How to become a specialty farmer

How to become a Specialty Farmer

Specialty farming often requires more targeted knowledge, direct-to-consumer marketing, and innovative production techniques, making it both challenging and potentially more profitable than conventional farming. Here’s an overview of the pathway to the career:

Basic Education
Complete high school or equivalent as a foundation.

Research and Choose a Niche
Identify a specialty crop or livestock that suits your interests, market demand, and local climate (e.g., organic herbs, microgreens, heritage poultry).

Gain Knowledge and Skills

• Learn about the specific growing techniques, soil and climate requirements, pest control, and harvesting methods for your chosen specialty.
• Complete agricultural courses offered by community colleges, universities, or agricultural extension programs.
• Participate in workshops and training focused on specialty crops, organic farming, sustainable practices, or specific livestock care.
• Access online resources and farming networks to stay updated on best practices and innovations.
• Consider earning a degree in a discipline like agriculture, horticulture, plant sciences, animal sciences, or agribusiness.

Create a Business Plan
Outline your goals, budget, equipment needs, marketing strategies, and potential customers. Consider how you’ll sell your products – direct to consumer, farmers markets, restaurants, or online.

Acquire Land or Growing Space
Secure a suitable location for your specialty operation. This could be a small plot of land, a greenhouse, or even an indoor space for urban or hydroponic farming.

Secure Financing and Equipment
Obtain the necessary tools, supplies, and possibly funding through personal investment, agricultural grants, or small business loans.

Start Small and Scale Up
Begin with a manageable amount of production, refine your techniques, and build your customer base before expanding.

Market Your Products
Develop branding, attend farmers markets, connect with local chefs or stores, or build an online presence to promote your specialty goods.

Stay Compliant and Certified (if applicable)
Obtain necessary permits, food safety certifications, or organic certification if your farming requires it.

Continue Learning and Adapting
Stay informed about trends, innovations, and customer preferences to keep your farm competitive and sustainable.

Certifications
These certifications help specialty farmers access premium markets, build consumer trust, and demonstrate a commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability:

Crop and Soil Certifications

• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Organic Certification – for farms that meet strict organic growing standards in the US
• Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) – a grassroots alternative to USDA Organic for small-scale farmers using natural methods, offering peer-review certification to farmers and beekeepers producing food, flowers, and fiber for their local communities by working in harmony with nature, without relying on synthetic chemicals or generically modified organisms (GMOs)
• Demeter Biodynamic Certification – a guarantee for consumers that products come from biodynamic agriculture, offered by Demeter USA and Biodynamic Federation Demeter International

Animal and Livestock Certifications

• Certified Humane Raised and Handled – a certification that ensures livestock are raised with high animal welfare standards, offered by the Certified Humane organization
• Animal Welfare Approved by AGW (A Greener World) – recognized for strict, pasture-based livestock welfare practices
• American Grassfed Association (AGA) Certification – for farmers raising grassfed ruminants without antibiotics or hormones

Sustainability and Environmental Certifications

• Salmon-Safe Urban Development Certification – for farms using water and land practices that protect local aquatic ecosystems
• Rainforest Alliance Certification – for specialty farms (especially in coffee, tea, cocoa) committed to sustainability and social equity
• LEAF Marque (Linking Environment and Farming) – a UK-based certification promoting environmentally responsible farming

Food Safety and Handling Certifications

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) Certification – a certification administered by the USDA National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition that validates on-farm food safety in handling, harvesting, and storage; valid for one year from the date of audit
• PrimusGFS – a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized audit certification program, with certification for suppliers and exporters in 22 countries; offers modules pertinent across the supply chain coverage – farm, indoor agriculture, harvest crew, packinghouse, cooling and cold storage, processing, storage and distribution

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the specialty farming community:

• National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) – NSAC advocates for policies supporting sustainable and specialty farming in the US.
• Organic Trade Association (OTA) – OTA represents organic farmers and businesses, offering resources and training programs.
• American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) – AHPA advocates the US Congress, state governments, FDA, and others for effective laws and regulations that promote the responsible commerce of herbal products. It also provides member newsfeeds, produces educational events, and offers a resource library of guidance documents, policies, trade requirements, and reference materials.
• EcoFarm – This association advances ecological and just farming and food systems through education, conferences, and advocacy.
• American Herbalist Guild (AHG) – AHG is a non-profit dedicated to promoting high standards of education and practice in herbal medicine.
• Local Harvest and Farmers Market Associations – These associations help specialty farmers connect with local markets and consumers.