What is micro-farming?

A micro-farm is often no different from a "normal" farm, it is just very small in traditional North American farm terms. Farmers make their livings off of small pieces of land across the globe. Micro-farms are more suited to urban centres due to their small size. Micro farms can range from a few hundred feet to a few acres in area.

A micro-farm differs from a hobby farm because the micro-farm is looking to earn an income off of the land they are cultivating. Size is not a determination of income. Big is not necessarily better. When farming a small piece of land creativity is an essential skill to have. Imagining new ways to do something on a small scale becomes commonplace for a micro-farmer.

Challenges

Having limited resources and a restricted land-base means that micro-farming requires a lot of creativity. Permaculture is an idea tool to help farm on such a small scale.

Micro-farming comes with it's own challenges that differ from a larger farm. Being recognized as a farm is a challenge in itself. By-laws and government programs are difficult to obtain due to size.

Raising animals and buying supplies can be challenging on a small scale. Space for storage can also be difficult if one isn't careful.

Rewards

The positives outweight the negatives in micro-farming. What a wonderful way to reconnect with not only your food, but also producing other peoples food.

Starting a micro-farm is a great way to learn about farming and about yourself. Doing something on a small scale makes it much easier to make mistakes and perfect techniques than on 100 acres. Self knowledge is just as important as technical knowledge. Micro-farming lets one learn what it is they are good at and like doing instead of what they need to do for a fast money.

Being closer to urban centres can also be a perk of micro-farming. Markets are very close . Another great way to research what you would like to do. Not to mention getting to take part in city life as well.

Just like larger scale farming, micro-farming is a lifestyle. Getting closer to the land, your food, and to nature are only a few of the wonderful things that we have experienced.