The Community Supported Farm

The Guide to Financing the Community Supported Farm was published by the University of Vermont Extension to outline important considerations in developing and implementing a community supported farm model. From legal considerations to important aspects of a written lease agreement, you will find valuable financing insight. The guide includes the following chapters which detail practical options and considerations for community financing of farms. Topics include:

• Securities regulations and why they are important

• Acquiring land through owner-financed sales and land contracts

• Talking points for dealing with farmland investors

• The promissory note

• Equity financing

• Revenue-based financing

• The multi-year CSA share

• The share lease

• A comparison of business structure in terms of raising capital

A highlight of this publication is farmer case studies.  Each features the farmer’s story from why and how they began farming, different types of financing used, the success they have had, and also “things they learned the hard way.” You may be able to relate with some of their lessons learned.

The 70-page guide is conveniently divided into chapters. To view each individual chapter, check out the index at: http://www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/?Page=business/community-supported-farm-guide.html&SM=business/sub-menu.html. To download a free PDF copy of the full guide, visit: http://www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/busines/finance-guide/Guide%20to%20Financing%20the%20Community%20Supported%20Farm_March2012.pdf.