Farm Business Incubator

Ready to start a farm of your own? We can help.

The Seed Farm Farm Business Incubator was created to meet the needs of new farmers that did not grow up on farms and therefore lack access to land, equipment, and capital.

On our 42-acre site, we provide access to land, infrastructure, equipment, and mentoring in order to break down the barriers to farm entry. We can help connect you with service providers, new markets, even promotional opportunities while you build a solid foundation for your farm business.

The Farm Incubator program is available to new farmers who can demonstrate adequate farming experience and solid marketing and business plans. Applicants must have some gardening or farming experience in order to start hand-scale farming on small plots (1/8-1/2 acre), with weekly check-ins and technical assistance.

Beginning farmers who have completed farm apprenticeships or internships, but who can benefit from frequent mentoring from Seed Farm staff and other area farmers, can apply to farm on a larger scale.

Applicants with a few years of experience under their belts are invited to assume a mentoring role on the farm.

START YOUR FARM

Resources available to incubator farmers include:

1/8 – 5 acres of land per farm;
cooler, greenhouse, and dry storage space;
tractors and implements;
wash/pack facilities;
water and irrigation system;
mentoring and technical assistance;
ongoing training opportunities.

RESOURCES

@2023 GROWING SEASON FARMERS

Kegan Hilaire, BlackBird Farms

Kegan Hilaire grows Certified Organic diversified vegetable crops for sale via CSA, farmers’ market, and small wholesale to chefs.

Michelle Wagner, Sun Drop Farm of PA

Michelle Wagner grows diversified vegetable crops for her farmers market stand. Michelle is a graduate of The Seed Farm’s CSA Workshare Program.

Amber Officer-Narvasa, Star Apple Farm

Amber Officer-Narvasa grows diversified vegetable crops, with a focus on Caribbean and Southeast Asian heritage varieties, for sale at farmers markets in Philadelphia.

Amirah Mitchell, Sistah Seeds

Amirah Mitchell produces seed crops of heirloom vegetables, herbs, and grains from across the African Diaspora, with a focus on African-American, Afro-Caribbean and West African cultural crops.

Billy McCullough, Blue Sun Botanicals

Billy McCullough grows culinary herbs and spices for mixes.

SAN SANKOFA, HERBAL AFFIRMATIONS

San Sankofa, a military veteran, grows medicinal herbs to provide alternative medicine to help fellow soldiers working through stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Wilson Allen, Golden Trout Greens

Wilson Allen, a military veteran, grows diversified specialty vegetable crops for market.

lIZZY BELLER, BUBBLY HILLS FARM

Lizzy Beller grows cut flowers for CSA and farmers markets.

nate FISHER, GARDEN ROSES

Nate Fisher breeds roses with good disease resistance, strong fragrance, unique colors, and beautiful bloom form for plant production.