Herb & Microgreen Farms
Specialty farms cultivating fresh culinary herbs and microgreens for restaurants, grocery, and direct consumers. High-value, small-footprint crops that suit both rural and urban indoor growing environments, with strong restaurant chef relationships as the primary market.
Herb & Microgreen Farms startup costs and profit margins
- Estimated startup cost
- $5K to $300K
- Typical profit margin
- 30% to 65%
Revenue model
Direct restaurant supply at premium per-ounce pricing. Farmers market direct sales with strong margins. Grocery retail placement. CSA add-on items. Dried herb processing for retail. Custom growing for specific restaurant menus.
Startup requirements
Greenhouse or indoor growing space, seed sourcing for culinary varieties, growing trays, LED lighting (indoor), irrigation, packaging for freshness, chef and restaurant sales relationships, GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification.
Key challenges
Extremely perishable product, weather sensitivity for outdoor, high cost of indoor energy, competition from large herb growers (Gotham Greens), managing multiple variety production simultaneously.
Complete startup guide
Read the complete guide to starting a Herb & Microgreen Farm