5 Reasons You Should Start A Permaculture Business

You’ve probably heard of permaculture, but you may not know what it means.

Permaculture is a self-sustaining approach to agriculture that copies the natural ecosystem by promoting biodiversity and resilience to pests and weeds. 

In addition to positively impacting the environment, permaculture can be a profitable business. Here are five reasons you should consider starting a permaculture farm.  

1) Promoting Biodiversity

Unlike traditional agricultural practices, permaculture works with the natural environment to produce food in a sustainable way that promotes biodiversity. By eliminating the use of harsh herbicides and pesticides, you’ll ensure the soil is viable and healthy for years to come. 

In some jurisdictions, new developments are required to demonstrate that the development will result in a net gain of biodiversity. Companies like arbtech.co.uk can help businesses develop biodiversity plans and reports to demonstrate they’ve achieved this requirement. Though this can be challenging to achieve for many businesses, with a permaculture farm, you’ll have no trouble demonstrating you’ve met this requirement. 

2) Diversifying Your Income

Unlike traditional farms that receive income solely from the products produced and sold, a permaculture farm can also profit by participating in the tourism industry. By opening your farm up to visitors, you can diversify your income. 

Tours of permaculture farms are the obvious choice, but you can also open a cafe or restaurant that uses produce from your farm. Permaculture farms can also provide beautiful backdrops for events like weddings, providing you with after-hours income as well. 

3) Easy to Start with Low Capital

Though you’ll need lots of time and energy to start a permaculture business, you’ll need very little money. You’ll have to save up initially to buy a plot of land, but once you have that land, the majority of your time will be spent mulching and planting. As your farm begins to produce, you’ll begin making an income and can then expand your business to include other money-making features. 

If you’re looking to make money quickly, a permaculture business may not be right for you. This type of business is a long term investment, but if you’re patient and creative enough, you’ll see the payoff. 

4) Increasing Demand for Sustainability 

With environmental concerns on the rise, more and more people are trying to integrate eco-friendly practices into their lives. Consumers often cite that purchasing from businesses with values that match their own is a deciding factor, spurring businesses to make eco-friendly changes. 

Because there is an increased interest in sustainability, you’re likely to have a market for workshops and classes as well. Pass on the lessons you’ve learned from starting a permaculture business to others who are interested in doing the same. 

5) Spending Time Outside

One of the biggest benefits in having a permaculture farm is that it allows you to be self-employed without having to work in an office or in front of a computer all day. Your business becomes your lifestyle, which can be a truly rewarding experience.

Oftentimes, permaculture farms become a family business. There is nothing more rewarding than passing on your knowledge about living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle to your children.