Organic Farmer October/November 2019

SCALING UP YOUR FARM—IS IT FOR YOU?
By TAMMY HOWARD | NCAT/ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
LOCAL FOODS PURCHASING
has moved beyond farmers markets
to mainstream grocery stores. As
consumers become more interested in
purchasing local foods, chain grocery
stores from Walmart to Safeway tout
their support of local farmers and are
trying to back it up by purchasing from
local or regional farmers. At the same
time, many established farmers want
to move out of time-consuming, often
saturated, direct marketing channels
such as farmers markets and community
supported agriculture models.
What is “Scaling Up?”
One approach is essential, however—
scaling up requires planning. Planning
for improvements and growth within
your operation can help alleviate
growing pains and excessive debt. This
article will include some strategies, but
your approach will depend on your
existing resources and markets, as well
as how much risk you are comfortable
with.
Considerations for Farm Growth
Perhaps the most important question to
ask yourself when considering expanding
your farm and farm markets is why?
Does the expansion align with your
farm goals? Is it going to significantly
affect your quality of life—for better
or for worse? Consider revisiting your
goals. If you have not developed goals
Continued on Page 6
In a recent article titled “How to know
when to scale up,” in Growing For
Market newsletter, Jed Beach a farm
consultant and farmer at 3 Bug Farm
says this term is used a lot by service
providers and consultants to signify
an expansion in scale of marketing
channels, production area or animal
numbers to meet regional marketing
demands for local foods. He argues
that for the most part there are better
ways for farmers to meet their quality of
life and profitability goals than a farm
expansion. It is important to keep in
mind that there is not a one-size-fits-all
approach to expanding your farm.
Gardens of Eagan started focusing on wholesale production initially as a certified organic supplier to
the coop chain in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Eventually the farm was bought by the coop to be a
direct supply chain for the farm. As of 2015 the coop was considering selling the land as it was in a
highly desirable suburban corridor. See: https://atinadiffley.com/history-of-diffleys-gardens-of-eagan/
All photos courtesy of Tammy Howard, NCAT.
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Organic Farmer October/November 2019