Understand What Your Initial Investment In A Freight Farm Will Be
These One-Time Costs Cover Purchasing, Setting Up, And Launching Your Farm
Freight Farms
Container Farm Cost
Greenery™ S: $149,000 (International pricing will vary)
Farm Logistics
Shipping: Estimated $4.50/mile from Boston, Massachusetts
Depending on the time of year and location of the farm, the delivery and placement cost may fluctuate. While the average is $4.50, we’ve seen delivery costs range from $2.60 per mile to $10.65 per mile.
Placement: Standard crane $1,200–$3,000 (may vary depending on any specialty site needs)
Services: Training Costs
2-Day Boston HQ Farm Camp: $1,250 per person
2-Day Site Visit: $10,000
(up to 8 people can attend)
Local Provider
Internet
The Greenery S requires 5GB of data per month for complete programming and control. Consult your local provider for WiFi/hotspot setup, or hardwiring if a hotspot is not supported in your area.
Electricity
You will need to hire an electrician on the day of delivery to connect your farm to 150 amp, 240V split-phase power (parts list also available for conversion to 3-phase power). Once your farm site has been determined, consult with a local electrician to discuss rates and any additional work that may be needed to update existing electrical service.
Water
It is recommended to have water access within 50 feet of the farm. Soft plumb (hose access) is recommended. Consult a plumber if you plan to hard plumb.
Water Filtration
If you have hard water, you may need filtration. Once your site is identified, have your water source tested. Freight Farms can recommend filtration as needed.
Foundation
The Greenery S weighs 8 tons and requires a foundation. Consult a local contractor for any of the following foundation options: asphalt, trap rock, railroad ties, sonotubes, or a concrete pad.
Site Clearing
The Greenery S requires a 50’x10’, cleared space for a farm site. Account for any site clearing you may need to do when considering your costs.
Permits and Zoning
Depending on local regulations, you may need to obtain permits such as for building, water, or electrical for any construction on your site. Consult local regulatory authorities to understand the rules in your area.
Recommended Tools
Allen wrench set
Bolt cutters
Micro screwdrivers
Socket wrench set
Toe jack
Laser level
Pressure treated wood
Laptop or tablet
Pliers
OPERATIONAL COSTS
Budget for the ongoing cost of operating and maintaining a Freight Farm. All costs listed are annual estimates.
Annual Supplies & Maintenance
Growing Supplies
Substrate, Nutrients, and Solutions: $7,210
Estimate includes purchase of a 12-month subscription of the farmhand Shop Essentials Kit and a year’s supply of the Starter Kit. (Does not include shipping cost of these items.)
Does not include seeds; we recommend working with a supplier like Johnny's Seeds.
Equipment Maintenance
Cleaning Supplies: $1,500
Maintenance: $2,000–$3,000
First year is covered under a one-year farm hardware warranty. Estimate is for all following years. Labor is not included in the warranty.
Produce Packaging Costs
Plastic clamshells and plastic bags are the most popular produce packaging methods among Freight Farmers because they are the most effective at protecting and preserving produce. Plastic clamshells costs around $40/100 count, and plastic bags cost around $25/1,000 count.
Costs will vary depending on your outlet and distribution model. Read more about packaging options.
CO2 Tank
CO2 Tank Rental and Refill: $2,000
CO2 helps to speed up plant growth and balance energy usage. Tanks can be rented and refilled from welding or restaurant supply companies. We recommend renting two tanks of CO2 for a continual supply. Generally, one 20-lb. tank of CO2 lasts about a week and a half.
The cost to rent a 20-lb. tank of CO2 is around $50 annually. Each refill costs around $30. Keep in mind that costs vary depending on your area, provider, and farm operation.
Utilities
Electrical
Electricity usage in the Greenery S is necessary to power different systems like lighting, pumps, fans, and environmental controls, among others. The variation in electricity usage depends on factors such as crop types, inside humidity levels, and the outside climate. It is essential to optimize the controllable factors to ensure the lowest possible energy use.
The Greenery S offers three pre-set LED power modes that operators can select depending on their growing objectives. Each mode has a range of electricity usage and an impact on yield output.
Eco Mode (151–246 kWh per day)
Standard Mode (171–268 kWh per day)
Performance Mode (191–350 kWh per day)
It is recommended to consult with Freight Farms for a better understanding of potential electricity usage based on your unique situation.
Water
135–200 gallons/month. (Water usage increases if using RO filter.)
Internet
A WiFi signal is necessary for farmhand® connectivity. Farmhand® will use about 5GB of data per month, per farm.
Other Operating Costs
Farm Automation Software Cost
Farmhand Enterprise: $2,400/Year (1 Farm, 1 User)
- Additional Farms: $1,200/Year
- Additional Users: $300/Year
Labor Input
One Freight Farm requires 30 hours of labor per week. Consider the cost of your time or the cost of hiring an employee to operate the farm.
Distribution
Account for costs of transporting produce, depending on your distribution model.
Ready to jump-start your farming adventure with Freight Farms?
Speak with a member of our team to learn more about planning and budgeting for a Freight Farm.