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brogaant t1_j8wxrc1 wrote

I would start by researching zoning ordinances in towns you’re interested in. It’ll help you identify where that type of business is allowed, which will narrow down your search before speaking with a realtor.

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Pvdsuccess t1_j8xd9w6 wrote

It's all about zoning. Each city will have a bunch of info on their website. One acre is going to be difficult. Think 5 or more. Great that you're thinking about. Best of luck.

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WafflesTheBadger t1_j8wyq0b wrote

Call the USDA office and learn about their loan programs. They'll loan up to $600K to a budding farmer and then a bank could cover the rest. I forget the interest rate but it was very reasonable and if you're socio-economically disadvantaged, there are programs available to help offset any losses in the first few years.

Brokers can help because a lot of good deals can be tricky to find online.

You need to be mindful of zoning. Scituate is a very lovely place but I've heard that trying to get building permits or get something zoned for agricultural use if it's not grandfathered in is much more painful than it should be. (This is just an example. Every town has pros and cons).

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sinistrhand t1_j8x17l2 wrote

Reach out to the folks at “Skydog Farms” in N. Scituate. They are super friendly and knowledgeable. I believe they operate on only 2-ish acres and have experience w greenhouse & hydroponics, so they might have some good advice. They’re on IG, I’m sure FB as well. Good luck

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j8x1pap wrote

Reach out to a competitor? Why? This seems unhelpful.

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sinistrhand t1_j8x20af wrote

…or a neighbor. Or a fellow farmer. Not everything is a competition. Have a nice day

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j8xbeo9 wrote

But capitalism is a competition.

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haze_snob t1_j8xljow wrote

RI's agriculture and farming community is small and fairly tight-knit.

We actually care and treat each other with respect and try to help others and share knowledge.

You wouldn't survive very long in this state being a dickhead to everyone. Word of mouth prevails here.

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KemperTemper1 t1_j8xvvrq wrote

Look, I love this idea and hope you do great. But the people you’re looking for is a real estate agent and a business attorney. You’ll need to pick a town, then research zoning ordinances and then go to Town Hall and the Zoning Board to make sure you’ve understood everything correctly. Not someone who has purchased land or owns a business on Reddit. No offense, if you’re serious about it find professionals to guide you.

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NewEngland313 t1_j8xxy9i wrote

No offense, looking for advice so I appreciate the reply!

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operatic_tragedy t1_j8ys6k3 wrote

I highly recommend getting an attorney to help guide you through whatever municipality you chooses bulls**t cause there will be PLENTY. Otherwise, get ready for a long battle....and wait. With that said, I wish you nothing but the best - please do come back and tell us where you end up setting up shop!

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RivalSFx t1_j8z8puw wrote

Buy more land, look into agricultural loans and tax breaks, protected land, farm, forrest, land trusts. .... Actually look into the aforementioned prior to purchasing the land. My guess is you'll need 3.5 to 5 acres or more to qualify.

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Megasoulflower t1_j8y76er wrote

Do you own property now? I know someone in Scituate who received a USDA farm grant to build a high tunnel on her property, and a high tunnel or two would be a great start at a nursery I bet! (: She received one or two more USDA farm grants too I think! (: Met her on Reddit actually ha!

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FieryVegetables t1_j8ys0g8 wrote

:)

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NewEngland313 t1_j8yxlf9 wrote

Yeah so I’ve been busy today reaching out to people. But I messaged someone at the usda ri about this idea of starting a tree/shrub nursery. I just need help getting started I guess. Not sure where to apply. But I want this to be a small nursery with a fenced in area and a few greenhouses. I have always had a green thumb 😁🌱

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FieryVegetables t1_j8z3glb wrote

USDA could be a great resource. I’m not sure how it goes for for-profit, but they will definitely have information if not funding.

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NewEngland313 t1_j8y871y wrote

Thanks for the comment and yes I do have property currently. Looking to expand, I’ve been out of the game for a few years and wanted some advice. Everyone has been giving great advice.

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Megasoulflower t1_j8ya1zl wrote

I wish you the best of luck!! Let us know how it goes and one day I hope I can buy plants from you! (:

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Megasoulflower t1_j8yv7pz wrote

YYYAAYYY my friend Fiery Vegetables below is the grant wizard I was talking about!! (: She’s great!!! <3

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Jmac3366 t1_j8zan6q wrote

I would definitely look into getting an attorney and a real estate agent to sort through everything. RI is unfortunately not a very agriculture friendly state in terms of laws

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huron9000 t1_j8zlzej wrote

Buy a little parcel with some old greenhouses that’s currently vacant. There are plentyof these properties in Johnston and Cranston, among other places, with greenhouses already on them.

just look at commercial real estate listings. Much easier if that type of business has a precedent of having been established there.

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obadiaowl t1_j90ksu3 wrote

check out New England Farm Finder it has land as well all rental and sometimes other options

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