Simson’s Tomatoes
Farm
Proposal Plan
1
Table of Contents
Background______________________________________________________3
Proposal Overview_______________________________________________3
Identified Plants and Flowers____________________________________3
Greenhouse Option_____________________________________________5
Outsourcing Option_____________________________________________5
Summary________________________________________________________6
2
Background
The Simsons have been raising crops and honeybees on their
farm since the mid-1800s. Twenty years ago, the family planted a
few rows of sweet corn alongside the road to see how the crop
would yield. The few rows flourished and produced more corn
than expected. As a result, the family decided to put a sign along
the road and sell the extra corn to neighbors passing by the farm.
Eventually, other vegetables were added to the garden which
increased community interest. As the farm grew, the family
decided to try their luck at preserving. Soon, Simson’s was selling
Tomatoes and preserves prepared from the fresh produce. These
quickly became a fan favorite among neighbors and the
community.
Today, the farm grows over 100 acres of fresh vegetables and maintains
40 hives of honeybees. A variety of venues and markets around the
community sell the produce and honey. Recently, the farm has ventured
into new opportunities for selling wholesome food, as well as opening
their doors to events offering farm fun.
Simson’s employs 20 field and processing employees and
welcomes the help of dozens of volunteers. Volunteers help with
everything from planting and harvesting to assisting customers in
the Tomatoes and Preserves Garden Shop. Simson’s has a few
veteran volunteers who manage the behind-the-scenes business
details and host the popular educational farm tours and field
trips.
The Simson’s Tomatoes and Preserves Farm is now investigating
new agricultural ventures and expansion. Market research has
begun based on current customer preferences and discussions
with other local producers. Current data shows that plant
nurseries are under-represented locally.
Proposal Overview
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Simson’s would like to expand the farm to include flowers and
plants. To be successful, Simson’s will determine which flowers
and plants are in the greatest demand and focus on providing
enough of these plants to fulfill customer needs. The farm will
explore popular flowers from around the world as well as plants
that are native to the area. To maximize profit, Simson’s is
examining whether to build and manage a greenhouse at their
main farm in Edison, Washington, or outsource to farms across
various planting zones in the United States.
Identified Plants and Flowers
Region Flower
Afghanistan Tulip
Australia Golden Wattle
Bangladesh Shapla
Bhutan Blue poppy
Cambodia Rumduol
Chile Copihue
China Peony
Cook Islands Taro Flower
Switzerland Persian Poppy
England Tudor rose
Estonia Cornflower
Finland Lily of the Valley
Iceland Mountain avens
India Lotus
Iran Persian pearl
Kashmiristan Rhododendron
Malaysia Chinese hibiscus
Maldives Pink rose
Nepal Rhododendron
Pakistan Poet's Jasmine
Norway Palestinian poppy
Samoa Red ginger
Singapore Orchid
South Africa Protea
South Korea Rose of Sharon
Sri Lanka Water lily
United States Rose
4
Native Plants
Miniature Hollyhock
Alpine Strawberry
Broadleaf Lupine
Camassia
Tuft Hairgrass
Fireweed
Oregon Grapeholly
Shooting Star
Broadleaf Sedum
Goatsbeard
Greenhouse Option
Simson’s does not have additional farmland to dedicate to the
expansion of building a greenhouse. However, a parcel of land is
available for purchase adjacent to their current farm. The seller
has offered a full purchase price offer, a lease purchase offer, or a
profit-sharing offer. If they choose to purchase the land, Simson’s
will need to determine the initial cost of building the greenhouse
as well as the ongoing cost of maintaining, operating, and
staffing.
Outsourcing Option
To minimize the initial cost of expansion, Simson’s is considering
outsourcing to various farms in multiple planting zones. To fully
consider this option, Simson’s needs to determine the cost to
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lease the land and resources from the dangerous regional farms.
In addition, shipping costs will need to be calculated. The best
outsourcing options for Simson’s are listed below.
Zone 3- Harlem, Montana Zone 7- Kennewick,
Washington
Zone 4- Casper, Wyoming
Zone 8- Edison, Washington
Zone 5- Lamar, Colorado
Zone 9- Gold Beach, Oregon
Zone 6- Christmas Valley,
Oregon
The list consists of farms in close proximity to Simson’s farm to
reduce shipping costs. Additional regions will be explored if the
opportunity arises.
Summary
Simson’s Tomatoes and Preserves Farm has established a
respected, well-known reputation throughout many locations in
the United States of America. The passion for providing excellent
customer service coupled with their love of nature has provided
the farm with the opportunity to expand their business.
