Plain Language Guides for New and Under-Served Producers

Created with SARE support

SARE products

These plain language guides cover topics such as farm financing, accessing government programs, harvest practices and marketing. The plain language format makes this material accessible to beginning farmers, immigrants and other under-served audiences.

These plain language guides cover topics such as farm financing, accessing government programs, harvest practices and marketing. The plain language format makes this material accessible to beginning farmers, immigrants and other under-served audiences. They were produced by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

guide on harvesting crop for market

Harvesting Crops for Market

This plain language guide has information on when to harvest vegetables, how to prepare produce for harvest, and safe handling of produce after harvest.

guide on how to begin your small farm dream

How to Begin Your Small Farm Dream

This plain language guide is for people who want to start a small farm. It covers skills you need to start a small farm; risks and rewards of farm ownership; financial resources; creating a business plan; and marketing.

managing risks on the small farm guide

Managing Risks on the Small Farm

This plain language guide explains the five types of risk—production, marketing, worker, legal and financial—and provides worksheets.

guide to selling at a farmers market

Selling at a Farmers Market

This plain language guide guide explains how to begin selling at a farmers' market, including choosing a market, applying for space, designing displays, setting prices, making sales and keeping records.

wholesale package resource guide

Wholesale Packing Resource Guide

This plain language guide is for farmers and ranchers interested in selling to supermarkets, produce distributors, restaurants and institutions.

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.