Microgreens Business: How to Build a Profitable Operation

American Farm Initiative | Business Planning | 7 min read

Microgreens are the entry point for most new microfarm operators — and for good reason. Fast cycle times, high margins, and reliable buyer demand make them the ideal first product.

Why Microgreens Are the Best First Crop

Microgreens have a 7–14 day harvest cycle, making them the fastest cash-generating crop available. At $25–50/lb wholesale and $50–80/lb retail, even a small operation generates significant monthly revenue. A single 10×20 ft room can earn $3,000–8,000/month.

Startup Costs for a Microgreens Operation

A 100 sq ft home microgreens operation requires: growing trays ($300–500), LED grow lights ($500–1,500), growing medium and seeds ($200–500/month ongoing), and basic packaging ($100/month). Total startup: $1,000–2,500.

Top Selling Microgreens Varieties

The highest-value microgreens by market demand: sunflower (nutty, thick), pea shoots (sweet, tender), radish (spicy, vibrant), broccoli (health-focused buyers), amaranth (colorful, premium), and cilantro (restaurant favorite).

Selling Your Microgreens

Your first buyers should be: local restaurants (direct sales, highest price), farmers markets (direct-to-consumer, highest price), food co-ops and natural grocers (consistent volume), and meal kit companies (growing channel). AFI connects operators to institutional buyers once production is stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a microgreens business profitable?

Yes — a well-run microgreens operation is one of the most capital-efficient agricultural businesses. Experienced operators commonly report $5–15 ROI per dollar invested in seed.

How do I price microgreens?

Start at $25–35/lb wholesale for restaurants and co-ops, and $50–65/lb retail at farmers markets. Adjust based on local market demand.