The cost of a freight farm varies depending on the specific model and configuration, as well as the location and shipping costs. However, the base price for a Grow Box Central Farm is $80,000.
In addition to the cost of the farm itself, there are a number of other factors to consider, such as:
- Shipping and installation: The cost of shipping and installing a freight farm can vary depending on the distance from the factory and the complexity of the installation. Grow Box Central estimates that the average cost of shipping and installation is $4.50 per mile, but this can range from $2.60 per mile to $10.65 per mile.
- Labor input: Grow Box Central estimates that one freight farm requires 30 hours of labor per week. This can be done by the farm owner, but it may be necessary to hire an employee to manage the farm.
- Distribution: The cost of distributing produce from the farm will vary depending on the distribution model. For example, farmers may sell their produce directly to consumers at a farmer’s market or through a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program. Alternatively, they may sell their produce to wholesale distributors or restaurants.
Overall, the cost of starting and operating a freight farm can be significant. However, freight farms can be a profitable business venture for farmers who are able to produce high-quality produce and market it effectively. According to a 2015 article in CNN Money, one freight farm in Boston was generating $15,000 per month. However, it is important to note that the profitability of a freight farm will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of produce being grown, the local market, and the farmer’s business skills.
Detailed pricing information
All of the associated fees, both one-time and ongoing, are listed below. The prices listed on this page are just ballpark figures, and the amount you actually end up spending on your farm may be more or less than what we’ve estimated. Please contact a member of our staff for further information.
ONE-TIME INVESTMENTS COST
Learn the out-of-pocket expense of setting up a freight farm. Your farm’s purchase, construction, and initial operation are all included in these fixed prices. The one-time costs of a container farm can vary depending on the size and complexity of the farm, as well as the location. However, some of the most common one-time costs include:
- The cost of the container farm itself: This can range from a few thousand dollars for a used container to tens of thousands of dollars for a new container farm with all the bells and whistles.
- The cost of growing equipment: This includes things like grow lights, climate control systems, irrigation systems, and nutrient delivery systems. The cost of growing equipment can vary depending on the type of equipment you choose and the size of your farm.
- The cost of seeds and seedlings: This is a relatively small cost, but it is still something to factor in.
- The cost of site preparation: If you are building a container farm on a new site, you may need to do some site preparation work, such as leveling the ground and pouring a concrete pad. This can add to the cost of your container farm.
- The cost of permits and licenses: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain permits or licenses to operate a container farm. This can add to the cost of your container farm, but it is important to make sure you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Overall, the one-time costs of a container farm can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the farm. However, it is important to note that container farms can be very profitable, and many farmers are able to recoup their startup costs within a few years.
Here are some tips for reducing the one-time costs of a container farm:
- Buy a used container farm.
- Build your own container farm.
- Buy used growing equipment.
- Ask for donations of seeds and seedlings.
- Choose a location that does not require extensive site preparation.
- Check with your local government to see if there are any financial assistance programs available for container farms.
- Grow Box 101: The basic container and equipment you need to grow $80,000
- Shipping and Delivery: The cost of shipping is estimated at $4.50 per mile one way from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Costs associated with transport and installation may change based on seasonality and farm location. While $4.50 seems to be the norm, we have observed delivery fees as high as $10.65 per mile. Crane rental costs can range from $1,200 to $3,000. (may vary depending on any specialty site needs.)
- Electrical Connections: To hook up your farm to 150 amps of 240V split-phase power, you’ll need to hire an electrician on the day of delivery (parts list also available for conversion to 3-phase power). After settling on a farm location, it’s a good idea to talk to a local electrician about prices and any extra work that might be required to update the electrical service.
- Water: Having a water source within fifty feet of the farm is ideal. It’s suggested that you use a soft plumb (hose access). If you want a hard pipe, you should call a plumber. Filtration may be necessary if your water is hard. Once a location has been decided upon, water quality should be checked. Filtration is an option that can be suggested by Grow Box Central.
- Site Clearing: The 40-foot farm container calls for a cleared area of 50 feet by 10 feet. Don’t forget to factor in the price of any land clearing that may be required.
- Permits and Zoning: Permits for building, water, and electricity may be required by the municipality before any construction can begin. To learn the laws that apply in your area, you should contact the relevant authorities there.
Ongoing Costs to Operate
The ongoing costs for a container farm can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the farm, the type of crops grown, the local climate, and the cost of utilities. However, some of the most common ongoing costs include:
- Energy: Container farms typically require a lot of energy to power the grow lights, climate control systems, and other equipment. This can be a significant expense, especially in areas with high electricity rates.
- Water: Container farms also require a lot of water to grow plants. The cost of water will vary depending on the location of the farm and the local water rates.
- Nutrients: Container farms use a variety of nutrients to feed the plants. The cost of nutrients will vary depending on the type of nutrients used and the size of the farm.
- Labor: Container farms can be automated to a certain extent, but they still require some manual labor for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and packing produce. The cost of labor will vary depending on the location of the farm and the local wage rates.
- Other costs: Other ongoing costs may include packaging materials, marketing and distribution costs, and insurance.
In addition to the ongoing cost of a freight farm, there are also some startup costs associated with starting a container farm. These costs may include the cost of the container farm itself, the cost of growing equipment, and the cost of seeds and seedlings. Overall, the ongoing costs for a container farm can range from a few hundred dollars per month to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the size and complexity of the farm. However, it is important to note that container farms can be very profitable, and many farmers are able to recoup their startup costs within a few years.
Here are some tips for reducing the ongoing costs of freight farms:
- Choose a location with low energy costs.
- Use energy-efficient equipment and grow lights.
- Recycle water and nutrients whenever possible.
- Automate tasks as much as possible.
- Grow high-value crops that are in high demand.
- Sell your produce directly to consumers or to restaurants and grocery stores.