Independent crop inputs sales agent

Grain, oilseed, vegetable and fruit growers, plus the distributor or manufacturer who pays your commission.

Commission on products sold, sometimes plus a fee for field scouting or crop planning advice. Income is seasonal, with the busiest times before spring seeding and at harvest planning.

• Agronomy knowledge or a willingness to learn
• Relationship building with farmers
• Product knowledge and honest advice
• Self-managed travel and scheduling

• Selling or advising on pesticides usually needs provincial certification or a licensed employer, so check your provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability and possibly professional liability insurance for advice you give
• Your agent agreement: check who holds the customer relationship and how commission is paid
• Income is seasonal and depends heavily on one or two suppliers
• Products must be registered for use in Canada, so only recommend approved ones

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your setup. Check your agent agreement carefully, including who holds the customer relationship and how your commission is paid.

Selling or advising on pesticides usually needs provincial certification or a licensed employer, so check your provincial regulator. Also check insurance, your agent agreement, and that any product you recommend is registered for use in Canada.

Estimates put monthly revenue at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your suppliers and client base. Income is seasonal and can depend heavily on one or two suppliers, so plan for uneven months.