Start a successful venture with year-round production regardless of your climate or previous farming experience.
Sell to a diverse customer base through CSAs, restaurants, wholesalers, and farmers markets.
Redefine local by participating in a growing demand for fresh and local produce.
Today we have Freight Farmers from many diverse backgrounds growing hydroponic produce in 30 U.S. states, Canada, Europe, Dubai, Guam, and the Caribbean.
Mitch Hagney is helping propel the local food movement in San Antonio, Texas by cultivating food right in the heart of the city. His farming business, Local Sprout, supplies residents and restaurants with a variety of sustainably grown produce year-round.
Jerry Martin and Darryl Hill saw an opportunity to help people through a new business venture, Vet Veggies. Their mission is twofold: provide their community in Arkansas with the freshest produce available and be a resource for veterans transitioning back from the war.
J.J. Reidy and Christian de Paco are committed to using food as a tool for urban revitalization in Baltimore, Maryland. Through their business, Urban Pastoral, they are building ecosystems of integrated food and agricultural businesses on strategic sites across the city.
Shawn and Connie Cooney started their new careers as farmers back in 2013. They now operate the largest urban farm in Boston, Massachusetts, and are staple vendors at the Boston Public Market selling specialty agricultural products to city residents and visitors.
As soon as someone tastes our greens, it is instant enthusiasm and some recognition that we are farming, albeit modernly.
Our [farm] gives us the ability to sustain a broader product line throughout the year and sustain our revenue and employee base over the winter.
Wondering how you can start farming within a year? Here are the five main steps for making your vision a reality. Explore the full path here.
Consider who your customers will be and where you can find them. This will help you determine a sales strategy: direct-to-consumer, CSA, or wholesale to grocers and restaurants.
Our farms require a flat, 50' x 10' plot with access to water and electricity. Be proactive and start asking your municipality the right questions as soon as you are seriously considering buying.
Finding the Perfect Home for Your Hydroponic Farm
How to Approach Your Municipality About Shipping Container Farming
Freight Farming with Federal Realty Investment Trust
We're dedicated to making sure each new Freight Farmer is successful, and we understand that financing is an important aspect of any new venture. We have multiple options available to suit your needs.
Learn everything about operating a hydroponic farm during a two-day intensive training at our headquarters in Boston, MA, where we combine in-farm sessions and classroom lessons. Additionally, you can learn remotely with a step-by-step online training course. See the Farm Camp syllabus here.
To set up, hook up your farm to electricity, plumbing, and WiFi. Your farm comes fully-equipped with all components needed for immediate production, so you can start growing right away.
We estimate that you will need to spend about 20-25 hours a week to maintain the farm; these hours can be handled by one person, or split between a team.
Use our extensive industry knowledge, experience, and research to inform your own decisions! We've compiled tons of helpful articles and blog posts to guide you on your Freight Farm journey.
Freight Farms has partnered with WhatsGood to help our farmers sell their produce wholesale and retail. Find buyers who are invested in purchasing fresh and local food. WhatsGood is easy to set up and use, so register today to find buyers in your area.