Junior Farmer Association of Ontario New Farmer Survey 2013 Data Summary In partnership with FarmStart & Farm Management Canada Project managed by Farms.com

Background of Respondents 250 respondents, reached through social media

Type of Farm of Respondents Approximately: 50% - Conventional 50% - Organic

Sales & Income Information of Respondents

Main Challenges in Sector Problem 1. Startup costs77.46% 2. Access to land57.23% Getting Started36.42% Education and training27.17% Lifestyle issues21.97% Decline in rural areas21.39% General problems18.50% Lack of knowledge of Agriculture16.18% Access to quota15.61% Lack of agriculture contacts14.45% Succession13.29% Other20.81% On average, people listed main challenges

Skills Most Important Skill 1. Agriculture or Technical Skills56.65% 2. Business Management Skills54.34% Sales and Marketing Skills44.51% Financial Planning Skills42.20% Willingness to take risks38.15% Knowledge of my product36.42% Ideas27.75% Other12.72% Knowledge of my culture7.51% On average, people listed 3 important skills Needed Skills or Experience ? Financial43.93% Skilled Labour22.54% Industry knowledge in your sector26.59% Business management and planning35.26% Management Experience18.50% Other13.29% Financial & Business management20.23%

Resources Accessed Resources Other farmers / networking contacts86.13% Associations and Not-for-profit groups54.91% Agri-businesses (input dealers, equipment dealers, local elevator, etc) 50.29% University, College, or Research Facility42.77% Library41.62% Trade Shows41.04% Financial Institutions37.57% Government of Canada Offices (In person visit to speak with a representative or to access printed material) 36.99% Provincial Government Offices21.39% Consultants15.61% On average, people access 3 different resources

Sources of Information Access to Experts Someone with farming experience87.28% Someone with experience relevant to this New Venture43.93% Banker27.17% Accountant (with Ag Knowledge)23.70% Business Planner (with Ag Knowledge)13.87% Other12.72% Lawyer (with Ag Knowledge)10.40% Trustworthy / Valuable Resources On average, people listed 2 experts that they have access to

Approaching Financial Institutions Other methods of Financing Personal Savings53.18% Extended Family Financial Support28.90% Line of Credit26.59% Community Supported Agriculture20.23% Credit Cards16.18% Other12.72% Customers8.09% Private Bonds1.73%

For the 31% who Approached Financial Institutions

Networking Nearly 99% of respondents feel the need to network with peers 84% of respondents thought that having a Mentor is important

Technology