organic farming

[deere755]

I was approached by my neighbor about planting something organic on a 7 acre field she owns. I mentioned just farming it as it joins another farm of mine. She said she doesn't want any chemical used on her place. I mow it for her every year with a bush hog a couple of times. This year a guy bailed it but it really isn't very good hay and he says he doesn't want to bail it anymore. I know nothing about organic farming and I told her I was not interested but I keep thinking about it more and more. I hear people say that people will pay top dollar for organic grown vegtables. Does anyone know anything about organic farming? I know it would be labor intensive. Will it pay off? I was thinking maybe I could give up my day job possibly if it paid enough.

 

[dcyrilc]

I really don't know anything about organic farming, but my first thought would be "Don't give up your day job.". I know there are specific rules which have to be followed to be certified organic, but don't know the details.

 

[smstonypoint]

I really don't know anything about organic farming, but my first thought would be "Don't give up your day job.". I know there are specific rules which have to be followed to be certified organic, but don't know the details.

There are a lot of hoops to jump through to become certified as an organic producer. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop

Steve

 

[RickB]

If she's paying you to mow it, that's the best deal you will get.

 

[bp fick]

A seven acre organic garden has the potential for well over six figures in gross sales. With that out of the way, it would be a virtual full time commitment. The education process might be as long as 3-5 years. The certification process requires three years of inspections.

The best place to start is to visit successful organic operations. Study their costs, scale of operations and processes. This is as complicated and challenging a venture as you can imagine and requires dedication, not merely a whim. Learn all you can about the marketing in your area. Where would the produce be marketed, sold and how?

You should begin with a feasibility study of the land itself by an experienced organic gardener. Soil samples and other testing can be done by the extension agent in your county.

Finally, get and read these books. I am good friends with Jerome Lange, the author.
Cumberland Books: Jerome Lange

 

[Baby Grand]

Thanks for that link, BP. I'm getting The Seven Keys for my wife.
-Jim

 

[Mousefield]

I really don't know anything about organic farming, but my first thought would be "Don't give up your day job.". I know there are specific rules which have to be followed to be certified organic, but How true. If you have a bad weather year you could end up with nothing to sell. You really, really need to do your homework on this one. If you are putting a lot of time/money into this land buy it or get a long term lease. Last thing you what is to do a lot of work on the land and then she sells it or just doesn't want you on it any more.

don't know the details.

RickB If she's paying you to mow it, that's the best deal you will get.
RickB is probably right with his take of the situation.

 

[Mousefield]

I really don't know anything about organic farming, but my first thought would be "Don't give up your day job.". I know there are specific rules which have to be followed to be certified organic.

dcyrilc How true. If you have a bad weather year you could end up with nothing to sell. You really, really need to do your homework on this one. If you are putting a lot of time/money into this land buy it or get a long term lease. Last thing you what is to do is a lot of work on the land and then she sells it or just doesn't want you on it any more.

RickB If she's paying you to mow it, that's the best deal you will get.
RickB is probably right with his take of the situation.

 

[dmccarty]

And once you grow it....
You need to sell it...

We have a food coop in town that does buy loads of Organic products as do several restaurants. The food in the Coop is EXPENSIVE. They have been in business for a few years now so I guess they have people paying those prices.

The other route is selling direct with Community Supported Agriculture(CSA). I know some people at work who get a box of veggies from a farm every week.

I think the growing is easier than the selling.

Later,
Dan

 

[chrisdvorak]

I would work on a organic vegetable farm that is organized and well established before I made a decision, maybe work part time through the summer? and if you then still want to do it get all the paperwork and such done after.