Short outline
### Survey for Small Acreage Farmers
#### Part 1: General Information
1. **Farm Name and Location**
- What is the name of your farm?
- Where is your farm located (city, state, country)?
2. **Farm Size and Type**
- What is the total acreage of your farm?
- What type of farm do you operate? (Urban farm, orchard, flower farm, apiary, homestead, etc.)
3. **Farmer Information**
- What is your name?
- How many years have you been farming?
- What is your primary motivation for farming?
#### Part 2: Pre-Production
4. **Planning and Crop Selection**
- How do you decide what crops to grow each season?
- What factors influence your crop selection (market demand, climate, soil type, etc.)?
5. **Soil Preparation and Testing**
- How do you prepare your soil for planting?
- Do you conduct regular soil tests? If yes, how often and what do you test for?
6. **Seeds and Planting Material**
- Where do you source your seeds and planting materials?
- Do you use heirloom, hybrid, or GMO seeds?
#### Part 3: Production
7. **Planting and Cultivation**
- Describe your planting process (e.g., direct seeding, transplanting).
- What cultivation techniques do you use (e.g., tilling, no-till, raised beds)?
8. **Irrigation and Water Management**
- What irrigation methods do you use (e.g., drip, sprinkler, flood)?
- How do you manage water usage and conservation?
9. **Pest and Disease Management**
- What strategies do you employ for pest and disease control (e.g., organic, chemical, integrated pest management)?
- How do you monitor for pests and diseases?
10. **Fertilization and Soil Health**
- What types of fertilizers do you use (organic, synthetic)?
- How do you maintain soil health and fertility?
#### Part 4: Post-Production
11. **Harvesting**
- Describe your harvesting methods.
- How do you ensure the quality and safety of your produce during harvest?
12. **Processing and Storage**
- Do you process any of your produce on-farm? If so, what processes do you use (e.g., drying, canning, packaging)?
- How do you store your produce post-harvest?
#### Part 5: Sales and Marketing
13. **Sales Channels**
- Where do you sell your produce (farmers markets, CSA, online, local stores)?
- What percentage of your produce is sold through each channel?
14. **Marketing Strategies**
- How do you market your produce (social media, word-of-mouth, local advertising)?
- Do you have a brand or label for your farm products?
15. **Customer Relationship Management**
- How do you manage relationships with your customers?
- Do you collect feedback from customers? If yes, how?
#### Part 6: Certifications and Documentation
16. **Certifications**
- Do you hold any certifications (organic, fair trade, GAP)?
- What is the process for obtaining and maintaining these certifications?
17. **Record Keeping and Documentation**
- What types of records do you keep (planting schedules, input usage, harvest data)?
- How do you manage and store these records (paper, digital, software)?
18. **Data Management Systems**
- Do you use any software or tools for farm management (e.g., farm management software, spreadsheets)?
- What features do you find most useful in these tools?
#### Part 7: Agtech and Automation
19. **Current Use of Technology**
- What types of technology or automation do you currently use on your farm (e.g., sensors, drones, automated irrigation)?
- How have these technologies impacted your farming operations?
20. **Technology Needs and Preferences**
- What additional technologies or automation tools would benefit your farm?
- What challenges do you face in adopting new technologies?
21. **Support and Training**
- What kind of support or training would help you better utilize technology on your farm?
- Are there any specific areas where you feel you need more knowledge or assistance?
#### Part 8: Challenges and Opportunities
22. **Major Challenges**
- What are the biggest challenges you face as a small acreage farmer?
- How do you currently address these challenges?
23. **Opportunities for Improvement**
- What opportunities do you see for improving your farm operations?
- How can Agtech companies better support you in seizing these opportunities?
24. **Future Vision**
- What are your long-term goals for your farm?
- How do you envision technology playing a role in achieving these goals?
#### Part 9: Additional Comments
25. **Feedback and Suggestions**
- Do you have any additional comments or suggestions for Agtech companies?
- Is there anything else you would like to share about your farming experience?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your responses will help us better understand the needs of small acreage farmers and develop solutions to support your farming operations.