When living off the grid, you don’t have to be a large-scale farmer in order to make a little cash. Sometimes I barter and work-trade for supplies I need and vice versa. Today I’m going to share with you 7 ways you can generate an income off the land. You may or may not get rich, but one thing’s for sure: you CAN make a living while living off the land.
Some people prefer to go work on others’ farms or homesteads to make their money while others prefer to do what they can from their own land to generate income. Either way, supporting yourself is possible as long as you know where to go and what to do.
Here are 7 ways to make money while living off grid:
- The Farmer’s Market: Becoming a vendor at a local farmer’s market is fairly easy in most areas, although the process may vary from place to place. Some markets only allow the sale of your homegrown produce, while others have a variety of sections such as small crafts and furniture. There is usually a small investment required to reserve your spot and it can usually be paid in advance for the whole season. Simply bring your produce and items to the market each week and sell what you can. It’s also a great way to meet other local farmers willing to trade goods with you.
- Food Stand or Roadside Stand: Not all towns have a farmer’s market, but that’s nothing to worry about. More often than not, there are places throughout the town that you are allowed to sell your produce and goods. Some shopping centers and gas stations will allow you to set up your stand there as well. There’s nothing like driving down a stretch of lonely highway and coming up on some fresh fruits and veggies for sale!
- Selling Crafts: If you have access to the Internet from your farm or homestead and enjoy making crafts you could set up an online shop to sell your items. If you much prefer face-to-face meetings there are ways to do this as well. Again, some local stores will allow you to sell items in their establishment. Some charge a small percentage of the sales while others are more than happy to let you do it for nothing. I personally enjoy making fairy houses, gnome homes, wood etchings, carvings, etc. Most of the supplies I need for these projects come from the very land I am living on, so it’s a win-win.
- Firewood: If you have a lot of downed wood and timber on your property and don’t have a need for it, you can sell it to those who are in need of it. If there is a campground or national park nearby you may be able to make some decent money selling your firewood. The better quality the wood is, the better chance that it will sell.
- Greenhouse: Unsurprisingly, different states hold different requirements pertaining to greenhouses. In some places, it is necessary to obtain special licenses to sell items out of your greenhouse. Once you establish the foundation you can grow and sell all sorts of goodies. A lot of people love to visit the greenhouse and purchase products they see growing right in front of them. Flowers and seedlings can make you a pretty decent living.
- Baked Goods: This requires a little bit of research concerning the Cottage Food Laws in your specific area. If you love to bake or prepare food and you’re really good at it, then this might be an option for you. I had a friend who used to sell all sorts of homemade baked goods and personally delivered them all around town. There were even a few gas stations and local businesses that allowed him to sell his goods there.
- Animals: Raising and selling livestock or meat can be a lucrative way to pay your way while living off the grid. This is also another great way to trade with other farmers, ranchers, or craftsmen. You do need some money to get started, however.
Living off of the grid and living off of the land has so many positive benefits all the way around. I personally love living off of the land as much as I enjoy living as one with the land. Being self-sufficient is extremely important -- at least to me it is. So if you’re reading this I hope there is something on this list that caught your eye or sparked your interest. As I previously mentioned, there are so very many ways to generate an income while living off of the land. Remember, you don’t have to be a large-scale farmer to reap the benefits!
