Business Overview

 

Executive Summary

The Blackberry Farm in the Finger Lakes will be a 10-acre farm dedicated to supplying fresh blackberries to local restaurants, markets, and food producers, while offering a farm experience for visitors through U-pick, tours, and farm-to-table events. Expansion to regional supermarkets will follow as production scales.

The farm’s growth is dependent on securing funding to install irrigation, electricity, a processing barn, and ground equipment. If full funding is not available initially, we will implement a phased expansion strategy, starting with a smaller acreage and reinvesting revenue to expand the farm.

 

Key Focus Areas:

 

Local Wholesale Supply – Restaurants, markets, and food artisans.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales – Farm stand, U-pick experiences, and events.

Regional Expansion – Once operations stabilize, expand to supermarkets.

Business Description

Business Name: North Forest Farms

Location: Finger Lakes, NY

Industry: Agriculture & Agritourism

  • Develop essential infrastructure, cultivate an initial portion of the 10 acres, and establish local wholesale partnerships.

  • Expand acreage, introduce frozen blackberries, and scale up distribution.

  • Reach full production capacity and establish a full agritourism experience.

Business Goals & Objectives

 

Short-Term Goals (1-2 Years):

  • Secure funding for essential infrastructure (irrigation, electricity, barn, equipment).

  • Establish local distribution partnerships with 10+ restaurants and markets.

  • Open a farm stand and launch U-pick experiences.

Long-Term Goals (3-5 Years):

  • Fully develop the 10-acre farm for maximum production.

  • Expand into regional supermarket chains.

  • Develop value-added products (frozen berries, jams, syrups).

  • Offer farm-to-table dinners, tastings, and tours to boost agritourism revenue.

Market Analysis

 

Industry Overview

The demand for fresh, locally grown berries is increasing, driven by consumer interest in sustainability and farm-to-table dining. Restaurants, markets, and consumers prioritize local over imported for freshness and sustainability.

Target Markets

  • Local Restaurants & Cafés – Fresh berries for desserts, sauces, and cocktails.

  • Independent Grocery Stores & Farmers' Markets – Fresh and frozen blackberries.

  • Local Food & Beverage Producers – Jam makers, breweries, and bakeries.

  • Consumers & Agritourists – Visitors coming for U-pick and farm events.

Competitive Advantage

Lower costs due to direct sales and local distribution.
Premium freshness vs. imported blackberries.
Diverse revenue streams (wholesale, direct sales, agritourism).

Primary Products (Wholesale & Direct Sales):

  • Fresh blackberries (bulk supply for restaurants and markets).

  • Frozen blackberries (for year-round supply).

Value-Added Products (Future Expansion):

  • Blackberry jams, syrups, purées.

  • Pre-packaged retail-ready blackberries.

Agritourism Experiences:

  • U-Pick Blackberries – Direct farm-to-table experience.

  • Farm Tours & Tastings – Educational experiences about blackberry farming.

  • Farm-to-Table Events – Seasonal dinners featuring local chefs.

Operational Plan

Phased Approach

 

Initial Development

 

Years 1-2, Funded Start at 2-3 Acres

  • Install irrigation and electric for the first 2-3 acres.

  • Build a small processing shed (instead of a full barn).

  • Lease or purchase essential farming equipment for initial operations.

  • Establish local wholesale relationships.

  • Begin farm stand and U-pick operations.

 

Mid Scale Expansion

 

Years 3-4, 5-7 Acres in Production

  • Expand irrigation and electricity for additional acreage.

  • Upgrade processing facilities to accommodate larger volumes.

  • Launch frozen blackberry products and expand wholesale reach.

 

Full Scale Operations

 

Years 5+, 10 Acres in Production

  • Reach full capacity with all 10 acres cultivated.

  • Develop an on-site agritourism hub with tours, farm-to-table experiences.

  • Establish partnerships with regional supermarkets.

Wholesale Distribution Strategy:

 

Direct Sales to Local Restaurants & Markets – Weekly deliveries.

Bulk Orders for Food Producers – Supplying bakeries, wineries, and distilleries.

 
 

Expansion to Regional Supermarkets – Meeting volume and packaging requirements.

 

Marketing & Sales Strategy

 

    • "Farm-Fresh, Locally Grown" – Emphasizing quality and sustainability.

    • Direct from Farm to Table – Partnering with chefs and businesses.

    • Unique Agritourism Experience – Creating a brand story through farm visits.

    • Wholesale Distribution – Cold calls, networking with chefs, and market buyers.

    • Farm Stand & U-Pick Sales – Direct-to-consumer experience.

    • Online Presence & Social Media – Farm updates, product availability, event promotions.

    • Competitive wholesale pricing to secure long-term buyers.

    • Bulk discounts for food manufacturers.

    • Premium pricing for farm stand and agritourism experiences.

Financial Plan

Funding Needs (Phased Approach)

  1. Phase 1: Initial irrigation & electric = $15,000

  2. Phase 1: Small processing shed = $20,000

  3. Phase 1: Farming equipment (tractor, harvest tools) = $40,000

  4. Phase 1: Cold storage & packaging = $15,000

  5. Phase 2: Full irrigation for 10 acres = $20,000

  6. Phase 2: Processing barn expansion = $50,000

  7. Phase 3: Full agritourism setup = $30,000

    Total Funding Needed = $190,000

Potential Funding Sources

  • Agricultural Grants – USDA & NY state farm funding programs.

  • Small Business Loans – Low-interest loans from farm credit institutions.

  • Private Investors – Local food business partners.

  • Crowdfunding & Community Support – Pre-selling farm products and experiences.

Revenue Streams

  1. Fresh Blackberry Wholesale Sales – Restaurants, markets.

  2. Farm Stand & U-Pick Revenue – Direct-to-consumer.

  3. Value-Added Products – Jams, syrups, frozen berries.

Projected Revenue

(Subject to Full 10-Acre Development)

Conclusion

With a phased expansion strategy, the Blackberry Farm in the Finger Lakes can grow sustainably, securing local markets first, then expanding to regional supermarket distribution and agritourism experiences. By focusing on cost-efficient infrastructure and direct sales, the farm will create a profitable, community-driven business model that strengthens the local food economy.

 Focusing on Local Market Supply, Expansion to Regional Supermarkets, and Agritourism

“Even the grandest of orchards begins with a single root in the soil.”

-unknown

 

Follow Our Journey

Finding Our FLX – Our journey to build a sustainable blackberry farm in the Finger Lakes! 🌿🍇 We're exploring the process of growing blackberries, crafting orchard-inspired cocktails & food, and creating a space for events. Follow along as we turn this vision into reality!