Fergusoncares and the Village of Broadview

urban farming using green technology FergusonCares nonprofit the Village of Broadview

summary The urban farming project will be carried out by FergusonCares and will involve the establishment of an urban food farm / greenhouse on a piece of land on Roosevelt Rd in the Village of Broadview, IL Greenhouse farming is a modern way of growing crops that involve the growing of crops in an artificially controlled environment that ensures reduced susceptibility to diseases and increased yield of crop. Plants are fed nutrients through a drip irrigation system and they are grown in the most suitable conditions, which allow each plant to produce the maximum fruit possible.

The greenhouse method of farming will have the following advantages:  High urban fruits and vegetable yield  Reduced disease attack  Reduced labor costs since operating the system is not labor intensive.  Consistent production of the crop regardless of the prevailing season  Uniformity of crops in terms of size and quality The demand for urban fruits and vegetables has been and still remains high in the country due to the fact that most Cook County families use urban fruits and vegetables as a basic ingredient in most of their meals. Urban fruits and vegetable growing using greenhouse technology is steadily picking up in the country and we wish to profitably position ourselves in this industry by producing quality products and aggressively marketing it to our customers.

The customers for our products will include the following market segments in Cook County and its environs:  Hotels, eating joints and lodgings  Open air Markets  Supermarkets  Schools and colleges  Groceries and independent retailers  Customers buying from the farm  Processing industries

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FergusonCares is a 501c3 nonprofit. We are seeking to raise additional funds via grants, donations and sponsorship for the purpose of financing the acquisition of the greenhouse facility, install green/eco features including rainwater harvesting, and to commence operations. The project will utilize one initial commercial (5000 sq. ft.) greenhouse sourced locally. The largest portion of the start-up requirements is for the purchase of the greenhouse, its installation and agronomical support from the suppliers.

The total project cost, once completed will cost a sum of $250 000, of which $115 000 is allocated to the main feature, the greenhouse. We are injecting $115 000 into the project. We require an extra $135, 000 to successfully develop the land to include solar power, zero impact features, rainwater harvesting etc., establish it as an urban farm featuring rainwater filtration / harvesting and additional solar power eco features on the farm and commence and continue operations until the project is self-sustaining. We intend to begin operations Summer/Fall 2018

mission Our goal is to offer scalable solutions for environmental and social issues in Illinois. Our mission is to help children in as many ways as possible, and we see value in re-greening, reforesting and restoring large parcels of derelict, abandoned land, while combining the benefits of offering large greenspaces to children, families and schools in neighborhoods lacking fun, clean and green spaces.

Our business plan proposal is designed to promote the long-term prosperity and health of Cook County and specifically the Village of Broadview, with urban farming, reforesting/re-greening of unused, vacant land owned by the City of Chicago, Cook County or the state of Illinois.

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who we are Grant Ferguson.

A technology and managerial professional with 24 years of international experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. After focusing on the Anixter Center nonprofit for 8 years he has launched FergusonCares org

Tom McPheron.

A lifelong Chicago resident Tom McPheron is a public relations & communications professional with more than 25 years’ experience in international charities and public health organizations.

Craig Ferguson.

Craig Ferguson brings valuable international experience to FergusonCares org, with over 25 years of large scale managerial and engineering expertise, gained throughout Africa & Asia, working for Clyde Bergemann Africa & the global giant, GEA Group.

Contents SUMMARY.........................................................................................................................

MISSION.........................................................................................................................

WHO WE ARE ..................................................................................................

OPERATING PLAN .......................................................................................................

PRODUCTION ..................................................................................................

MASTER PLAN..................................................................................................................................

MARKETING..............................................................................................................................

CHALLENGES..............................................................................................................................

STARTUP COSTS PLAN..............................................................................................................................

PRODUCTS ..................................................................................................................................

DISTRIBUTION ..................................................................................................................................

PRICING ..................................................................................................................................

SALES VOLUME ..................................................................................................................................

CROP PRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................

CROP OUTPUT ..................................................................................................................................

ADDITIONAL FUNDING ..................................................................................................................................

RISK MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................................

PLANTING AND HARVESTING SCHEDULE ..................................................................................................

2 4 5 7 6 7 9 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 24 26 27 31

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Operational plan Production The urban fruits and vegetables will be grown in a state-of-the-art greenhouse . Equipment includes the commercial sized greenhouse and hybrid seeds, agro-chemicals, fertilizers, an irrigation system, knapsack sprayers, and safety equipment. The advantages of growing crops in commercial greenhouses are: • •  • •

Higher yield, thus higher profitability.

Faster, longer growth (harvesting begins in 2 1/2 to 3 months and continues for 9 months) Labor reduced by almost 80% Crop is grown regardless of prevailing season

The greenhouse will have the capacity sufficient to produce approximately 6,000 Kgs (6 tones) of urban fruits and vegetable in one season.

The urban fruits and vegetables are grown following a specified regimen. The quality of the crop is ensured because the regimen used is set to produce specific results. The amount of water and nutrients supplied to the plant is specified and experience shows that the quality (size, taste, health) of the crop is constant and guaranteed.

Location The farm will be located in The Village of Broadview on a piece of land currently vacant. The said piece of land has access to reliable supply of piped water necessary for irrigation (if necessary) and is easily accessible to Roosevelt road (The Village of Broadview) thus ensuring that produce will easily be delivered to the market.

Personnel Initially there will be a full-time project manager who will be responsible for overall management and one employee responsible for the day to day operations of the green house. Staff will be added as production increases.

The FergusonCares project manager will oversee the project, maintain proper records and accounts, and ensure the produce is effectively marketed.

The employee will receive the required training necessary to competently carry out the operations.

Management and organization The daily operations will be carried out by the employee who will be trained prior to the commencement of the operation.

The overall management will be carried out by the FergusonCares project manager. The project manager, Grant Ferguson has experience with urban farming, and in in growing and marketing urban fruits and vegetables.

This experience will come in handy in ensuring the success of the nonprofit.

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Marketing plan Marketing will be one of the major pillars of this venture. Having quality products is meaningless if the product is not bought by customers. We will therefore put immense emphasis on marketing and selling our product.

Industry Analysis Some other regions in Cook County produce urban fruits and vegetables which are marketed in the local markets. However overall, nationally Cook County does not produce as much urban fruits and vegetables as the rest of the U.S (except Alaska). The demand for urban fruits and vegetables however is constant because it is indispensable in any healthy meal plan.

Customers The market for urban fruits and vegetables is segmented into the following main categories of customers: 1.

2.

3.

4.

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Schools and universities There are colleges & universities in the region that will provide a good market for our products.

Supermarkets Almost all supermarket sell fresh produce. They often require quality products and a reliable supply-we will certainly be able to satisfy these requirements. Supermarkets in the region.

Open air Markets Selling at markets is best done through agents. There are a number of markets where we will be able to sell our products.

Independent retailers and groceries We will also target retailers by emphasizing competitive pricing and consistent supply of urban fruits and vegetables.

Customers buying directly from the farm Our experience has shown that the number of customers attracted by selling direct from the farm is quite considerable. This method of selling involves lower prices since there are no extra costs and these lower prices attract quite a number of customers.

Hotels, lodgings, eating joints Our research and experience shows that this is one of the best market segments. The demand for urban fruits and vegetables by high-end hotels, middle class restaurants and backstreet eating joints is phenomenal and is bound to ensure that our produce sells well.

Processing industries

This market segment will be approached when we increase our output due to the demand for high quantity by these industries.

Competition There are a few urban fruits and vegetable farmers in the region but most fruits and vegetables come from other counties. This increases their cost due to increased transportation costs. Since we will be selling our products locally, the transport costs will be kept relatively low thus making our urban fruits and vegetables more affordable.

Competitive advantage Our main competitive advantages are: • Consistent supply - most farmers rely on traditional rain-dependent agriculture which makes the availability of urban fruits and vegetables seasonal. However, with greenhouse technology, the environment is artificially controlled and the prevailing seasons do not affect the availability of urban fruits and vegetables.

• Consistent quality- since the same regimen is followed, the quality of our urban fruits and vegetables is first-class regardless of the season.

• Competitive pricing

Marketing and sales strategy Our strategy is to profitably and efficiently utilize greenhouse technology in the production of urban fruits and vegetables and aggressively market our produce to our customers. We also plan to use the first greenhouse as a step to phenomenal growth in the near future thereby capturing a substantial percentage of the market not only for urban fruits and vegetables but for other farm produce as well.

The nonprofit's goals in the first year are to: • • •

Purchase and establish the greenhouse on the farm To repay the entire loan plus interest.

To achieve profits of $100,000.

The nonprofit's long term plan is to also produce a wider variety of vegetables as well as well as other farm produce.

We will market and supply our products to potential customers aggressively, focusing at first on local markets, and then later on nationwide and even export options. We will emphasize the reliable year-round output of our climate-controlled greenhouses.

• • • •

We will send out sales letters along with flyers introducing ourselves and what we have to offer.

This will be done immediately after the plants are planted (i.e. two months before harvesting) The nonprofit will also develop a detailed page on their website, and advertise on the Internet thru Google Ads Our urban fruits and vegetables will be mainly sold through wholesale marketing.

Produce will be transported in a van/truck to be purchased.

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Anticipated challenges We expect the production stage to be generally hassle-free. This is because of the experience we have and the ease of growing crops in a greenhouse.

The main challenge we anticipate is in the marketing stage. This is especially so during seasons when urban fruits and vegetables flood the market. We will try to counter his by building concrete relationships with our clients, emphasizing our competitive advantages and concentrating on aggressive marketing. It will also be difficult to determine these bountiful seasons because of current erratic weather patterns.

Sales forecast We expect to have exceptional sales in the first year due to our anticipated aggressive marketing and our high quality produce We will not make any sales in the month s of June, July and August as the crop will not have matured.

Harvesting begins 3 months after planting and we therefore expect our first sales from mid-August to early September.

• • • • •

Production of urban fruits and vegetables varies from month to month depending on the stage of growth.

1 crate of urban fruits and vegetables weighs 64 Kgs. Urban fruits and vegetables are sold either in crates or in Kgs We will use both of these units in order to maximize profits.

Year 1 sales forecast covers a period of 9 months since this is the seasonal duration of one crop.

Start-up expenses This statement estimates the amount of money we will need to launch and maintain the project until sales receipts can cover operating expenses

Start-up assets Item Greenhouse Installation Van/truck Soil Potters/planters Saplings, seeds and starter plants

1 -

SUB_TOTAL

Item

Units Estimate 95,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 9,000 9,000 128,000

Operating expenses Est.cost per month

No of months

P. manager salary Employee wages

4,000 4,000

9 9

36,000 36,000

Promotion costs Transport cost of initial harvests

500 5,000

10 1

5,000 15,000

Contingency TOTAL FUNDING FOR ASSETS TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES TOTAL ESTIMATED START-UP CAPITAL

10,000 148,000 102,000 250,000

Notes *Management expenses include transport and telephone expenses and other expenses to enable adequate project supervision.

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Products Market Segment: Retail, Direct to Consumer What products will be offered?

Herbs – (basil, sage, dill, parsley, rosemary).

Leaf greens (collard, turnip).

Salad greens.

Broccoli.

Cucumbers.

Cabbage.

Spinach.

Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries).

Potatoes (Longer term in years three to five).

Other crops will be added based on demand and growing capabilities.

What is the product availability (seasonal offerings)?

What specific product characteristics meet the needs of the market segment?

Fresh.

Locally grown.

Appearance.

Accessibility.

How are your products unique?

Grown locally at a facility supported by the community.

Provide job training and nutritional education to the community.

Restore a former abandoned industrial property to a productive use.

Why would a customer prefer your product to a competitor’s?

The growing center will cater to the needs of the local community with respect to crop planning and community quality of life.

Support job training and local education.

Market Segment: Wholesale, Direct to Restaurants What products will be offered?

Herbs – (basil, sage, dill, parsley, rosemary).

Baby vegetables (carrots and beets).

Salad greens.

Broccoli.

Cucumbers.

Spinach.

Berries (strawberries, raspberries). Other crops will be added based on demand and growing capabilities.

What is the product availability (seasonal offerings)?

What specific product characteristics meet the needs of the market segment?

Fresh.

Locally grown.

Appearance.

Cost.

How are your products unique?

Grown locally at a facility supported by the community.

Why would a customer prefer your product to a competitor’s?

The growing center will cater to the needs of the local community with respect to crop planning and community quality of life.

Support job training and local education.

Distribution Market Segment: Retail, Direct to Consumer Will the product be pre-packaged? How will the product be packaged?

The product will be sold by the piece to consumers at the farm stand on the growing center or at local farmers markets. Fruits and vegetables shipped off the growing center will be packaged in cartons, crates or bags, as appropriate for the specific fruit or vegetable.

Will the product be stored prior to sale? How will the product be stored?

Fruits and vegetables will not be stored for extended periods of time at the growing center; however, harvested fruits and vegetables will be stored within the storage building or hoop house on the growing center property until sold or donated. Fruits and vegetables that cannot be sold within two to three days of harvest will be donated to local food service providers for the homeless or elderly.

How will the product be distributed (farm stand, deliveries)?

Farm stand on the growing center property.

Community group volunteers will distribute to local churches, senior centers, and youth groups. Produce will be hauled to select farmers markets on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

How will product quality be maintained during storage and distribution?

As noted previously, fruits and vegetables will not be stored for long periods of time. Harvested crops will be placed in cartons or crates as appropriate for the particular fruit or vegetable and stored within the storage building or hoop house on the growing center property.

Why is the selected distribution approach best for the market segment?

The product of the growing center is fresh fruits and vegetables. Long term storage of the crops will not meet this objective or objectives related to quality and appearance.

How will your business gain access to the market segment and distribution channels?

A network of community group volunteers who focus on churches, senior centers, youth and family centers. Events and tasting at the growing center and at area farmers markets.

How often will the product be made available to customers in each marketing segment (deliveries, days and hours of operation)?

Once or twice a week to senior groups, schools, and churches.

Market Segment: Wholesale, Direct to Restaurants Will the product be pre-packaged? How will the product be packaged?

The product will be sold by the piece to chefs at the farm stand on the growing center or at local farmers markets. Fruits and vegetables shipped off the growing center will be packaged in cartons, crates or bags, as appropriate for the specific fruit or vegetable.

Will the product be stored prior to sale? How will the product be stored?

Fruits and vegetables will not be stored for extended periods of time at the growing center; however, harvested fruits and vegetables will be stored within the storage building or hoop house on the growing center property until sold or donated. Fruits and vegetables that cannot be sold within two to three days of harvest will be donated to local food service providers for the homeless or elderly.

How will the product be distributed (farm stand, deliveries)?

Farm stand on the growing center property.

Community group volunteers will distribute to local restaurants.

How will product quality be maintained during storage and distribution?

Fruits and vegetables will not be stored for long periods of time. Harvested crops will be placed in cartons or crates as appropriate for the particular fruit or vegetable and stored within the storage building or hoop house on the growing center property.

Why is the selected distribution approach best for the market segment?

The product of the growing center is fresh fruits and vegetables. Long term storage of the crops will not meet this objective or objectives related to quality and appearance.

How will your business gain access to the market segment and distribution channels?

A network of community group volunteers who will make direct contact with chefs at local restaurants. Events and tasting at the growing center and at area farmers markets.

How often will the product be made available to customers in each marketing segment (deliveries, days and hours of operation)?

Deliveries will be based on the needs of the restaurant; however, it is anticipated that deliveries, where required, will be two to three times per week.

Pricing Market Segment: Retail, Direct to Consumer What are the prevailing market prices for similar products?

Market prices vary depending on season and crop yield.

What is the likely ability of your business to set prices?

The growing center has substantial opportunity for setting prices. At the farm stand on the growing center, pricing can reflect the lower overhead and lack of distribution costs resulting in lower that competition pricing. At farmer’s markets, pricing can be competitive with the competition. In addition, the growing center has the opportunity to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to neighbors of the growing center in exchange for volunteer work at the center.

What is the sensitivity of demand to price?

For the primary market of residents living within a two-mile radius of the growing center, price will be a significant component of their decision to purchase fruits and vegetables from the growing center. Pricing will need to be within the limits of the low to middle income range of these residents.

How will the product be priced for each market segment?

The product will be priced based on competitive pricing and local economic means. In addition, pricing will be adjusted in exchange for volunteer labor and other activities to support the growing center.

How does your pricing strategy compare with the competition?

The growing center has an advantage in that it will have a lower overhead and distribution costs than many of its competitors. It also has the opportunity to provide “pick your own� pricing and pricing adjustments based on volunteer support.

What evidence is there that the target market will accept the price?

Surveys conducted indicate that if fresh fruits and vegetables can be provided at a cost equal to or less than the current sources of these items, that the community is likely to purchase their produce from the growing center.

Why will the selected pricing strategy be effective?

The pricing strategy is competitive and recognizes the economic requirements of the community.

Market Segment: Wholesale, Direct to Restaurants What are the prevailing market prices for similar products?

Market prices vary depending on season and crop yield. Below are estimates based on 2010 market wholesale prices: Herbs – $10.00 to $15.00 per pound.

Baby vegetables – $4.00 - $5.00 per pound.

Salad greens – romaine $1.50 per pound; butter bib $2.00 each. Broccoli – $0.67 - $1.00 per pound.

Cucumbers – $0.65 per pound.

Spinach – $1.75 per pound.

Berries (strawberries – $2.75 - $3.50 per pound, raspberries – $5.00 per pint).

What is the likely ability of your business to set prices?

The growing center has substantial opportunity for setting prices; however, prices will need to be competitive with the wholesale market.

What is the sensitivity of demand to price?

Demand will be very sensitive to price; although there may be opportunity for a small premium based on the community basis of the growing center assuming a quality product.

How will the product be priced for each market segment?

The product will be priced based on the competition.

How does your pricing strategy compare with the competition?

The growing center has an advantage in that it will have a lower overhead and distribution costs than many of its competitors. It also has the opportunity to provide “pick your own” pricing and pricing adjustments based on volunteer support.

What evidence is there that the target market will accept the price?

The marketing analysis indicates that if consistent quality fresh fruits and vegetables can be provided at a cost equal to or less than the current sources of these items, that the restaurants are likely to purchase their produce from the growing center.

Why will the selected pricing strategy be effective?

The pricing strategy is competitive.

Sales Volume Market Segment: Retail, Direct to Consumer When and how long will the product be available for this market segment?

Initial crops will be available late Summer of 2018.

It is planned to provide produce over three growing seasons (spring, summer, and fall).

What is the potential number of customers for each market segment?

Residents with a 5-mile radius of the growing center.

Transient consumers.

Consumers at local farmers markets.

What is the potential volume per customer for the market segment?

Volume per customer estimate not developed.

What is the potential sales volume for the market segment?

It is anticipated that total sales volume based on farm capacity will be approximately $117,000 in the fifth year of operation.

What assumptions were made about the market segment?

The primary, or target customer is residents of the surrounding low-income neighborhoods that have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

It is expected that sales to these customers will be made at the farm stand at the growing center, or at targeted locations such as churches, senior centers, youth centers and schools.

Direct to customer sales will likely also be conducted from sales sites such as local farmers markets to a larger area within County Y competing regionally with a wide variety of grocers, farm stands and other retailers.

What research was conducted or referenced about the market segment?

Market Segment: Wholesale, Direct to Restaurants When and how long will the product be available for this market segment?

Initial crops for this market segment the third year of the growing center operation in order to achieve the quality, appearance and supply of product required by this market segment.

It is planned to provide produce over three growing seasons (spring, summer, and fall).

What is the potential number of customers for each market segment?

The potential market is any restaurant within the downtown area and a 5-mile radius of the growing center.

The State Regional 2010 Directory identifies over 50 restaurants and catering facilities that utilize locally grown produce.

What is the potential volume per customer for the market segment?

It is anticipated that total sales volume based on farm capacity will be approximately $117000 in the fifth year of operation.

What is the potential sales volume for the market segment?

Volume per customer estimate not developed.

What assumptions were made about the market segment?

Chefs will be more likely to buy fresh produce produced in the immediate area of the restaurant.

It is expected that sales to these customers will be made at the farm stand at the growing center and direct marketing to the restaurants.

What research was conducted or referenced about the market segment?

Market Segment: Retail, Direct to Consumer Who are the competitors for each market segment?

There is no direct, organic competition in the immediate site neighborhood.

What are the advantages of your business in this market segment?

Location within the community with weak retail competition - Over 70% of the residents surveyed in Cook County typically respond that if fresh local produce were available in their area, they would be very likely to purchase locally. The highest share of those who responded positively to this question responded that they would be most likely to purchase produce at a farmers market in the community.

Produce that is local and organic; an accessible location; highly visible; community ties and neighborhood investment; established networks with community groups; at the source fruits and vegetables.

What are the disadvantages of your business in this market segment?

The convenience of shopping at larger grocery stores will compete with the growing center as shoppers may favor one stop shopping over fresh and local fruits and vegetables.

Mobility of the residents; Consumer Buying Patterns: Produce is not as “cost efficient� as fast food.

How will your business differentiate itself from your competitors? Why will customers switch to or select this business?

Community based business that not only provides fresh fruits and vegetables, but provides job training, nutritional education, and volunteer opportunities for the community.

Community supported agriculture (CSA) approach will be implemented once the crop production reaches a critical mass sufficient to support this approach.

Customers will frequent this facility because of its accessibility, convenience, quality product.

Crop production What approach will be used for crop production (native soil plantings, raised beds, aquaponics)?

Crops will be grown in four 30 feet wide by 96 feet long hoop houses. Each hoop house will contain 24 – 30 four feet wide by eight feet long raised planter beds. Vertical gardens will be used during the spring and summer growing seasons for berries. It is anticipated that one of the four hoop houses will include an aquaponics system to be utilized for both raising fish such as tilapia and vegetables.

In year one, a single greenhouse along with vertical gardens will be installed with initial plantings in the spring. The second and third hoop houses will be erected during the first year for use in the second year.

The fourth hoop house will be erected in the second year for use in the third year with the aquaponics production anticipated in the fourth or fifth year of operation using a portion or all of one of the fourth hoop house. The vertical gardens will be installed and plantings accomplished in spring of the first year.

In addition to crop production facilities, an 600 square foot educational facility including a class room and rest rooms will be constructed on the site during the first year. In addition, a free standing farm stand will also be provided on the side with an enclosure added in the second year or third year.

Storage of tools and other equipment will be on shelves and benches constructed within the hoop houses until a storage shed is erected in the second year.

What crop management alternatives will be implemented (e.g., weed, pest and disease control)?

All crop production will use organic growing methods to meet the criteria of a certified organic crop production facility. Organic pest management practices will be implemented to develop and maintain healthy soils and strong plants that can withstand pests and encourage beneficial insects by creating environments that attract them. Crop selection will focus on biodiversity in the crops and crop varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases. Selected approved substances will be used when necessary.

How will soil fertility be addressed (e.g., enhance existing soils, compost, mulch, fertilizer)?

Organic materials such as cover crops, crop residues, and compost will be added to soils to build soil organic matter and improve the ability of the soil to supply nutrients to the plants. It is anticipated that composting will be conducted on the growing center.

What type of water supply (e.g., city water, well) and irrigation system will be used (e.g., tile drains, drip zone irrigation, sprinkler systems)?

Water is supplied by the municipal water system. Plant irrigation will initially be accomplished by hand watering using a water spigot, hose and nozzle. Once there is a better understanding of the quantities of water needed other methods of watering such as drip irrigation will be evaluated.

Will seeds or seedlings be used? How will seed and plant selection be accomplished?

Seeds and seedlings will be obtained from a combination of Farms, the state and Botanical Gardens.

Seedlings will ultimately be developed locally.

What waste handling and disposal will be required and how will it be accomplished?

Organic waste such as crop residues will be composted on the site. Recyclable materials such as plastics, paper, and cardboard will be recycled. Extra crops that are not sold will be donated to community food centers. Disposal wastes will be minimized.

What quality control measures will be needed?

Quality control will be needed for all aspects of crop production and harvesting. Quality control will need to address soil fertility, plant survival, and the quality and appearance of the crops.

How will security for the property, equipment, and crops be accomplished (e.g., fencing, cameras)?

The property is fenced around its perimeter. An access gate for vehicles to enter the site and walk gates for customers and workers to enter the site.

Identify any other crop management issues (itemize)?

No other issues are identified at this time.

Crop output What is the estimated output for each crop for this market segment during the first five years of production (e.g., pounds of produce per month)?

Market Segment: Retail, Direct to Consumer Crop

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 5

Year 4

Expected Output 656

1,345

1062

1316

1135

1,457

2,990

2124

2631

2271

15

30

35

44

38

1,399

2,870

2265

2807

2422

Spinach

777

1,595

1133

1403

1211

Cabbage

1049

2153

2549

3157

2725

Potatoes

0

0

1133

1403

1211

Carrots

0

0

944

1169

1009

Beets

0

0

1416

1754

1514

600

600

600

600

600

Broccoli Leaf Greens Herbs Cucumbers

Strawberries

What are the plans for growth of the business for this market segment?

Initial sales for this market will be through the onsite farm stand and local farmers markets. Growth in this market will be through increased crop production and variety and the establishment of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) approach for the farm. In addition, and participation in resident assistance programs will also be pursued.

Note: Estimates are based on three seasons of production. These estimates are provided for evaluation purposes and need to be reviewed and updated by the Farm Manager based on actual crops and planting and harvest schedules. Strawberry production assumes 20 vertical units with five growing pots and four plants per pot.

What is the estimated output for each crop for this market segment during the first five years of production (e.g., pounds of produce per month)?

Market Segment: Wholesale, Direct to Restaurants Crop

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 5

Year 4

Expected Output (lbs) Broccoli

0

0

295

501

1,022

Leaf Greens

0

0

590

1,002

2,044

Herbs

0

0

10

17

34

Cucumbers

0

0

629

1,069

2,180

Spinach

0

0

315

535

1,090

Cabbage

0

0

315

535

1,090

Carrots

0

0

965

1,292

1,938

Beets

0

0

965

1,292

1,938

Strawberries

0

0

0

0

0

What are the plans for growth of the business for this market segment?

Entry into this market is not anticipated until crop production techniques and product quality objectives for this market segment have been achieved. This is expected in the third year of operation. Growth in this market segment will be achieved through direct marketing to local restaurants and expansion of the crop variety to meet the needs of this market.

Note: Estimates are based on three seasons of production. These estimates are provided for evaluation purposes and need to be reviewed and updated by the Farm Manager based on actual crops and planting and harvest schedules.

Additional Funding Information What are the potential additional sources of funding?

Cook County State of IL. Private corporations Local donations and fund raising events.

Are there specific limitations on the funding?

Grants are often limited in the scope with which they can be used e.g. wages.

What are the critical assumptions concerning the funding?

Additional Funding is available and can be obtained within the time constraints for construction.

What is the timing of the funding and how will it impact the achievement of the business plan?

It is essential that funding be obtained in late fall in order to ensure that improvements are in place for the growing season.

How will the funding be obtained?

Grant funding will be obtained through a grant application.

Funding applications will be submitted to appropriate funding source.

Fund raising events will be held on the farm at area community facilities.

Are there expenses associated with the funding?

There will be administrative expenses in developing the information needed for the applications and preparing the applications for the grant funding.

There will be costs for fund raising events.

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Risk Management .

What are the potential risks that may need to be managed?

How likely is the risk to occur (high, medium, low)?

What is planned to minimize potential risks if they occur?

Farm Manager’s primary objective during the first few years will be to implement cultivation techniques that minimize overhead and maximize production. This will be accomplished with support from the community and village.

Production: Crop failure or unusually small yields.

High - Smaller than planned yield rates are likely during the first few years.

Marketing: Unable to sell full production.

Medium.

Focused promotion and marketing approach. Utilize volunteers to interact with potential customers.

Financial: Unable to obtain sufficient funding to sustain the first three to four years and to fund growth.

High.

Incorporate fund raising using events at the farm and focus effort to obtain federal, state, and/or private funding.

Medium.

Utilize educational activities at local high schools and trade schools, colleges and Universities, and solicit neighborhood and community groups for support and volunteer time.

Labor: Unable to find sufficient volunteers and maintain consistent labor force.

Performance of Farm Manager.

Other.

Fergusoncares nonprofit | Village of Broadview

Community Readiness A community readiness assessment will help us get a sense of the market for greenhouse products in your community.

Investigating the Market Estimating Demand .

Who are your customers?

Friends Family Neighbors Caterers Restaurants Grocery stores

Farmers markets Gardeners Territorial Institutions Other:

27

Pricing Produce Goal: aim to grow your crops at the current market price during your first year. Find the local price for each of the crops you intend to sell in your greenhouse.

Example

Specialty crops Cucumber Spinach Mixed Greens

pound unit gram pound

$3.67/lb. $4.29 ea. $7.39/284g n/a

$3.50/lb. $4 $7/300gr Not carried locally

Analyzing Crop Demand

Analyzing Demand 93%

7%

95%

5%

94%

6%

80%

20%

92%

8%

Yes Yes Yes

Lettuce

Yes Yes

Mixed Greens Onions Peas

Yes

Peppers (bell)

31

Planting and Harvesting Schedule Our projected planting and harvesting schedules.

How will plantings be made to achieve the required crop harvest to meet the marketing strategy?

An aggressive operational plan focused on highly productive cropping systems including crop rotation, succession planting, intercropping, companion planting, and timing of plantings including removal of plants prior to full production capacity to allow for the start of a second crop to advance production of a crop. It is anticipated that several growing seasons will be necessary prior to identification of the most productive approach for maximum capacity.

What is your planting and harvesting schedule? Identify the year each crop will first be planted.

Crop Broccoli

Year 1

Leaf Greens

1

Herbs

1

Cucumbers

1

Spinach

1

Cabbage

1

Potatoes Carrots Beets Strawberries

3 3 3 1

Activity Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest Plant Harvest

Jan

Feb

Mar X X

Apr

May X

X

X

X

X X X

X

X X

X

X

X X

Jul X

X X

X X

X

X X X X

Aug X

Sep X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X X

X X

X

Jun

X X X X

X X X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X X

X

X X X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X X X

X

Oct

Nov

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X X

X

Note: Estimates are based on three seasons of production. These estimates are provided for evaluation purposes and need to be reviewed and updated by the Farm Manager based on actual crops and planting and harvest schedules.

Fergusoncares nonprofit | Village of Broadview

Dec