Welcome to National Entrepreneur Week (Feb 14-21) as we focus on Agripreneurship Innovations

National Entrepreneur Week is a week to recognize the creativity and drive of entrepreneurs across all sectors. At North Country Farm Trail I want to shine a light on agripreneurship, a field where innovation meets agriculture to create sustainable solutions that benefit communities and economies. Agripreneurs are transforming farming by combining traditional knowledge with new technologies and business models. Let’s explore some inspiring examples and practical ideas that show how agripreneurship is shaping the future.

A view from Slopeside Farm in Lancaster, showcasing agripreneurship in action

1. Using Technology to Improve Crop Yields

One of the biggest challenges farmers face is unpredictable weather and soil conditions. Agripreneurs are tackling this by using technology such as sensors, drones, and mobile apps to monitor crops and soil health in real time. For example, small-scale farmers in our region have the ability to use mobile apps along with other diagnostic tools to receive weather forecasts and pest alerts helping them make better decisions about when to plant or apply treatments.. For answers and guidance on these tools the UNH Cooperative Extension is always available.

This approach reduces waste and increases productivity. It also lowers costs by targeting resources only where needed. By adopting these tools, agripreneurs can boost yields and improve food security in their communities.

2. Creating Value-Added Products

Agripreneurship is not just about growing crops; it’s also about turning raw materials into products that sell for higher prices. Many agripreneurs add value by processing fruits, vegetables, or grains into jams, juices, flours, or snacks. This creates new income streams and opens up markets beyond the farm gate.

For instance, local apiary White Mountain Apiary offers lotions, balms, salves, candles, and seasonal gifts as well from the harvests at their farm. Slopeside Farm uses their land to produce beautiful flowers and vegetables available to the community through CSA and at local restaurants. Value addition helps farmers capture more of the value chain and build stronger businesses.

Stocked products from White Mountain Apiary, highlighting value added products in agripreneurship

3. Embracing Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is at the heart of many agripreneur ventures. Practices like organic farming, agroforestry, and water conservation protect the environment while maintaining productivity. Agripreneurs often experiment with crop rotation, natural pest control, and composting to reduce chemical use and improve soil health.

The Conservation Districts of the North Country offer many resources and grants for agripreneurs to explore. The opportunities for working with the land to use best practices that can aid a farm to integrates Christmas trees in a pasture, creating a natural shade spot for grazing livestock, and a diverse product to sell. This model shows how business success can go hand in hand with environmental care.

4. Building Community and Market Access

Agripreneurs often work closely with local communities to share knowledge and resources. They form cooperatives or networks that help small farmers access markets, credit, and training. This collective approach strengthens bargaining power and reduces risks.

For example, in our region the County Conservation Districts can assist with loans, grants, and rentals of equipment that are able to be used for short term rather than a large purchase for limited time use. This helps farmers increase savings and invest in new equipment with knowledge of experience when the time comes . Community-based agripreneurship creates a support system that benefits everyone involved.

Additionally, we at North Country Farm Trail have created this resource to connect local and visiting consumers with the various faces of Agriculture. Providing a valuable connection from 'grower' to 'consumer'. At the same time bringing the various resources needed by the agripreneurs to access goods and services on a 'buy local and support local' basis.