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Business model overview: Greenhouse farming. Current business plan for a greenhouse farm for growing vegetables: farming ideas How to organize a greenhouse business

It is quite possible to organize a highly profitable agricultural business in Russia. In the article we will talk about how to set up greenhouse farms, what crops to grow and how to properly organize work in them.

An approach

Many experts admit that it is one of the most highly profitable segments of agriculture. This market is not yet complete, so those who decide to invest money in its development will not encounter obstacles on their way in the form of fierce competition with other domestic manufacturers. And competing with imported vegetables and berries is not so difficult.

Before building greenhouses, you need to decide on the crops that you will grow. These can be tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, radishes. Also, one of the profitable areas is considered to be growing herbs: dill, parsley, basil, lettuce, etc.

It is very important to find a suitable location. For your farm to be located close to the sales market, the main communication systems - sources of electricity, water, gas. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the transport interchange.

Types of farms

Depending on the size, several types of greenhouses can be distinguished. So, if you want to grow vegetables in small volumes, handling the cultivation of the plot on your own, then you will need a small area, even your own garden plot will do. It will be possible to install 2-3 structures on it. This will be a small greenhouse farm. It is not necessary to register such ancillary production as a business, even if you plan to sell surplus products.

If you have a medium-sized farm, then such a business needs to be registered with the local tax office. This is necessary even if you can cope on your own, but produce a sufficient number of products to sell.

Large greenhouse farms in Russia occupy large areas. They can only be processed with the involvement of hired workers. Owners of such farms must register individual entrepreneurship or register another form of business, for example a limited liability company.

Selection of options

If you have decided on the location of the greenhouse and what exactly you will grow, then you can begin building the structures themselves. So, you can purchase them or make them yourself. Please note that film greenhouses are not able to provide the optimal temperature and humidity required for crops grown during cold periods. The best option is designs made of polycarbonate or glass. It is clear that purchasing a ready-made greenhouse will cost more than constructing it yourself.

But it is important to know that film options are the cheapest, they are safe, and they are easy to dismantle if necessary. Glass transmits sunlight well. This material adds strength to the structure itself. But at the same time it is unreliable and easy to break. Polycarbonate is durable and transmits sunlight well. Greenhouses made from this material can be used, but their construction requires a foundation.

Project preparation

One of the stages in the development of any business is the creation of a business plan. A greenhouse project must include information about its location, transport links, types of crops grown, possible markets for products, and competitors. In addition, the plan must calculate all potential income and costs, and consider possible unforeseen situations. It is also important to immediately calculate how much it will cost you to build greenhouses, how water will be supplied to them, how to heat and light them. Also, the expenditure part must include all costs for equipment, seed material or seedlings, means for killing weeds and pests, and fertilizers. If you plan to attract hired workers, you need to calculate their wages. You should also think about transportation costs.

After calculating potential expenses, you can begin to determine possible income. To do this, you need to know the potential yield of the crops that you plan to grow and the purchase prices for them. It is better to immediately make several calculation options, because you cannot hope for a maximum harvest in the first year of doing business. A well-designed greenhouse management plan will help optimize all costs and estimate income. With the right approach to organizing a business, investments will pay off in less than 2 years.

Location

Particular attention should be paid to the place where your greenhouses will be located. It is necessary to take into account not only transport links and proximity to sales markets. It is important to evaluate the land on which you plan to locate greenhouse facilities. If they are flooded during spring floods, they automatically become unusable. You should also avoid areas where frost may continue for a long time. These include deep valleys and ravines. Greenhouses should not be placed on hills either.

Attention should be paid to the possibility of connecting communications. To do this, it is advisable to visit electricity, water and gas supply companies for an approximate calculation of the cost of connection. Before constructing greenhouses, it is advisable to check the quality of the supplied water. If it turns out to be bad, then you will need additional greenhouse equipment to clean it. For irrigation, it is advisable to use only water that contains an acceptable amount of iron, salts, a normal pH level, and does not contain microorganisms that cause rotting.

Necessary equipment

The development of greenhouse farming requires quite large investments at the start. This is not only the construction of the structures themselves. It is important to approach the arrangement of the greenhouse correctly. So, first of all, you need to organize its heating. This point is especially important if you plan to install a permanent structure in which vegetables will be grown all year round. It is also necessary to pay attention to watering. Ideally for a greenhouse with an area of ​​more than 100 square meters. meters, it is advisable to organize drip irrigation. Do not forget that in the winter season the days are much shorter, so you will have to provide additional electric lighting.

You will also have to spend money on inventory. You will need to buy tools for tillage, carts, buckets, sprayers and other equipment for greenhouse farming.

Recruitment

If you do not have experience running an agricultural business, it will be difficult to estimate how many people you may need. Of course, you won’t need anyone if you are building a small structure on your site. And if your complex will include greenhouse farms with an area of ​​several hectares, then it is better to take care of selecting people in advance. It should be borne in mind that the required number of personnel depends on the types of crops cultivated. For example, 1 person can serve 0.3 hectares when growing tomatoes, and 0.2 hectares when cultivating cucumbers.

Operating mode

Before starting your own business, you need to look at the most profitable greenhouse farms in Russia. Ideally, to obtain maximum income, you need to harvest several harvests per year. This can only be done if you immediately spend money on the construction of capital structures. In this case, it will be possible to grow vegetables in a greenhouse both in summer and winter. True, in the cold season you will have to additionally heat the room, and in the warm season you will have to ensure maximum air flow from outside. For these purposes, it is advisable to make a greenhouse with windows that can be opened.

But structures covered with film can be used from February-March to November. During winter frosts they are not able to protect plants.

Nuances of doing business

Before you begin, you need to decide exactly how you will grow the crops you have chosen. Thus, modern hydroponic technologies are currently used in advanced farms. This allows you to obtain maximum yields. This greenhouse technology is aimed at creating ideal conditions for plants, accelerating their growth and obtaining better quality products.

But growing vegetables on ordinary soils is a more labor-intensive task. In addition, hydroponic technologies also provide more efficient use of water and nutrients needed by plants.

Alternative business

Most people who decide to start farming think only about food. But growing vegetables or even berries is not the ultimate dream for many. Some people think about what other purposes greenhouse farming can be used for. Flowers are one of the alternative options. They are in demand throughout the year.

In developed countries they know that creating flower greenhouses is one of the most profitable projects. You can start growing roses and tulips. Or you can choose a slightly different direction. No less profitable is growing indoor plants in pots and then selling them. These can be violets, orchids, various palm trees, citrus trees.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are bought all year round. They are grown both in summer cottages and in specially built greenhouses. This business brings in good income. But understand all the intricacies of the matter so as not to fail.

Conduct an analysis of what products can be produced. In areas where cucumbers grow without greenhouses, their final price is low for most of the year, which does not cover the cost. A cold region with unsuitable soils makes it impossible to grow a range of crops - find a middle ground that matches market demand.

Don't focus your business on one type - it's easier, more cost-effective, more flexible to produce a range of interchangeable products that rotate seasonally, maximize the efficient use of land and provide profitable use of space so that the soil does not sit idle without generating profit and does not deplete the nutrients necessary for plant growth.

When researching the market, pay attention to the end audience. When it is possible to create a farm with a huge output of finished products, focus on mass consumer markets, large wholesale buyers. But if there are few free funds at your disposal to start, pay attention to rare products and their varieties that are sold through HoReCa networks. They are interested in supplies at high prices.

The type of greenhouses is distinguished by materials, purposes, location, frame, and assembly method.

According to their intended purpose, they are divided into the cultivation of certain crops - separate requirements are put forward for them.

Greenhouses are also divided widely according to materials. The frame and coating are taken into account, which opens up space for combinations. To create small buildings, wood, polycarbonates or aluminum are used. Large permanent structures using glass or plastic hard surfaces require the use of steel or reinforced concrete supports and piles.

Depending on its location, the greenhouse can be separate, wall-mounted or basement (underground). The latter are used either in small households, where there is a strict limitation on the available space, or as part of a large agricultural complex.

When creating an enterprise plan, you will need to find points of sale for the finished product, calculate sales volumes, and then begin construction, purchase the necessary equipment, and hire workers.

Types by industry:

  1. Vegetable.

A greenhouse business on dill, lettuce, and onions pays off faster. Cold winters in mid-latitudes require large investments in heating and lighting. It is more cost-effective to build a greenhouse in the southern regions in order to make deliveries to other regions. And transport costs are lower than heating tariffs.

Equipment

Due to the constant improvement of growing technology and the rapid development of this sector of the economy, competition is high. This reduces the profitability of production. Equipment requires regular modernization and investment. To keep up with trends, it is necessary to introduce new products and expand production.

For a small greenhouse on a summer cottage you will not need practically anything except a frame and seeds, but when you want to run a full-fledged business, pay attention to other subtleties.

If you plan to engage in year-round cultivation, take care of purchasing lighting and heating equipment. Don't forget about automated watering, which saves a significant amount of man-hours.

A common method is hydroponics. With its help, greens, cucumbers and tomatoes, and other types of vegetables are grown. The vegetative cycle lasts 2–3 weeks, with 2–3 tons of crop harvested from each hectare daily. This is 5–10 times faster than in natural conditions. 7 people are enough to service one hectare.

Complex automation systems reduce the number of personnel. They regulate watering, lighting, heating and air condition and, using sensors, control all parameters, including measuring soil indicators with automatic adjustment of all other processes.

Sample outline of a business plan

  1. Studying the situation in this area. Analysis of competitors, product prices, consumer demand and quality of products available on the market.
  2. Making decisions about seasonal business activity. It will require farm greenhouses - cheaper and simpler. For year-round cultivation, industrial ones with communications for heating and lighting are required.
  3. Search for sales points, wholesale buyers.
  4. Calculation of all expenses and future profits.
  5. Thinking through and selecting sources of financing.
  6. Drawing up a marketing plan for product promotion.
  7. Preparation of documentation and the immediate project of the future farm. Choosing the organizational form of the enterprise.

Let's look at each point in more detail. You need to start by drawing up design documents, where all communications that are necessary for a specific area of ​​the greenhouse are calculated in detail. You need to know exactly how much the equipment, installation, and construction will cost.

Elaboration of the plan

Select land plot, product type. To grow more than one species, calculate how much space each will occupy.

Calculate the approximate yield per square meter. Indicate sales points and purchase volumes.

Sales of finished products

Settlements that are in close proximity are suitable. This will reduce transportation costs and production costs.


It is possible to grow roses for sale in a greenhouse.

Try to conclude agreements with large companies: supermarkets, catering establishments or factories.

Calculate the profit for a year of work, as well as that which will pay for production. It is important that the parameters are different and above the unprofitable line.

Calculation of time frames for preparation and implementation of a greenhouse business project

  • Construction of the complex, as well as communications, is completed in time T1. It depends on the type of construction, dimensions and number of people employed;
  • equipment, its installation over the period of time T2;
  • purchase of materials, planting in the ground - T3;
  • ripening period, which depends on the technologies used – T4;
  • implementation – T5.

When calculating, take into account the shelf life of the product. Greens, flowers and vegetables are perishable products. Look for sales markets before opening, so that after the harvest you don’t rush around looking for customers. Without wholesale buyers, the business will fail.

Production nuances

Many little things are taken into account.

  1. Distance of the greenhouse from the communication network. They are being counted. Every extra meter affects production costs and investments.
  2. Accessibility of the farm for transport.
  3. If you can't buy land, rent it. Purchase collapsible structures to dismantle when it is not possible to extend the lease period of the site.
  4. Heating is the main expense item. Manufacturers regularly introduce new technologies, which reduces costs and improves productivity.
  5. To be competitive, include the costs of modernizing production in your budget.

Approximate calculations for a half-hectare greenhouse

Indicate the costs to build the structure. This is the initial capital. This column includes construction work, communications - water, electricity, heating, the price of equipment and seeds. Consider ongoing expenses before making your first profit.

  1. A half-hectare greenhouse costs about $15,000.
  2. Workers are required - a technologist, a manager and three assistants. Their annual salary is $20–30,000.
  3. 90% of all expenses will be electricity, heating and the purchase of additional products - fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides, as well as soil in a number of situations.
  4. With an average profitability of 15%, the payback period for the farm will be up to 3 years. It depends on the products grown, prices and demand for them.

The greenhouse business is accessible to anyone with the appropriate skills and desire. The owner of his own personal plot has special advantages. Before taking active steps, you need to understand the following nuances:

  • what crop is profitable to grow,
  • choose a location for greenhouses,
  • determine materials for construction,
  • decide in what soil and under what conditions the planting will be carried out,
  • determine the sales market,
  • select the legal form for registration,
  • create a business plan.

So, let's look at the main points in details.

Growing greens in a greenhouse

What will you have to spend money on?

Financial investment is where a greenhouse business starts. Even if you have your own growing area, you will have to purchase all the necessary materials for the farm. Typically you have to invest in:

  • purchase or lease of land,
  • purchase of materials for the construction of a greenhouse, equipment and culture,
  • business registration.

What to grow?

In temperate and southern climates, it is beneficial to grow the following types of plants:

  • berries,
  • greenery,
  • vegetables,
  • flowers.

You can choose a specific culture taking into account the following factors:

  1. Climate. In colder regions, a lot of money is spent on heating. In this case, it is recommended to choose less heat-loving crops.
  2. Competition. The success of sales will be influenced by the availability of the same product from entrepreneurs in the neighborhood. You need to analyze the situation and settle on the culture with the least supply.
  3. Demand. There must be high demand for the selected product. It is worth keeping in mind that in summer and early autumn the profitability of greenhouses decreases due to the abundance of ground plants.
  4. Capital. To start a business without an initial investment, it is better to give preference to growing greens. After accumulating funds, you can switch to other crops. Growing flowers has the highest profitability.

You can select several crops at once to avoid periods of idle soil. But for this it is necessary to carefully study the permitted predecessors and take into account the proximity to increase productivity.


Where should the greenhouses be located?

Greenhouse farming as a business begins with finding a place for a greenhouse. It must be located near populated areas. Otherwise, fuel costs will increase the cost of the crop. The site must have good access at any time of the year.

Growing plants in a greenhouse is impossible without electricity and running water, so the chosen location must be connected to communications. Tap water can be used, but growing any crops requires frequent and abundant watering. Therefore, to reduce costs, it is better to use liquid from an open reservoir. It must be periodically tested in a laboratory to monitor its chemical composition.

Areas with a significant slope or prone to flooding are excluded. There should be no large trees or buildings near the greenhouses, as they will shade it. But being located at a short distance on the north side of a forest belt or solid fences will protect you from the wind, which will significantly save energy.

The soil on the site must be fertile, since there is no point in planting plants in poor soil. Purchasing soil separately requires certain costs, which reduces the profitability of the greenhouse business.

What material to choose for the greenhouse?

The choice of material for making a greenhouse is an important point, since the size of the crop depends on it. The following characteristics are taken into account here:

  • light transmittance,
  • life time,
  • ease of use.

Today, the following covering materials are used in the construction of greenhouse structures:

  1. Polyethylene film. It is more profitable to start a greenhouse business at home with it, since it has a low cost. Polyethylene film can last for several seasons, but then it needs to be covered again. If installed incorrectly, it can be torn by the wind, and constant condensation requires proper ventilation. In addition to standard polyethylene film, today we offer reinforced, air bubble, PVC and other varieties. Each of them is superior to the regular option in terms of performance and cost.
  2. Glass. This material, before the advent of competitors, was very popular due to its durability and transparency. Due to the high price, complexity of installation and fragility, today they more often choose other materials.
  3. Cellular polycarbonate. It has all the properties of an ideal covering material. The only negative is the cost, which makes it inaccessible to a novice businessman.


How to create optimal growing conditions?

Greenhouses must have all the conditions for year-round cultivation of crops. For a high yield, each parameter must be properly organized.

  1. Ventilation. In small greenhouses, a door and a window on the opposite wall can cope with this task. In medium- and large-sized buildings, hatches are used. The mechanism for opening the ventilation holes can be either manual or automatic. In greenhouses with a large area, the use of fans is allowed.
  2. Shading. In the southern regions, greenhouse farming as a business requires the creation of conditions to eliminate overheating. They are achieved by covering the greenhouse inside or outside, as well as by covering the covering material with an opaque composition.
  3. Heating. To heat winter greenhouses, it is necessary to consider a heating system. Gas is convenient and effective for this purpose, but it requires a lot of money and its use dries out the air. Stove heating does not require communications, but it warms the room unevenly. When using it, care must be taken to ensure that carbon monoxide does not leak into the greenhouse. Electrical appliances have low fire safety. Thermal cable is more preferable, as it evenly warms the soil. This has a beneficial effect on the growth rate of plants and the size of the harvest. Infrared ceiling heaters emit energy similar to that of sunlight. All crops tolerate their influence well.
  4. Lighting. Winter greenhouses for business should be provided with additional lighting. In the cold season, plants only need a few hours a day. The most energy-saving options are fluorescent, LED and phyto lamps. All of them have a good effect on crops, but only white luminescent products have a relatively low cost.
  5. Watering. In small greenhouses, watering is carried out manually using a bucket or watering can. It is inconvenient to water plants in larger buildings yourself. The most common type is automatic drip irrigation. It can be adapted to any source of moisture.
  6. Tools. To care for crops, you need to purchase equipment (shovels, wheelbarrows, buckets, boxes, etc.). A lot of equipment is required for seedlings. It is more economical to use available materials, such as plastic bottles or milk cartons. For tall plants, it is necessary to consider tools for support and materials for garter.

How to prepare the soil?

After completion of construction work and installation of all equipment, a greenhouse business requires soil preparation. Plants can be grown in the following ways:

  • on standard ridges,
  • on raised ridges,
  • in hanging flower pots.

It is more convenient to use ridges raised by 50 -70 cm. The interlayer can be pipes with coolants, biological fuel or electrical cables.
Soil preparation must be carried out in accordance with the agricultural technology of the selected crop. You cannot act at random, therefore the technology of growing the plant must be thoroughly studied. Otherwise, all your efforts will be in vain.

How to register a business?

At first, it is not necessary to register a greenhouse business from scratch on your site. To own a personal subsidiary plot, it is enough to obtain a certificate from the local administration stating that the property has a plot of land and crops are grown on it. When the business starts to develop, you will have to do the design. Consumers like to cooperate within the framework of the law; in order to get around competitors, you will have to follow the rules. There are two forms of registration of a greenhouse farm, depending on its size:

  1. Medium greenhouse- this is the presence of a large number of greenhouses maintained by one family. It is registered with the territorial tax service as a peasant farm. All family members will have property rights. There is no need to register an individual entrepreneur, but having a OGRN and TIN is required. To obtain a peasant farm certificate, you need to collect a number of documents. When this issue is resolved, registration takes place with other regulatory authorities. Then a current account is opened and, if necessary, a seal is made.
  2. Large greenhouse farm– the main difference from the average is that it contains hired workers. Such a business can be registered in the form of an LLC or individual entrepreneur. The first option is more expensive and has uncomfortable conditions. Registration of an individual entrepreneur occurs in the standard way by collecting the necessary papers.

Making a business plan for a greenhouse

When writing a business plan, you need to consider all aspects. The resulting document should include the following sections:

  • review,
  • information about the company,
  • service description,
  • market analysis,
  • production plan,
  • implementation plan,
  • calculation of costs and income.

As a rule, the profitability of a greenhouse as a business is 15-40%. The final figure depends on competition and demand for the selected crop. Typically, full payback occurs within two years.

Where to sell the harvested crop?

The winter greenhouse as a business has been set up and the first harvest has been received, now it is necessary to organize sales. You can engage in independent sales in a rented retail space or start collaborating directly with small traders and supermarkets.

Many consumers are wary of purchasing foreign berries and vegetables. Therefore, entrepreneurs give preference to natural, local products. This is the advantage of the greenhouse business.
Each region has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account during planning. The location for the greenhouse is chosen very carefully. Poor choice of area and improper construction of buildings can make a business unprofitable. Compliance with agricultural technology will allow you to get the highest possible yield. You will have to put in a lot of physical effort, but in the future all your efforts will be rewarded.

Greenhouse farming is a stable business.

Creating a business in the form of a greenhouse farming is not a new idea. However, with proper organization, a “green” business can bring very good income. Where to start a greenhouse business and how to overcome the obstacles that arise on the path of a novice entrepreneur? We will talk about this and much more in this article.

Let's weigh the pros and cons

In greenhouses, greens and vegetables grow quickly; in some regions, 3-4 crops are harvested per year. Therefore, such a business, in fact, cannot be unprofitable. However, in addition to its advantages, it also has a number of disadvantages. Let's look at both of them in the table.

Benefits of greenhouse farming

Business Disadvantages

Greenhouse business is simple. Greenhouses are being built quickly. Launching a business can be done in a couple of months

Selling grown products is very problematic, so a constant search for consumers and markets is required

Opportunity to receive subsidies from the state. For example, the administration of the Krasnodar Territory provides subsidies for starting a business in the field of agriculture in the amount of up to 50%

Seasonality of prices and high competition require careful study of the local market

Business can be established in a small area required for greenhouses. Sometimes 2-3 acres is enough. Saving on rent if you have your own land or rent it far from the city

Decent monthly costs for electricity, water, as well as their installation and connection

Fast payback (from 1 to 2 years) distinguishes any greenhouse business

Where to begin?

For a novice entrepreneur, it is extremely important to have a rough picture or plan of action that will contribute to the success of the greenhouse business. It is important to think through many points related to the organization of greenhouse farming, but first of all it is worth paying attention to solving three primary issues:

  1. What to grow? Taking into account weather conditions that are favorable in a small number of regions and price forecasts, it is advisable to grow vegetables and herbs. These plants are very unpretentious, do not require much care, and any greenhouse business will benefit from them. Flowers are the choice of many professionals. Exotic plants and flowers are the most profitable area in the greenhouse business. But it is always associated with risk and high costs. It is recommended for a beginner starting greenhouse farming to practice on greens (onions, lettuce, parsley).
  2. Who should I sell to? This is a question that must be resolved before building or purchasing a greenhouse. Before starting all work, it is important to establish contacts with buyers. The more guaranteed points of sale of your products you have, the better, because if one wholesale buyer refuses to purchase what is grown, then another will be found.
  3. What type of greenhouse should I install: summer or winter? What materials and in what quantity should I purchase? Many people choose quick-assembled greenhouses. They are more suitable for business, but they are not cheap. Some novice entrepreneurs build from scrap materials, and then update and equip the farm as they earn money. Regardless of how much you plan to invest, it is advisable to plan your budget in advance.

Business specifics

There are three sectors in the greenhouse business: growing vegetables, flowers and herbs; Each direction has its own greenhouses. According to experts, the maximum income from them can be obtained in a fairly hot climate; it is desirable that the winter temperature is not lower than -5 degrees. A frosty winter is a serious risk; to avoid it, you will have to invest additionally in the purchase of insulation materials. Losses from the cold winter will be many times greater than the cost of transporting products to the northern regions.

A budding entrepreneur will have to choose a direction: seasonal or permanent greenhouse business. Where to start planning? If you are going to engage in seasonal growing of plants, then a regular one will do. A permanent business is based on special industrial premises with protected soil, with year-round heating and lighting.

It is almost impossible to mentally calculate all expenses and expected income, think through financial risks, and other significant issues without a business plan. It helps to identify and solve many problems at the preparation stage. How to properly develop a business plan for a greenhouse complex?

Sections of a business plan

A greenhouse business plan may include several sections. It takes into account natural and climatic conditions, all aspects of a particular business:

  • Activity overview or summary.
  • Description of the business.
  • Description of products and services.
  • Market and industry analysis.
  • Production plan and
  • Sales plan.
  • Financial and investment plan.

What to write about in a business plan?

We present a detailed justification for the project in the table.

Activity overview or summary

The business plan provides for the opening of a greenhouse farm, which will carry out the cultivation, harvesting and subsequent marketing of agricultural products (greens, vegetables or flowers, etc.). Individual entrepreneur was chosen as the legal form. The advantage of this form is simplified accounting, ease of settlements with counterparties and reduced taxes. The project is assessed as successful, since there is a fairly high demand for agricultural products in the area

Business Description

In this section, it is recommended to describe in detail all the objects that will be included in the greenhouse. The business plan must contain a description and diagrams of future building structures and planned engineering and technological communications. It is necessary to calculate the needs for heating, gas, water. For example, it is planned to open a greenhouse farm consisting of five greenhouses, the total area of ​​which is 600 m2, the size of the greenhouse is 20 x 6 m

Description of products and services

A greenhouse business is created to grow agricultural products and sell them to customers wholesale and retail. At the preparatory stage, it is worth deciding on the future assortment that will be presented in the greenhouse. Most often these are greens and vegetables. At this stage, you have to choose a growing method, traditional or innovative, for example hydroponics. When selecting an assortment, it is important to take into account the demand and general specifics of this industry in your region; for this we are working on the next section

Market and industry analysis

A greenhouse business plan, as a rule, contains detailed characteristics and features of the regional (regional, district) greenhouse market. In addition, it is extremely important for the success of the entire business to find potential wholesale buyers, assess sales opportunities, and report on work with wholesalers. The business plan indicates not only future buyers, but also their planned purchase volumes

Production plan and organizational plan

  • Acquisition or lease of land.
  • Construction of greenhouses.
  • Carrying out all necessary communications.
  • Recruitment if necessary

Sales plan

Before starting all activities to organize a greenhouse business, it is necessary to draw up a sales plan. It is necessary to think about what the circle of buyers will be, and, if possible, establish connections with agricultural bases, shops, supermarkets, food markets and other contractors

Financial and investment plan

Is the greenhouse business profitable? A financial plan will help answer this question. To calculate the amount of profit and the break-even point, you need to keep records of upcoming income and expenses, understand the features of tax accounting and other indicators

Financial plan

The basis of a financial plan is forecasting upcoming income and expenses; without this, a greenhouse business cannot become successful. In addition, the entrepreneur will have to independently maintain these items, calculate planned and actual profit, net profit, break-even point and other indicators. To create a plan and keep records, it will be convenient to divide all expenses into one-time, constant and variable:

  • One-time costs are expenses that will have to be incurred once, as a rule, at the initial stage (purchase of greenhouses, cars, plumbing, electricity, etc.).
  • Fixed costs are usually monthly expenses paid by the businessman in equal amounts (land rent, employee salaries, water supply, electricity).
  • Variable costs are expenses that arise periodically in different amounts (repair of greenhouses, purchase of fertilizers, fuel and lubricants (fuel) for product delivery).

Based on detailed cost information, we can calculate total costs for each month and for the year as a whole. A table will help simplify your work, in which we will highlight columns for each month and columns for types of expenses.

It is significant that in a number of regions they receive 2-3 harvests per year, and in some, 4 harvests per greenhouse. A business plan allows you to quite simply calculate your planned income. To do this, it is important to know market prices and harvest volumes per square meter. Income will appear only after the sale of the ripened harvest and depends on the type of product and its price on the market.

As an example, let's take a green greenhouse business. Let's make an approximate calculation for green onions. In the supermarket, a bunch of onions costs up to 30 rubles in the spring; 1 kg of onions at the base has about the same cost. From 100 to 120 bulbs are planned to be planted in a greenhouse per 1 m2. You can get from 100 to 120 bunches of onions from 1 m2. So, 1 m 2 of greenhouse will bring up to 3,000 rubles. Subtract expenses from income and get profit. Let's say we have already incurred one-time costs. The remaining expenses were for heating and watering the greenhouse and others, which amounted to 2,500 rubles per 1 m2:

3000 - 500 = 2500 rub.

We multiply the profit from 1 m2 by the total area of ​​150 m2:

2500 × 150 = 375 thousand rubles.

After deducting the amount of taxes, we get a net profit, which will show how successful the greenhouse business is, whether it is profitable to invest your money, time and effort in it. Thus, the payback of a greenhouse business for growing greens, if calculated correctly, can be several months. A constant search for clients will allow the entrepreneur to make a profit in the first year of operation, so the profitability of the greenhouse business is quite acceptable.

Investment plan

The investment plan contains a scheme of investments or investments for all stages of business development, the amount of initial capital. The first investment will be a greenhouse. The businessman receives project documentation for it and all external networks. It is important to know how much all the pieces of equipment cost. It is necessary to plan funds for the construction of greenhouses, connection to networks (electricity, water supply), purchase of equipment and planting material. These investments are included in the production costs that the businessman bears before receiving the first profit from the greenhouses.

Which greenhouse to choose?

Before purchasing a greenhouse, you need to decide on its type. The type of greenhouse depends on climatic conditions, assortment and specifics of the farm:

  • Greenhouses of the summer-light type are simple and can be installed in a couple of hours. This type of building can be erected in a few hours. The summer version of greenhouses is mostly used as protection from prolonged rains or pests.
  • Winter-type greenhouses that transmit sunlight well will help create and maintain the necessary microclimate. Therefore, they are more suitable for growing any plants, including flowers.

Greenhouse materials

Creating a temperature regime suitable for plants is expensive. A cheap greenhouse will not be able to maintain the desired temperature for a long time. It is important to consider the choice of material that will be used in its construction. The following types of materials are popular today:

  • Glass. For a very long time, the greenhouse business at home was built on one of the main materials in this business - glass. It was used to create insulated greenhouses that could be successfully operated until late autumn. Glass transmits up to 90% of light. But it is not suitable for the cold winter months, regardless of whether additional insulation is used. Glass has such a disadvantage as fragility; low temperatures can destroy it. And the cost of glazing will be rather high. Therefore, this material is suitable for temporary use.
  • Polyethylene is a material that has been used for a long time in many types of greenhouses. Its advantage is its low price compared to other materials. But a significant drawback is the low bandwidth. Many plants will need additional light sources. The greenhouse will have to be opened during reasonable weather to allow sunlight to reach the plants. The material is characterized by weak strength and low heat capacity, therefore it is suitable exclusively for summer greenhouses.
  • It is impossible to imagine a home greenhouse business without polycarbonate. It is a product of modern technology, 250 times more durable and 8 times lighter than glass. Its heat capacity is several times higher than that of glass and polyethylene. Only polycarbonate is an ideal material for winter greenhouses. A greenhouse roof made of polycarbonate with a thickness of no more than 9 mm allows for the greatest penetration of light. The walls may be thicker. When choosing a greenhouse made of polycarbonate, it is important to know that it is available in two types: monolithic and cellular. Cellular polycarbonate has more advantages, since it is much more transparent and warmer than monolithic. For greenhouse business, cellular polycarbonate is recommended.

Conclusion

Greenhouse farming is a business that must constantly develop and improve. High competition in industries reduces profit margins. New technologies are emerging, but at the same time the cost of equipment is rising. Therefore, a businessman must be able not only to sell what he has grown, but to navigate the market, use innovations and expand the business.

Greenhouse business: list of documentation + “pros and cons” of greenhouse farming + types of greenhouses + 4 crops that will quickly pay for the business + 3 growing methods + calculation of costs and profitability of the business.

Capital investment in greenhouse farming: 775,000 rubles.
Payback time for greenhouse farming: 1-2 years

Find greenhouse business plan It’s quite difficult on the Internet. This is due to the wide variety of growing methods, as well as the choice of crops.

This article contains all the key points that you can use to fully plan your own business.

In Russia, the greenhouse industry is developed quite heterogeneously.

Such businesses in our country began to reach the European level with advanced technologies and highly qualified workers only ten years ago.


This type of business activity is quite profitable, so it is popular. Let's look at a structured plan for starting a greenhouse business.

Greenhouse business plan: collecting documentation

In some cases, you will not have to collect any special documents for the farm.

For example, if a plot of land for growing products is the property of an entrepreneur, and he does not plan to sell goods in particularly large quantities, hire personnel and sell products to legal entities.

When it comes to growing something other than “for yourself and a neighbor,” it becomes necessary to register an individual entrepreneur or peasant farm. How to do it?

How should I register an IP?

It is necessary to register the activities of a farm as an individual entrepreneur if the goods will be sold with the involvement of employees and on a large scale:

  • in small shops;
  • hypermarkets;
  • restaurants;
  • cafe.

Assigning the status of an individual entrepreneur makes it possible to have certain benefits for running a greenhouse business.

To get them, you will need to register (which is not that difficult even for a beginner).

You will need to collect and submit the following documents to the tax office:

  • registration application in form P21001;
  • a photocopy of the passport of the founder of the farm;
  • a receipt confirming payment of the state duty;
  • photocopy of the document on assignment of TIN (if available).

After five days, you can pick up documents confirming registration.

For current information and detailed information, see the Federal Tax Service website: https://www.nalog.ru/rn77/.

How to register a peasant farm?


The process of registering peasant farms contains the same stages of registration as the registration of individual entrepreneurial activity.

To register a peasant farm, you will need to collect a package of papers and take it to the tax service:

  • application for registration of a farm, which must be certified by notary services;
  • photocopy of passport;
  • a receipt confirming payment of the state duty;
  • list of selected codes according to OKVED-2;
  • photocopies of documents confirming family ties of other people with the founder (this data may be needed to search for a person if he decides to hide from the law).

Detailed and up-to-date information on the registration of peasant farms is available on the website of the state tax service: https://www.nalog.ru/rn77/related_activities/registration_ip_yl/registration_fh/order/.

If a greenhouse farm is founded not by one, but by several members, then a contract is drawn up between the partners.

It states the following points:

  • contact phone numbers;
  • the founders must choose one person to head the greenhouse enterprise, the business plan of which is developed by all members;
  • the rights and responsibilities of all founders must be clearly defined;
  • the procedure for admitting and exiting members of the greenhouse business into the society;
  • Photocopies of all passports are also attached.

To clarify the list of documents, you must consult a notary or lawyer.

Unlike registering an individual entrepreneur, this procedure is quite complicated, so it is better not to take risks, but to trust the specialists.

Greenhouses are not subject to licensing. The only “but”: if you decide to sell the goods to wholesale buyers, you will need to undergo mandatory sanitary control.

Also, if you are installing greenhouse heating for your household, the condition of the systems must be checked by a fire safety inspection.

Only after completing the appropriate documentation can you begin to implement the business plan.

Greenhouse business: two sides of the coin

Before starting each business, you should determine its strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to assess the feasibility of bringing the idea to life.

Advantages of greenhouse business

  • minimal investment to start your own business;
  • a greenhouse business will quickly pay for itself if implemented correctly;
  • high profitability of the idea;
  • the ability to use your own product for your needs.

Disadvantages of a business idea

  • you will have to pay a large sum for using electricity every month;
  • greenhouse business is a seasonal type of trade;
  • You will have to resolve issues with transportation and storage of products before they hit the shelf.

Every business may encounter certain problems that require a lightning-fast solution. But with experience, the head of a greenhouse enterprise develops the skills to quickly resolve issues, and he will be able to significantly expand the farm.

Therefore, you should not be afraid of the above-mentioned shortcomings if you are determined to bring the idea to life.

Having found out all the nuances that are associated with paperwork and the pros and cons of business, you can move on to the practical part.

Types of greenhouses for organizing a greenhouse business


The greenhouse business today offers the use of 3 types of structures:


This greenhouse material requires no effort to install.

But even if many years of experience with it are not needed, this does not mean that polyethylene can be treated without special care.

For example, if the greenhouse material was poorly stretched and secured, the next morning you can find only torn parts from the overall fabric.

This can happen due to a strong gust of wind that was blowing inside the greenhouse structures. But if you do not allow air to enter the greenhouse, the plants will overheat and die!

Therefore, there is only one way out: securely fasten the material and monitor the condition of the farm.

After choosing one of the types of greenhouses, you can begin to develop a business plan for a greenhouse farming, taking into account the crop culture.

Greenhouse business plan: crop choice

There are many crops and plants that can be grown on the farm. The profitability of the greenhouse business really depends on your choice.

We will not analyze absolutely all types of vegetation available for cultivation.

Better yet, we will provide 4 categories that ensure maximum business profitability.

1. Growing vegetables

Such a greenhouse will bring good profits during the cold season.

You can grow:

  • cucumbers;
  • pepper of different types;
  • tomatoes;

Which culture is considered the most popular is clearly shown by the graph:


Of course, doing such a business in the summer will not be profitable. But if trade is carried out during the cold season, then the prices displayed on the shelves for vegetables will compensate for all costs.

In addition, the greenhouse business can be combined with outdoor cultivation.

The main costs of growing vegetables are related to heating the greenhouse, lighting, watering and, in some cases, heating the soil.

2. Berries in a greenhouse


What berry do you think is especially valued in winter?

The greatest profit from the greenhouse business comes from growing.

The demand for this berry remains consistently high throughout the cold season, so there should be no problems with the sale of goods.

3. Greenhouse greens for sale

A greenhouse business plan developed for the cultivation of dill, parsley or similar crops will quickly pay for itself, since this product always remains in demand among consumers.

Greens on the table are not only good for health, but also a tasty and beautiful decoration for any dish.

4. Growing flowers in a greenhouse


The greenhouse business, the business plan of which is based on breeding and growing flowers, is considered the most profitable area.

The best-selling flowers that will quickly help recoup the investment in the implementation of the business plan:

  • roses;
  • orchids;
  • tulips;
  • lilies.

Of course, growing roses and exotic varieties will cause quite a lot of difficulties. But after selling the goods and receiving the proceeds, the founder will be satisfied - this is guaranteed.

When starting to create a greenhouse business plan, you need to study the market, product sales statistics and set priorities.

The founder must realistically assess his capabilities and determine whether he is capable of growing products that are in demand among consumers.

Methods of growing products in greenhouses

1) Hydroponics

The least expensive and most common method is hydroponics.

The process of plant growth in this way is automated, so vegetables, berries and fruits grow much faster than in natural conditions.

The crop, which will subsequently be sold, grows in a container. Water, saturated with various mineral compounds and fertilizers, flows there with the help of special tubes.

But such a quick method contains a rather significant disadvantage in the sales market - it is the watery and unnatural taste of the product.

The buyer will immediately distinguish a bunch of greenery grown in a garden bed from a bunch that was sprouted using the hydroponic method.

However, numbers are an inexorable thing. Statistics say that 92% of the products on the shelves are grown in this way.

2) Intermediate option

There is also an intermediate method that is between growing crops hydroponically and in the ground.

It consists in adding peat and natural soil to nutrient solutions.

The advantage of this method is that the plants will not have a watery, but already familiar “earthy” taste. The downside is the additional costs of providing growing conditions.

Using this method, the entrepreneur receives a significant competitive advantage - a more “lively” taste, which is appreciated not only by retail customers.

This criterion is important for selling products to cafes and restaurants.

3) Mobile beds


A greenhouse business, the business plan of which was developed on the basis of growing on mobile beds, makes it possible to obtain products of the highest quality with maximum proximity to the natural taste.

An aspiring entrepreneur must choose a crop and growing method, and then draw up the financial section of a greenhouse business plan. The estimated estimate below will serve as an example.

You will learn about the advantages and prospects of the greenhouse business from the issue of the Agronomics program:

Greenhouse farming: business plan with financial calculations

The main costs of farming: rent of land, construction of greenhouses, purchase of inventory, equipment, plants, wages, fertilizers.

Greenhouse expenses



This greenhouse business plan did not include the salary of the manager, only the auxiliary workers. This is due to the fact that at first the founder can handle this work himself.

If a manager wants to grow crops on 1 hectare of land, then he needs to hire about 11 workers to carefully control the farm. But if the greenhouse business is based on advanced technologies and the latest equipment, then the number of service personnel can be reduced.

Greenhouse payback

It is quite difficult to give an accurate estimate and payback period for a farm, since it depends on many factors:

  • With the territorial placement of greenhouse farming in some regions, it is possible to obtain more than four harvests per season. And in others - one or two.
  • The location where the greenhouse business is located is also of great importance.

    When creating a business plan, it is necessary to take into account transportation costs and calculate how much gasoline will need to be poured into the car to deliver goods from greenhouses to points of sale.

According to average statistics, greenhouse farming will be able to pay for itself in 1-2 years.

The article outlined the main nuances, based on which you can plan your own greenhouse business.

If done correctly, the payback period can be reduced to a year.

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