097@gmail.com
  • sandeep jangle said on February 29, 2016
    I want to start a poultry farm in maharashtra palghar i don't have any knowledge about it so can you help me starts this business and give me all ideas for subsidy.

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