How to Earn Money with Agriculture & Farming

Best Side Hustles in Canada to Earn Money with Agriculture & Farming

Agriculture and farming offer a wealth of opportunities for side hustles in Canada, from traditional farming methods to innovative practices that capitalize on the growing demand for local, organic, and sustainable products. Whether you have a small plot of land or access to farm equipment, you can turn agricultural activities into profitable ventures. Here are the best agriculture and farming side hustles to earn money in Canada.

1. Small-Scale Organic Farming

Small-scale organic farming is a profitable side hustle due to the increasing demand for organic produce. You can grow organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs on a small plot of land and sell them to local markets, CSA programs, or directly to consumers.

How to get started:

• Choose crops that grow well in your region and have high demand in local markets (e.g., leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots).
• Obtain organic certification if possible, or simply adopt organic growing practices.
• Sell your produce at farmers’ markets, through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, or local grocery stores.

Potential earnings: $500–$5,000+/month depending on the size of your operation and crop selection.

Where to start: Research local farmers’ markets and CSA programs in your area.

2. Beekeeping

Beekeeping is a rewarding side hustle that not only supports pollination but also produces honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products. Canadian beekeepers can sell honey locally, at markets, or online.

How to get started:

• Invest in beekeeping equipment, including hives, protective clothing, and tools.
• Choose a suitable location for your beehives, ensuring adequate flowers and plants for your bees to forage.
• Harvest honey and beeswax to sell at farmers’ markets, health food stores, or online.

Potential earnings: $1,000–$10,000+/year depending on the number of hives and honey production.

Where to start: Ontario Beekeepers' Association

3. Mushroom Farming

Mushroom farming is a low-maintenance, high-reward agricultural side hustle. Gourmet mushrooms like oyster, shiitake, and lion’s mane are popular among chefs, health-conscious consumers, and organic food lovers.

How to get started:

• Purchase mushroom spawn and substrate (e.g., straw or sawdust) to grow your mushrooms.
• Use a controlled environment such as a basement or shed to cultivate your mushrooms.
• Sell your mushrooms to local restaurants, farmers’ markets, or through CSA programs.

Potential earnings: $500–$3,000+/month depending on production capacity.

Where to start: Canadian Organic Growers

4. Microgreens Farming

Microgreens are young vegetable greens used in salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Microgreens farming is ideal for urban or small-space farmers, as it requires minimal space and investment to start.

How to get started:

• Purchase seeds for microgreens like radishes, kale, arugula, or broccoli.
• Set up a growing system in trays with soil or hydroponic systems indoors or in a greenhouse.
• Harvest your microgreens after 10–14 days and sell to local restaurants, health food stores, or directly to consumers.

Potential earnings: $1,000–$5,000+/month depending on scale and market demand.

Where to start: Microgreens Farmer Resources

5. Chicken Egg Production

Raising chickens for egg production is an accessible and profitable side hustle. Fresh, organic, free-range eggs are in high demand, and backyard chicken farming requires relatively low start-up costs.

How to get started:

• Build or purchase a chicken coop and buy a small flock of laying hens.
• Provide proper feed, shelter, and care to ensure healthy egg production.
• Sell eggs to local markets, neighbors, or through CSA subscriptions.

Potential earnings: $200–$1,500+/month depending on the size of your flock.

Where to start: Check local bylaws for backyard chicken farming in your area.

6. Herb Gardening

Herbs are easy to grow and can be sold fresh or dried to local markets, restaurants, or as part of handmade products like teas, oils, and balms. Herbs like basil, thyme, mint, and lavender are popular options.

How to get started:

• Set up a small garden or use containers to grow herbs.
• Harvest and package herbs for sale or use them in value-added products like herb-infused oils, teas, or skincare products.
• Sell herbs at farmers’ markets, health food stores, or online.

Potential earnings: $200–$2,000+/month depending on scale and sales channels.

Where to start: Research herb gardening techniques and markets.

7. Farm Tours and Agritourism

Agritourism is a growing trend, offering people the opportunity to visit working farms to learn about agriculture, enjoy farm-fresh produce, or participate in hands-on farming activities. If you have a farm or agricultural land, hosting tours or workshops can be a lucrative side hustle.

How to get started:

• Set up a farm tour experience that highlights your farming practices, such as animal husbandry, organic gardening, or harvesting.
• Offer additional services like farm-to-table dinners, workshops, or seasonal events like pumpkin patches or Christmas tree cutting.
• Market your farm tours online through social media and tourism websites.

Potential earnings: $500–$5,000+/event depending on ticket sales and offerings.

Where to start: Agritourism Canada

8. Growing and Selling Specialty Crops

Specialty crops such as lavender, garlic, and medicinal plants can be highly profitable due to their high demand and relatively low space requirements. These crops are often used in cooking, natural remedies, or aromatherapy.

How to get started:

• Research high-demand specialty crops that grow well in your region.
• Plant and cultivate the crops using sustainable and organic methods.
• Sell your products at farmers’ markets, online, or through wholesalers.

Potential earnings: $500–$4,000+/month depending on crop selection and production.

Where to start: Canadian Specialty Crops Directory

9. Selling Farm-Fresh Meat

If you have access to land and livestock, selling farm-fresh meat such as beef, pork, or poultry can be a lucrative side hustle. The demand for grass-fed, hormone-free, and locally sourced meat is growing in Canada.

How to get started:

• Raise livestock using ethical, sustainable farming practices.
• Work with local butchers to process your meat products.
• Sell directly to consumers, at farmers’ markets, or to local restaurants.

Potential earnings: $1,000–$10,000+/month depending on livestock size and sales channels.

Where to start: Check local regulations for livestock farming and meat sales.

10. Agricultural Consulting

If you have expertise in farming, horticulture, or livestock management, offering consulting services can be a profitable side hustle. You can advise new farmers, help set up urban gardens, or offer guidance on sustainable agricultural practices.

How to get started:

• Promote your services through local farming networks, agricultural associations, or online platforms.
• Offer one-on-one consulting, workshops, or online courses.
• Specialize in niche areas like organic farming, aquaponics, or sustainable agriculture to stand out in the market.

Potential earnings: $500–$5,000+/month depending on your expertise and client base.

Where to start: Canadian Federation of Agriculture

Conclusion:

Agriculture and farming side hustles in Canada provide a wealth of opportunities for anyone interested in working the land or producing high-demand, niche products. Whether you want to start small with microgreens or herbs, or scale up with livestock or farm tours, the potential to earn money while contributing to the local food ecosystem is significant. With growing consumer interest in organic, sustainable, and locally-sourced products, the possibilities in agriculture and farming are abundant.