The Eastern Sierra poses unique challenges due to our climate, remoteness, and land access. But it is possible to succeed with thoughtful planning and commitment.
Here are some thoughts from an agricultural perspective that potential operations should consider before jumping in.
- Spend at least a year learning how our climate works compared to where you have past experience
- Determine if our growing season conflicts with other activities you want to pursue in the Eastern Sierra such as backcountry hiking, fishing, or climbing
- While most of our soils are fine to raise crops, check your soil to determine its suitability for raising crops (This site is useful: https://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/gmap/ )
- Investigate your potential market outlets as transportation costs (and time) are high for this region, and the local population is low...and many have gardens of their own; winter weather can affect deliveries
- It's unlikely you will be able acquire a lease or sublease on land owned by the City of Los Angeles or federal land management agencies. You're welcome to inquire, but you may find an easier path collaborating with private landowners that have space — they do exist
- Plan for frequent and strong wind events
- Labor can be in short supply here so plan for how that will be addressed
- Fall and spring freezes are a real issue you may have to plan for here, depending on your crop
- Look for opportunities to add value to your harvest — some of those will require permitting from the county's Environmental Health Department (Inyo | Mono)
- Wildlife and plant viruses tend to be our biggest pests in general, but after wet years we can have very high insect populations and an increase in rabbits and rodents that may lag behind a few years
- Trying to fix old, neglected, overgrown fruit trees to make them productive again is harder than most people expect; it's often better to start over if you want to manage an orchard
- Greenhouses may sound like a great idea given our winter conditions, but for most situations, they add too much overhead expense to justify; usually a better option is a high tunnel which allows for season extension and earlier harvests
- Remember that if you aren't using season extension practices, your crops will be ready for harvest at the same time as everyone's home garden or orchard
- Restaurants can be good buyers but they place a very high value on reliability of both quantity and timing
- Talk to existing growers: our community is generally encouraging of more local food production and Agriculture
Like any business, you should have a business plan worked out in advance to maximize your chances of success here. The Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center in Bishop has classes and can advise new farmers on the business side of things. Many of their services and classes are free.
Our department can also help you evaluate your idea.