What’s Next?

When we first started this journey so many people told us that:

“the only thing holding us back is access to land”

 We have since found out that that is not quite true.

We believe there are three major reasons why people are hesitating to get started.

The dream is perfect: As soon as you say “lets go!” it all gets real and reality is not perfect.

Starting a business is always exciting but its often scary as well. Joining a supportive community of co-farmers is going to be easier than starting a farm by yourself but it is always going to take courage to start.

We can help but you have to find the courage.

For many people its owning a farm that is the dream, not being a farmer.

Leasing land might not be the dream but it can be a stepping stone to you getting your own land and fulfilling your dream. 

Also remember that the investors are open to us buy them out over time. As part of the impact of their investment they are keen to create a pathway to ownership for the co-farmers. This won’t suit everyone but it can help anyone.

You have to consider what your alternatives are and then decide what you are going to do. We want to help but there is only so much we can do. You have to want to get started and then you have to decide to get started.

Lack of business planning.

Many people love the idea of farming but even established farmers often don’t do enough or even any business planning. If you have your own capital you can just go and buy a farm. Many people do and work out the details as they go.

You and and I can’t afford to do that or we already would have. Therefore we have to convince others that our enterprises are worth taking a risk on. Even if you have a deposit you will have to have a business plan to convince a bank to give you a loan. Without a deposit your business plan and your ability to communicate your plan is your ONLY way of getting serious financial support.

The Open Food Network has said that they can work with us and connect us to others that will help you prepare your business plan. Sooner or later you are going to need it so let us help you to get it done.

What you need to do!

If you are interested in buying a share in the farm you must formally “express your interest” in knowing more so that we can tell you the details about the investment.

If you have a business idea for an enterprise on the farm you will need a quality business plan. If you don’t have one we can help you with that but you must have one. For your own sake but also because that is a requirement of the lender that all the co-farmers have credible business plans. Let us help you get that done. Even if you don’t end up leasing a portion of the farm the business plan will be useful elsewhere.

Get in touch and we can have a chat and go from there.