Put down solid roots for your fledgling fruit tree business

Becoming a successful fruit grower will mean more than planting some apple, pear or citrus saplings in a field. You'll have to grow a healthy business along with healthy plants and trees. Organizations specific to fruit tree growers will help you protect and nurture your investment.

I recommend: The New Fruit Grower has a downloadable plan for beginners. The site belongs to Moser Fruit Trees, a fruit tree supplier. Buying fruit trees will also mean planning ahead because these items are sold seasonally. The Fruit Growers News Buyer's Guide is an invaluable resource for everything from deer control to orchard supplies to pollination. Get in touch with a Master Gardener or another expert from a local agricultural extension office to give you orchard startup advice.

Find fertile ground for your fruit tree investment

Get support for fruit farming from your own community with some innovative programs that have a payoff for customers and producers. Look for US government funding for sustainable agricultural research and projects, or explore the growing community agriculture movement.

I recommend: Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides Producer Grants of $1,000 to $15,000 dollars to "conduct research, marketing and demonstration projects." Turn to SARE for grant opportunities and a vast library of information are available in many different forms. Through programs like Local Harvest Community Supported Agriculture, people can buy "shares" in your farm. In return you provide them with something like a box of fresh produce a week.

Think outside the crate when it comes to selling the fruit of your labor

Many local government entities and university extensions are making a concerted effort to get local growers together with local chefs and markets; take advantage of these programs. You can also take advantage of the growing business of AgriTourism by letting fruit picking enthusiasts get their hands dirty. Learn to use all parts of your fruit-growing enterprise to help pay the bills.

I recommend: Check out Food Circles from the University of Missouri extension to see local orchards and fruit growers connected directly to chefs and buyers. Find your local extension office to get in on the act. Pick Your Own is an organization dedicated to helping farmers who want to get in on the AgriTourism business.