Small Seasonal U-Pick Berry or Vegetable Patch

Local families, home preservers who want to buy in bulk, and people who enjoy a day out in the country.

Customers pay by weight or by the container for what they pick. Some farms also charge a small entry fee or sell pre-picked boxes to people short on time.

• Growing fruit or vegetables
• Friendly with the public
• Planning crops around the season
• Basic bookkeeping

• Zoning and agricultural land rules for public visits and on-farm sales, which differ by province and municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers visitors on your land
• Food safety and handwashing expectations, so check with your local public health unit
• Weather, pests and short seasons can wipe out a crop, so avoid depending on a single crop
• Permanent crops like strawberries or raspberries may give little or no income in the first year
• Check whether you need a home-based or business licence and how to register for GST/HST once you pass the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the crops, whether you own or lease the land, and your setup. Permanent crops like strawberries or raspberries may give little or no income in the first year.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on crops, yields and visitor numbers. Weather, pests and short seasons can wipe out a crop, so avoid depending on a single crop.

Check zoning and agricultural land rules for public visits and on-farm sales in your province and municipality. Also check liability insurance covering visitors, food safety guidance from your public health unit, business licensing, and GST/HST registration.