Whether you are just starting or are years into running your farm, we can advise on what markets you should explore. Through our Market Access Technical Assistance program, CFSA can help assess your managerial strengths, agricultural market trends, and the financial health of your farm operation to help create a sustainable farm enterprise. Complete the online registration form to request our FREE technical assistance services — the only eligibility requirement is that you are a CFSA member! Memberships are available to farmers at $40/year. If the fee presents a hardship, please contact us. Registrations are reviewed on a rolling basis, with spaces open year-round based on staff availability. We look forward to working with you!
Sign up for Market Access Technical AssistanceWhat Market Access Technical Assistance Looks Like:
Developing a Business Plan
Whether you grow fruits and vegetables or raise animals for meat and dairy, it is essential to have a detailed plan when starting a business. We can explain how to determine cash flow, create balance sheets, and generate the profit/loss statements youโll need to responsibly operate your farm.
Financial Planning
Securing the capital to begin farming or to keep your operation running can be mystifying. We can help you prepare to meet with lenders so that you have the necessary funds to run your business. Weโll also help you maintain good financial records, which are key to continuously managing and improving your business.
On-Farm Technical Assistance
Different markets require different strategies. We can help improve your succession planting calendars for a continuous harvest, advise on your CSA program planting schedule, or help you understand which specifications are expected in various markets. We can advise how to incorporate best practices in post-harvest handling, washing, packing, storage, and transportation, too!
Farm Efficiency Audits
Do you sometimes feel there has to be a better way? Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes to identify how inefficiencies may be wasting your time and money. We can conduct an on-farm efficiency โauditโ where weโll discuss ways to improve the design and workflow of your operation.
Online Marketing & Social Media
As times change and our world becomes increasingly virtual, the way you run and market your business may, too. We can help you get acquainted with online sales platforms or give pointers on improving your website. And, of course, we have plenty of suggestions for improving your social media engagement.
Essential CFSA Market Access Resources & Manuals
Financial Resources for Farmers in North Carolina and South Carolina
Compiled by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, this resource compiles grants, cost-share programs, and loans available to farmers across North and South Carolina. We encourage you to contact grant … Read more
Organic Enterprise Budgets
Crop enterprise budgets are a useful tool to help you determine whether the resource and labor inputs you invest in a particular crop are generating a profit. They provide a … Read more
On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit
Produced by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ NC Growing Together Project, this On-Farm Infrastructure Toolkit was created to address barriers, such as postharvest … Read more
Market Access Resources
An Organic Food-Grade Wheat Market? Whatโs Missing for Success
An Organic Food-Grade Wheat Market? Whatโs Missing for Success A comprehensive approach to improving a regional organic wheat marketย 1. Background There is a real market waiting to be…Keep Reading
Organic Handler Certification: Frequently Asked Questions
For many farmer-producers who are already certified organic as growers, the topic of organic handling certification may be confusing. If Iโm already certified to grow organic products, but I…Keep Reading
Know Your Cost To Sell: Market Channel Analysis and Budget Workbook
A Rationale for Market Channel Analysis Modern farming is an intensive year-round profession, and for many growers, production costs โ especially labor โ rise to the top as the…Keep Reading
Camping-Based Agritourism: How to Start Hosting Campers on Your Farmย
A joint resource from CFSA and Hipcamp. CFSA Members enjoy access to exclusive Hipcamp benefits: Become a CFSA Member today to unlock a $100 cash bonus on your first…Keep Reading
Page content last reviewed and updated 8/13/2026.
