Farm Gate Stand or Honesty Shed

Local residents, cottagers and passing drivers who want fresh food straight from the farm.

Direct sales at retail prices, which are usually higher than wholesale. Adding extras like baked goods, cut flowers or preserves raises the average sale.

• Growing or making food to a good standard
• Pricing and simple bookkeeping
• Friendly customer service

• Zoning, signage and roadside safety rules differ by municipality, so check before building
• Eggs, dairy, meat and prepared foods have extra rules, so check with your provincial regulator and local public health unit
• Honour-system theft and spoilage, so keep stock small and perishable items cool
• Short season in much of Canada, so plan income around the growing months
• Commercial general liability insurance for visitors on your property

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your stand or shed and stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on what you sell and the season.

Check zoning, signage and roadside safety rules with your municipality before building. Eggs, dairy, meat and prepared foods have extra rules, so check with your provincial regulator and local public health unit, and consider commercial general liability insurance.

Estimates suggest at least around 5 hours a week. The season is short in much of Canada, so plan income around the growing months. With an honour system, watch for theft and spoilage by keeping stock small and perishables cool.