Leased orchard selling fruit at markets

Farmers market shoppers, local grocery stores, restaurants, food co-ops and CSA boxes that want local fruit.

You sell fruit by the pound, pint, peck or box. Selling direct at markets earns more per pound than selling to wholesalers. Income comes mostly in the harvest season, so plan cash flow across the whole year.

• Pruning and basic tree care
• Physical fitness for ladder and harvest work
• Selling and talking to customers
• Planning around the seasons

• Lease terms: length, who owns the crop and what repairs you pay for
• General liability insurance and any product liability cover that markets or stores require
• Check your state's rules on pesticide use, which may require a license or training
• Check farmers market permit rules and whether your state requires scale registration or a farm registration
• Weather, frost and pests can cut a crop in a bad year
• Selling cider, jam or baked goods usually brings food permit rules, so check with your health department first

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your lease terms and equipment. Treat this as an estimate. Check the lease length, who owns the crop and what repairs you pay for, plus general liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your crop and where you sell. These are estimates. Weather, frost and pests can cut a crop in a bad year, so plan for variation.

Check your state's rules on pesticide use, which may require a license or training. Also check farmers market permit rules, scale or farm registration, and speak to your health department before selling cider, jam or baked goods.