Organic Farm Business Plan
Organic Farm Business Plan
Organic Farm Business Plan
Business Plan
2019
John Doe
10200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA, 92683
(650) 359-3153
text@example.com
http://www.example.com/
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 4
Product Offering 4
Objectives 5
Mission Statement 5
Guiding Principles 5
Keys to Success 5
Business Overview 6
JOHN BURNS 6
JANE BURNS 6
Legal Formation 6
Start-Up Summary 7
Product Overview 8
Competitive Comparison 9
Product/Service Sourcing 9
Distribution 9
Inventory Management 9
Honey Bees 10
Dairy Products 10
Community Sharing 10
Customer Updates 11
Vegetable Processing 11
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Market Analysis 12
Industry Analysis 12
Market Size 12
Industry Participants 12
Market Segments 13
Market Tests 13
Market Needs 14
Market Trends 14
Market Growth 14
Positioning 14
Competitive Analysis 15
Direct Competitors 15
Backyard Bounty 15
Eilert’s Acres 15
Springdale Farms 15
Indirect Competitors 15
SWOT Analysis 16
Strategy Pyramid 18
Competitive Edge 18
Positioning Statement 19
Pricing Strategy 19
Website 20
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Marketing Programs 20
Sales Strategy 20
Sales Forecast 20
Sales Programs 20
Legal 21
Milestones 21
Exit Strategy 21
Organizational Structure 22
Management Team 22
JOHN BURNS 22
JANE BURNS 22
Personnel Plan 23
Board of Directors 23
Financial Plan 24
Important Assumptions 24
Start-Up Costs 24
Balance Sheet 26
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Executive Summary
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm, LLC is a world class commercial organic farm that will be
Eveg Organic based in the outskirts of Tallahassee, Florida – United States. We have done our
detailed market research and feasibility studies and we were able to secure a well
– situated and suitable farmland to start our commercial organic farm. Our
commercial organic farm is going to be a standard farm that will be involved in fruit
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and vegetable growing, livestock farming, grain and oil-seed production, honey
Product Offering
Examples
The Eveg Organic Farm, LLC is a world class commercial organic farm that is
Eveg Organic committed to cultivating both organic crops and livestock for both the United
States’ market and the global market. We are in business to produce both organic
food and raw materials for people and industries in commercial quantities. We will
also ensure that we operate a standard organic food packaging plant as part of
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our complimentary business.
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Fruit and vegetable growing Livestock farming Grain and oilseed production
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm has simple objectives: provide healthy and delicious tasting
Eveg Organic vegetables while simultaneously leaving a minimal carbon footprint. In order to
accomplish this, the farm plans to:
Mission Statement
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm’s mission is to raise the best tasting and finest quality fruits
Eveg Organic and vegetables for the local community. Eveg Organic Farm uses only natural
and sustainable farming methods, free from pesticides or fertilizers. Natural foods
and natural farming methods leave a smaller carbon footprint while
simultaneously improves the health of its customers and its local community.
Read More
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm’s slogan is simple: “Live life simply and simply live”.The
Eveg Organic owners also believe in contributing to their community and the planet by:
1. Local: Eveg Organic Farm believes that in order for the survival of the
planet, we must rely on local resources. Buying from local farmers supports
the local economy Read More
Guiding Principles
Keys to Success
Examples
Below are an Eveg Organic Farm’s Keys to Success:
Eveg Organic
Superlative Communication – Eveg Organic Farm keeps its members
current on all aspects of the farm – through its weekly newsletters and blog
updates on what is happening during the winter months such as new and
Read More
exciting vegetable offerings being planted in the greenhouse. Additionally,
Examples
John and Jane Burns run, manage, and operate Eveg Organic Farm. The
Eveg Organic company initially sold the farm to market then quickly began supporting local
restaurants with a surplus (waste) sold at the local farmers market. John and
Jane are operating the business as a CSA, a business for the first time this year.
Read More
The Burns selected the CSA model, in which both the farmer and the members
have a mutual interest in the crop. And because the shares are essentially
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JOHN BURNS
Owner - john.burns@example.com
John Burns, a former Human Resources Director at Sargento Cheese, was recently
downsized. Not desiring to re-enter corporate America, and concerned about the
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environment, global issues and the state of the economy, John began expanding his
family garden. What began as a way for the family to save some money and reduce the
carbon footprint, today has grown from its small ¼ acre plot to over 1+ acre with plans for
expansion to 12+ acres. A shrewd businessman and well known in the community, John
initially approached colleagues and friends in the local restaurant community. These
connections marked the beginning of business for the startup farm and as word of mouth
spread, Eveg Organic Farm attracted ten other additional restaurants. All surplus was
sold at the local farmer’s market.
JANE BURNS
- Jane.burns@example.com
Jane Burns is an elementary school teacher for the Sheboygan Area School District. A
graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Jane has been teaching fifth grade
Science for over ten years. Raised on a family dairy farm, Jane’s family also had a small
fruit and vegetable farm and she loved helping the family grow and harvest the crop. Mrs.
Burn’s summer schedule is flexible and helps the family maintain the garden during the
busy summer growing season.
Legal Formation
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm is C-Corporation formed in the State of Wisconsin. The entity
2019 Business Plan | Organic Farm Business Plan 6 / 28
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm is C-Corporation formed in the State of Wisconsin. The entity
Eveg Organic is wholly owned by John and Jane Burns.
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Start-Up Summary
Examples
The Burns have been managing the family farm successfully for the last fifteen
Eveg Organic years. Recently the owners installed a greenhouse with warming lights for early
starts. They also invested in a pickup truck (2005 Ford F150) for delivering
vegetables to the members. Most recently they purchased a tractor and borrowed
their neighbor’s attachments as needed for harvest.
Read More
Last year, Eveg Organic Farm passed the stringent requirements needed to
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Examples
Eveg Organic Farm is located in
Eveg Organic Plymouth, Wisconsin, located in Sheboygan County
Wisconsin. Sheboygan County is located in east-
central Wisconsin. Sheboygan County is a one-hour
drive to Milwaukee and Green Bay, and less than a
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3-hour trip Chicago. Interstate 43 and State
Product Overview
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Eveg Organic Farm’s growing season will start in early May and end in October with the goal of 20 weeks.
Shares will be comprised of approximately 10-15 different crops every 8 weeks of in-season produce. Here is
an example of types of produce throughout the season:
Examples
All share sales are sold in advance.
Competitive Comparison
Examples
Plymouth, Wisconsin, reports six CSA entities, of which three represent direct
Eveg Organic competition for the subject.
Read More
Product/Service Sourcing
All produce will be grown on Eveg Organic Farm. John and Jane Burns will both actively work and manage
the farm.
Examples
At Eveg Organic Farm, members have the option for home delivery or to travel to
Eveg Organic the farm on the scheduled pickup day.
The home delivery choice is what most members prefer and allows the Burns to
deliver the farm fresh produce directly. This distribution method has the least
Read More
carbon footprint, with one driver and one truck. It is obviously the most intensive
for the Burns and with the busy summer season, this can be too time-consuming
Distribution
Inventory Management
Examples
N/A. We don't need to store products. The CSA farm concept is all about
Eveg Organic freshness. The produce is delivered immediately from the farm to the (member’s)
table.
Read More
Examples
The owners of the farm have plans to introduce honey bees the following season
Eveg Organic and offer honey as another organic product.
Read More
Honey Bees
Examples
On occasion, Eveg Organic Farm partners with its neighboring dairy farm and an
Eveg Organic organic bakery in town. From time to time members will find fresh cheeses and
organic bread in their weekly selection boxes. Eveg Organic Farm owners are
currently considering joining forces with a local orchard company as well. The
orchard will supply apple butter and jams.
Read More
Dairy Products
Examples
Within one year, Eveg Organic Farm plans to utilize an additional acre and add 30
Eveg Organic more families to their growing share program. They plan to add 30 more families
(shares) by Year Three. Eveg Organic Farm has long term plans to purchase an
additional 9 acres or a total of 360 shares. To support the farm, they will hire
apprentice farmers, part-time delivery drivers, and a bookkeeper. The Burns
Read More
would then be able to focus their efforts on crop research, marketing trends and
Community Sharing
Examples
Other future plans include accessing the internet to increase awareness and the
Eveg Organic importance of local and community farming. Jane Burns is compiling a recipe E-
book which will supplement cash flow during non-productive months. In his
spare time, John Burns is also compiling an E-Book to sell on Eveg Organic Farm
website. The book will focus on modern organic farming techniques for the novice
Read More
farmer. A second book is forthcoming dealing with environmental concerns and
Examples
Additionally, Eveg Organic Farm will publish a weekly newsletter to be included in
Eveg Organic the member’s box as well as the website. The newsletter will identify what is in the
Customer Updates
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm has future plans for constructing a vegetable processing area
Eveg Organic with electricity and water. The facility will have a walk-in cooler, a washing and
grading area, stainless steel tables and two scales. Additional capital
expenditures will be for the purchase of a newer (used) pickup truck and
attachments for their tractor. (Currently, they borrow their neighbor’s).
Read More
Vegetable Processing
Examples
Sheboygan County’s cost of living is lower than the national average and housing
Eveg Organic costs are much lower than the national average. At the same time, Sheboygan
County personal income is greater than the national average. In other words, this
community not only has a high demand for organic items, but it can afford them as
well.
Read More
Industry Analysis
Examples
This analysis is based on the North American Industry Classification System
Eveg Organic (“NAICS”) 111998: Agriculture – All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming. The US
crop production industry includes about 1 million farms with combined annual
revenue of about $205 billion. Major companies include Dole Food Company,
Chiquita Brands International, and Sunkist Growers. Crop farming is the growing
Read More
and harvesting of field crops such as grain, oilseeds, tobacco, dry beans,
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Examples
Eveg Organic
The US crop production industry includes about 1 million farms with combined
annual revenue of about $205 billion. (First Research) Although the USDA does
not have official statistics on U.S. organic retail sales, information is available from
industry sources. U.S. sales of organic products were $21.1 billion in 2008--over 3
percent of total food sales and were expected to reach $23.0 billion in 2009.
Read More
(Nutrition Business Journal)
Market Size
Examples
Major participants include Dole Food Company, Chiquita Brands International,
Eveg Organic and Sunkist Growers. (First Research)
Read More
Industry Participants
Examples
2008, Sheboygan County’s median household income was $51,681 and the
Eveg Organic mean household income was estimated to be $61,889.
Market Tests
Examples
While selling produce to local restaurants, Mr. Burns realized that the CSA option
Eveg Organic could potentially come to fruition. Historically the restaurant patrons always asked
the source of the beautiful and delicate lettuces and quality tomatoes. Realizing
the popularity of his produce, Mr. Burns, while continuing on a quest for global
carbon footprint reduction, began researching the possibility of beginning a CSA
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effort. With the help of his restaurant partners, Mr. Burns posted fliers and
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm is targeting households with earnings in excess of $50,000 in
Eveg Organic the greater Sheboygan County. Approximately 51 percent of the population
resides in this category. Other farmers have missed this target by focusing on
traditional farming methods while Eveg Organic Farm has obtained the Certified
Organic stamp of approval. Additionally, Eveg Organic Farm will focus its
Read More
energies primarily on its members and provide services exceeding expectations
Examples
According to a USDA survey of market managers (Organic Produce, Price
2019 Business Plan | Organic Farm Business Plan 13 / 28
Examples
According to a USDA survey of market managers (Organic Produce, Price
Eveg Organic Premiums, and Eco-Labeling in U.S. Farmers' Markets, April 2004) found that
demand for organic products was strong or moderate in most of the farmers'
markets surveyed around the country, and that the managers felt more organic
farmers were needed to meet consumer demand in many states. (USDA updated
Read More
06/19/12)
Market Needs
Examples
While consumers may not understand all the requirements associated with being
Eveg Organic certified organic, they are comfortable with the label. Which is why Eveg Organic
Farm sought the services of the independent certification agency and has earned
the distinction to be labeled an organic farm. Comparatively, their CSA
counterparts that continue to operate by traditional farming methods, Eveg
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Organic Farm holds itself to a higher standard, which in time, they believe will
Market Trends
Examples
U.S. sales of organic products were $21.1 billion in 2008 - over 3 percent of total
Eveg Organic food sales- and were expected to reach $23.0 billion in 2009 (Nutrition Business
Journal).
Read More
Market Growth
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm is aware that its members are crucial to its survival and
Eveg Organic growth. The owners will make certain each member feels that Eveg Organic Farm
is indeed his/her farm! After all, they do own a portion of the farm! The Burns will
encourage its members to stop by to see operations. In addition, the owners will
host an open house at harvest time to celebrate the season’s bounty.
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To further ensure its members are satisfied and encourage retention, the owners
Positioning
Direct Competitors
Plymouth, Wisconsin reports six CSA entities, of which three represent direct competition for the subject.
Examples
Location: W4873 County Hwy U
Eveg Organic Plymouth, WI 53073
http://ljcomerford.wordpress.com/
This is a 22-acre family-owned farm and has been operating as a CSA for several
years. In addition to its offerings of organic fruits and vegetables this farm More
also
Read
sells organic poultry and eggs. The farm had mixed reviews by its members.
Backyard Bounty
Examples
Location: N5575 County Road ZZ
Eveg Organic Plymouth, WI 53073
http://www.eilertsacres.com/
Owned by Edward and Kay Eilert, this farm began a business as a CSARead
in 2011.
More
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The farm provides many of the same vegetables as the subject as well as
Eilert’s Acres
Examples
Location: W7065 Silver Spring Lane
Eveg Organic Plymouth, WI 53073
http://www.springdalefarmcsa.org/
This CSA farm is the most established in the direct market and has been in
Read More
existence 20+ years. Springdale Farm has various pickup sites in the greater
Sheboygan MSA. Based on the farm’s website, members are not given the
Springdale Farms
Indirect Competitors
The following are CSA businesses that compete indirectly with the subject:
Examples
Location: W6028 County Road C
Eveg Organic Plymouth, WI 53073
http://www.oldplankfarm.com/
This entity only sells its goods at a local farm stand; it does not sell shares.
Read In
More
addition, this indirect competitor sells organic eggs at its farm stand. Based on its
Examples
Location: N4797 County Rd E
Eveg Organic Plymouth, WI 53073
www.logcabinorchard.com
This indirect competitor is a fruit orchard selling apples, pears, plums, honey,
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apple and maple syrup, fresh apple cider and apple butter. In the fall, this CSA
SWOT Analysis
Examples
SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The
Eveg Organic following is the SWOT analysis for Eveg Organic Farm.
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S W
Opportunities O TThreats
The greater Sheboygan County is a New entrants to the market pose a
prime location for organic produce with threat. Partially mitigating this risk is the
an historically high demand. recommended 2-3 year trial farming
Because many farmers still utilize period – which would give Eveg Organic
traditional farming methods (pesticide Farm the necessary ‘heads-up’ to go
and herbicide applications) Eveg against (said) competitors.
Organic Farm stands out from the crowd Weather, storms, pests – can damage
with its Certified Organic stamp of or even destroy crops.
approval The farm is economically tied, and in
inflationary times, consumers could
revert back to traditional methods of
buying fruits and vegetables at the local
grocery store.
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm is targeting households with earnings in excess of $50,000 in
Eveg Organic the greater Sheboygan County. Other farmers have missed this target by
focusing on traditional farming methods while Eveg Organic Farm has obtained
the Certified Organic stamp of approval. Additionally, Eveg Organic Farm will
focus its energies primarily on its members and provide services exceeding
Read More
expectations by offering farm to door delivery service, providing supplemental
Strategy Pyramid
Examples
Strategy: Create awareness that Eveg Organic Farm delivers a wide variety of
Eveg Organic quality wholesome and healthy vegetables on a consistent basis.
Tactics: Create a specific, detailed planting guide, planting several times over the
growing season.
Read More
Programs: Post fliers and brochures at local restaurants, and locally owned and
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Examples
Jane and John Burns stand out from the competition: They are experienced
Eveg Organic operators and have demonstrated the ability to grow large quantities of many
different vegetables. They have demonstrated their ability to manage the crops,
harvest, pack and deliver to their customers. They are doing business as a CSA.
And unlike their conventional farming peers, Eveg Organic Farm has met the
Read More
stringent requirements to be designated Certified Organic.
Competitive Edge
Examples
CSA farming differs greatly from traditional farming due to the fact that members
Eveg Organic have ownership shares in the farm. Bearing this in mind, Eveg Organic Farm will
wholeheartedly focus on this vital aspect to retain members. The owners will
constantly stay in touch with their members and encourage them to come and
visit ‘their’ farm.
Read More
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm will utilize product differentiation to stand apart from the
Eveg Organic competition. By growing wholesome organic produce, offering farm to door
service, and actively engaging with its members, Eveg Organic Farm will go
above and beyond to maintain and grow its member base.
Read More
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm will be the premier organic CSA in the greater Sheboygan
Eveg Organic County by offering at least 30 of the most delicious and mouthwatering organic
vegetables available in the local growing area and by providing exceptional
relationships with its members, its community and the planet.
Read More
Positioning Statement
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm will utilize a fair price for a fair value. Some research
Eveg Organic suggests that the CSA farm is usually lower in price than organically grown food
from local markets and is often less than foods from the supermarket. This could
be a selling point for attracting new members, however, it also important to note
this is not about cheap food.
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Pricing Strategy
Examples
The best strategy is word of mouth advertising. When people are happy with their
Eveg Organic shares they tell friends.
Eveg Organic Farm will place brochures with other CSA businesses such as the
local organic bakery and neighboring dairy farm.
Read More
Eveg Organic Farm’s website will provide additional marketing information. In
Promotion and Advertising Strategy
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm’s website will be a vital key in marketing. In addition to
Eveg Organic providing its history, location and contact information, the site will also have links
to its CSA affiliations, the USDA website, and current organic industry topics. The
Website
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm will actively work to engage its members and the local
Eveg Organic community by:
Marketing Programs
Sales Strategy
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm has already sold all 30 of its shares for the upcoming season
Eveg Organic with future plans to sell 60 shares in Year Two and 90 shares in Year Three. In
order to meet these goals, the farmers will continue to rely on advertising fliers, its
online presence and most importantly word of mouth. The word of mouth
recommendation from a satisfied member not only generates an opportunity for
Read More
repeat business but also is beneficial in recruiting new members.
Sales Forecast
The following table represents the annual sales forecast for the initial three years of operations:
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm’s primary sales program is the sale of shares. Additional
Eveg Organic sales programs will come from the sale of their forthcoming books. Honey
production is expected to come online by Year Three.
During the slow winter months, both John and Jane Burns will actively market
Read More
their Eveg Organic Farm, by providing speaking engagements at local events,
becoming involved in the local community primarily its environmental issues, and
Sales Programs
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm is a C-Corporation doing business in the State of Wisconsin.
Eveg Organic
Read More
Milestones
The following chart depicts the Milestones Eveg Organic Farm anticipates achieving:
Milestone Date
Obtain Certified Organic Seal of Approval [Date]
Pre Sell 80% of Shares [Date]
Complete E-Book & Sell on website [Date]
Pre Sell all 60 Shares [Date]
Pre Sell all 90 Shares [Date]
Establish an excellent credit record and qualify for a
[Date]
commercial loan to purchase an additional 9 acres
Exit Strategy
Examples
In the event that Eveg Organic Farm will cease operations, all assets (farm
Eveg Organic equipment, tools, scales) will be sold at auction. Proceeds from the sale will be
first be used to pay off the financial obligation to the operating capital loan and the
remaining proceeds will be paid to the members (if any obligations remain).
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Organizational Structure
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm will be wholly owned and operated by John and Jane Burns.
Eveg Organic Mr. Burns will perform all office and accounting functions such as calculating the
initial garden costs, seed costs and planting times. Both owners will harvest the
crop. Eveg Organic Farm will hire one apprentice farmer for each additional acre
that is cultivated. Over time, they have plans to hire part-time delivery drivers as
Read More
well as bookkeeper.
Management Team
JOHN BURNS
- john.burns@example.com
John Burns will actively manage the farm. Farm management duties will include the
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creation of a detailed planting guide and building a living soil. Only sustainable and
organic farming methods will be used with no reliance on off-farm inputs and chemical
pesticides/fertilizers. Growing methods include crop rotation, planting cover crops,
applying finished compost and mulches, and encouraging beneficial insects, weed
management, irrigation, and harvesting. Mr. Burns will also be the responsibility for
preparing detailed accounting records for their tax accountant.
JANE BURNS
- jane.burns@example.com
Jane Burns will also actively participate in managing the crop during the busy summer
months. During the slower winter months, both will work to complete their E-books which
will be sold online and supplement revenue. They will also actively market Eveg Organic
Farm by speaking to local civic groups, providing tours of the farm, and drafting the
weekly newsletters.
Examples
Eveg Organic Farm will rely on its Tax Accountant to assist with tax reporting.
Eveg Organic
Personnel Plan
The following is a summary of Eveg Organic Farm’s Personnel Plan.
Board of Directors
N/A
Examples
The financial plan will cover the following:
Eveg Organic
Required Cost of Start-Up
Profit and Loss
Cash Flow
Balance Sheet Read More
Important Assumptions
Examples
Start-Up Costs
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Balance Sheet
Share Capital $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Retained earnings ($80,431) $3,137 $82,720 $192,930 $337,623
Total Equity ($80,431) $3,137 $82,720 $192,930 $337,623
SUMMARY
Net Cash Flow $16,710 $73,478 $68,769 $99,613 $133,819
Cash at Beginning of Period $0 $16,710 $90,188 $158,957 $258,570
Cash at End of Period $16,710 $90,188 $158,957 $258,570 $392,389