Looking for help to improve your farm business? The resources linked below support farmers and producers of value-added products at all stages of starting and running a business. Topics include business planning, marketing, financials, direct sales, and wholesale markets.
For a collection of many of these tools and resources, check out ASAP’s Farmer Toolkit. While not meant to be a comprehensive guide to farm business planning or marketing, we hope that this toolkit will offer an overview of support and resources that ASAP offers farms in the Southern Appalachians. Click on the Farmer Toolkit cover to access this resource.
If you can’t find the resources you need online, ASAP and other area organizations offer one-on-one consultations to farmers in Western North Carolina. Networking and mentorship opportunities are also available to learn from farmers and producers who have already become established in the region. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any additional questions.
Business Planning
- Business Plan Overview
- Know your Regional Support Agencies
- Find Land with WNC Farm Link
- First Few Steps
- Local Food and Farm Regulations
- Raising Capital
- Market Opportunities
- Should crop insurance be part of your farm’s risk management plan (2015 webinar)
Appalachian Grown™ Certification and Promotions
- Appalachian Grown Certification
- Appalachian Grown Promotional Materials
- Local Food Guide – Listing your farm/business in ASAP’s local food directory
- Making the Most of Your Local Food Guide listing
Branding and Storytelling
- Farm Storytelling Toolkit
- Developing Your Farm Brand
- Photography Tips for the Farm
- Social Media Guide
- Press Releases: Guidelines and Template
- University of Arkansas – How to Use Social Media for Your Farm Business
- Working with a Graphic Designer
Farm Financials
- Basics to Recordkeeping
- Farm Loans
- Insurance Basics
- Setting Prices for Markets
- Mud to Money – Farm Financials Benchmark Report
- How to Pay for it—Grant, Loan, and Cost Share Options for Farms (2015 webinar)
Direct Sales
- CSA Toolkit
- Marketing Your Farm
- Roadside Farm Stands
- Tips for Selling at Farmers Markets
- Sell What You Grow – Diversifying Your Market Opportunities (2015 webinar)
- Sell More At Farmer’s Markets (2013 video presentation)
Agritourism
- Activity Ideas for Hosting Children and School Groups on Your Farm
- Agritourism Guide
- Agritourism Liability Law
- Farmer Classroom Visits
- Farmer Field Day Toolkit
- Growing your Agritourism Venture
- Hosting School Groups on Your Farm
- Integrating Safety into Agritourism (National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety)
- Planning U-Pick
Wholesale and Retail
- Guide to Selling Wholesale
- Produce Packaging Standards
- Product Codes for Retail Grocers
- Selling to Intermediate Markets
- Tips for Selling to Restaurants
- Tips for Buyers and Sellers
These resources are supported by the following organizations:
