Market Gardeners

[Mikey]

How many do we have on this forum, I'm sure there was one from Scotland somewhere.

I've been contemplating buying a piece of land roughly 15 acres and turning my hand, well a tractor and producing veggies for local deliveries. I've found a lovely spot and its got an established PYO not far away, so there could be some mutual benefit possibly.

These are very early thoughts and just wondered what the major pitfalls were?

[veggiechicken]

Sounds a fantastic idea! Can I order a veggie box please?
Two thoughts for you : Community Supported Agriculture? Look here Community supported agriculture : Soil Association
Second, Riverside Market garden at St Hilary Riverside market garden - local food for Cardiff

[Mikey]

Fiddle sticks.....

The site I was looking at was in St Brides Super Ely, and would seriously compete with Riverside.

I've no desire to do that, I think I'll have to start looking elsewhere.

Thanks for the links VC, the soil association one is very inspiring.

[veggiechicken]

The Riverside MG is a very specific model, and they have limited land - I think its 5 acres with an option on expansion to 10. I'm a passive share holder, just to give them some funding to get it up and running.
They are keen to roll out their model to other similar enterprises and I don't think they would see you as competition. As far as I know, their stuff is sold through the veg box scheme or at the farmer's markets and they do buy produce in when they have insufficient for the veg boxes.
I also know of a CSA scheme down at Bancffosfelen - its called Banc Organics. They do veg boxes too but it is a big commitment as you have to be able to produce enough to supply all of your customers every week.
Maybe you could find a niche market that has not been tapped into by Riverside. Elderflower cordial springs to mind!

[Mikey]

Cheers VC, I'm not sure I'd want to do the veg boxes if I'm honest, only because I know from experience in my own garden how difficult it is to try and produce food year round.

You might be right with the varied tack, maybe growing crops for some local drinks would make more sense, as once bottled at least this is capable of being stored, extending the year, as long as you can produce sufficient stock.

[veggiechicken]

I wouldn't do veg boxes either - far too risky and time consuming. I'm sure there must be some crop that is easy to grow, desirable and has a good profit margin. Something like cordials would give your crop added value but you have to consider the production costs and premises too.
It depends on whether you're talking hobby or full time job too.
Nice idea though and I'm sure you can come up with something.

[Alison]

Didn't Sewer Rat do something like this for a while but then downsized things as it was all too much?

[Mikey]

I think it was sewer rat, that I remember, cheers Alison.

VC, I can't afford for it to be anything but a hobby to start with, as I already have a business, which runs along nicely with minimal effort. It's finding things to fill the hours between 6pm and 8am I'm looking for!!!!. I'm not much of a sleeper 6-7 hours is ample, that leaves me with a full 8 hours a day!!.

[Ouya Mellsa]

I went to a leading organic farm the other week.

The head grower did exactly what Mikey is suggesting when he first graduated and is now the top guy at this incredible farm.

My advice is: go for it.

I'd love to do it, but dont have the confidence/funds to go alone.

I hope to find a partner to do this with.

[veggiechicken]

Hi Ouya, How did the presentation go? Mikey will excuse me butting in here (I hope!)

[Ouya Mellsa]

Ok...bit frustrating as I panicked a bit.

Not confident of getting it, though.

T'was only an 8 week job, anyhoo.

[veggiechicken]

Its all good experience, whether you get the job or not - but I hope you do

[chris]

If you need a partner..

[veggiechicken]

Thanks Chris, never thought you'd ask

[Mikey]

While I don't know you Chris, I get the feeling we are on the same wave length. I thought you got a job with a bit of travelling involved?