Aggie's Farm, Inc.Business Plan

4/29/2015

14192 US Highway 82 EAvery, TX 75554903-684-3862 land713-504-0985 cellaggie@aggiesfarm.comhttp://aggiesfarm.com

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INDEX

SECTION 1: THE BUSINESS1a. Executive Summary1b. Value Summary1c. Goals and Objectives1d. Business Details 1e. Personal Profiles1f. Staff Resources

SECTION 2: PRODUCT/SERVICE2a. Description of Product/Service2b. Competitors

SECTION 3: THE MARKET3a. Why Customers Will Buy3b. SWOT Analysis3c. Market Analysis

SECTION 4: MARKETING STRATEGY4a. Place4b. Price4c. Marketing Plans4d. Promotion and Advertising

SECTION 5: FINANCIAL PLANNING5a. Proposal Budged Detail

SECTION 6: APPENDICESAppendix A Draft Site Plan

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SECTION 1 THE BUSINESS

1a Executive Summary

Welcome to Aggie's Farm. We are small family farmers in rural northeast Texas. Our visionis to create an innovative yet traditional intentional community, both socially and ecologically.

• We will live comfortably and minimally, demonstrating living in a way that nourishes and enriches the earth while nourishing us.

• We will demonstrate community that develops the connection and interdependence that people long for, as well as space and freedom to express and develop individual self, within the boundary “harm no one.”

• Our community will be affordable to people of modest income. • We will demonstrate transition to a mostly local economy, focused on stability

rather than growth. We will produce and reuse on farm, and purchase within our northeast Texas local economy where possible.

• We will provide education to encourage awareness and action toward increased environmental, dietary, and self health care, within the greater local community.

Our vision has three branches:1. Nonprofit permaculture focused intentional community of up to 8 tiny houses,

based in community and/or conservation land trust. 2. Nonprofit educational center to increase awareness of naturally grown foods, home

gardening, permaculture design, etc., and to increase cohesion (sense of belonging and appreciation of diversity) in the greater local community.

3. For-profit enterprises to include the following:• Ecologically sound market production of varied agricultural products, beginning

with vegetables. Eventually we will provide a full diet to members and market excess to greater community, including nuts, fruits, oil, dairy, beef, pork, chicken, and fish.

• Permaculture design and installation business. • Sales of BathyDerm, an herbal detox bath product.

In the first stage of development, we seek to design and implement infrastructure for community and to complete one tiny house, and to provide infrastructure to allow the market garden to quickly become productive and profitable. We are seeking resident members to join us, selling stock shares with potential dividends, and requesting gifts, grants, and loans from individuals, organizations, and government. Together, we can actualize this dream of good earth and good life in one small area, and seed a wider geographical area. We envision northeast Texas becoming a hub of progressive ecological and social activity comparable to Austin, Texas, but with it's own regional flair.

Yours Truly, Agnes Doue & Lou Mathis

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1b Value Summary

Our principles are summarized by permaculture. Permaculture is a design system, based on experience, which assembles conceptual, material, and strategic components in patternsthat support all human needs while benefiting the environment. It is a system of agriculture, and also a system of human community.

The ethics of permaculture are three: • Care for the earth.• Care for people.• Return surplus production to further care for earth and people.

Other axioms of permaculture include the following:• Cooperation, not competition, is the basis of existing life systems, and of future

survival.• Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of

protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor;of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single-product system.

• The role of successful design is to create a self-managed system.• The role of beneficial authority is to return function and responsibility to life and to

people.

We are not limited to permaculture, which is inclusive of all ideas that support its ethics. For example, we follow the principles of Holistic Management, including commitment to vision, sound financial planning for profit, and holistic grazing.

Successful communities have historically remained cohesive through an overarching set of principles, often based in religion. Our community's unifying principle will be to accept andexpress:

Accept differences, but allow no harm to be done.Express true self, but do no harm.

1c Goals and Objectives

Goals

We are a successful, self-sufficient, sustainable farm community, defined in these ways:• We are (and are perceived as) ethical, accepting of diversity, capable, resourceful,

caring, and fun.• The area surrounding our farm is healthy, ecologically, economically, and spiritually.• We are a healthy, diverse, and balanced ecosystem (human, animal, plant, soil,

water, mineral, energy).• We support and develop our residents (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).• We approach self-sufficiency (food, energy, etc.) by producing what we use, and

turning “wastes” into productive system inputs.• We generate sufficient income for our outside purchasing needs.• We develop, model, and educate others in the methods that can restore the health of

this planet and it's many life forms, including us.

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• Our land is protected in a trust, to be forever ecologically managed.

Ecological objectives

We will follow regenerative practices to improve farm ecology and soil health while producing food and other needed materials, including the following:

• Create earthworks to capture and hold sufficient water for our needs.• Include perennial food products in our growing systems and our diets.• Plant diversely, rather than monocropping, including non-food plants to attract

beneficial insects, increase fertility, and reduce weeds.• Employ minimal tillage.• Maintain healthy tree growth in the forest, while providing nature access for

residents and guests, limited grazing to improve forest ecology, and limited planting of high value crops, e.g., mushrooms and herbs.

• Utilize sustainable onsite building materials, e.g., cordwood for home construction, cedar fence posts for fences.

• Homes to include composting toilets, RO purifed rainwater, electricity from solar and wind generation, passive heating and cooling, and active heat from rocket stoves(using small wood).

Social objectives

We aim to accomplish the following goals:• Accept residents who are aligned with our values and ethics, to give the community

the best chance for success.• Accept residents from diverse backgrounds, for the enrichment of all.• Make cooperation, not competition, the basis of our interactions.• Utilize defined guidelines for timely decision making and conflict resolution.• Utilize community elders to help us stay aligned with our goals.• Engage local community in our work and celebrations.

Community objectives

We will act to generate a more satisfying lifestyle for members of the wider community, including the following:

• Form a permaculture resource institute, PRI Northeast Texas, to host educational workshops, monthly informational meetings, email newsletter, and website.

• Promote economic renewal in the area through providing on farm employment, encouraging other productive farms, and developing a coop for shared equipment and marketing.

• Promote public mass transit connections among communities in the area. • Work with local community establishments to successfully integrate our farm into

the community.

Business objectives

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We will regularly evaluate our plan to maintain a realistic and manageable growth rate that allows the community to grow and become more diverse from now until 2030. Our current goals include the following:

06/2015• Permaculture design complete.

12/2015• Market garden production $6k.• 3 community members.• Permaculture earthworks (ponds and swales) complete.• Initial guild planting complete (trees and complementary productive and support

species). • First tiny house complete.• First solar installation. (For further irrigation pumping and first tiny house.) • 3 longhorn cattle.

12/2016• Market garden production $35k.• $50k reduction in mortgage.• 5 community members.• Additional high tunnels, heated for greenhouse use, complete.• Community building (laundry, shower facilities, social area) complete.

12/2017• Market garden production $100k.• Mortgage clear.• 10 community members.

1d Business Details

Background

Texas Land Trust Council (“Types of Land Trusts”, n.d.) provides the following definitions:• “Conservation Land Trust: A land trust is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that, as

all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land or conservation easement acquisition, or by its stewardship of such land or easements.”

• “Community Land Trusts: A community land trust is a private, non-profit corporation, created to acquire and hold land for the benefit of a community, and provide secure affordable access to land and housing for community residents.”

Community land trusts, although still relatively rare, are being used to provide affordable housing to low and middle income individuals. National Community Land Trust Network ("Program Details”," n.d.) lists eight community land trusts in Texas, six of which are in Austin.

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Conservation trusts are more numerous, with Texas Land Trust Council (“Conservation Lands Inventory”, 2013) documenting over 1.5 million acres conserved as of February, 2013.

Legal organization

Based on references studied, including Christian (2003), we have formed a preliminary model. Legal counsel will be retained to complete analysis and execution.

• Aggie’s Farm, Inc., a C corporation and the existing legal entity, will transfer land ownership to a non-profit community land trust, and/or conservation trust.

• The C corporation will continue to manage the market farm, leasing land from the trust.

• A Homeowners or Condominium Association will govern property management andrules.

• A 501(c)(3) non-profit will be formed for educational endeavors.

1e Personal Profiles

Agnes Doue (Aggie) has a certificate from Holistic Management International (HMI) Beginning Farmer and Rancher training, covering such topics as farm business planning, holistic grazing management, and land health monitoring. She will complete a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) with Geoff Lawton in June 2015, covering site design, water catchment, passive energy home design, guild and no-till planting, community development, etc. Her background includes a BS in electrical engineering from The University of Kansas, and coursework toward a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Our Lady of the Lake University, The Woodlands. In her first career, she worked as a seismic processing geophysicist for TGS. She has maintained a lifelong avocation in holistic health maintenance for individuals, including healthy eating, physical fitness, mental awareness, and responsible relationship.

Lou Mathis has managed a multi-acre intensive market garden in Austin, TX, farmed on 640 acres in AZ, producing eggs, pork, and vegetables, and has worked in many other farming and ranching situations. He is fluent in all phases of building construction and mechanical repair.

1f Staff Resources

Aggie and Lou currently staff the organization. As execution begins, help will come from residents, volunteers, and contract labor. We will seek skilled and multi-talented residents to support us.

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SECTION 2 PRODUCT/SERVICE

2a Description of Product/Service

Community membership

Land and existing structures. Our community will be located on the existing farm, comprising 30 acres in Red River county, in extreme northeast Texas. The acreage is mostly flat, with 18 acres of relatively old growth native oak/hickory forest, a small garden, and the remainder in grasses and forbs. Existing structures include the original house, barn, and shop, and a 30' x 96' high tunnel added by us.

Residences. Our residences will include up to eight tiny houses, no larger than 650 sq ft. Houses will be separated enough for privacy, but close enough for community. Each home will be powered by alternative energy (solar and possibly wind), and have reverse osmosis filtered rainwater at the tap and composting toilet. We will use onsite and recycled buildingmaterials where practical. We will be as green as sensibly possible, and prepare to live without outside inputs if necessary.

Community infrastructure. We will have a community building located centrally to theresidences with showers, laundry, kitchen, and space for visiting. The original house will also be for community use, meetings and classes, office space, and additional kitchen and laundry. Minimal roads and parking will be installed, and woodland trails will be built at a future date.

Low cost of living. Residents will have access to all vegetable and meat products produced. As food production comes into its own, residents will enjoy minimal bills, while sharing in any income produced by excess production. Residents will work 16 hr/wk on community related projects, or substitute monetary contribution for labor. A small fee may need to be assessed early in the operation, to pay property taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs.

Income opportunities. Many of us may be involved in farm production and education. Business space will be available for residents who wish to work online or have a small shop.

Farm products

Vegetables and eggs. Our vegetables will be of the highest nutritional quality, raised without chemical inputs, using organic and holistic methods, and competitively priced. They will be raised in a way that builds soil and water capacity rather than depleting it.

Currently, our garden has plantings of tomato, sweet and hot pepper, variety summer squash, cucumbers, garlic, and pumpkin. Our laying hens produce organic free range eggs.

Winter production. Our existing 30' x 96' high tunnel provides income in the cold weather season. Lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries are planned for winter 2015-2016.

Orchard trees and bushes. Fruit and nut trees and berry bushes will be planted in autumn 2015. Some species will be productive in the second year.

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BathyDerm. We are producing and marketing BathyDerm, an herbal skin care bath for general detox and deep cleansing, which is effective at fading age spots.

Permaculture design and education. We are currently contracted for design of an urban permaculture garden, and hope to contract for installation as well.

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SECTION 3 THE MARKET

3a Why customers will buy

Community membership

Growing numbers of Americans desire: • Security against possible economic collapse.• To live in community with people of similar ethics and varied backgrounds.• To live in a way that supports and heals the earth.• Access to naturally grown, nourishing food and enriching natural environment.• To enjoy the above at reasonable cost.

Wikipedia (“Characteristics”, 2014) states, “...people throughout the world are coming together to try to reduce their carbon footprint. Groups are trying to move away from the dependence of fossil fuels and consumerist practices. There is a focus on producing and consuming locally, forging meaningful relationships and living as sustainably as possible. Many initiatives are encouraged, such as reducing energy use, creating sustainable local businesses, localizing farming and creating environmentally minded communities.”

While intentional communities are uncommon, successful communities have been in existence for decades, e.g., Findhorn in Scotland and Earthaven in US. The number of communities is increasing. Crain's Chicago Business Report (“Is communal living”, 2015) states, “Intentional communities—defined as people who live together on the basis of explicit common values—stood at 1,055 in the U.S. as of 2010, up from 325 in 1990.“ The time of this writing, Fellowship for Intentional Community (“Communities by Country”, 2015) lists 1755 communities in the US, with Texas ranking fourth in numbers at 79.

We are part of a larger demographic area, ArkLaTex, encompassing parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ark-La-Tex), and a smallerdemographic area, Northeast Texas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Texas, http://www.netxworkforce.org/index.aspx?NID=92).

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We are located 45 mi from Texarkana (pop. 36k), Paris, (pop. 25k), and Mt. Pleasant (pop. 16k), and 1 mi from Avery (pop. 500). We are isolated from the influence of a large urban area, being 160 mi from Dallas, the nearest large city.

Local real estate purchases are frequently by non-locals. The area has been discovered as a place where land is pastoral, relatively clean, has adequate rainfall, and is undervalued. We expect community residents to be attracted from all parts of the country by these things, and by the moderate four season climate. Residents will be retired, looking for a minimal lifestyle, working at home, or with skills and interest in the farming enterprise. We also expect members from the local community, if pricing is accessible.

It is envisaged that potential residents are of all ages, abilities and income groups. Some will have savings or existing homes they are willing to sell and reinvest in the community, others will have nothing but their skills or labour to offer. Some will have young children to care for. Some will be looking to retire, seeking a better final home than those currently on offer, therefore with greater needs and limited in the physical labour they can provide. A good balance of all ages and abilities is necessary to flourish.

Awareness of the health benefits of locally grown, sustainable food, and of the environmental consequences of the traditional American lifestyle, is low. However, locals have demonstrated interest in learning more. There are farmers markets in Texarkana and Paris, and small natural food markets in Texarkana and Mt. Pleasant who have purchased or expressed willingness to purchase our food. There are natural health practitioners and finer restaurants to approach.

We expect the influx of residents from other locales and the growing awareness of locals, facilitated by us, to provide sufficient market with a 45 mi radius. Many locals depend on government assistance for food purchases; therefore, we will

As part of the educational process, we hope to facilitate more home garden development, water and resource reuse and conservation, and to encourage other growers to the point that a cooperative is developed for sharing tools and selling product. We are already working with a farm in Texarkana, who share our goals of promoting awareness.

Farm products

Several surveys provide data that supports that most consumers know about organic food and buy it when it is available. However, the number of consumers who buy mostly organic food is small and who buy organic food exclusively is even smaller.

While the United States is now the largest market for organic food in the world the largest markets are in metropolitan areas, college towns, and affluent suburbs.

Our location is in rural northeast Texas is ripe for organic food sales. We will surmount the obstacles to sales in the following ways:

• Distance. One reason locals are not purchasing organic food is because it is not available. It is a 45 mi to markets carrying organic foods. We will make organics geographically accessible.

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• Income. Below a certain income level, consumers have a diminished ability to pay apremium for organic food even if they are aware of and desire the benefits. One, we think that we can offer our produce at prices comparable to what the local Walmarts charge for non-organics. Secondly, we will accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card payment, allowing customers to purchase with state assistance funds rather than cash.

• Education. Education is more strongly correlated than income, with college educated individuals more likely to purchase organic food than those whose education was completed at the high school level. We notice that local residents are curious and interested in organics, and everyone knows someone who gardens. It will be a significant part of our marketing to educate customers about organic benefits.

• Gender. Women are more likely to buy organic food than men. We will address mothers of young children in our marketing.

Our vegetables will be of highest nutritional quality, raised without chemicals, and competitively priced. They will be raised in a way that builds soil and water capacity rather than depleting it. There is little competition locally.

3b SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis – Aggie’s Farm

Strengths

Vast market of key demographic potential tenants.

Experience of business ownership and consultancy within the team.

Rapidly expanding market for an innovative business with great growth potential.

Ability to raise awareness of the business through existing networks and fresh marketing ideas.

Excellently positioned for target customers.

Superb value for money due to the business establishing itself in the market.

Medical evidence to back up marketing claims.

Weaknesses

Unknown to competitors so not recognised as a threat.

High overheads from delivery and preparation.

Lack of reputation due to being a new start-up business.

Lack of original investment compared to competitors.

Lack of knowledge concerning foodpreparation and environmental health procedures.

Initial funding will be used to pay for start; no working capital.

Unknown logistics in the area

Opportunities

Popular media have made people

Threats

Increasing financial pressures to

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more aware of green living.

There is an emphasis on healthy lifestyle, helped by government initiatives.

Sustainability and carbon awareness has become a worldwide pursuit, not restricted to gender, age or ethnicity.

Government sponsored grants/loans for alternative energy, affordable rural housing, and rural lifestyle improvement.

Niche food markets such as healing herbs can be explored.

Widely available social media access increases market reach.

the owner should the business and income not continue to increase.

Competitors may appear.

Market demand may shrink if certain lifestyle choices become less popular.

A difficult economy means that people in the USA have less disposable income.

3c Market Analysis

Successful green living communities

Ecological footprinting was devised by Professor William Rees and Dr. Mathis Wackernagelin the early 1990s and is used world-wide to assess sustainability. The tool quantifies how much energy and raw materials are used, and how much waste is generated. Ecological footprinting then converts this into a measure of land area required to produce all the resources used and absorb all the waste that is produced.

The degree to which developments reduced footprint has been related to the following: • Engaging local stakeholders early in the development process, and leveraging the

strengths of the local stakeholders and businesses.• Development of a marketable long-term vision that creates a unique and appealing

identity for the development.• Designation of a leadership body to guide the development and sustain the identity

of the vision over the long-term.• Presence of a strong homeowners association that can assume responsibility for

internalizing and carrying the vision and its sustainable practices forward.

Accepted benefits of healthy diet

Eating well can aid in the prevention of a variety of diseases and health problems, help to maintain a healthy body weight, provide energy, and promote a general feeling of well-being.

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• Weight control. Eating a healthy variety of nutrient-dense foods every day leaves less room and decreases desire for those calorie-dense foods that tend to expand the waistline, such as processed foods and sugary snacks.

• Immune system health. Even minimal deficiencies in certain nutrients can impair immune system function, such as vitamin A, B-vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, Zinc, iron and selenium. According to director of Yale Prevention Research Center, David Katz, M.D., M.P.H., essential nutrients are critical for the production and maintenance of the immune system.

• Heart health. According to the American Heart Association, including plenty of unrefined whole grains, fruits and vegetables in the diet can help control both weight and blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Adding foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and grass fed poultry, meats, and eggs, can help lower the risk of developing coronary artery disease.

• Energy. Keeping your body fueled with the right proportions of vitamins, minerals and nutrients can give you the energy you need to to make the most of your day. Replacing processed foods and sugars with nutrient-dense foods helps keep blood sugar and insulin levels on an even keel for a steady supply of energy throughout theday. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, lean meats, poultry and fish, as well as beans and nuts are nutritious food choices.

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SECTION 4 MARKETING STRATEGY

4a Place

Our product will be sold on farm (produce stand on property build from old barnwood), and at local farmer's markets. Wider distribution will be offered when fruit trees come into production, and when veggie production increases.

Residents living in areas with higher densities of fresh food markets, compared to convenience stores and fast food restaurants, have lower rates of obesity. In California, obesity and diabetes rates are 20 percent higher for those living in the least healthy “food environments,” controlling for household income, race/ethnicity, age, gender, and physical activity levels.

Researchers have measured geographic access to healthy foods in many different ways, andat nearly every imaginable scale: from national samples to detailed assessments of specific neighborhoods. Only one study has sought to calculate the extent of the problem nationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2009 “food desert” study examined accessto supermarkets and determined that 23.5 million people cannot access a supermarket within one mile of their home.

It is vital that we are easy to reach through our corporate branding. We need to focus on the importance of organic food to differentiate our product to the target demographic. Thismeans promoting the fact that organic foods provide a variety of benefits. Some studies show that organic foods have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts. In addition, people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives often find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods. Helpguide.org (“Are Organic Foods”, n.d.) lists several benefits of organic foods:

Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. These chemicals are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat.

Organic food is often fresher. Fresh food tastes better. Organic food is usually fresher because it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is often (but not always, so watch where it is from) produced on smaller farms near where it is sold.

Organic farming is better for the environment. Organic farming practices reduce pollution (air, water, soil), conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. Farming without pesticides is also better for nearby birds and small animals as well as people who live close to or work on farms.

Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones,or fed animal byproducts. The use of antibiotics in conventional meat production helps create antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. This means that when someone gets sick from these strains they will be less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Not feeding animal byproducts to other animals reduces the risk of mad cow disease (BSE). In addition, the animals are given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, both of which help to keep the animals healthy.

Organic food is GMO-free. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants or animals whose DNA has been alteredin ways that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding, most commonly in order to be resistant to pesticides or produce an insecticide. In most countries,

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organic crops contain no GMOs and organic meat comes from animals raised on organic, GMO-free feed.

4b Price

$35k for one resident in tiny house. $15k per additional resident. ($10k to be applied to tiny house development.)

Agricultural products and educational events will be at market price.

4c Marketing Plans

Each member will receive full housing (tiny house), utility, and dietary support once project is complete.

They will also enjoy the ability to lease additional commercial office space, which will supply leasing income. Once the 300 fruit and nut trees mature sufficiently to produce crop, we will be beyond self sustaining and have cash crop. The only bill other than operating expenses will be property taxes, phone, and internet

Start up costs will be covered by:

Residents, who will provide capital to pay off the mortgage, and much of the labor to implement land and building design.

Socially motivated lenders/investors, e.g., slowmoney,

Charitable gifts from ecologically minded and affordable housing supporters, e.g., headtalker,

USDA loans/grants, e.g., FSA microloans for small farmers and USDA rural alternative energy loan/grant,

General stock shares at $5 per share.

Ongoing:

Maintenance fees from residents. Income from farm products, BathyDerm, business space leases, educational events.

Further information can be found in the cash flow and sales forecast sections of the business plan.

4d Promotion

The quality of the service that we provide is central to delivering on our promises and values. The experience of the business owners, as well as their enthusiasm and passion for fitness will be pivotal in the process.

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Our focus for marketing the business will be simplicity and creativity. The message needs to be clear but attractive, which is why we are working hard to decide upon the best colour schemes, logo and branding. We are working with our target customers to develop a brand image that successfully conveys our values.

We will begin by highlighting one or two aspects of our eco village to create a message that’s memorable and compelling. In doing this we can strengthen our online presence. A good website is essential and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – we just need to make things easy to find for prospective customers.

The more often we post news and blog online, the higher up we’ll land in Search Engine rankings and the more people will come to our website. Similarly, frequent use of other social media networks can help increase traffic to our site, so we intend to join some social networking websites and become part of the online community. We have found many otherresources online and there are lots of ways to promote our wonderful community for free.

We will send a welcome email to stakeholders and those who have declared an interest, with an offer that encourages them to buy.

Local connections are invaluable, so we will strengthen our relationships with the schools and groups in our area. Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools around and can prove to be a great way of bringing good will to our local community.

We will also use targeted "drip-marketing" email blasts. These sponsors will receive over a dozen different timed email "newsletters" about our upcoming menus. Some issues will cover the business, some the integration of common core goals, others offered examples of customer success stories.

We will not forget print advertising in the new electronic market. Three postcards will go out each season. They will reinforce our message to our email group. They will be our only contact with those who choose to not receive email.

The website can feature testimonials of how the company exceeded the expectations of clients by providing care and premier services.

- Customer Testimonials: Posting customer testimonials regarding positive services will be an

excellent marketing tool. These testimonials can be placed on the Websitewhere they can be viewed by potential customers.

- Create a solid “About us” Page: Typically, one of the top 10 most popular pages of any Website is the

“About us” page. It provides personalized glimpse of the company and itsowner. It is a very effective tool because people are simply curious. They want to know who is behind the company. More often than not, a potential client will select a company with a “real” person behind it, rather than a faceless company that does not provide even a little bit of personal information.

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- Statistic, Tracking, and Analytics: Google is great resource for providing this type of information, since it is

a primary search engine. In this day and age, this type of information is absolutely essential to any business no matter how large or small. By implementing this marketing strategy, we can ascertain the following information:

How many hits does the site receive? How many of these are from unique visitors? How are people finding the Website? What search terms are they finding the company under? Who is the average visitor?

Our website will be printed on any marketing materials, including pamphlets and business cards, to be handed out or distributed to (big & small businesses) and organizations.

- Meeting with business bureaus in the area.

- Partnering with a high traffic website to offer the health food delivery services.

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SECTION 5: FINANCIAL PLANNING

5a Proposal Budget Detail

First year costs.Item Cost in $1000

Living expenses 20

Complete perimeter electric fencing 1

Earthworks machine, labor, fuel 20

Solar system 10

Two tiny houses 20

Trees and support plants 4

Water and irrigation 1.8

Solar water pump 1.5

Hired labor 12

Wire and piping for housing system 2

Fuel and maintenance 3

Community building 10

Legal fees for business structure 10

Two high tunnels 20

Wash station 0.4

Mulch 0.4

Compost 5

Total 135.3

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First tiny house detailed costs.Item Cost in $

150 studs 300

40 2 x 6 x 16 boards 280

100 4 x 8 plywood sheets 1000

Metal roofingElectrical wiring

160

Plumbing 300

Composting toilet 1000

Sink

Stove 300

Propane stove setup 400

Rocket stove and piping 700

Lights 800

RO water

Windows and doors 1000

Water recovery

Flooring

Total 6240

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SECTION 6 Appendices

APPENDIX A Draft Site Plan

Planview – Aggie's Farm

Satellite view of farm. Zone 4 to remain forested, with nature trails and minimal planting.

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Planview – Chinampa Area

Rectangular beds, on top of naturally occurring mounds, connected by driveways and surrounded by farmed fish waterways.

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Planview – Zones 1 and 2

Community house (current residence) center, outdoor community area on left, high tunnel in back, additional high tunnels and crops on right.

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Planview – Zone 3

Swales with orchard trees, ponds, pasture area.

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References

(n.d.). Types of Land Trusts. Retrieved from http://www.texaslandtrustcouncil.org/index.php/about/what-is-a-land-trust

(n.d.). Program Details. Retrieved from http://cltnetwork.org/directory/

(2013). Conservation Lands Inventory. Retrieved from http://www.texaslandtrustcouncil.org/images/TLTC_General_2013_03_29_forweb.jpg

(2014). Ecovillage. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecovillage

(2015). Is communal living making a comeback? Retrieved from http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150320/ISSUE03/150329991/is-communal-living-making-a-comeback

Christian, D. L. 2003. Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities [Kindle Edition]. Retrieved from amazon.com

(2015). Communities by Country. Retrieved from http://www.ic.org/directory/intentional-communities-by-country/

(n.d.). Are Organic Foods Right for You? Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm

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