Small-Acreage field vegetable grower

Produce wholesalers, food processors, grocery distributors, restaurants and packers.

You sell by the pound, case or ton, often under a pre-agreed price or contract. A mix of crops with different harvest dates spreads income across the season.

• Growing and harvesting vegetables
• Planning planting dates and crop rotations
• Physical stamina and outdoor work
• Managing seasonal workers and buyer relationships

• Food safety rules for produce, such as FDA's Produce Safety Rule, may apply or you may be exempt, so check and ask buyers about audit requirements like GAP
• Pesticide use may need a state applicator license, check your state's agriculture department
• Workers' compensation and farm labor rules apply once you hire, so check state and federal requirements
• General liability and crop insurance, and check your coverage for product liability
• Perishable crops can be lost to weather, pests or buyers walking away, so get buyer terms in writing

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $60,000, depending on your land, equipment, seed and other inputs. These are estimates, so get quotes and check buyer terms before you plant.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your crops, acreage and buyers. These are estimates. Perishable crops can be lost to weather, pests or buyers walking away, so get terms in writing.

Check whether FDA's Produce Safety Rule applies or you may be exempt, and ask buyers about audit requirements like GAP. Also check state pesticide applicator licensing, workers' compensation and farm labor rules once you hire, and your insurance coverage.