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Microgreens Business Strategy: From Side Hustle to Scalable Operation
Episode 61
On today’s episode we are joined by Jacob Goldfarb from Goldfarm Canada, one of the premier microgreens and urban farming businesses in Canada. Starting as a side hustle in 2019, Jacob shares how he achieved a 30% year-over-year growth rate by strategically scaling operations from a small apartment to a facility capable of handling 2,000 microgreens trays, while deliberately keeping capacity under 50% to allow room for smart, sustainable expansion. This episode covers crucial microgreens business strategies, including Jacob’s pivot from selling on Instagram to building a stronger B2B presence using LinkedIn, and launching a chef referral program to accelerate word-of-mouth growth. We also explore how working with an agronomist helped him optimize crop management, test alternative fertilizers for better health and yield, and address common urban farming challenges. Jacob also opens up about evaluating potential distributor partnerships to reach new markets, while balancing the risks of maintaining brand quality and customer loyalty. Finally, we discuss the importance of securing institutional clients—such as corporate kitchens and healthcare facilities—as a way to stabilize revenue in a shifting economy. Key action items from this episode: Testing new sales strategies on LinkedIn and through referrals Trialing healthier fertilizer options for microgreens production Carefully assessing opportunities for distribution partnerships If you're looking for real-world insights on growing a profitable microgreens business, improving urban farm operations, or building a sustainable agricultural brand, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Learn More About The Little Green Seeding Machine: https://www.microgreensconsulting.com/littlegreenseedingmachine Available Now: https://vertigrow.io/product/the-little-green-seeding-machine/ FREE RESOURCES: -FREE Microgreens Growing Guide: https://www.microgreensconsulting.com/ -FREE Microgeens Recipe Book https://www.microgreensconsulting.com/freegrowingguide -FREE Microgreens Training Webinar (The BEST way to start a microgreens business at home in just 6 sqft of space): https://freedomfarmers.com/op/microgreens-training/link/135 -Daily microgreens TIPS and TRICKS: https://www.instagram.com/microgreensconsulting/ JOIN The Microgreens Business Accelerator with personalized coaching to help you transform your passion into a thriving microgreens empire: https://www.microgreensconsulting.com/expert-guidance The BEST Supplies To Grow Microgreens: ***USA Links*** LED Grow Lights- https://amzn.to/4cohAXP Shelving Unit- https://amzn.to/3IMEwT6 Soil- https://amzn.to/4aI11Vp (much cheaper at local garden centers!) Worlds Best Organic Fertilizer- https://amzn.to/3vnbKp3 Growing Trays With Holes- https://amzn.to/3TMT4IN Growing Trays Without Holes- https://amzn.to/4a1yPwD Pea Seed- https://sprouting.com/product/peas-speckled/ Broccoli Seed- https://bit.ly/4crp9No Radish Seed-https://bit.ly/3TNq83d Kale Seed- https://bit.ly/4a2FczT Scale- https://amzn.to/3x4u9aB Packaging- https://amzn.to/3IOAp9e Vermiculite- https://amzn.to/3TvHBf5 Wifi Timer- https://amzn.to/3x6Mt2S **CANADA Links*** LED Grow Lights- https://amzn.to/498dYX2 Shelving Unit- https://amzn.to/3TMMySg Soil- https://amzn.to/4amRWAR Worlds Best Organic Fertilizer- https://amzn.to/43siuhQ Growing Trays With Holes- https://amzn.to/3Tq6g4Z Growing Trays Without Holes- https://amzn.to/3vp9E8a Pea Seed- https://sprouting.com/product/peas-speckled/ Broccoli Seed- https://bit.ly/4crp9No Radish Seed-https://bit.ly/3TNq83d Kale Seed- https://bit.ly/4a2FczT Scale- https://amzn.to/3TM57Wz Packaging- https://amzn.to/4arjqFQ Vermiculite- https://amzn.to/4afQb8K Wifi Timer- https://amzn.to/4cpsYCS 00:00 – 🌱 Business Growth & Farm Evolution 09:47 – 📊 Sales Strategy Evolution 20:43 – 🔬 Crop Management & Consulting 31:03 – 🧪 Fertilizer Optimization 40:51 – 🤝 Distributor Considerations 51:09 – 📈 Strategic Growth Decisions
Published on 4 months, 2 weeks ago