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Starting an Agricultural Business in the United Kingdom

  • Starting an Agricultural Business in…

Beginner’s Guide on Starting an Agricultural Business in the United Kingdom

Starting an Agricultural Business in the United Kingdom

Starting an agricultural business is more than acquiring farmland and rearing livestock. This business is closely interlinked with the manufacturing and F&B sectors. Exports totalled approximately GBP9.7 billion in 2020, while agriculture uses roughly 69% of the United Kingdom’s land.

In addition to producing items consumed on a daily basis, farms also serve as a leisure place or a perfect weekend getaway. The agribusiness sector itself is vast, varied, and focused on modern food production and management and all it entails.

Today, farming is about putting innovative concepts and bringing new technology for producing high and better yields. Innovative digitalization has changed this industry, especially with AI-driven technology. It’s undoubtedly an exciting time to consider starting a farming business and process on how to set up a business in the United Kingdom.

Industry Practice

Generally, farming itself comprises pastoral, arable, and third, a combo of these two. Pastoral farming is about livestock and related produce, while arable agriculture is associated with crop production.

Agriculture is diversified than just farming. Here are different types of agricultural businesses in the United Kingdom:

  • Agriculture consulting
  • Biomass and biofuels
  • Dairy and livestock
  • Fish farming
  • Honey Bee farming
  • Organic farming and plant nurseries
  • Flower farming
  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) and restaurants
  • Camping and caravan sites
  • Farm shops and equestrian facilities
  • Wedding venues, clubs, and pubs
  • Speciality farming such as bonsai farms, vineyards, chocolate farms
  • Entertainment farming such as petting zoo, hayrides, horse stables, etc

Step by Step Agricultural Farming Plan

It takes a month to learn how to run a farm, producing yield, planting crops, and marketing it. With these eight steps, you will run a farm like a pro:

Decide What You Want to Produce

Agriculture is a vast industry, and you need to decide what products you want to farm. This depends on your preference and interest. Once you decide that, you can choose your farmland, soil type, agriculture tools to begin.

Learn Basics of Farming

There are many types of learning material available on the internet about farming. These courses will give you a good exposure to agriculture which will also provide you with clarity on the product you want to farm.

Plan Your Finances

Starting a farm requires land, labour, equipment, and whatnot. All this needs capital investment. Investments can start from as low as 10,000 Euros to millions of euros. Decide if you have the working capital or you need to seek a bank loan.

Property Purchase

Whether you start agriculture or dairy farming, you will need to buy land. Answer the following questions before selecting a suitable land:

  • Is the climate suitable for my farming?
  • Is the land safe and suitable for crops and animal rearing?
  • Can the land be irrigated?
  • How much rainfall does this region receive annually?

Planning Your Farm

You need to check how much irrigation and fertilization the land requires. You will also want to know if the land or agriculture you wish to do can adapt to crop rotation. Alternatively, you may also want to plan on utilizing/selling byproducts produced from livestock farming.

Make a Business Plan

Make your farming plan and ensure to have a backup plan as well. Reaching a goal is as important as following systems which will ensure you meet your business goals. Hence, having a professional business plan helps a lot.

Develop Your Product

Once you start farming, you will also want to upsell your products. For example, if you produce sugarcane, you may want to sell sugarcane juice and molasses. So, start thinking in what direction do you want to develop your farm.

Marketing an Agricultural Business

For effective marketing, you need to decide your target audience. Once you know who you want to sell your products to, you can plan your packaging and branding around the produce.

Business Registration Process for Starting an Agricultural Business in the United Kingdom

Once you have followed all the steps for United Kingdom company incorporation and the company is established, you need to register with HMRC for taxation. After that, you need to set up a bank account.

Most agricultural businesses are family-based. They are either family-run sole proprietorships or partnership-based firms. However, you can also establish other entities like limited companies or a Limited Liability Partnership.

After forming a company, you need to work on a structured business plan that helps you define objectives and generate profits. A business plan will also help you find out how much capital you will need to get started. The most extensive areas of investment will be leasing or buying the land and relevant equipment.

You need to have a physical office address to start your work operations and mailing purposes.

Today, a digital presence is also a must, which begins with developing a website. This further helps you to diversify and market your business.

Licences and Permits Needed

You will have to get approvals from the local authorities for planning permissions, grazing licenses, etc. The corporate service provider in the United Kingdom can help you will set up a farming business. Every business has its specific regulations and compliance. If you run a B2B or farm-stay business which also provides restaurant facilities, you need approvals for serving food and alcohol. If your agriculture business is livestock-based, then the following approvals must be included:

  • Registration from the Food Standard Agency (FSA).
  • Certificate from Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
  • Registration and licensing for your farm vehicles and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
  • Rural Land Register for agriculture.

For more on starting an agricultural business in the United Kingdom, get in touch with us at 3E Accounting. We provide customizable company incorporation services that suit all types of business sizes. 3E Accounting shall take complete responsibility for paperwork and compliance. This gives you room to focus on your business. Along with our affiliates and partners, we provide innovative solutions crafted specifically for your business. Contact 3E Accounting today to learn how to get your business future-ready.

Starting an Agricultural Business in the United Kingdom

Business Planning

agriculture business plan uk

Businesses with a written plan are more likely to achieve success than those which don’t. Why not use our template as a guide to help plan for the future of your businesses.

Whole Farm Business Plan Template

Farms with a written business plan are much more likely to be successful than those without one.  A good business plan will help your farming enterprise to grow and help you to identify stumbling blocks before they arise.  Why not take a look at our Whole Farm Business Plan Template and start making plans for your farm?

Whole Farm Planning Guide

Planning for the Future and Succession

Navigating your farm business and family through the process of planning for the future and succession can be tricky. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to make a start why not take look through our Planning for the Future guide below.

FARMING BUSINESS PLAN: Template & Best Start-Up Guide

  • by Folakemi Adegbaju
  • August 9, 2023
  • No comments
  • 8 minute read

Farming business plan template

Table of Contents Hide

Why do i need a farming business plan, #1. executive summary, #2. company description, #3. market research, #4. competitor research, #5. product or service,  #6. swot analysis, #7. operations and personnel, #8. risk and contingency, #9. marketing plan, #10. financial plan, #11. appendix , farming business plan template, what is the most profitable farming business, what kind of small farming is most profitable, what crop is in the highest demand, what are the 4 major crops, what are the five types of farming, how do i start a farm with no money, is farming a successful business, final thoughts, what farming is most profitable in the uk, why are farmers losing money uk, what are five cash crops.

It goes without saying that businesses that have a written plan have a higher chance of succeeding than those that don’t. This is certainly no different in the farming business. The secret to making a successful farm business is to fully comprehend the business idea. The business plan you create will assist you in organizing the necessary components into a startup strategy by providing a clear road map for what you must do throughout the life of your company. Get started with the template for your farming business plan , carefully created to assist you in writing your own business plan.

What Is a Farming Business Plan?

Planning well is essential if desired changes are to take place. A farming business plan establishes your new goals, provides a realistic timetable for implementation, and, with regular evaluations, may help you deal with unforeseen issues and make the required adjustments.

You can also use this information to evaluate your priorities, potential areas of focus for your company’s growth, and any financial impacts on your objectives. We at Business Yield Consult will help you succeed by guiding you through the process of creating a documented business plan after analyzing your present condition and long-term goals.

There are so many reasons why you need a farming business plan for your farm. The farming business is not just about you getting the land you need; it also requires a plan to make it successful. So, you need plans to make it move with no disruption! Here are some of the reasons you need a farming business plan for your farm:

#1. Clarity

Writing down your business concept and plan will make it easier for you, possible investors, and other stakeholders to see them.

#2. Depth of Knowledge

Writing a farming business plan necessitates serious consideration of the market and how the farm might function there.

#3. Organisation

The goals and objectives of a business should be made apparent in a farming business plan, along with the timelines for achieving them. This will also increase the likelihood that the farm will stay organized and on course, and it will make it easier for you to evaluate the farm’s development.

#4. Forecasting of Financial Data

When ideas are discussed, they frequently sound good, but when precise budgets and cash flow forecasts are created, this frequently changes. Also, indicating profit or loss and what would happen if external conditions changed would be possible with the aid of financial forecasting (sensitivity analysis).

#5. Accountability

Ideas and strategies can be utilized to track progress and hold oneself accountable as the business develops once they have been included in the business plan.

#6. Evaluating

It is possible to evaluate the business plan to determine whether expectations were met or surpassed. By doing this, the strategy in the business plan can be modified and updated.

As you know, farms that have a written business plan have a far higher chance of success than those that don’t. Your farming business will flourish with the support of a solid business plan, which will also enable you to foresee potential obstacles. So, why not start planning for your farm by downloading our free farm business plan template?

How to Write a Farming Business Plan

Starting a farm is not all that matters, but the plans you have in place for it. Do you have any plans on the ground for your farm? Then you need to write one!

You’ll be able to write one if you follow the steps we’ve compiled below:

Remember that a lender will only read the executive summary and not the full farming business plan. Therefore, it needs to be short but well-detailed, full of enthusiasm, and written last but positioned first.

This is the section where you should give specific information about your farm and what you do. The following essential components make up a company description:

  • an objective assertion;
  • your background;
  • your objectives and goals;
  • Your key personnel.

If you’ve never created a mission statement before, it is a 1-2 line explanation of the reason behind the existence of your farm. It’s the primary reason you sell these things, not just a synopsis of what you do or what you sell.

One of the primary causes of business failure is a lack of market research. It is crucial that you concentrate on the market segment you want to serve ( local customers or a particular age group).

Conduct the most thorough amount of research you can. Although they are not always used, surveys are typically used to do this.

Recognize your competitors and the services they provide. If you can identify a need that customers have that isn’t being met at the moment, you may have discovered your key differentiator. You must give the customer a reason to buy from you in the future rather than their current supplier.

Clearly explain to your customers how and why your product or service will be superior to that of the competition. Remember that the business world is dynamic and ever-evolving; therefore, describe how your farm will grow to continue serving client needs.

This is one of the most important aspects of your farming business to keep it intact. You can use these questions to write this section:

  • Strengths of you or your business
  • Weaknesses of you or your business 
  • Opportunities 
  • Threats 

This section of your farming business plan entails how you operate on your farm or how you want to go about the operation of your farm. It can find answers to questions like:

  • Where will you be based?
  • How will you run your business?
  • How will you distribute your product or service?
  • Who will be running the business?
  • Whom will you employ?

You’ll discuss how you want to go about any risk that might come from your farm and how to sort it. You can add these queries to this section of your farming business plan:

  • Which major factors do you anticipate having an impact on your company?
  • Which risks are you willing to take and why?
  • How do you plan to minimize such risks?

The marketing plan you use in your farming business plan for your farm should receive a lot of attention because it can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful farm. Your farming business plan company description includes a marketing plan. Your farming business plan should also include information on how you will promote your farm. It is now time to begin developing your marketing plan. In five years, where do you want to be? Aim high!

An investor requires three years’ worth of profit and loss statements and three years’ worth of cash flow projections . The latter should be sent quarterly in years two and three and monthly in the first year. The appropriate level of overdraft will be determined by the cash flow estimate. The essential thing in this situation is that market research must be tied into and used as the basis for the data.

You should also include any materials or papers that were requested as support for your claims in the appendix. You might be finding it hard to write your farming business plan. We advise you to seek professional help on how to go about it. Our professional business plan writers at BusinessYieldConsult are always available to help.

Download the farming business plan template created by us to help you when you want to write a strong plan for your farming business.

A farming business plan for your farm requires not only following the aforementioned steps but also making use of a farming business plan template checklist. The essence of a checklist is to help you keep track of all the necessary processes you need to achieve while starting your new business.

In that regard, we advise you to download our farming business plan template to make sure you follow the right steps while writing your farming business plan. Here is a farming business plan template checklist:

  • Executive summary  
  • company description 
  • Market research 
  • Organisation and management 
  • Product or service. 
  • The marketing and sales strategy 
  • Funding requests
  • Financial forecasts 
  • Appendix 

Currently, organic farming is one of the most rapidly expanding and lucrative industries in the agricultural sector. There has been a shift away from restricting the sale of organic products to specialty grocery stores. These days, organic produce may be found in its own aisle at any store. Organic food typically fetches a higher price than conventionally cultivated food.

There are a lot of small farms that are profitable but here are just a few of them:

  • Tree Nursery.
  • Fish Farming.
  • Dual Crop Farming.
  • Dairy Farming.
  • Herb Gardening.
  • Bee Farming.
  • Aquaponics.
  • Microgreens Farming.

Currently, grain is the highest crop in demand in the market.

Rice, cassava, sugar, and rubber are four key crops that have played a significant part in agricultural progress. It focuses on economic and technical factors that are important for explaining trends in production.

Here are five types of farming you can go into:

  • Pastoral Farming .
  • Mixed Farming.
  • Commercial Farming.
  • Subsistence Farming.
  • Nomadic Farming.

Do you know you can start a farm without money? Here are the steps by which you can go about it:

  • Use spare or unused land.
  • Don’t be scared to start small.
  • Never stop learning.
  • Utilise your networks and collaborate!
  • Find funding.
  • Start a communal farm.
  • Don’t be scared of failure.

Yes, a farming business is always a successful one. Sometimes, It might be difficult to start a farm business, but when done correctly, it will be successful.

Whether you want to request government support for your farm business or not, it is crucial to make future plans and explain how you will expand the enterprise. After finalising your farming business plan, the next step is to seek out available finance that can assist you with putting your plan into action, or consult with a funding adviser like BusinessYieldConsult who can walk you through the process of collecting the necessary cash to make your farm business a reality.

Without a doubt, one of the most lucrative agricultural industries is poultry farming, which also has constant demand. To begin with, you can pick between broilers (used to produce meat) and layers (used for egg production).

Due to terrible weather, the pandemic’s effects, and Brexit-related concerns, the UK’s farming industry lost around a billion pounds last year, which made life much harder for many small farmers.

Cereals, oilseeds, coffee, chocolate, sugar cane, vegetables, fruits (including avocado and oranges), peanuts, cotton, and tobacco are a few examples of common food and non-food cash crops.

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BUSINESS DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN: How To Write an Effective Business Disaster Recovery Plan

Consulting business plan: 2023 template & tips.

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[Beginner’s Guide] How To Start Farming Business In UK

Food and drink manufacturing in the United Kingdom generates about £120 billion in annual revenue, with farming as its foundation. British farming accounts for 64% of the food consumed in the United Kingdom, an increase of 2% over last year.

So the question is, how can I become a farmer in the UK? To start a farming business in the United Kingdom, what you need is, a piece of land, a niche in farming, registering with the appropriate body, getting the right information on your selected area of interest, then you can start your farming career extensively.

So in today’s guide, we will be writing extensively on how to venture into agricultural business in the UK and all you need to know to get started as a beginner or how to ameliorate what you are doing before as a practicing farmer.

How To Start Farming In UK Beginners Guide

Table of Contents

Agriculture is a broad spectrum field that requires one to be decisive on which area interests them the most, and areas that you have the capacity to start your farming career, so without much ado, here are the steps needed to start your career as a farmer in the United Kingdom;

Step 1: Decide Area Of Specialization:

These options span from cultivating an assortment of crops to raising diverse livestock. Alternatively, you could specialize in Agrotech, which encompasses tasks such as securing capital for farmers’ startups and developing agricultural equipment to streamline farming processes. The possibilities are diverse and plentiful. As you continue reading, I will provide insights into how to select your area of specialization.

As previously mentioned, the realm of farming is multifaceted, with livestock farming and crop cultivation being the most prominent categories. Identifying your specific area of interest is paramount before embarking on a farming venture. This choice will significantly influence the kind of information you need, guide your farming decisions, and shape the trajectory of your agricultural journey.

TYPES OF FARMING BUSINESS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

In the United Kingdom, there are two primary categories of farming: Animal Husbandry and plant cultivation.

A. Animal Husbandry:

Poultry farming:.

Poultry farming encompasses the raising of chickens, ducks, or other birds for their meat and eggs. It’s a versatile enterprise that can be pursued on either a small or large scale. Chickens are commonly raised for meat (broilers) or eggs (layers). Ducks are also raised for both meat and eggs. Poultry farming offers a relatively swift turnover, with a consistent demand for poultry products.

Read Also:  12 Poultry Farming Tips For Beginners [Success Guide]

Aquaculture (Fish Farming):

Aquaculture, also known as fish farming, involves cultivating fish in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or even underwater cages. It’s an environmentally sustainable method of meeting the increasing demand for fish protein. Diverse fish species, such as tilapia, catfish, and trout, can be raised based on market preferences and regional conditions.

Beekeeping (Apiculture):

Beekeeping entails the care and management of bee colonies for the extraction of honey, beeswax, and royal jelly. Bees play a pivotal role in pollinating crops, making beekeeping vital for agriculture. This pursuit can be adapted to a small scale, making it accessible even to those with limited space.

Goat farming presents the potential for profit through the sale of meat and various goat-derived products. To initiate a goat farming venture in the UK, you can follow the provided guide.

Read Also:  25 Common Diseases Of Goats And How To Treat Them

5. Dairy Farming

Additional areas include:

8. Pig Farming

11. Grasscutter Farming:

B. Plant Cultivation

Another area in the farming industry is the plant cultivation. Plant cultivation involves the nurturing and cultivation of various types of plants, including corn, millet, soybeans, palm fruit, cocoa, and many others. Within the United Kingdom, there are several lucrative crops that farmers can engage with, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.

1. Avocado:

The cultivation of tea holds a significant place in the United Kingdom, with the nation being recognized as a substantial tea exporter worldwide. The UK’s highlands provide an advantageous environment for successful tea farming.

3. Horticultural Crops (e.g., French Beans, Snow Peas):

The United Kingdom is known for its export of fresh vegetables such as French beans and snow peas to global markets. These horticultural crops benefit from the country’s climate and cater to the demand for produce during off-season periods.

Macadamia nuts have emerged as a profitable crop in the United Kingdom due to their rising demand both locally and internationally. The trees flourish in regions characterized by suitable climates.

Additional areas worth considering:

Step 2: Learn About Your Chosen Area

The next step in starting a farm comes after you’ve raised the necessary funds and chosen a location for your operation. It’s now time to do some research about the farming niche you’ve chosen.

Step 3: Get Funds to start your farm

No matter what kind of business you run, you’ll always require funding to keep it going. You can use this money for a variety of purposes, including purchasing stock, paying your employees, or fixing your farm tools and equipment .

Step 4: Buy Farmland

When contemplating the purchase of farmland, there are numerous aspects to take into account. Does it have good soil and is it easily accessible by main highways? If so, is it a good fit for your crops or animal? The list goes on.

Step 5: Draw a Business Plan

The next step is to sketch up your farm’s business plan and envision what it will look like. If you need help creating a business plan for a farm, please read more about farm business plans here

Step 6: Start land preparation

Step 7: start farming.

It’s now time to become serious about your farming endeavors and stick with your business objectives.

What Does the UK Farming Sector Look Like?

Farming contributes significantly to the United Kingdom’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While the exact percentage may vary from year to year, the agricultural sector consistently makes a notable contribution to the UK’s economy.

This contribution encompasses both crop cultivation and livestock production, reflecting the sector’s integral role in providing food, raw materials, and economic activity. The farming sector’s GDP contribution underscores its importance as a foundational pillar of the UK’s overall economic landscape.

What Are The Licenses Needed To Start Farming In the UK?

According to the laws in place for the health and safety of both the animals and crops on your farm, you must abide by them. To get to know about these laws, you need to visit Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs” (DEFRA).

Planning permission:

Registration with the Rural Land Register is a requirement for land used for agricultural reasons. You must register with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) if your farm produces milk products in order to ensure food safety in the United Kingdom.

Health and safety:

Be clear on what type of product you plan to plant, and make sure you have all the necessary certifications in place if you plan to grow organically

How much money do you need to start a farm UK?

Getting started with a farming business in the UK will cost an average of £21,500 or above.

How many acres qualify as a farm UK?

How much does a farmer earn in the uk.

So, getting started as a Farmer in London or anywhere in the Nation may not be easy at first, but you must all know that with dedication and a clear written vision, you can start your own farm. So, if there is other information you need to know, kindly let me know via the comment section below.

Author: Adewebs

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Five-point guide to a successful farm business plan

  • Fertile Minds

© Rex

There are five key elements vital to a successful business plan, says the Royal Agricultural University’s  senior lecturer in finance  Steve Thomas – and 80% of time should be spent concentrating on them.

Here he gives his advice for each of the elements. 

1. Be clear about the product or service

Be clear about how and why your product or service will stand out from the competitors and how your customers will benefit.

Remember business is dynamic and changing, so state how your business will develop to continue to meet customer needs.

See also: All the news from the Fertile Minds event

2. Market research

Lack of market research is one of the main reasons for business failure. It is important that you focus on the market segment that you wish to satisfy – for example, local customers or a particular age group.

Carry out the most extensive research you can. This is generally done through the use of questionnaires, although not exclusively.

3. Competitor research

Understand who your competitors are and what they offer. If you can find a gap between what the customers need and where this is currently not satisfied you may have found your unique selling point.

You need to explain why the customer will buy from you in the future and not from their established supplier.

4. Finances

Having written the above you are in a position to write the financials. A funder will wish to see three years of profit and loss accounts and three years of cashflow forecasts. The latter should be presented monthly for the first year and quarterly in years two and three.

The cashflow forecast will identify the level of overdraft required. The key here is that the basis for the figures should be clearly explained and must relate to the market research.

If the business is buying fixed assets these would normally be financed through a loan, with the repayment period being no longer than the life of the asset purchased. The working capital funding should be taken through the overdraft.

5. Executive summary                                                                                                                                   

Remember a lender will not be able to read all of the plans but will read the executive summary. It should be concise, show enthusiasm and be written at the end but placed at the beginning.

Transition Live

Step-By-Step Guide: Drafting A Successful Agricultural Business Plan

agriculture business plan uk

Company Formation

Business planning, diversification, finance & funding, bookkeeping & accounting, sales & marketing, product development, electronic payments, project management (operational & general), business technology & it, planning permission, sound agricultural business planning enables you set your sights firmly on consistent profits, putting you in the driving seat of successful business planning….

Is there a right and wrong way to write an agricultural business plan?

Being thorough & comprehensive is the way to make it stick.

Plans are much like seafaring vessels. They either float or sink.

Reducing your risk of costly mistakes…

Watertight is what a business plan ought to be.

With the precious cargo of your invested resources, future financial aspirations and personal ambitions – you’re definitely hoping it floats.

You are the captain to your agricultural business’s ship .

The success of your onward voyage very much comes down to your ability to plan and effect.

Take home points from this planning guide…

Within this guide , we piece together an agricultural business plan which covers all the bases.

Both theoretically and practically.

We don’t want to leave you after this read merely with technical teaching, or a list of ideas …

…but, rather with the hands-on, ‘know how’ of putting all ‘things business’ together for the best long term result, written by our in-house experts.

Your 6 Agricultural Business Plan Essentials

1. What To Consider When Buying A Smallholding… Buying a smallholding is a significant personal investment . As such, the personal impact of becoming a smallholder should not be underestimated. Consider your full cycle of ownership at this opening stage of planning and have your sights set on an expedient exit. Estimate earnings of your smallholding during your tenure in exchange for time involvement. Who is likely to continue on with your smallholding business after your ownership? Plan a handover or succession process. What skills and qualifications do you need to start? How will you grow these?
2.  A Comprehensive Guide To Starting A Farm Business Every farm business can be defined according to common constituents. There are the principal ingredients which are consistent regardless of niche or speciality. Calculate meticulously just how feasible your idea of a farm enterprise really is. Outline the products and services to be sold and your typical customers. Analyse your expected profits and project a margin taken on each sale. Plot your trading seasons and plan ahead of time for market fluctuations. Know exactly what is required to achieve the profit goals you set and align your thoughts.
3. Agricultural Project Management: Setting Your Farm Business In Order Like every business, your agri-enterprise will require keen management to stay on track for remaining profitable . The principals are the same whatever the business. Plan how you will most effectively maintain dialogue with your stakeholders. Keeping accurate tabs on your costs will preserve takings against profit. Budgeting for labour requirement will ensure adequate output alignment with targeted income. Make your procurement processes optimal for making effective purchases for your business. Know your markers of quality and have a consistent manner for attainment. Understand your business’s threats, the risks faced and build contingencies. Timing and scheduling is critical to keeping things in order.
4. Bookkeeping & Management Accounts For Farms… The vital financial statistics of your farming business will be clearly seen within your management accounts. These documents indicate how road worthy your enterprise is. Cash flow is the measure of cash readiness of your business – a projected marker of cash availability. HR budgeting gives a handle on the labour demands of the business and its resourcing. What do you estimate your sales figures to be? An accurate projection here gives you a solid basis for revenue expectation. How do your farm’s composite income streams contribute to overall commercial performance? Ring fenced business budgets grant a discerning view. Can you identify your assets? Your revenue generating items, tangible and intangible, ought to be at the tips of your fingers. Your balance sheet tells you about the underlying worth of the contents of your operation. Stock inventory indicates your business’s ability to meet current and future projected customer demand levels.
5. Vertical Value Marketing For Agricultural Businesses… Vertical Value Marketing is a unique & innovative approach to marketing within any industry, but offering particularly impressive benefits to agribusiness.   Identify your vertical marketplace across the entire value chain . Research the benefits offered and sought after for each category of participants. Align your farm’s resources to being a donor of these commercial benefits throughout your vertical marketplace. Aim to position your business as the most valued market participant among neighbours. Remain on the technological cutting edge to make the most of offered advantages.
6. Smallholding Valuation Tips: For Sellers… If you are looking to sell your smallholding for optimal price , then being able to articulate it’s value to the right audience is critical. We are here to help you get it right. Examining your farm business and presenting analyses professionally. Detailed documentation of the various performance-related, managerial and operational facets of your agricultural business. Presenting a fact sheet or memorandum on your business to summarise its performance for professionals and prospects. Advertising your smallholding for sale and appointing an agent. Maximising transfer value of your agricultural business and ensuring an optimal sale.

Enjoy this series…

These are the components of our advised approach to agricultural business planning.

In the following editions of this series of blog posts, we drill down in detail on each component of the plan, offering examples and templates in each case.

Our goal…

We want you to be able to draft your own professional, agricultural business plan…at a fraction of traditional consulting price.

We want your technical understanding, as well as your polish on presentation, to be top spec.

Conveying your commercial vision competently to a varied audience of stakeholders is a valuable skill.

This guide was written to achieve this goal for you.

Note : For ease of use and preservation of your time and budget – we’ve even produced an online business planning tool which simply requires you to fill in a web form and in return generates a well formed plan.

Need further professional business advice…

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Forecasting or budgeting farm finances

Forecasting outputs and costs helps to show future stability of your business and budget for future investments..

The first thing to consider as part of the financials of your business plan is how much money you need to make – for your private drawings, to pay your mortgage or landlord, and for tax or loan repayments. This will show the profit requirements for your business. Download our  profit target worksheet  to help with this step.

Outputs and incomes

Once you have an understanding of the profit you need to achieve, you can delve further into projecting the outputs (sales) required to generate these profits, to demonstrate the strength of your business. 

Forecasting your outputs and incomes is an integral part of the profit and loss account , which shows the estimated profits your business will make over three years by subtracting the costs of running the business from any sales you make. It takes into account the value of the stock that you hold, so you will need this information to hand when you complete the template.

You may have your own historical performance to use as a basis for estimating your future sales. It may be worthwhile comparing your data with the data AHDB publishes about average yields, outputs and prices as part of this forecasting. If you are starting a new business, this data will be useful. Find out more by following the links in the table below.

The profit and loss account includes a section on sundry income, e.g. rents, wayleave payments and sporting rents. It also includes your Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and agri-environment scheme income. The BPS is only guaranteed until 2022 and may be discontinued after then. AHDB has produced a  Farm Business Review tool  which you can use to investigate the potential impact that Brexit and changes to BPS and agri-environment schemes might have on your farm income.

Sector-specific information about outputs and incomes is given below. Information is not available for horticulture due to the broad range of products grown.

Beef & Lamb

Enhancing herd genetics can improve growth and carcase characteristics and therefore your future sales.   

Estimated breeding values  

Beef carcase traits

Signet sheep breed performance

Incomes/prices

Deadweight price reports

Auction market reports

Cereals & Oilseeds

The  AHDB Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds 2016–2021 (RL) project provides independent information on yield and quality performance. 

The Cereals & Oilseeds New Market Data Centre allows you to access current and historical prices.

  • Average milk yields
  • Dairy average prices
  • Cull cow prices

Finished pig and weaner prices from the GB and across the EU.

Weekly  production information about pig slaughterings for Great Britain, along with supporting information about carcase weights and back fat levels of GB pigs.

Variable costs and overheads

Once you have forecast the incomes you require to be a profitable business, you need to consider the costs involved in producing your crops and/or livestock. These are split into variable and fixed costs.

Contents  

  • What is a business plan?  
  • Introducing your business  
  • Market analysis  
  • Financial information  
  • Sales and operations  

Funding requirements  

  • HR structure  
  • Executive summary  
  • Making changes to your business  
  • Talking things through  

Variable costs will tend to change proportionate to your output and are things you would stop paying if you stopped a farming enterprise. They include:

  • Artificial insemination
  • Vets and medicines
  • Forage, feed, concentrates
  • Weed/pest/rodent control
  • Fertilisers
  • Soil/substrate

Fixed costs or overheads are aspects which still might need to be paid if you stopped a farming enterprise. They include:

  • Labour – salaries, NI, pension, tax, bonuses, training, recruitment costs
  • Operations – utilities, purchase of machinery, lease of machinery, maintenance, insurance
  • Property – land/building leases
  • Vehicles – purchases, leases, fuel, tax, insurance, maintenance
  • Sales – marketing, packaging, distribution
  • Other – legal/accountancy/secretarial costs, stationery, bank charges, interest
  • Depreciation

When forecasting your costs, look back at your historical data to get a better idea of what you paid in the past rather than relying on the current costs of inputs. When prices are averaged over a longer period, price extremes are smoothed out. Three- and five-year rolling averages can help you see longer-term prices and also might indicate whether prices are generally going up or down. 

Long-term pricing

Sensitivity analysis

Applying 'sensitivity analysis' for key input costs and output prices allows you to explore the effect they have on your profit and loss. These could include:

  • Concentrate feed price +/- £25/t
  • Fertiliser +/- £25/t
  • Interest rates +/- 2%
  • Fuel +/- 10 ppl
  • Grain yield +/- 2 t/ha
  • Milk price +/- 5 ppl
  • Cull cow/calf price +/- £25/head
  • Beef or lamb price +/- £0.50/kg deadweight

Machinery costs and depreciation

AHDB has produced a machinery costing calculator . This simple tool can help you calculate the cost of farm machinery, per hectare or per hour. It can also be used to compare the costs of owning equipment with the cost of hiring it or getting in a contractor. Different machinery systems can also be compared and repair costs can be calculated for budgeting purposes.

We have recently ran a webinar discussing exploring how to manage machinery costs.  Watch a video of this webinar below.

Depreciation is important because you need to reinvest in your business and this effectively allows you to set money aside to do this. It spreads the costs of purchasing an asset over its lifetime. We calculate this as a straight line 10% of the current value of the equipment and 5% for buildings, based on AHDB research.  Depreciation is calculated automatically in the profit and loss templates provided.

Profit target worksheet

Profit and loss template

A cash flow forecast estimates the flow into and out of your business over a 12-month period. It is important because it shows that the business is able to continue trading, pay suppliers and employees. It will show the expected peaks and troughs over the coming months and allow your business to plan for the costs it will have to cover over that time.

There are some ways that you can even out cash flow. If you need to purchase new machinery, can you take out finance over a few years? Are you able to receive an advance payment from your merchant for a proportion of your grain? What are your creditor and debtor terms, and can they be altered so that payments to you come in sooner or give you more time to pay?

Balance sheet

The balance sheet is vital to a business owner. It deals with the capital (all the money) invested in the business at one particular point in time, usually the last day of the financial year. It is made up of two lists – one showing the value of all the possessions (assets) in the business, and the other detailing the associated debts (liabilities). The owner’s investment or stake in the business is called the net worth (or net capital or owner equity). Net worth is the amount left if all the assets are sold and all debts are repaid at the balance sheet values.

When compared over multiple years, it can give an indication of the financial status of a business. A stable business will see an increase in net worth year on year.

Cash flow template

Balance sheet template

Useful links

Sales and operations

Executive summary

Do a partial budget

Understanding you finances

Getting finance and speaking to your bank manager

Next page: Funding requirements >>

© Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board 2024 | All Rights Reserved

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Middlemarch Business Park, Siskin Parkway East, Coventry, CV3 4PE

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agriculture business plan uk

  • Environment
  • Food and farming
  • Food and farming industry

Farm business and financial planning

Business plans, account management, benchmarking and planning for farming businesses.

This guidance was withdrawn on 13 June 2019

This page has been replaced by a newer version. Go to Farming business for the latest information.

Introduction

If you run a farm, there is a wide range of advice available to you, including how to write a business plan, run your accounts, benchmark your business and plan your future activity.

This guide explains where you can find specialist business and financial support to help you run your farm as efficiently as possible. There is also information on business and financial planning tools available to you, as well as information on the standards and schemes that you must comply with.

Write a farm business plan

A good business plan gives credibility to your farm, and to your skills as a farm owner or manager. Even if you do not intend to make any changes to your farm, you should still write a business plan. A good farm business plan can highlight weaknesses in how you plan and run your farm, which can provide helpful insight for later improvements.

Before writing a business plan, it is advisable to thoroughly research the sectors that you are currently working in - or plan to work in - including any future economic prospects for these sectors. You should also familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations for your business.

What your plan should contain

When writing your business plan, consider including:

  • your short-term and long-term aims
  • a timescale for achieving your aims
  • who will be involved
  • how you will manage the money

It may also describe your farm’s unique characteristics, for example, its:

  • management eg whether it is family run

Business plan structure

Most business plans contain:

  • financial forecasts
  • your marketing and sales strategy
  • information about your management team and staff
  • an operations plan

Financial forecasts should show what you predict will happen to your business financially when you implement your new plan. For example, you should think about:

  • how much external funding you may need
  • what you can offer as security against loans - if needed
  • how much income you are expecting
  • what your expected profits and losses will be

Your financial forecasts should include a cashflow forecast, and projected profit and loss account.

The operations plan is a description of the farm itself, and how it is run. It can include details about:

  • the land, buildings and facilities
  • equipment, vehicles and machinery used on the farm
  • materials and supplies
  • what is produced and when
  • plans for new facilities
  • any environmental assessment plans, eg for soil conservation or to improve water quality
  • relevant regulations and licences

It may also be useful to prepare an executive summary - a synopsis of key points from your entire plan and a short description of your business opportunity - for presenting to third parties such as your bank, potential investors or suppliers.

Adapt an existing farm business plan

Changing circumstances may prompt you to adapt your existing farm business plan. If you are looking for a new source of funding - eg through the Rural Development Programme for England - you may need to consider adapting the way your farm is run.

Even if your current farm business plan is successful, you should always consider reviewing it for possible growth opportunities and improvements to farming operations.

For more information on growth opportunities and changing farming operations, see the guides on ideas and funding for diversification and  ideas and funding for diversification .

When adapting your existing farm business plan, you should think about:

  • Your goals - what do you want to achieve by reviewing your plan? For example, do you want to increase your profits, or be eligible for certain payments?
  • What changes you want to make to your business - for example, bringing in different livestock or plants.
  • How to best make these changes to your farm.
  • How you will carry out this change and at what cost?
  • Any financial implications of this change - and how long will it take you to make a profit?
  • How long the changes will take you to implement.
  • Potential risks - financial or otherwise - to your business.

Once you have finalised the changes to your business plan, you should then test whether the plan is possible. You can then work out whether you have enough resources, you can meet the demands, and whether your new plan is realistic.

Download the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ ( Defra ’s) ‘Figures for a Farming Future – Part II: Mapping out a farming future’ (PDF, 326K) .

Financial figures: assess the viability of your farm business

One of the major roles of the Defra is to help the farming industry operate as efficiently as possible.

Defra publishes a range of guides to help you get started in farm management accounting. The first of these covers how to use your farm accounts to assess your financial situation. This booklet is an important first step in helping you to understand what your accounts tell you about your farm’s viability, and how to make better use of that information.

In order to be viable, your farm needs to generate enough income to cover:

  • money you draw for your own use
  • re-investment
  • repayments on borrowing

Defra ’s booklet shows you how to use your profit-and-loss account and balance sheets to assess the viability of your business. It guides you through the principles of basic accounting, explaining terms and giving examples of how to enter figures into your accounts. Knowing how to interpret these figures is key to managing, budgeting and planning the future of your farm business.

To make the best use of the booklet, it will help to have a copy of your latest farm accounts.

Download Defra ’s guide to ‘Figures for a Farming Future – Part I: Using the farm accounts to point the way’ (PDF, 276K) .

Financial figures in whole farm planning

Once you have assessed your farming business and its success, you may consider making changes to the way your farm operates. Your decisions - and those of potential lenders - will be based on the financial figures you have drawn up for your business.

Defra has published a booklet on mapping out the future of your farm, which provides guidance and information on using financial figures in your overall farm business plan. This booklet will help you to:

  • make partial and major changes to your whole farm business
  • make changes to your business planning documents yourself
  • reflect risk, feasibility, viability and future performance in your financial figures in order to determine whether changes will help to make your business more profitable

Download Defra ’s guide ‘Figures for a Farming Future – Part II: Mapping out a farming future’ (PDF, 326K) .

Plan a partial change to your current system

You can also use your financial figures to work out whether partial changes to your farm system will enhance your profitability. There are several steps to this process:

  • decide on goals - eg increasing production or profitability
  • make a list of the changes you could make to achieve these goals
  • outline the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in your plan
  • make a complete list of the resources you will need to achieve your goals
  • use a profit and loss table to calculate the financial gain versus the cost of these changes
  • determine the effect your changes will have on cash flow quarter by quarter
  • evaluate the risks involved in your project and whether you can reduce them

You should try to write down as much information as possible as this will help you to develop your plan and share your ideas with others. At each stage, take time to ensure you have included every possibility.

Convert your farm’s financial accounts into management accounts

Financial figures are vital to running any farm, but they can be much more useful to you if you convert them into management accounts.

The third booklet in the Management Accounting for Farmers series published by Defra is a step-by-step guide to converting your figures into management accounts. Working through the guide will help you to understand your business more clearly and will equip you to deal more effectively with your bank, accountant and farming business consultant.

This practical guide looks at:

  • the terms used in financial and management accounting
  • how profit and loss accounts are structured in management accounting
  • using the profit-and-loss accounts and balance sheet as management tools
  • why stock appreciation and herd depreciation are important for livestock farmers

Download Defra ’s guide ‘Management accounting for farmers – Converting the farm’s financial accounts into management accounts: a practical guide’ (PDF, 379K) .

Farm business benchmarking

Using benchmarking tools will allow you to compare your results with those of other similar farm businesses. This helps you to find out how your business is performing compared with farms of a similar size and type, and in turn will help you identify areas for improvement.

Farm benchmarking is an online tool from Defra . You can use it to compare your farm with other farms in Defra ’s Farm Business Survey and with farms in similar surveys in other European Union countries. Farm business benchmarking lets you compare your:

  • financial data with farms of a similar type and size
  • performance in terms of revenue, cost and profit
  • business results with average or above-average farms

The tool is based on Defra ’s annual Farm Business Survey. This survey gathers information from farmers and growers each year about various aspects of their business.

The tool will also help you decide if there are areas of your business that could be improved - eg by reducing costs or increasing output.

You will need up-to-date financial accounts in order to use the tool. For more information on farming accounts, see the section on using financial figures to assess the viability of your farm business.

Download Defra ’s ‘Farm Business Benchmarking Online: Management Accounting for Farmers’ (PDF, 114K) .

Meat producers benchmarking

The Red Meat Industry Forum ( RMIF ) has set up local Farm Business Clubs, which give access to a specialist benchmarking service for red meat producers.

Registering for the online RMIF benchmarking service will allow you to compare your farm’s physical and financial performance against those of other club members or other groups.

Milkbench+ is an independent service to help milk producers calculate their net margins on milk, and work out how well their business is performing compared to other producers.

Find out about the Milkbench benchmarking service on the Milkbench website (registration required) .

Cross compliance requirements for farming businesses

Cross compliance requires you to observe two main sets of regulatory standards in your farming business:

  • Statutory Management Requirements ( SMRs ) for environmental, public, plant and animal health, and animal welfare
  • requirements to keep your land in good agricultural and environmental condition - with specific reference to soils and maintaining a variety of habitat and landscape features

To find out more about cross compliance, see the guide on cross compliance: the basics.

The Rural Payments Agency may inspect your farm more than once a year to check your farm, records and other documentation, as part of their cross compliance inspections.

You must comply with cross compliance requirements to qualify for:

  • project funding under the Rural Development Programme in England
  • Single Payment Scheme ( SPS ) funding
  • any other direct farm payments, such as Environmental Stewardship payments from Natural England

Cross compliance and business planning

You must ensure that you consider cross compliance requirements when creating a farming business plan, including:

  • how your SPS payment could affect your profits, losses and income
  • whether meeting SMRs would affect the financial aspects of your plan - for example, you may need to budget for the identification or registration of livestock
  • how your business plan would be affected if you don’t meet cross compliance requirements and therefore do not receive your Common Agricultural Policy payments

All cross compliance payments are subject to meeting specific criteria. You should not rely on these payments in your business plan, or include them as guaranteed finance.

The Farm Advisory System advises farmers about cross compliance. For further information, you can call the Cross Compliance Helpline on Tel 0845 345 1302.

Organisations dealing with farm financial planning

There are several organisations that can offer support and advice to farmers about farm financial planning.

You can also use this site to find out about regulations, licences, standards and trade bodies relevant to specific business sectors, for example:

  • sheep and goats
  • fish farming
  • other animal farming, eg game or pets
  • farming support services

Find out how to comply with all the regulations and licences that apply to you in the section on your business sector .

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) administers European support policies that provide around £3 billion to UK agriculture. It also oversees a number of agencies that work with arable farmers, imports and exports of crops and implement pest and disease controls. You can call the Defra Helpline on Tel 08459 33 55 77.

The Carbon Trust provides interest-free loans of between £3,000 and £20,000, for farmers in England to upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. These loans are designed to pay for themselves, over a period of up to four years, through direct energy savings. You can find out about interest-free loans on the Carbon Trust website .

The Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 ( RDPE ) is jointly funded by the Government and the EU. Under this scheme the government will allocate a total of £3.3 billion to agri-environment and other land management schemes. The introduction of the RDPE has changed the way payments are made under the Environmental Stewardship and Energy Crops schemes.

In England, the Farm Advisory System advises farmers about cross compliance. For further information, call the Cross Compliance Helpline on Tel 0845 345 1302. Alternatively, find information on cross compliance requirement on the Cross Compliance website .

The National Farmers’ Union ( NFU ) represents the farmers and growers of England and Wales. It aims to promote successful and socially responsible agriculture and horticulture, while ensuring the long-term viability of rural communities.

You can find out about the work of the NFU on the NFU website .

Natural England is an agency of Defra . It administers a programme of financial incentives for farmers and land managers, aimed at protecting and enhancing the natural environment. These include:

  • the Environmental Stewardship scheme
  • cross compliance requirements
  • land management
  • wildlife management and licensing
  • Countryside and Rights of Way Act

Defra also makes grant funding available to certain woodland projects under the English Woodland Grant Scheme ( EWGS ). These are administered on behalf of Defra by the Forestry Commission.

Find out about the EWGS on the Forestry Commission website .

Further information

Nfu callfirst helpline.

0870 845 8458

RMIF Helpline

01908 844 710

Defra Helpline

08459 33 55 77

RPA Helpline

0845 603 7777

Rural Business Unit Helpline

01223 337 166

Cross Compliance Helpline

0845 345 1302

Download Defra ’s farming systems advice from the Agricultural Document Library website (PDF, 326K)

NFU business guides on the NFU website (registration required)

Download Defra ’s guide to using your farm accounts to point the way from the ADLib website (PDF, 276K)

Cash accounting online courses for small businesses on the learndirect business website

Download Defra ’s practical guide to converting your farm’s financial accounts into management accounts from the ADLib website (PDF, 379K)

Download Defra ’s farm business benchmarking guide from the ADLib website (PDF, 114K)

Milkbench+ benchmarking service information on the Milkbench+ website (registration required)

Cross compliance guidance on the Cross Compliance website

Interest-free loan information on the Carbon Trust website

Cross compliance requirements and information on the Cross Compliance website

NFU information and services on the NFU website

EWGS information on the Forestry Commission website

EU direct payments information for farmers on the European Commission website

Fixing references to specialist guides

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How to Create an Agricultural Business Plan

Blog > how to create an agricultural business plan, table of content, introduction, executive summary, company description, market analysis, product/service description, marketing and sales strategies, operational plan, swot analysis, financial projections, funding and investment, risk management, sustainability and environmental impact, legal and regulatory compliance, timeline and milestones, our other categories.

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Reading Time : 16 Min

Business plan 101.

How to Create an Agricultural Business Plan Stellar Business Plans

Starting an agricultural venture is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and a well-crafted agricultural business plan. This document serves as a roadmap for your agricultural business, outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each step of creating a robust agricultural business plan to set your venture up for success. Whether you’re planning to start a small family farm or a large-scale agricultural operation, this guide will help you make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of the agricultural industry.

The executive summary is the first section of your agricultural business plan, but it is typically written last. This section provides a concise overview of your entire plan and should capture the reader’s attention. Include the following elements in your executive summary:

  • Example: ABC Farms is a sustainable agriculture venture committed to providing organic, locally sourced produce to health-conscious consumers in the region. Our mission is to promote eco-friendly farming practices and support local communities while delivering premium-quality products.

Stellar Business Tips: Keep your executive summary clear, compelling, and focused. Highlight the unique selling points of your agricultural business and how it addresses market demands.

In this section, provide a comprehensive description of your agricultural business. Include the following details:

  • Example: ABC Farms was founded in 2010 by John and Jane Smith, who have a combined experience of over 20 years in sustainable agriculture. The business started as a small family farm and has since expanded to a 50-acre organic farm with a diverse range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

Stellar Business Tips: Share your business’s background, founders’ expertise, and growth trajectory. Emphasize your passion for agriculture and commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Conduct a thorough market analysis to gain insights into the agricultural industry, market trends, and potential opportunities. Consider the following factors:

  • Example: The organic produce market has been steadily growing at a rate of 10% per year, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health benefits and environmental concerns. Local restaurants and grocery stores are eager to source fresh, organic produce from nearby farms.

Stellar Business Tips: Use data and statistics to support your market analysis. Identify target customers and potential gaps in the market that your agricultural business can address.

Detail the agricultural products or services your business offers. If you are into crop farming, describe the crops you plan to grow, their varieties, and their uses. If you are into livestock rearing, specify the types of animals and breeds you’ll raise. If you offer agricultural services, describe them in detail.

  • Example: ABC Farms specializes in heirloom vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, renowned for their exceptional flavor and nutritional value. We also raise heritage-breed livestock, including free-range chickens and pasture-raised pigs, to provide ethically sourced meat products.

Stellar Business Tips: Highlight the uniqueness and quality of your agricultural products or services. Emphasize your commitment to sustainability and responsible animal husbandry if applicable.

Outline your marketing and sales strategies to reach and attract your target customers. Consider the following aspects:

  • Example: ABC Farms utilizes social media platforms to showcase our farm-to-table journey and engage with customers. We actively participate in farmers’ markets and local food events to promote our brand and build personal connections with consumers.

Stellar Business Tips: Utilize digital marketing tools, such as social media and email marketing, to create brand awareness and engage with customers directly. Explore partnerships with local businesses to expand your reach.

The operational plan outlines how your agricultural business will function on a day-to-day basis. It includes the following details:

  • Example: ABC Farms employs a team of experienced farmers who follow sustainable farming practices, including crop rotation and integrated pest management, to ensure soil health and minimize environmental impact. We have invested in modern irrigation systems and machinery to optimize productivity and reduce labor costs.

Stellar Business Tips: Detail the specific practices and technologies you’ll use to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Showcase your commitment to ethical and responsible farm management.

Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate your agricultural business’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. Use this analysis to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.

  • Example: Strengths: ABC Farms has established a strong reputation for premium-quality produce, garnering repeat customers and positive reviews. Weaknesses: We currently face limited storage facilities for harvested crops, which may affect our ability to meet peak demands.

Stellar Business Tips: Be honest about your agricultural business’s strengths and weaknesses. Address how you plan to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential risks.

The financial projections section provides a detailed forecast of your agricultural business’s financial performance over the next 3-5 years. Include the following financial statements:

  • Example: Sales Forecast: We anticipate steady growth in sales, with a projected increase of 15% annually due to expanding customer base and diversified product offerings.

Stellar Business Tips: Use realistic and data-driven estimates for your financial projections. Include contingency plans for unforeseen financial challenges.

If your agricultural business requires funding or investment, outline your funding requirements and sources of financing. This section should include:

  • Example: Funding Requirements: ABC Farms seeks a capital investment of $200,000 to expand farmland, install greenhouses, and upgrade equipment to meet the growing demand for our organic products.

Stellar Business Tips: Clearly explain how the investment will be used to drive the growth and success of your agricultural business.

Identify potential risks and challenges that your agricultural business may face and develop risk management strategies to mitigate their impact. Consider the following risk categories:

  • Example: Market Risks: Fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in consumer preferences may impact our sales revenue. To address this, we will diversify our product offerings and explore new markets.

Stellar Business Tips: Demonstrate your proactive approach to risk management. Provide solutions for handling potential challenges to reassure stakeholders.

As the importance of sustainable farming practices grows, customers and investors increasingly value agricultural businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship and social responsibility. In this section, highlight your commitment to sustainability:

  • Example: ABC Farms is committed to regenerative agriculture practices, including cover cropping and no-till farming, to enhance soil health and sequester carbon. We actively participate in local conservation programs to protect natural habitats and biodiversity.

Stellar Business Tips: Showcase your efforts to contribute positively to the environment and local community. Share success stories of how your sustainable practices have made a difference.

The agricultural industry is subject to various laws and regulations, such as agricultural zoning laws, environmental regulations, labor laws, and food safety standards. In this section, address the legal and regulatory aspects of your agricultural business:

  • Example: ABC Farms complies with all local, state, and federal regulations for organic certification and food safety. We conduct regular inspections and maintain accurate records to ensure full compliance.

Stellar Business Tips: Emphasize your commitment to adhering to legal requirements and ensuring transparency in your agricultural operations.

Develop a timeline for your agricultural business’s key milestones and achievements. This section should include:

  • Example: Milestone Timeline: Year 1 – Acquire additional farmland; Year 2 – Expand greenhouse production; Year 3 – Launch an online farm-to-table store.

Stellar Business Tips: Set realistic timelines for achieving your milestones. This will help you track progress and stay on course.

In conclusion, creating a well-structured and comprehensive agricultural business plan is crucial for your venture’s success. It provides a roadmap to guide your agricultural business towards its goals, while also attracting investors and other stakeholders. Remember that the agricultural industry is dynamic and continually evolving, so your business plan should be flexible enough to adapt to changing market conditions and opportunities.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating sustainable practices, your agricultural business can thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. At Stellar Business Plans , we are dedicated to supporting the success of agricultural entrepreneurs like you. Our team of experts can assist you in crafting a tailored business plan that aligns with your vision and values. Let’s cultivate growth together and create a sustainable future for agriculture!

Remember, agricultural business success is not only about financial gains but also about nurturing the land, supporting local communities, and providing consumers with nutritious and ethically sourced products. Let your passion for agriculture and dedication to sustainability shine through every aspect of your business. Together, we can sow the seeds of a thriving agricultural future.

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Agricultural Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

agricultural business plan

Agricultural Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their agricultural companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an agricultural business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an agricultural business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your agricultural business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start an agricultural business or grow your existing agricultural company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your agricultural business to improve your chances of success. Your agricultural business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Agricultural Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an agricultural business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for agricultural companies.

    Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a agricultural business.

If you want to start an agricultural business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your agricultural business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of agricultural business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an agricultural business that you would like to grow, or are you operating an established agricultural business you would like to sell?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

  • Give a brief overview of the agricultural industry.
  • Discuss the type of agricultural business you are operating.
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of agricultural business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of agricultural businesses:

  • Animal feed manufacturing: the production and sale of food formulas for farm animals.
  • Agrichemical and seed manufacturing: the production and sale of agrichemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides) and seeds to farmers that support the growth of their crops.
  • Agricultural engineering: development, testing, and implementation of new agriculture tools and machinery to improve the process for farmers.
  • Biofuel manufacturing: the production of energy from biomass.
  • Crop production: the process of growing and harvesting a variety of crops such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.

In addition to explaining the type of agricultural business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include reaching X number of harvests per year, the number of customers served, or reaching $X amount in revenue.
  • Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the agricultural industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the agricultural industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your agricultural business plan:

  • How big is the agricultural industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your agricultural business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your agricultural business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of agricultural business you operate. Clearly, schools would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.  

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other agricultural businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of farmers, wholesalers, and distributors.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What type of agricultural business are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you make it easier for your customers to engage with you?
  • Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a agricultural business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of agricultural company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you produce fruit, soy, or vegetable products?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your agricultural company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your agricultural business located on a small or large farm near your customer base?  And, will you operate one or multiple locations? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your agricultural marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
  • Reach out to websites
  • Distribute flyers
  • Engage in email marketing
  • Advertise on social media platforms
  • Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your agricultural business, including scheduling employees, tracking inventory, accepting orders and payments, and meeting with customers.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to reach your Xth harvest, or when you hope to generate $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your agricultural business to a new region.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your agricultural business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing agricultural businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an agricultural business, or owning their own farm.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, how many pounds of each crop do you plan to yield each season? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your agricultural business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a agricultural business:

  • Cost of farm equipment and supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your farm’s location lease or a list of agricultural equipment and machinery used on your farm.  

Writing a business plan for your agricultural business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the agricultural industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful agricultural business.  

Agricultural Business Plan Template FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my agricultural business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your agricultural business plan.

How Do You Start an Agricultural Business?

Starting an agricultural business is easy with these 14 steps:

  • Choose the Name for Your Agricultural Business
  • Create Your Agricultural Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Agricultural Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Agricultural Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Agricultural Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Agricultural Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Agricultural Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Agricultural Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Agricultural Business
  • Open for Business

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OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan professional services can help you create a winning business.  

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Business ideas for 2020: Urban farming

Business ideas urban farming

Our experts

Written and reviewed by:.

How much does the food I eat contribute to my carbon footprint? How are we going to continue to feed a growing population in the future?

When it comes to the food we eat, these questions regarding the environment and overpopulation have taken centre stage in recent years – which might explain the growing trend of urban farming solutions.

Urban farming, put simply, is the cultivation and distribution of food in urban or densely populated areas. More specifically, this can mean the DIY growing of food (or even keeping of bees or farming of bugs!) in your own home, or the high-tech setups such as vertical farming and Controlled Environment Production (CEP).

Vertical farming is the indoor cultivation of plants in a stacked formation, allowing for several rows of crops to be grown in vertically arranged layers. The produce is grown in a controlled environment (light and temperature) and, in some cases, even without any soil (thanks to techniques such as hydroponics). The urban spaces used for this farming can be anything from abandoned warehouses to shipping containers.

Finally, as people become more concerned about exactly where their food is coming from, and with ‘field-to-fork’ on the rise, it’s unsurprising that there’s been a surge in restaurants, companies and individuals wanting to grow food themselves in the city. Whether it be in a city allotment, on a rooftop, or on a tiny London apartment windowsill – we’re becoming much more inventive and resourceful when it comes to finding farming space!

Read on to learn more about the importance of this ‘trend’ (although you’ll probably realise this concept is much bigger than a passing curiosity) and the interesting variety of business opportunities urban farming presents for 2020 – and the future of the planet.

Some UK seed companies have reported a ten-fold increase in sales , as interest in gardening and self-sufficiency soars.

What better time to help people rediscover their green fingers and cultivate an urban garden than during lockdown? And, even when all this is over, our faith in the reliability of conventional supply chains and a functioning society is unlikely to recover quite so quickly. People will want to be prepared for the next global crisis.

Whether you sell growable products or equipment for urban gardens, this looks like a good time to reap the harvest.

Find out more:

Why is urban farming a good business idea for 2020.

  • Is it Brexit-proof?
  • Urban farming: business opportunities
  • Is it sustainable?

Insider opinion

“In order to feed the anticipated 10 billion people living on earth by 2050, food production must be increased by 70%,” says Thomas Constant, the founder of the brand new vertical bug-farming product startup BeoBia (don’t worry – more on that innovative idea later!).

One reason urban farming is likely to prove a lucrative business opportunity in 2020 (and far beyond) is due to its necessity in an increasingly urbanised world with a crippling demand for more food. In addition, the growth of the industry will continue to be driven by a growing demand for produce that is high-quality and grown without the use of pesticides, in a way that does not negatively impact the environment and climate.

As The Telegraph reported in 2019, the desperate clamouring of the agriculture industry to keep up with the needs of a growing population has a huge environmental impact in terms of emissions.

urban-farming-demand

On the home-growing side of things, a 2019 article from Insightdiy reported a 29% increase in millennials enjoying gardening , and that 81% of young gardeners claimed to grow plants specifically for food (53% said they grow their own produce as a cheaper alternative to buying and 45% for well-being and health reasons.)

The buzz around this concept hasn’t gone unnoticed, with publications such as The Guardian writing about  how to grow your own food at home “even if you don’t have a garden”, and several companies such as above-mentioned BeoBia offering easy-to-use indoor farming solutions.

If you’re still not convinced by the potential of urban farming, the many examples you can see around you in major cities around the UK may tip the balance. Looking to the incredible ‘green-roofing’ projects in Paris , the futuristic Growing Underground salad farm located 100 feet below Clapham High Street, and the 16-storey food towers on the cards for the future – there are plenty of examples which, as The Guardian put it in 2019, “show that urban agriculture is, in some cases at least, not a fad”.

Quick urban farming glossary

Urban farming can mean…

Urban agriculture – this term suggests urban farming on a large scale and with commercial intent (selling of produce).

Homesteading (in relation to farming) – the growing of food to feed yourself, in your own home, garden, allotment, etc. (no commercial intent).

Indoor farming – the umbrella term for growing produce entirely indoors, usually in artificial or controlled environments (light and temperature), like vertical farming.

The Grow Like Grandad blog, a finalist in the The Garden Media Guild Awards two years running, explained in 2018 about how new (hard) Brexit importing laws could have a dramatic negative impact on the price and availability of fruit and vegetables in the UK. The proposed solution? Grow your own.

With one of the main focuses of urban farming being local production and distribution of produce, this concept seems to not only be Brexit proof, but possibly the answer to agricultural and farming issues posed by the leaving of the EU.

Urban farming: Business opportunities

Starting a business as technologically sophisticated and large-scale as a commercial vertical farm may seem daunting, and will certainly require knowledge of the science behind growing produce and the relevant technology. However, there are now plenty of available resources, such as those offered by the Vertical Farming Academy , which offer step-by-step support to launching your own urban or vertical farming project.The UK success-story Growup Urban Farms also offers inspiration in its honest description of the somewhat rocky road it took to get to where it is today.

With the demand for vertical farms increasing, any business providing such projects with the technology they need will likely see demand for its products grow.

Some highly innovative home-farming products have come to the market recently, reflecting consumers’ growing interest in grow-your-own, homesteading, and self-sufficiency. One memorable example of this is BeoBia ’s new home insect-growing pod, which allows users to farm insects to eat as a high-protein addition to their diets.

“The sustainability of insect farming, which uses a fraction of the land, water and resources needed for traditional livestock while producing greater nutritional benefits, is key to the demand of the product,” says Thomas Constant, the founder of BeoBia.

“Empowering people of any age to produce their own sustainable source of protein and make use of their food waste, even in urban locations, is one of the most effective ways consumers can impact the global food supply chain.”

Home-farming-bugs

BeoBia’s insect-growing pod

Moving from bugs to fungi, another grow-your-own concept comes from Fungi Futures CIC (trading as GroCycle ) which operates out of an urban mushroom farm in Exeter selling ‘grow your own gourmet mushrooms’ kits – and there are many suppliers offering iterations of similar grow-your-own products.

Another potential business idea in this field: shipping containers. Yes, you read that correctly. As Johnathan Bulmer, MD at UK-based company Cleveland Containers, explains: “There is a billion-dollar demand for local food, due to environmental, economic and food-quality reasons. Because of this, the appeal of urban farming – specifically container farming – to consumers and businesses will only continue to rise.” With large container units being used as the home for an increasing number of urban and vertical farming projects, you can see why supplying the farmers with this equipment could be lucrative.

If hospitality is your area of expertise, you could take inspiration from an increasing number of restaurants who grow their own food locally, a world-famous example being Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen. Farm-to-Fork restaurants are growing in popularity in the UK and beyond, with more people conscious of the environmental impact of their meals and the farming standards behind the growing of the ingredients used.

Finally – and moving on from just food – the demand for responsibly farmed products is growing. “We are seeing a growing and enduring movement towards consumers selecting sustainably sourced and ethical products,” says Katie Tyndale, the founder of Bee Green Wraps , which offers an eco-friendly alternative to clingfilm, and Let’s Go Plastic Free, a lifestyle platform for eco-friendly products. Farming in a sustainable way to produce food or textiles to sell (at increasingly popular farmers’ markets and farm shops) would be a smart way to capitalise on this trend whilst doing your bit for the planet.

Business ideas in the field of urban farming could include:

  • Start a commercial vertical or urban farm
  • Supply vertical or urban farming technology to related businesses
  • Create a farming product that consumers can use in their own home, even with limited space
  • Break into the growing market of edible insects and insect farming
  • Supply (shipping) containers for indoor farming projects
  • Start an eatery which grows its own ingredients
  • Create and/or sell locally farmed, eco-friendly products (urban growing, beekeeping, etc.)

Sustainability is, essentially, what urban farming is all about. The challenge it aims to solve is the current un sustainable situation of food demand outweighing agricultural production. Compared to traditional farming methods, vertical farming uses an estimated 95% less water . It also encourages food to be grown very close to where it is eaten, meaning the financial and environmental costs of transportation are minimal.

Urban farming businesses are likely to thrive owing to the absolute necessity for change in how we farm and eat. Thomas Constant explains that, “we are currently living in a ‘food enlightening’ period. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about where their food comes from, what impact their diet has on the planet, and what nutritional benefits their diet offers them.”

Dr Richard Anderson, the Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training , adds , “Urban farming is on the rise and leading the millennial food revolution.

“The food industry is one that is constantly changing, and many companies may feel that they are not able to keep up with their competition. However, in order to not only compete, but also thrive, they should look at alternative and niche methods that put them a level ahead of the rest.

The implementation of urban farming methods is a fantastic example of how issues relating to the environment and food fraud can be overcome by adopting a forward-thinking approach to the traditional method of farming.”

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Agriculture Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide to Start Agri-Business

  • March 24, 2023
  • Business Loan , Finance

Agriculture Business Plan

Agriculture has long been the foundation of economies all across the world, supplying communities with food, resources, and income. With the agricultural sector employing more than 80% of the world’s labour force, it is obvious that this sector is crucial to the prosperity of any nation’s economy. 

For an entrepreneur, there are numerous opportunities in this sector. Whether you want to start a successful farm business, or you are looking for government assistance in the form of loans and subsidies. In this article, we’ll cover all the topics.

Let’s understand what are different factors to consider in Agriculture business plans.

The Importance of Agriculture in India

The importance of agriculture in India

  • Over 60% to 70% of the Indian population relies on agriculture and related industries.
  • Almost 52% of the labour force in the nation is employed in the agriculture industry.
  • About 18.3% of India’s GDP (2022-23) (Gross Domestic Product) is attributed to agriculture. ( PIB )
  • India’s GDP from agriculture increased to 6934.75 INR billion in the 4th quarter of 2022 from 4297.55 INR billion in the 3rd quarter.
  • The Indian agriculture industry is projected to grow by 3.5% during the fiscal year 2022-2023.[ Source ]

Agriculture Business Plan  

A solid plan may make your agriculture business successful. Therefore when writing one, consider all the elements that constitute an excellent agriculture business plan. Also, take inspiration and incorporate key elements from already existing businesses. 

Purpose of Agriculture Business Plan 

  • A strong agriculture business plan helps you understand the teams and make key business decisions to accomplish desired goals.
  • It also helps you get investors for your business. Investors could be bankers or any other venture capitalists who would be willing to raise funds for your agribusiness. 
  • It helps determine if you can get the business going in a set direction and also allows you to estimate the costs required for founding the business.
  • A good business plan clearly defines your corporate objectives.

Elements of an Agriculture Business Plan

Element of an agriculture business plan

While creating a strategy for your agriculture business, use a step-by-step procedure and include a comprehensive list of all the necessary components. Of course, your business strategy will determine whether you are a startup or an established firm. In any case, you must ensure that your business plan is inclusive, succinct, detailed, and grounded in reality.

Planning to create an Agriculture Business plan? Here’s what you should include:

1. Purpose and Objectives

The goal of the company is expressed in its objective statement. It dictates why you want to start the business and what you hope to achieve. Also, it identifies the other companies or entities your business will work with.

Thus, your company’s mission statement must incorporate information about your brand and core values.

2. Business Details 

Illustrate every important component of your business, including its location, the size of its property, the date it began operations, its current status, and the sector it operates in. This section could also address other subjects, like marketing and sustainability.

3. Market Analysis

The majority of businesses begin by researching their industry. So, it would be great to implement the same idea in your agricultural business.

You can start by learning about the needs and compiling as much data as possible on supply and demand, market trends, rivals, and customers.

4. SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a way to determine your agribusiness’s internal strengths and weaknesses. The outside world may teach you about your possibilities, threats, skills, and shortcomings. For example, new markets, competitors, governmental limits, laws, and current economic conditions could all be opportunities or dangers.

By conducting a SWOT analysis, you can know the strengths and weaknesses of your agribusiness on the inside. Besides strengths and weaknesses, you can also learn about opportunities and threats from the outside. Opportunities and threats could include new markets and competitors, government regulations and restrictions, and prevailing economic conditions.

5. Business Strategy

Create a marketing plan corresponding to your mission statement and goals, the products and services you want to sell. The information you gathered during the research and analysis phases can provide ideas for this.

While creating a marketing plan, be sure to take into account all aspects, including pricing, location, and promotion. Consider how your products or services could help your clientele as well. Customers should be made aware of your product’s benefits. Then and only then will your business thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

6. Finances

One of the most important sections of any agriculture business plan is the financing portion. You should assess your current financial condition and future prospects.

Depending on your financial status, you can decide whether a business loan is necessary for your agribusiness. Determine your current financial status and the money required to build your agriculture business.

7. Management Summary

The management summary, which comes last in your agricultural business plan, is where you highlight your successes and showcase them to potential investors.

Show them your financial projections and reassure them that investing in your business is a smart move. Doing this can bring in more potential investors for your agricultural business.

Steps to Draft an Agriculture Business Plan

  • Step 1: Before getting started you need to first make up your mind about the type of agriculture business you want to start.
  • Step 2: Narrow down land and secure the boundaries of it. Make sure you close the lease agreement.
  • Step 3: Do deep research on the market to identify the requirements you need to cater to.
  • Step 4: Do a calculation of different aspects of your agribusiness. This could include the economic viability of the business, commodities you are going to trade or what role you need to take up in order to tap into future opportunities.
  • Step 5: When you are done with the above steps, now is the time to identify the resources you need to for the production.
  • Step 6: Register your business
  • Step 7: Make a strategy to secure the credit for your business. Unless you have a strong foundation of credit, it is very difficult to kickstart an agribusiness.

Agriculture loans in India

An agribusiness loan is a type of overdraft that can be used for farming and other agriculturally related operations that require working capital. 

Farmers in India can typically apply for low-interest agricultural loans. Repayment conditions for agricultural loans vary from lender to lender. The loan can be repaid in monthly, yearly, or biannual payments.

Uses of Agribusiness loans

  • Purchasing agricultural and irrigation machinery
  • Buying cattle and livestock
  • Purchase of agricultural land
  • Storage and warehousing expenses
  • Marketing expenses
  • Transportation costs
  • Managing day-to-day operations

Eligibility Criteria for an Agriculture Business Loan

  • The primary applicant must be aged between 18 – 70 years old.
  • Applicant should use the loan credit for the cultivation of the farmland.

Documents required to avail of an Agriculture Loan

  • ID proof – PAN card/ Aadhar card/ Ration card/ Driving license/ Voter ID
  • Address proof – Bank statement/ 3 months utility bill/ Ration card/ Driving license/ Passport
  • Land ownership proof.

Let’s see what are the different components of an Agriculture Business Plan.

Closing Words  

It should go without saying that planning your farm business is a major task. But, don’t let it deter you. 

When drafting the plan, your mission statement and goals should come first. After that, go on to strategy creation and market research. You can then describe how you’ll carry out your plan after that. You will market your products to your customers in this manner. You must identify your target customers at this point in your agriculture business strategy. 

Hence, when creating a plan for your farm business, go step by step. And ensure that you don’t miss anything. Just follow the steps mentioned in this article. Happy Farming!

What business can I start with agriculture?

Every business in agriculture holds a key to profits. If you are not sure which business to start with then, here’s a list of businesses you can consider:  1. Organic Farming 2. Organic Fertilizer 3. Poultry Farming 4. Dairy Farming 5. Garlic Farming 6. Lavender Farming 7. Gourmet Mushrooms Farming 8. Flower Business 9. Fertilizer Distribution 10. Mushroom Farming 11. Sunflower Farming 12. Hydroponic Retail Store Business 13. Bamboo Farming 14. Willows Farming

Which agriculture business plan example is most profitable?

When we talk about profitability, Dairy farming has an exceptional potential to become most profitable. Its not just the milk but other products like manure are in high demand.

How to start an agriculture loan application process?

You can start your agriculture loan application process by duly filling out all the details and submitting the application form to the bank while attaching all the necessary documentation. 

What is the online application procedure for agriculture loans?

When applying for a loan online, you must fill out the application form and upload it along with the required documents on the bank’s website.

Who can be categorized as small and marginal farmers?

Any farmer who owns less than 2.5 acres of irrigated land or 5 acres of non-irrigated land falls under the small and marginal farmer category.

Can women avail of agriculture loans in India?

The Indian government encourages women to avail of agriculture loans by offering special schemes for women borrowers.

Who is eligible to apply for an agriculture loan in India?

All categories of farmers, including small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers and sharecroppers, are all eligible to apply for agriculture loans.

How do you write an agricultural business plan?

You just need the follow the below-mentioned steps to make an agricultural business plan

Step 1: Business statement 

Start with a mission statement. The why should be clear. This includes what your business is all about and what it will do. Include the business identity and values.

Step 2. Details of your business

Highlight all important details of your business. Everything right from the location to the date when you’ll start operations.

Step 3: Competition Analysis

Analyse the market. It will help you to strategize better. Gather information about your competitors. Do a SWOT analysis. 

Step 4: Business Strategy

Create a marketing strategy, that aligns with your business statement and values. 

Step 5: Finances

Assess your financial standing and project future. Based on that apply for a loan

Step 6: Management Summary

Highlight your business achievements. 

How do I start my own agricultural startup?

It’s pretty straightforward to start an agricultural startup in India. Follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Competition Analysis 

Do a proper competition analysis. This will help you to make a good business plan.

Step 2: Arranging the Funds

Consider taking a loan or arrange the funds to kickstart the business.

Step 3: Register your Business

It is the first and foremost step that you should take. Registering your business will help you to take advantage of various government initiatives or schemes.

Step 4: Marketing your Business

Mow market your business. Make a marketing strategy and stick to it. It will reap results for you.

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Malti chaoudhary.

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Agriculture Farm Business Plan Example

JUL.25, 2013

agriculture farm business plan

Agriculture business plan for starting your own business

Farming and agriculture business is not as easy as it seems. An even difficult step is to plan how to write a business plan for agriculture. Whether it is a Christmas tree farm business plan or an organic fertilizer business plan , you need to put real effort into planning each and every aspect of your agriculture business plan . To become successful, you should know the ways to operate your enterprise efficiently. You should know your revenue and cash position. You also need to forecast your crop rotations.

We have here provided a detailed business plan so that you can avoid any inconvenience in making a plan for yourself. No matter if you want to make a fish farm business plan or fountain pepper farm business plan , hydroponics farm business plan , or even an aquaponics farm business plan , this sample business plan agriculture template will help you.

A well-formed business plan of agriculture will help your agriculture business plan grow and generate the revenue that you dream of. It will help in managing your business in hard times and will also improve the chances of getting loans from the government for your business. So, if are thinking of creating a business for a bank loan , check out this template.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

The Old Maple Way will be a registered farm in New York, US. The business will aim to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to its customers. Along with it, we provide high-quality dairy products. Instead of competing with other farms in town, we will mainly focus on the quality and pricing of our products.

In any business plan agriculture project, the aims and goals should be clear. Instead of looking for an online business plan expert , you can write your business plan exact like agriculture business plan examples available online.

2.2 Management of Agriculture

The Old Maple Way Farm will be managed by James Celery. He will look into all the operations going on the farm. For his assistance, three managers will work with him. These managers will be trained for a month before starting their jobs. As per this agriculture business plan pdf, James will hire some highly experienced farmers who will look after the growth and management of fruits and vegetables. James will ensure the quality of production himself.

2.3 Customers of Agriculture

Customers are the backbone of every business. If you know the right audience for your agriculture business , you will be able to achieve your target. You will get the idea of how to run your agriculture business plan if you understand your customers. The main customers for the agriculture business will be the following:

  • Export to Foreign Markets
  • Domestic Hotels and Restaurants
  • Domestic Food Companies

2.4 Business Target

The main goal of Old Maple Way Farm is to produce high-quality products for the people. We do not compromise on the hygiene and our team takes care of it.  The most important thing matter to us is our customers’ satisfaction.

Here are our targets:

  • Our primary target is to become the most loved farm by people within the next 3 years of our launch.
  • Our secondary target is to increase the net profit every month.

Agriculture Bussines Plan - 3 Years Profit Forecast

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The owner of the Old Maple Way will be James Celery. James had a dream of starting his own agriculture business plan since he was a teenager. He wanted to produce high-quality products that do not contain harmful chemicals.

3.2 Why the farm is being started?

When James was asked why he is interested in starting a farm, he said he wanted to produce chemical-free and organic products for the people. He says that nowadays, it is difficult to find something that is purely organic and chemical-free.

Companies and farms are using harmful chemicals to increase their production. Due to it, they have ignored the quality and only focus on the quantity of production. To produce pure products, he planned to start a farm of his own. He further added that he wants to produce products that are affordable and easy to buy.

3.3 How the Farm will be started?

In a business plan for agriculture, you should mention the steps to start a farm. When you know how to make a business plan for agriculture, your agriculture business  will be successful. The agriculture export business plan includes all the necessary steps needed to start an agriculture business. To start a farm, you need the right techniques and ideas. Before starting a farm, you need to consider these essential steps:

Know your Niche

The first and most important step before starting the agriculture business  is to identify your niche. Without deciding the niche, you cannot start a healthy business.

Research Market

Once you have decided on your niche, you need to do market research. For instance, you have planned to grow a specific fruit, so to make the business successful, you should know who will buy your product. Making research on the market will let you know about your competitors and how will you sell your product.

If you are interested in particular fruit, vegetable or product, first learn more about the local market.

Find the Right Land

Once you have decided what product you are going to plant, you need to take the next step, i.e, deciding the land.

If you are starting at a low budget, you can take land on lease. But if you have sufficient investment to start, you can buy your land. If you start the farm on your land, you will have complete control of your farm. But at the same time, there will be more risk factors of financial loss.

In the sample of an agricultural business plan, you will find more detailed steps on how to start an agriculture business  depending upon the type of farm you want to start.

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Startup Cost

In agriculture service business plan, you should mention all the services and products that your farm will produce. In the business plan agriculture pdf and business plan for agriculture available online. You will find the services that farms offer. Our products include the following:

We will produce fruits that are chemical-free and pure. We believe in producing organic products. Unlike other farms, we do not use any chemical that increases the quantity.

We will produce 100% organic vegetables. Our main focus is on quality and our customer satisfaction.

Cereals & Grains

We will also produce export-quality cereals and grains.

Dairy Products

We will also be offering two dairy products (milk and butter) to further supplement our sales.

20 Highly Profitable Agricultural Farm Business Ideas

If you are an entrepreneur willing to start an agriculture farm business, the following 20 agriculture farm business ideas can come in handy for your business venture.

Growing Mushrooms

Mushroom is a very popular Unlike various other crops, mushrooms can grow in less than a month. It is ready to be harvested in just about 21 days. This is the reason mushrooms have a high profit margin. Often new entrepreneurs are restless to harvest and sell their crops. So, if you too are one such impatient entrepreneur then mushrooms won’t make your wait too long to be ready. You can sell them in 3 weeks time from d date of cultivation.

  • Mushroom farming comprises of 6 stages- first you need to compost; next spawn; case; pin and finally crop it.
  • The soil of your farming land must be suitable for growing mushrooms. If this suits your soil then this is the best crop to grow. Some soils only support specific mushroom cultivation. The environment also plays a significant factor.
  • You can aim to sell the produce in the local markets and also trade them. There are various countries that use mushrooms in their everyday meals. If your land in near such countries, where mushrooms are a favorite among the masses, then this is the best crop to cultivate in your farming land. Also, the convenience of export can take your mushroom business to far off markets as well.

Potato Farming

This is a very common vegetable. Yet, you should consider this as potato cultivation is greatly rewarding in many ways. Potato is consumed in meals almost daily by people both at home as well as in canteens. It is yummy, simple and very nutritious. The demand for potato is so high that even if there are other near-by farming areas growing potatoes, you still can produce it and benefit largely.

  • There are a large variety of potatoes, so check the soil and the market, in order to decide which potato you should cultivate in your land. You can opt for the sweet potatoes or Irish potato farming. They are quite popular across the globe. Furthermore, they can be sold as vegetables directly and can also be sold in the processed form.
  • You can choose bulk potato farming and process them if you have the capital and equipment. Potato chips and French fries are savory snacks loved by all. You can never go wrong with potato business as it ensures a high profit margin.
  • You can also choose to sell potato seeds. This is an excellent money-spinning business idea. Get in touch with local, national and international potato cultivators to sell potato seed tubes and make a flourishing agriculture business out of it.

Spice Production

With the widespread knowledge about the health benefits hidden in various spices, household cooking as well as commercial restaurants have started using spices in their food in daily basis around the world. Furthermore, the boost in flavor and the pleasant aroma that come from adding spices to cuisines has made spices a favorite ingredient in the kitchen. The high demand and being a very costly product, spices are a great option for agriculture farm business plan. Spice cultivation can churn a lot of money making farming a flourishing business opportunity.

  • There are a large variety of spices available such as cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, cumin, etc. You have a lot of agriculture farming options when it comes to spices.
  • You can choose to start farming the spice as per the popularity in your locality.
  • Spices can be used in food either whole, sun dried, powdered, paste or even in liquid form. You can sell the whole spice. You can also extract the oils from the spices and sell it in bottles.
  • You can plan to grow either a single type of spice or multiple ones depending on your soil. There are different spices that grow in different seasons. You can also opt to grow a spice rarely cultivated in your state and reap huge profits.

Cashew nut agriculture production

Cashew nuts a type of dry fruit that is widely popular across the globe. It is consumed mostly as a savory snack with salt and other spices. You can sell them raw, as well as in processed form. Cashew nut processing entails 4 simple stages. It starts with cleaning the nuts, they roasting them, followed by drying and finally removing the peel.

  • Cashew nuts are highly nutritious, boosts energy and fiber in the body. Hence, demand for cashew nuts is quite high globally. You can earn huge capital by producing cashew nuts in your farm land.
  • Processed cashew nut sale can get you high profits if you can ally with wholesalers near your land and draw in a fixed cashew nut supply. Wholesalers will sell you the raw cashew nuts at a low cost. You can process the cashew and make profit.
  • The medicinal value of cashew nuts has made cashew nut farming a highly lucrative business.

Poultry farming

Chicken is the particular poultry bird raised to the highest number. Gone are the days when households had a few chickens in their backyard to serve their need for eggs and meet. Currently, poultry farming is a huge money-making business that has made its mark internationally. Poultry farming being a lucrative venture has led to the birds being injected with harmful chemicals and are reared in large number without proper hygiene. This has resulted in the rise in demand for good quality poultry farms. This can be your opportunity to grab. Strategize to start an excellently well-maintained poultry farm business to give the masses the best quality eggs and meat.

  • Eggs and meat being a high source of protein have notched a vital place in the dietary charts for good health. This has made people from all walks of life add eggs to their breakfast and consume a portion of meat regularly. Hence, a magnificent rise in the sales of poultry farms.
  • Another way of making gains through poultry farming is selling frozen chicken. You would needs some additional tools and storage facilities incorporated in your farm for this sort of business. Get in touch with the local eateries, fast-food joints, restaurants and hotels to deliver them- frozen chicken. This can be a profitable venture when you have some good contacts established.

Bee-Keeping and Honey-Making Business:

Producing honey by keeping bees in the garden was a personal choice earlier. People passionate about making honey who had a little space in their backyard kept bees. But now, it has turned out to become a huge farming industry that a large number of entrepreneurs take interest in pursuing as an agriculture endeavor. With the heightened honey consumption worldwide, the sales margin has also increased drastically. This has drawn more entrepreneurs in bee farming. The reason for such rise in the demand for honey is because people are switching to honey intake instead of sugar. Honey has been proved very healthy, helps in losing weight and is also used in beauty products. If you desire to start agriculture farm business plan, then this is one of the best choices. Bee-keeping does not require a large farming land nor do you need to invest huge capital. All you require is- some knowledge and training on the basics of keeping bees for agriculture business. There are training schools and experts who teach how to start a honey producing business and also how bees should be monitored. Furnished with such skillful training you can conveniently start farming and run a bee-keeping and honey making business. If you produce honey in your farming area, you can have several prospective clients to sell, such as –

  • Sell it to high net-worth person,
  • There are hard-working people, fitness conscious people who prefer honey to sugar
  • You can buy low-priced top quality honey from dealers, bottle it up and sell it in the market, both in the local as well as global arena.

Herb and Flower Plantation

The best part about herbs and flower plantation is that they can be grown in small quantities. You do not need any skills or expertise to grow them. They can be grown indoors as well as outdoors. Moreover, both hers and flower plants have multiple usages. You can even do a profitable business with dry herbs and flowers. Both are easy to grow, high in demand and lucrative ventures. Furthermore, you can grow both herbs and flowers in the same farming land.  Yes, you will need some appropriate apparatus for good quality plantation results. Adequate water supply, proper sunshine, manure and right method must be followed too. Herbs have a wide range of usages-

  • They are a central ingredient in flavoring food
  • Used for making beautiful fragrances
  • Is majorly bought by the Pharma company
  • Are also used in healing centers to help people relax and loose there stress

Flowers too have multiple usages-

  • There are edible flowers used in cakes and various cuisines
  • They are used in beauty products, to make lipsticks, nail-polish, hair color and so on
  • Several fragrances and extracted from flowers, rose, lavender, orchid being popular blooms. In fact, dry flowers are majorly bought by the fragrance company.
  • Extensively used for decorating venues
  • Flower bouquets, for weddings as well as gifting item is always in trend

Aloe Vera Plantation

Aloe Vera is basically a tropical plant but the good thing about this plant is that, it can be cultivated in dry farming lands as well. Aloe Vera is a profitable agriculture business idea because its medicinal value makes it a highly saleable agriculture product. It can be consumed as well as applied externally. It has lots of vitamins and minerals that are good for heart, immune system, digestion, skin ailments and many more.

Aloe Vera crop is most suitable if your farming land is in a dry area where the climate is mostly warm and humid. This plant doesn’t require much rainfall and doesn’t grow is cold regions. Light sandy type of soil is absolutely befitting for the plantation of aloe Vera agriculture crops.

Aloe Vera plants are best suited for selling globally to the-

  • Herbal industry
  • Pharma companies

Bamboo Plantation

Bamboos mostly grow in the hilly areas. This is why we most often see bamboo farming in the mountains. The immense uses of bamboos plants have made it a successful agriculture business plan choice for several entrepreneurs. There is no way you can fail with bamboo farming plan as there are always buyers inclined to purchase the raw product and process it to use in various form.

Some of the uses of bamboo plants may be listed as follows-

  • Bamboos are strong and flexible. Thus, a very useful construction product. Be it to build roofs, floors, fences etc.
  • They are utilized to build various interior decoration items
  • Furniture made from bamboo plants are a modern trend
  • Best writing papers are made from bamboo fiber
  • Various types of musical instruments are also made using bamboos
  • Tender Bamboo tips are used in cooking
  • Several infectious diseases can be cured through the medicine made from bamboo plants
  • In Asia, the chopsticks being used, are mostly made of bamboo

The huge number of uses makes bamboo plantation a very rewarding business.

Coffee & Tea Plantation

Tea and coffee are two drinks that are very popular globally. So, with coffee and tea plantation you can extend your agriculture business plan and earn huge benefits through export. Coffee and tea plantation requires a suitable soil and good amount of rainfall. The rains and dry season must be well defined so that there can be a growing season and a maturing season. You can plan to directly sell the tea leafs and coffee beans or choose to sell the processed product. With the basic plantation and harvesting techniques learnt, and equipped with the processing tools, machinery and staff, you can make flourishing business out of tea and coffee farming. Get in touch with the tea manufacturing industries, restaurants and cafeterias where there is a constant demand for tea leaves and coffee beans.

Cocoa Farming

Take your love for chocolates a step further! Plan on beginning a cocoa agriculture business. It can prove to be a flourishing enterprise. Chocolate is a favorite not only among kids but among all age groups. Relished across the globe, cocoa farming can be hugely profitable agriculture prospect. You can earn huge capital income by exporting the produced cocoa from your farming area. Cocoa is grown mostly in humid tropical region. Its beans are extracted for cocoa solids and cocoa butter. So, in order to begin farming cocoa trees in your land, you first must ensure you have an agriculture land in a humid area, or plan to buy some area. Once you have the suitable soil you can begin with your cocoa plantation business.

  • To satisfy chocolate lovers delight, cocoa is added in all sorts of foods, beverages and even fragrances.
  • Dark chocolates, chocolate ice-cream, cakes, muffin, cookies, various sweets, deserts, etc., are found everywhere.
  • Spas & beauty parlors too use cocoa in their beauty therapies as it’s very good for skin.
  • Chocolate consumption is a very delicious and easy way to counter bouts of stress & depression.

So, you have a farming soil and climate suitable for growing cocoa; prepare yourself to turn your passion into a agriculture business venture. Cocoa crops can land for hundreds of years. So follow the proper methods of farming and you can be very rich soon.

Lettuce Plantation

Lettuce has become a very popular farming vegetable for its fresh flavor. Restaurants add it to their salads, burgers, sides, etc. as consumers enjoy the crunchy fresh texture of this leafy vegetable.Additionally, the health benefits in lettuce have also made it a favorite among those fit and active person who are always on the look-out to incorporate healthy greens to their daily meal. Lettuce can be grown in several types of farming soils. Mostly, it is suitable to grow in soils rich in organic matter. The best soils for lettuce are those that can contain good quality of water and also have well made drainage system. As far as the temperature goes, lettuce grows well in fairly cool weather, about 15 degree Celsius. If your agriculture farm business plan space is in a slightly warmer land, you can grow lettuce crops by building a shade. You can go for a soil test before beginning to work on the farming area.

Lettuce crops cannot be stored for a longer period. So, keep connected with nearest markets and eateries. After harvesting the lettuce, you must sell them fresh. Lettuce farming is a rewarding business idea for start-ups.

Fruit Plantation

Various types of fruits are consumed around the globe. You may opt to begin farming any type of fruit that suits the land and climate of your particular region. When the soil is befitting only then you will get a productive yield out of which you can gain revenue.

Peaches, exotic fruits, papaya, berries, mangoes, apples, jackfruit, oranges etc., are some fruit types. You can grow any of these fruits or any other for your agriculture business endeavor depending on your soil suitability.  Most fruits are used for making juices, added to cuisines, incorporated in meals as fruit salads, and beauty treatments. Since fruits can be consumed raw you may plan to market and export them immediately after you harvest the produce. You may build processing equipments to make fruit juices and pack them to sell them anywhere in the world.

Fruits contain various healthy & healing ingredients. Hence, maximum nutritionists & doctors suggest children, adults and the elderly; to consume fruits regularly. The fruit agriculture business is an opportunity you must definitely try out.

Palm Tree Cultivation

This is the crop that gives the most quantity of oil. Due to it high yielding capacity palm tree farming is considered a money-spinning business idea. If you intend to earn on a monthly basis through agriculture business then palm tree cultivation is the best choice for your start-up venture.

Deep, moist and well-drained soils are best suited for farming palm trees. This particular crop requires a humid tropical climate. Throughout the year an even amount of rainfall is essential. When every aspect is satisfactory for palm tree farming then you should start off with it at the earliest.

Palm tree plantation and selling of the palm oils, can aid you to cut down the sale of other oils , in turn enhancing the sale of your business. Those oils that are imported are costly for the local market, thus your palm oil will sell more. It is a win-win situation for both you as well as your buyers. Thus, your business will flourish.

Cotton & Wool Production

Textile firms need wool and cotton at all times. They need it constantly for manufacturing various types of cloths. Therefore, it’s a lucrative business idea for any entrepreneur.

Cotton flower and sheep give cotton and wool respectively. So for cotton crop cultivation you need a suitable land. There may be some basic agriculture methods to be followed, certain tools and apparatus required. Of course you have to invest at the onset but after harvest you can make high business gains from your sales. You can also opt to rear sheep and get wool from them.

An advantageous factor of cotton flower and wool is that you can export them easily. There is not much critical process attached to attain the cotton from flowers and the wool is just shaved off the sheep. Furthermore, unlike fruits and vegetable, cotton and wool can be stored for as longer time span and exported to far-off countries as they do not get damaged. Thus you can plan to earn good capital by national and global export of your cotton and wool.

Rubber Production

Rubber, a stretchy materiel, is in huge demand in the market. This crop plantation can prove to be very rewarding. The innumerable items made from rubber makes it a very suitable farming product as it is sale-able in the worldwide market. For instance- Tires, Bags, etc are made from rubber.

Rubber plants cannot grow in extremely windy and freezing temperature. It needs 5-7 hrs of sunlight per day and adequate rainfall. Porous farming soil which is somewhat acidic having well-drainage is best suited for rubber plantation.

Rubber trees when taken proper care can survive for generations. So, this is a good agriculture business investment indeed.

Cattle Ranch

A very common and popular livestock raising business that includes animals such as cows, calves, ox, donkeys, bulls, etc., are known as a cattle ranch. You can choose to breed a single type of animal or several ones depending on the capital and land you have. It is best to start off with a single type of animal and slowly progress to rearing more types in your farming area. Actually, each type of animal needs to be well taken care of, with the proper food and hygiene maintained in your farming space.

Cattles are reared for multiple purposes, milk, manure, skin, as well as meat. Having a cattle ranch can instantly place you in the international business market if the quality of milk, meat and manure supplied by you if of good quality. With high sales and recognition in the global market you can easily gain huge profits and grow your agriculture business.

Shrimp Business

If you plan to own a land near the coastal region, or rent a riverside area, you can earn cash through shrimp farming. Earlier shrimp was farmed in a smaller quantity, but the rapid growth of consumption worldwide has turned it into a large scale global industry.

Shrimp is high in protein and contains anti-oxidants. A favorite among a large group of people, this is marketed in bulk in several countries. Japan, US, Thailand and China are some countries where shrimp farming is done is large quantity. You can definitely give shrimp farming a shot as success is guaranteed.

Saffron Cultivation

This costly spice is actually very easy to grow in any type of farming area. The reason for saffron being so pricey is the extensive toil that goes into harvesting the crop. Only a few strands of saffron are acquired from a flower.

Saffron is mostly used in cooking, creating beautiful fragrances and in cosmetic products. If you have a fertile agriculture soil suitable for saffron cultivation and reside in a sub-tropical warm region then saffron is the spice you must opt to cultivate in your farming area.

You can market it across the whole world. This expensive spice can churn huge money.

Rosemary Cultivation

Rosemary shrub can be cultivated across the world. It is best suited for region with cool temperatures. It can also handle frost. You can harvest rosemary 2 times per year. It depends on whether you want to harvest it for the leaves or the oil.

Rosemary is most famous for its oils. It has high commercial value for its medicinal and herbal properties.  This is a lucrative business idea and if you reside in a cold region then get a soil test done and you can start off your rosemary cultivation.

Marketing Analysis of agriculture

To make your agriculture business  successful, you need to keep an eye on the market trends as well. If you run a complete analysis of the market, you will get an idea about many things. Understanding the trends and variables will help you in making decisions for your business. The goal of this market research is to understand and get a general idea of the overall market around your farm and how you can adjust to that ecosystem. The marketing plan for agriculture business includes market trends and market segmentation.

5.1 Market Trends

The agriculture industry is a kind of industry that never goes into loss. It continues to evolve with time. Over the past five years, the agricultural industry has grown at an incredible rate. People are now more attracted to buy organic products that are chemical-free and hygienic.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

In agricultural business ideas and agricultural business proposal, the market segmentation is clearly defined. Besides knowing how to start an agricultural business, you need to make a complete analysis of market segmentation for it.

The most important part of a farm business plan is to have an idea of the expected marketing segmentation. In agriculture start up, you should know about the market segmentation. Here is the market segmentation that will be facing our farm:

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Marketing Segmentation

5.2.1 Foreign Markets

The products that we manufacture will be exported. It will generate the largest part of our revenue.

5.2.2 Domestic Hotels and Restaurants

We will offer our products to restaurants and hotels. Along with fruits and vegetables, we will provide dairy products such as milk and butter to the restaurants in town.

5.2.3 Domestic Food Companies

We will also sell our products to food companies in the domestic markets.

5.3 Business Target

In a community sustained agriculture business plan, the following are our business target

  • Building a trustworthy relationship among customers
  • Providing high-quality products to customers
  • Making an excellent customer care service for our loyal customers
  • Recovering the initial investment within two years of launch
  • Increase the revenue every year by at least 20%.

5.4 Product Pricing

The prices of the products that Old Maple Way provide are comparable to other farms. We will try to provide better products and customer care to our clients. We will satisfy our customers by providing exceptional services to make as much profit as possible.

Marketing Strategy

When you are starting an agricultural business, you should also know the marketing strategy. No business can grow and become successful without a marketing strategy. No matter how many excellent services you offer, if you do not have customers, it is all in vain. The more people know about your farm and its products, the more they reach out to you.

Nowadays, the best way of marketing is social media marketing. Social platforms are strong, and they are accessible to everyone. A good thing about social media marketing is its low cost. You can reach out to millions of people with online marketing. All the business ideas in agriculture explain the importance of social media marketing and how you can use them to reach out to people.

Along with that, you need a competitive analysis to make a strategy that will make your agriculture business plan successful. You also need some agro processing business ideas as well as a perfect understanding of what is an agricultural business.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

  • People are not satisfied with the products manufactured by other farms because of the chemicals they use to increase their quantity.
  • The products that other farms sell are expensive and everyone cannot afford them.

6.2 Our Strategy

  • We will use social media platforms to advertise our products.
  • We will make our online presence so that we can reach out to more and more people.
  • We will use the advertisements channels in the area to reach out to the people.

6.3 Sales Monthly

Agriculture Bussines Plan- Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Unit Sales

Personnel plan

To make your business best agricultural business, you need to make sure that the staff should work as a team. In the agriculture business model, you will find out that the environment of the farm depends on the number and type of staff which should be determined in the initial stages.

7.1 Company Staff

James Celery will be the owner and CEO of the Old Maple Way farm business. The following people will be hired to run the farm:

  • 1 Operations Manager
  • 2 Deputy Managers
  • 8 Farm Workers
  • 2 Packaging Helpers
  • 1 Accountant

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Proper planning and execution of the finance help you to maintain a stable budget for the upcoming entire year. To execute farming ideas for profit, you need to manage the finances wisely. In agricultural business plans, all the finances are mentioned.

  • Money to buy a land or take it on lease
  • The cost of buying and maintaining animals
  • The salary of employees
  • The cost of buying fruits and vegetables seeds

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis.

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Break-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

Agriculture Bussines Plan - Projected Cash Flow

8.5  Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

  • How do I make an agricultural business plan? When you look out to sample business plan agriculture farm, you will see the steps to write a business plan. Business plan for agriculture company may not necessarily be long but it should be written in an easily understandable way.
  • What is an agriculture farm business plan? It is the farming production, creating a plan for marketing and management of crops and livestock in a profitable way is an agriculture farm business plan. It includes everything such as a detailed business plan for agriculture and an agriculture equipment business plan.
  • Which agriculture is most profitable? One of the most profitable agriculture is an agricultural farm. You can start this business by investing a small amount of money. According to the demand of the local public, you can produce the items and sell them.
  • Is agriculture farming profitable? Agriculture farming is profitable as it offers a stable revenue. It is one of the fastest-growing agricultural businesses all over the world.

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Agriculture Farm Business Plan

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Botanical Bounty

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

The health and vitamin industry is growing at a very quick pace. Customers want to have natural and plant alternatives to medication. They are starting to believe the body is a temple. They don’t want to pollute with chemicals. The industry needs botanical plants that are ready to process as well as give to nurseries for the “do it yourselfers”.

Botanical Bounty is working hard to become a leading producer of botanical plants for the natural supplement industry as well as plant nurseries.

Botanical Bounty has three distinct customers: supplement companies, processors of botanicals for supplement companies, and nurseries that resell the plants.

The first two customers purchase the plants for use in their products which they ultimately sell to the end consumer.

The market for natural supplements is quite exciting. Surveys show that over 158 million consumers (over 55% of U.S. population) use dietary supplements. An estimated 115.3 million consumers buy vitamins and minerals for themselves, and 55.8 million purchase them for other members of their family, including children. Consumer surveys consistently find that nearly half of all Americans now use herbs – a statistic that is particularly remarkable when we realize that today’s herbal products industry is just over a quarter century old.`

Competition

Competition takes two forms, farms similar in size and production capacity to Botanical Bounty and megafarms. The similarly sized farms range in size from 5-30 acres. The number of different herbs grown varies from a handful to upwards of 50. The choice of plants grown is based on owner preference as well as location and the ability of the local growing conditions to support the different plants.

It is Botanical Bounty’s mission to become the leading provider of botanical perennials to the health/vitamin industry. This will be accomplished by providing quality plants at fair prices while exceeding customer’s expectations.

Expectations

To finance our growth and full-time production, we need to purchase $35,000 worth of new equipment as long-term assets taking that total up to $53,800. To that end, we are seeking a $100,000 10-year loan. Sales forecasts conservatively indicate that $190,000 revenue will be generated in year two, rising to over 400,000 by year 4.

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

We need to have a $100,000 10 year loan. We will use our $35,000 of cash from our current operations.

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Problem & solution, problem worth solving.

There is a growing trend towards plant cures to common diseases or health issues.Consumers care about getting a natural supplement to make them feel better and take care of their body. Because of this the natural market has grown exponentially in the last few years. The market needs high quality botanicals to keep up  with demand. 

Our Solution

Botanical Bounty has identified three keys that will be instrumental in their success. The first is the implementation of strict financial controls. By having the proper controls, production efficiency will be maximized. The second key will be the never ending pursuit for the industry’s highest concentration levels of botanical ingredients in each plant. The third key is the recognition and implementation of the philosophy that 100% customer satisfaction is required to ensure a profitable business. Profits are a by product of satisfying customers, not the other way around.

Target Market

Market size & segments.

Botanical Bounty has identified three different target market segments: 

Supplement Companies This customer group manufactures botanical supplements for their own label products. The companies purchase the plants and extract the active ingredients and transform them into sellable products for their own brand. There are a handful of large companies that operate in this market space. Ten years ago there were many different ones but through consolidation the industry has grown in size but decreased in the number of different players.

Processors These customers purchase the the plants, extract the botanicals and either sell the concentrated botanicals to the end producers or they themselves produce the supplement and sell the final product to other companies for their private label products. In essence they are the subcontractor for the supplement companies. These companies therefore are one layer within the manufacturing system and do not sell to the end consumer. They act as a supplier/processor for the retail brands.

Other Nurseries/Garden Centers This customer group purchases the plants which they in turn sell at retail to the individual end consumer. The typical consumer is a health conscious individual who is interested in either extracting the botanical from the plant immediately or growing the plant in their own garden for future use.

Current Alternatives

As mentioned previously, competition takes two forms, farms similar in size and production capacity to Botanical Bounty and megafarms. The similarly sized farms range in size from 5-30 acres. The number of different herbs grown varies from a handful to upwards of 50. The choice of plants grown is based on owner preference as well as location and the ability of the local growing conditions to support the different plants.

On the other end of spectrum is the megafarm. These farms have a similar range of species cultivated, however they differ greatly in production capacity. These farms are huge, typically not less than 100 acres, peaking at 300 acres. These growers however are few number.

The buying patterns of the different customers are typically based on these variables:

  • Availability
  • Ability to deliver consistently on long-term contracts
  • Significant % of active ingredients
  • Consistency

Our Advantages

Botanical Bounty has a dual competitive edge:

Healthy Plants The healthier the plant, the faster it will grow, the more botanicals that can be extracted from it. This means an increase in production efficiency due to a larger percentage of plants that are sellable. Other characteristics of healthy plants which are important on the production side is: lower pest counts, more established root structures, and high biomass.

High Concentration of Active Botanicals This is beneficial to the purchaser because they are buying the plants precisely for the active botanicals. High concentration levels are valuable to Botanical Bounty because they increase the amount of botanicals produced per plant or per acre, increasing the production capacity of a given amount of land, thereby increasing their return on investment and increasing the attractiveness of Botanical Bounty’s plants relative to the competition.

Keys to Success

Our keys to success are: 

  • Strict financial controls.
  • The never ending pursuit of the highest concentration of botanicals in every plant.
  • Ensuring that all customer’s needs are met and they are satisfied with the purchased products.

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

The marketing strategy will be based on generating awareness and visibility of Botanical Bounty and their ability to produce the highest percentages of botanicals. The strategy will rely on several different forms of communication. The main form is participation in the numerous trade shows for the industry. The trade shows are where everyone from the industry gathers to meet and transact business. It is a wonderful place to network as well as learn about new developments in the industry. The second form of communication will be the use of advertisements. The main venues for advertisements will be industry trade magazines. The trade magazines are a well read source of information that buyers and sellers refer to for many different transactions.The final form of communication is Social Media. We will be placing expert articles on the website. We will be linking with potential business customers in Linkedin. Our customers will tell us about their favorite natural remedies in Twitter and show pictures on Facebook and Instagram. 

Botanical Bounty’s sales strategy efforts will focus on identifying qualified leads and turning them into paying customers. The main sales effort that Botanical Bounty will undertake is the reinforcement of the fact that Botanical Bounty’s plants have the industry’s highest percentage of botanicals. This will be quite appealing to the buyers as this is exactly what they want, more botanicals per plant. In addition to selling the buyers on Botanical Bounty’s competitive edge of potent plants, there will be an emphasis on Botanical Bounty’s ability to perform on long-term contracts.

Botanical Bounty recognizes that the transactions should not be thought of as individual sales, but as long-term relationships. This is a reasonable assumption based on the fact that the customers are in the business of utilizing botanicals, that they will continually have the need for the botanicals, and that it is far less expensive to establish a relationship with one vendor than to continually have to find new vendors that can meet their needs.

Locations & Facilities

Botanical Bounty is a 10 acre farm that concentrates on the growing of botanical medicinals. Botanical Bounty has chosen five plant species that have significant market demand as well being well suited for growth in the Willamette River Valley. Botanical Bounty will feature: Echinacea – an immune system booster; Ginseng – a source of energy; St John’s Wort – for mild depression; Skullcap- for inflammation; and Ginger – a stomach soother.

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table, key metrics.

Our key metrics are: 

  • Sales, cost of sales, expenses, profits, and cash.
  • Production cost of goods. We need to keep them low.
  • Keep current on our competitors botanical concentration and prices.
  • Measure the number of emails and phone calls.
  • Measure the Facebook Page views and Twitter re-tweets. 
  • Measure website searches and inquiries. 

Ownership & Structure

Botanical Bounty is an Oregon L.L.C. owned by David and Susan Nealon. The L.L.C. business formation has been chosen as a strategic way to shield the Nealons from personal liability.

Company History

Botanical Bounty has been in operation for two years. Initially it was started as a hobby where Susan could use her plant biology skills while covering some of the costs. The Nealon’s were able to achieve this lifestyle due to a windfall that David received as a result of exercised stock options. After the second year, the Nealon’s decided that although they had the money to live on for many years, it would be irresponsible to needlessly spend it so they got serious about the business and made a concerted effort to become profitable.

Botanical Bounty has chosen the Willamette River Valley as an ideal place to grow perennials. Botanical Bounty has 10 acres of land which they use for production. During several of the winter months, production is moved into their green house for propagation. Botanical Bounty employs a drip irrigation system for all of the plants.

Management Team

Botanical Bounty will be lead by the husband and wife team of David and Sue Nealon. David brings a wealth of business and project management skills to the company. While working at Yahoo!, David was responsible for the successful launch and market lead capture of Yahoo!s driving directions section. Utilizing these skills, David will be responsible for the business operations of the farm. Sue, with a background of plant biology will be the driving force of the operation, growing the highest active ingredient content plants in the country. Additionally, because of her wealth of knowledge, she will be the leader of the sales department.

Personnel Table

Financial plan investor-ready personnel plan .">, key assumptions.

Our key assumptions 

  • Our market and customer base are growing and with them the opportunities for sales.   
  • The area has wealthy households that can afford to spend money on non essential vitamins.   
  • Our customers appreciate our dedication to high quality products and price controls.   
  • We will be able to get the 100,000 dollar loan at 8 percent based on our past success and being able to put our property up as collateral. We are a safe investment. If unplanned expenses pop up we have people interested in investing.

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

We will be using the loan to purchase machines and to expand our farm and our personnel to grow the highest quality botanicals and process them so they can be turned into vitamins or other products that give the  customer a natural cure. 

Sources of Funds

We are leveraging our business to get an $100,000 10-year loan. We will also be using the cash on hand from our current business. 

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement.

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agriculture business plan uk

Blog Farming

https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2024/01/29/spotlight-on-new-sfi-actions-for-arable-and-horticulture-farmers/

Spotlight on new actions for arable and horticulture farmers

View through the alley of a Kentish vinyard

At the beginning of the month, we published a post which summarised the recent Agricultural Transition Plan update. The update includes the full range of new and improved actions plus the payment rates available this year.  

Following the update, we said we'd set out the new offer for each farm type in a series of posts. The focus of this post is the offer for arable and horticultural farmers.  

We’ll publish a post giving a full overview of the current offer for horticultural farmers tomorrow, so subscribe to the Farming blog for a notification as soon as it’s live.  

An offer that works for you

You can apply for an SFI agreement now and choose from the 23 actions on offer. By waiting for the new actions coming in summer, you could be losing out on funding. If you apply now, you'll be able to add actions to your agreement annually — or have multiple agreements when the further actions are available — if you'd like to carry out further actions.  

We have a strong existing offer for the arable and horticulture sector across our environmental land management schemes. We have strengthened this by increasing the choice available and improving existing actions. This includes the brand-new actions we are introducing on precision farming and for soil. These will be available in the combined Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship offer.   

A recap on the combined offer: we currently have separate SFI and CS Mid and Higher Tier schemes which offer different types of actions and agreements. We plan to offer most SFI and CS Mid Tier actions through a single application service in 2024, rather than having separate application windows and processes. We also plan to remove duplication between SFI and CS Mid Tier actions wherever possible.  

New precision farming actions     

Precision farming involves using technology to target crop inputs in response to variations within a field.  

This can:  

  • reduce costs and improve yields  
  • improve productivity  
  • benefit biodiversity and soil quality  
  • improve air and water quality  

We are introducing 4 new actions to incentivise using precision farming approaches.

By offering payments which support agricultural technology, such as robotic mechanical weeding technology, in addition to launching more grants in 2024 we are helping farmers adopt new technology or practices so they can improve their productivity while benefitting the environment and have more resilient businesses.   

When developing the new actions, we discussed the proposals wit h industry experts , including the Agri-Epi centre , manufacturers, developers and farmers. We also spoke to the major providers of precision farming services/analysis, major agronomy groups and main stakehold ers .

More ac curate a pplication of fertilisers or manures reduces over-application of nutrients while optimising yield, be nefitting w ater and air quality as well as contributing to net zero targets .   

You may also be able to apply for capital items under the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) to help you buy precision farming equipment.  

The full list of Precision Farming actions

New soil actions  .

The actions for soils are focused on improving soil health, structure, organic matter and biology.    

  • improve the long-term productivity and resilience of the soil to benefit food production  
  • improve water quality  
  • increase biodiversity  
  • improve climate resilience  

We are improving the existing offer by introducing new actions for no-till farming and multi-species spring/summer and summer/autumn cover crops as below.

The new actions were developed with input from internal and external stakeholders including farmers and agricultural organisations.    

In addition to the above soil actions we are also improving our existing offer for protecting lowland peat and adding new actions. We recognise that many farmers face challenges in achieving the existing lowland peat offers for raising water levels, we are introducing new, more accessible options to better enable farmers to raise their water table in their peat soils to more achievable levels.  

Webinars: learn more about our offer

  • At 11am on Wednesday 31 January, we hosted a webinar specifically about the Improving Farm Productivity grant for horticulture farmers.

Watch the recording

Passcode:  .a..?V5f

  • At 2pm on Monday 12 February, you can learn more about our range of funding support on offer through our farming schemes, Register to attend.    

We’ll post the recordings on the blog once they’re over.  

You can also take a look at the full list of actions available in the combined Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) offer in the Technical Annex to the ATP.   

Finally, if you have any questions about our work, do leave a comment below.  

agriculture business plan uk

You may also be interested in:

  • The Agricultural Transition Plan update
  • Funding for farmers, growers and land managers
  • Subscribing to the Farming blog

Tags: Agricultural Transition Plan update , arable , England , Farming , Horticulture

Sharing and comments

Share this page.

Comment by Will Nixon posted on 29 January 2024

Can the no-tail farming option be used on grassland to establish Herbal ley option in the sfi?

Comment by The Team posted on 30 January 2024

The payment is for no till and is £73 per ha it isn't an action for direct drilling. It's about adopting no till techniques to establish crops to limit soil disturbance.

Like all other SFI options they are paid per ha so if you want to do no till on 10ha, you would get paid for 10ha. Further details here about the actions and payments for no till can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-2021-to-2024/technical-annex-the-combined-environmental-land-management-offer#arable-land-grassland-and-permanent-crops

We do have existing capital items that include direct drills and the use of robotic and automated equipment, and systems to aid crop and livestock production here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/farming-investment-fund#farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-fetf-2023

Hope that helps, The Team

Comment by Jane Durrant posted on 30 January 2024

Whilst I appreciate all the many improvements currently being made to the SFI scheme, one that has not improved is the inability to keep to the payment schedule. I am still waiting for my October 2023 and January 2024 payment, because "the checking process is taking longer than expected". This SHOULD NOT delay payment. Check as much as you like, and if there is an error, correct it, but KEEP to the agreement and pay us on time. Until this happens, we cannot rely on SFI for our cashflow, and the doubters will not be persuaded to join.

Thanks for sharing your experience - we're sorry there have been delays. We've passed your comment onto the team at the Rural Payments Agency for their attention.

If you'd like to talk to them about your application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contact-the-rpa-about-sfi

Best wishes, The Team

Comment by Liz Sellers posted on 07 February 2024

Will over winter stubbles ( currently a CS Mid tier option) feature in the SFI or streamlining if the SFI and CS mid tier which is going to take place this summer- essentially will we still be able to have over winter stubbles as a paid option in the future?

Comment by The Team posted on 15 February 2024

The Technical annex sets out the land management actions we will pay for in the combined SFI and CS offer.

If you scroll to section 5B, you'll see the basic and enhanced overwinter stubble actions.

Here's a link to the relevant bit of the annex: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-2021-to-2024/technical-annex-the-combined-environmental-land-management-offer#arable-land-grassland-and-permanent-crops

Comment by Mark T posted on 10 February 2024

Hi When will more information be available for The New Actions for 24 such as Variable Rate Fertiliser and No Till Drilling? By information I mean Info Like This Actions Aim? Where Can you do it What to do? Where to do it? How to do it? Evidence needed?

Comment by The Team posted on 12 February 2024

Thanks for getting in touch, the current guidance for precision farming and no till actions is in this document: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-2021-to-2024/technical-annex-the-combined-environmental-land-management-offer#arable-land-grassland-and-permanent-crops It provides details on payment rates, the actions aims and agreement lengths.

The full guidance will be available ahead of applications opening for the combined offer. For no till action you can get £73 per ha and you can find this in section 1b under improving soil health. Precision farming actions are in Table 4 under Precision farming: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-2021-to-2024/technical-annex-the-combined-environmental-land-management-offer#arable-land-grassland-and-permanent-crops

You can read the full guidance on how to take photos as evidence here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-take-photographic-evidence-for-sfi-actions .

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We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved.

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Find out how SFI can work for you  

Webinars in 2024

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Register to attend upcoming webinars and watch past recordings.

Talk to us this week

We are at Worcester Livestock Centre on Thursday 15 February 7-9pm ,  speaking and answering questions about SFI and the Animal Health & Welfare Pathway, along with Catchment Sensitive Farming.

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Say hello and ask us questions at other agricultural shows in 2024.

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GOV.UK is the place to find official guidance and information.

Funding for farmers, growers and land managers sets out every payment on offer with links to learn more.

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  12. Forecasting or budgeting farm finances

    Beef & Lamb Cereals & Oilseeds Dairy Pork Variable costs and overheads Once you have forecast the incomes you require to be a profitable business, you need to consider the costs involved in producing your crops and/or livestock. These are split into variable and fixed costs.

  13. [Withdrawn] Farm business and financial planning

    Write a farm business plan A good business plan gives credibility to your farm, and to your skills as a farm owner or manager. Even if you do not intend to make any changes to your farm,...

  14. How to Create an Agricultural Business Plan

    The executive summary is the first section of your agricultural business plan, but it is typically written last. This section provides a concise overview of your entire plan and should capture the reader's attention. ... London EC2A 4NE, UK +44 020 8133 6833; 30 N Gould St, Ste R, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801, USA +1 631 540 1185; Northern Ring Rd ...

  15. Business Plan Template

    Our Business Plan Guide will show you how to prepare a high quality plan using a number of easy to follow steps. Once you've familiarised yourself with the guide you can follow our template to create your own plan: Business Plan Template You may feel you would like additional advice on your future business direction.

  16. Farm & Agriculture Business Plan Examples

    To be successful, you need more than a green thumb and the willingness to get your hands dirty. You need to know how to operate your agricultural enterprise efficiently and not just forecast your crop rotations, but your cash position and revenue. To do that, you need a business plan. How can a business plan help your farm or agriculture business?

  17. PDF Landworkers' Alliance Homepage

    Are you looking for a business planning guide that is tailored to ecological farm and forestry businesses? Do you want to learn from the experiences and insights of other landworkers who have successfully developed their enterprises? If so, you might be interested in this pdf document from the Landworkers Alliance, a grassroots union of small-scale producers in the UK. It covers topics such as ...

  18. Agricultural Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Your agricultural business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes. Sources of Funding for Agricultural Businesses With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an agricultural business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors.

  19. Business ideas: Urban farming

    Why is urban farming a good business idea for 2020. "In order to feed the anticipated 10 billion people living on earth by 2050, food production must be increased by 70%," says Thomas Constant, the founder of the brand new vertical bug-farming product startup BeoBia (don't worry - more on that innovative idea later!).

  20. Free Agriculture Sample Business Plan PDF + How to Write

    What should you include in an agriculture farm business plan? Your agriculture business plan doesn't need to be hundreds of pages—keep it as short and focused as you can. You'll probably want to include each of these sections: 1. Executive summary

  21. Agriculture Business Plan: Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 1: Before getting started you need to first make up your mind about the type of agriculture business you want to start. Step 2: Narrow down land and secure the boundaries of it. Make sure you close the lease agreement. Step 3: Do deep research on the market to identify the requirements you need to cater to.

  22. Agriculture Farm Business Plan Example [2024]

    A well-formed business plan of agriculture will help your agriculture business plan grow and generate the revenue that you dream of. It will help in managing your business in hard times and will also improve the chances of getting loans from the government for your business. So, if are thinking of creating a business for a bank loan, check out ...

  23. Agriculture Farm Business Plan Example

    Start your own agriculture farm business plan Botanical Bounty Executive Summary Opportunity Problem The health and vitamin industry is growing at a very quick pace. Customers want to have natural and plant alternatives to medication. They are starting to believe the body is a temple. They don't want to pollute with chemicals.

  24. Spotlight on new actions for arable and horticulture farmers

    At the beginning of the month, we published a post which summarised the recent Agricultural Transition Plan update. The update includes the full range of new and improved actions plus the payment rates available this year. Following the update, we said we'd set out the offer for each farm type in a series of posts. This post is for arable and horticultural farmers.