It can be difficult for people to get into agriculture if there isn’t a farm business in the family to take over. The cost of land, equipment, and livestock is high, so new farmers must be creative if they want to live their farming dream. Many look to specialty products, local opportunities, direct-to-consumer sales, or niche markets they can supply, to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Most new farmers start out by renting or buying small pieces of land, and getting help from friends, neighbours, or family, while also working away from the farm. Some of them build unique partnerships with established farmers who don’t have children who might want to take over the farm business, for example. Special programs have also been established by government and businesses to help young people, women, new Canadians, and minorities start or grow farm businesses.
