By Ida Vandamme
Organic products have become mainstream as more people want to be aware of production practices, ingredients and inputs into their food and household items. Given the current supply-chain issues and labor shortages, many people also are turning to local businesses and even starting businesses of their own.
Here are some important considerations when thinking about starting and/or managing your own small-scale organic farm.
PLAN FIRST
The first and most crucial step is the plan. What will you grow, how will you grow it, and what will you do if something doesn’t go as planned? If you’re at this point, you probably had an idea, a dream or vision. An actual plan will help you flesh it out. Think of the details, lay out as many steps as you can, and come up with a few contingency plans. The more work you do here, the less you have to worry when you’re in the thick of growing, harvesting and fulfilling orders.
A few things to consider:
- Finances — How will you pay for all the inputs, tools and labor before you collect your first sales? Will the sales of your crops justify the expenses?
- Marketing — Who will buy your products and how will you reach them?
- Diversity — Have a diverse crop plan to figure out what works, to offer more to customers and to spread your risk.
- Spreadsheets — Excel is your friend and can be used for planning, communicating, keeping records and organizing information.
LOOK AT LABOR NEEDS
Will you rely on machinery or manual labor? Most small-scale farms rely heavily on human labor compared to larger operations. There is a lot of work to be done on a farm, such as site preparation, weed management, planting, harvesting, farm management and the list goes on. Small farms are usually much more intensive and require human attention to detail. Where possible, machines can add efficiency but often require you to plan your farm around such an investment.
Consider how you will train employees, how many hours you need from them and how much time you will need for management.
ENSURE SOIL HEALTH
While no two farms are exactly the same, the foundation for every organic farm is the soil. Ensure a good harvest by taking care of your soil. If your soil is healthy and alive with biology, you will have much fewer problems.
Organic matter and compost are worth so much more than the nutrients they contain, which is why you cannot get by on fertilizers alone. Organic matter provides the structure and home for bacteria and fungi to thrive, allowing them to grow together with roots, unlocking nutrients and warding off disease. Without organic matter, soil cannot regulate moisture and temperature and can create an inhospitable environment. Use compost and cover crops. Minimize tillage as much as possible with sandy soils.
MANAGE PESTS AND DISEASES
All farms have to deal with pests and diseases at some point. Here are some organic management methods:
- Diversify again. The crazier you can plan your field layout, the better. Insects are like us; they prefer ease and order. Confuse them by intercropping.
- Plant flowering and diverse cover crops among your cash crops to attract beneficial insects.
- There are many plant-based and biological fungicides now on the market. Do some research and contact your local supplier.
- Always remember, if your plants are as healthy as can be, they can handle disease and pests. It’s when a nutrient, moisture, climatic or soil biology factor is out of balance that problems arise.
Organic farming is highly rewarding, and there’s never a dull moment. Taking care of a small organic farm involves biology, math, critical thinking, people skills, business management and a lot of hope, perseverance and dedication.
Ida Vandamme is the farm manager at Honeyside Farms in Parrish, Florida.