Start an orchard growing fruit for juice and cider

Local cider makers, juice producers, craft drinks businesses and community press projects, plus some direct customers.

Selling pressing fruit by the tonne under an agreed price, which gives steadier sales than small retail. Selling some fruit direct adds a higher-priced income stream.

• Orchard management and pruning
• Planning harvests and storage
• Negotiating with buyers
• Basic machinery use

• Heavy upfront planting costs and a long wait before trees crop well
• Buyer demand and prices can change, so avoid relying on one customer
• Check pesticide use rules and any training or certificates needed for spraying
• Check tenancy terms, access, and any grants or schemes that may apply in your part of the UK
• Harvest needs extra hands or machinery, so check employer's liability insurance if you hire help
• Public liability insurance and safe machinery use

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on the size of the orchard, planting and equipment. Planting costs are heavy upfront, and trees take a long time before they crop well.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on your yield, buyers and how much you sell direct. Buyer demand and prices can change, so avoid relying on a single customer.

Check pesticide use rules and any training or certificates needed for spraying. Also check tenancy terms, access, and grants or schemes in your part of the UK, plus public liability insurance, safe machinery use and employer's liability if you hire.