It is often said that sustainable farming is the future of agriculture, and this is certainly true if we wish to maintain our dietary habits while caring for the planet at the same time. Many claim this is a lucrative field to invest in, which is also quite true.
However, there are still many problems faced by sustainable farmers on a day-to-day basis. This is true for small farmers who are struggling to get by, as well as the larger ones who are not able to grow or invest as they planned.
Lack of Awareness
The industry’s main problem stems from a lack of awareness about its importance. We are accustomed to industrial farming, especially since it is convenient and inexpensive. However, there are many ecological concerns in regards to how these businesses operate.
Many remain unaware that their impact on the environment is significant, and that their food consumption plays a major role. Things are beginning to change, as many average households are paying greater attention to what kinds of food they eat.
Lack of Resources
There are many resources available to small farm owners who are looking to set up their own businesses. These mostly involve taking out loans or acquiring governmental assistance, and all are great resources that can greatly aid your company. However, the most important resource for any farmer is the land on which you will plant. It is not a resource you can manufacture, and it’s one that is increasingly rare these days due to irresponsible eco practices.
Big Competitors
Sustainable farms must be able to compete with large businesses working in this industry. They are usually better-funded, with traditional practices that matter a lot to the food industry. This puts sustainable farms at a disadvantage, and it can be difficult to find your way into the market if you’re a smaller competitor.
Things become more complicated still in the higher levels of the industry. It is these large businesses that set up the legal side of the business, lobbying the government to change laws in their favor. This is something a small company usually can’t do.
The Government
The government plays a major role in the life of an average business owner. This is because they determine the rules and regulations for the industry. It is especially important for a sustainable farming business, because the government determines what specifically constitutes as “sustainable farming”. You’ll need to have a license in order to market yourself as sustainable, and that licensure is provided by the government.
The license will be provided based on the proof you provide about the nature of your business practices. They will be inspected by the local government, and must comply with the rules that govern sustainable farming.
Labor
Labor is a key asset to any business, and this is the case for farms, as well. Finding workers you can trust that do a good job is hard enough, but there’s far more to it than that. First of all, it is easier for everyone if local laborers are used, as this creates a sense of community and results in less costs for moving workers about.
In rural populations however, this is becoming rather difficult to accomplish. It’s an issue faced by both traditional and sustainable farms, as the average age in rural populations continues to grow older.
Should You Do It?
Given these concerns, the question remains: should you go into sustainable farming as a career? The answer, simply put, is yes. There are many reasons why this is the case, but the most important by far is the environmental benefit. Secondly, despite the obstacles it can be a lucrative venture as well.
Conclusion
There are many obstacles faced by sustainable farm owners. Some of these are the same as any other small business, while other challenges are unique to the industry. These problems are usually about a lack of good land, and competition with larger businesses who have the aid of the government on their side.