The Orchard as a Business
Almost no one gets into farming because of the business side of the operation. We farm because we care deeply about producing nutritious food for ourselves and our communities. We farm because we love the land and desire to steward it well. Unfortunately the business side of the farm operation is often neglected until it becomes a problem. Financial problems that could have been foreseen through a little financial forethought and simple spreadsheet work then become a problem of profitability on the ground.
This section aims to help you establish a solid understanding of the business side of running an orchard.
Orchard Business Plans and Why You Need One
How your orchard business will operate is just as important as learning how to grow. Perhaps more important.
Why? Find out in this section.
Estimating Orchard Production Costs and Revenue
What does it take to produce a bushel of apples or pint of berries? How do you even begin to measure that? And why does it matter? Learn more in this section.
Estimating Production Costs - Raspberry Example
What does it take to produce a pint of raspberries? Can we make money at it, and how much?
Learn to calculate production costs by using a real life example: raspberries.
Marketing Organic Fruit
What options exist for marketing organic fruit? How do you decide where and how to market your fruit? What benefits and drawbacks should you consider? Find out here.