ABSTRACT

Selecting a site is a critical decision a grower faces in establishing a berry farm. Purchasing land and preparing it for farming are long-term decisions that are difficult and expensive to change. Although many factors must be considered when selecting a farm site, they can be divided into two main categories: nonsite considerations and site considerations. Nonsite factors include the intended crop, how and where it will be marketed, whether the fruit will be processed before marketing, and the amount of capital available. Site considerations include climate, soil, topography, winds, endemic pests and diseases, and access. Appendix A provides a checklist for evaluating these factors.