This is a concise yet complete handbook for starting a successful organic farm based on the community supported agriculture concept. Written for farmers and non-farmers alike, the book illustrates how two middle-aged novices are making a decent living on less than two acres of land. Bob and Bonnie found few resources applicable to their situation when they began researching making their farm dream a reality, and the book originally stemmed from their own desire to help others by sharing universal guidelines on small farm start-ups. The model explained in the book is an updated version of the diverse market gardens/farms found throughout recorded history. Not just a theory book, it details specific tools, techniques and how-to information. The Gregsons share sound advice along with specific tools, marketing techniques, and planning guidelines, such as start up requirements, business plan basics, the importance of value-added products, choosing the best equipment and supplies, and more. The core of their operation, the subscription system, is examined in detail, with sound recommendations and guidelines for implementation.
Author(s): Bonnie & Bob Gregson
Publisher: Acres USA
Year: Oct. 1 2004
Language: English
Pages: 100
Cover Page......Page 1
Title Page......Page 4
Copyright......Page 3
Dedication......Page 2
Foreword......Page 6
Contents......Page 7
Introduction......Page 8
Chapter 1 Our First Years on the Farm......Page 11
Chapter 2 What Our Farm Does: An Overview......Page 18
Chapter 3 Key Factors to Success......Page 22
Chapter 4 Start-Up Requirements......Page 37
Chapter 5 Overview of Equipment and Supplies......Page 41
Chapter 6 Setting Up the Land......Page 51
Chapter 7 Marketing Strategy......Page 56
Chapter 8 Crop Selection and Planning......Page 59
Chapter 9 Starting Plants......Page 68
Chapter 10 Operating a Subscription System Farm......Page 74
Chapter 11 What’s Next?......Page 83
Chapter 12 Other Things to Talk About......Page 84
Appendix A Sources of Materials......Page 90
Appendix B Island Meadow Farm Crop Selection and Related Data......Page 93
Appendix C The Most Valuable Periodicals......Page 95
Appendix D Community Supported Agriculture Resource Organizations......Page 97
About the Authors......Page 99
