With the current changes in federal regulations around food safety and nutrition, it’s time to revisit key insights from my 2023 presentation at the International Sprouts Growers Association Annual Meeting—with an important new perspective.
While my original audience consisted primarily of experienced sprout farmers interested in entering the microgreens market, the core message remains universally relevant: Practicing environmentally sustainable farming is the safest, fastest path to a successful, scalable, and sustainable microgreens business.
Key Takeaways
- Basic food safety measures are frequently overlooked in microgreens farming but are crucial for food safety.
- Approximately 50% of new microgreens farms fail within 5 years, with success depending heavily on having systematic, documented, and repeatable processes.
- For farms making less than $25,000 annually, while exempt from certain Product Safety Rule requirements, maintaining food safety practices remains essential for business sustainability.
- Growing medium choice is critical – traditional soil often outperforms modern alternatives, with coconut coir being particularly effective due to its 8x water retention and natural antibacterial properties.
- Regular testing and monitoring are crucial – while the investment in PCR testing might seem expensive, it’s essential protection against foodborne pathogens and business risks
Take a moment to examine the header image above. In my survey of popular YouTube content about harvesting microgreens, I identified one consistent safety oversight.
Can you spot it?
In any microgreens growing facility, four primary risk categories exist:
- Direct Food Contact Equipment – Requires regular cleaning and sanitization
- Indirect Contact Items – Must be managed to prevent cross-contamination
- Environmental Hazards – Should be eliminated from the facility
- Human Factors – Often overlooked but critical
The most commonly overlooked safety measure? Food-grade gloves. A simple, FDA-compliant, allergy-free food service glove costing mere cents can make the difference between safe and unsafe produce.
Environmental Sustainability: The Foundation of Success
Microgreens farming, when done correctly, exemplifies environmental responsibility:
- Indoor cultivation minimizes land use
- Water recycling systems reduce waste
- LED lighting optimizes energy efficiency
- Composting closes the waste loop
- Minimal carbon footprint
However, sustainability extends beyond environmental impact—it’s about business longevity. Based on Small Business Administration data, approximately 50% of new microgreens farms will cease operations within five years. Success requires systematic, documented, and repeatable processes.
The rest of this post is for microgreens farms with gross revenues of less than $25,000 a year.
Understanding Regulatory Requirements
For farms with annual gross revenue under $25,000, certain exemptions apply to the Product Safety Rule (PSR). While this may reduce documentation requirements and oversight, it doesn’t diminish the importance of food safety practices.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, though voluntary, provides valuable framework for:
- Enhancing productivity
- Ensuring profitability
- Minimizing environmental impact
- Maintaining food safety
- Contributing to industry sustainability
But as I told those sprout farmers in Miami in 2023, growing tasty, eye-catching, and nutritious microgreens consistently is not without the risk of contamination.
While smaller operations may not receive frequent inspector visits, understanding and implementing food safety protocols protects both the business and its customers. Regular self-audits and documentation of safety practices build a foundation for future growth.
By incorporating these fundamental principles into your practices, as a microgreens farmer, you can enhance productivity and make a profit, minimize environmental impact, ensure food safety, and contribute to the sustainability of the alternate farming industry.
There are four practices that I encourage every microgreens farmer to follow, whether your business is 90 days old or 900 days old:
- Seed and Soil Health
- Environment Management
- Nutrient Management
- Precision Farming
Let’s talk about what makes microgreens thrive – it all starts with the soil.
I’ve learned that while growing these tiny powerhouses might seem straightforward, the growing medium you choose can make or break your harvest.
Think of it as the foundation of your microgreen success story.
Despite all the modern alternatives, traditional soil holds a special place in microgreen farming.
Here’s something interesting: soil helps microgreens grow faster and yields better than soilless methods.
Do you see those fancy fiber pads advertised?
They might look cleaner but don’t match the soil’s natural magic.
Your microgreens need a specific type of soil – not just any garden dirt will do.
Most microgreens thrive in a pH sweet spot between 5.5 and 7.0.
What’s fascinating is how this pH level acts like a gatekeeper, controlling which nutrients your plants can use.
The world of growing mediums is incredibly diverse.
Let me share my favorite: coconut coir.
This sustainable superhero can hold up to 8 times its weight in water and naturally fights off harmful bacteria.
Pretty impressive, right?
Other options include:
- Hemp mats for clean, consistent growth
- Peat with vermiculite for excellent drainage
- Rice husks and wood chips for sustainable alternatives
- Rock wool and perlite for hydroponic setups
Here’s something crucial that many growers overlook: sterilizing your growing medium between crops.
The FDA might not have strict rules about reusing soil, but trust me – this step is non-negotiable for healthy crops.
You’ve got options: solarization under the summer sun, baking at 180°F, or my preferred method – steam sterilization.
Remember, different microgreens have different needs. Radishes, for example, get hungry for more nutrients than their cousins.
Whether growing broccoli sprouts or sunflower shoots, matching your medium to your crop is key to success.
Growing microgreens is like conducting a delicate orchestra where every element plays its part.
Let me share what I’ve learned about these crucial components that transform tiny seeds into nutrient-packed powerhouses.
Think of water as your microgreens’ lifeline – it’s not just about keeping them hydrated, but about precision.
Here’s something fascinating: microgreens use water pressure to stand tall.
When you see drooping plants, they’re telling you they’re thirsty!
Drip irrigation has become my go-to method, especially for delicate varieties like lettuce and brassicas.
It’s gentler and more efficient than spray systems, though some sturdy varieties like pea shoots don’t mind a good spray now and then.
Light does more than help plants grow – it’s like a chef seasoning your microgreens with flavor and nutrients.
Different light spectrums create different effects:
- Red light encourages longer stems and boosts antioxidants
- Blue light enhances leaf size and makes mustard greens spicier
- Combined spectrums increase vitamin content
Don’t underestimate the power of good airflow!
Proper ventilation keeps your microgreens breathing easy at their sweet spot between 68-85°F.
Think of it as creating a perfect microclimate where your plants can thrive without the risk of mold or pests crashing the party.
Ever wonder why those tiny greens pack such a nutritional punch?
Let me take you into the fascinating world of microgreen biochemistry, where small leaves significantly impact.
Something that might surprise you is that a handful of red cabbage microgreens contains more vitamin C than an orange.
We’re talking 74mg in just 1.75 oz of these tiny leaves, compared to 51mg in 3.4 oz of orange.
But there’s a catch – they come with a premium price tag that reflects their potency.
It’s like giving your microgreens a performance boost – the proper nutrients can transform your harvest.
Larger seeds like sunflower and pea shoots come with their packed lunch, but smaller ones?
They’re hungry for extra nutrition.
The longer they grow, the more they need.
If you’re serious about scaling up, hydroponics opens a new world of possibilities.
Think of it as precision agriculture in its purest form.
Essential nutrients include:
- Calcium Nitrate for strong growth
- Magnesium Sulphate for vibrant leaves
- Potassium Nitrate for overall health
- Iron EDTA for that deep green color
The secret to success?
Creating your nutrient formulations.
It’s where science meets art in the microgreen world.
Imagine getting a notification that your microgreens need attention – not days after a problem starts, but the moment conditions shift.
Welcome to the future of precision farming, where technology meets the timeless art of growing food.
Think of precision farming as having a thousand tiny helpers, each watching over different aspects of your grow operation.
From soil sensors whispering about moisture levels to automated systems adjusting light and water with ballet-like precision, technology transforms how we nurture these delicate crops.
Here’s something crucial that many growers overlook: regular testing isn’t just a good practice – it’s your safety net.
The FDA recommends PCR testing, and while that $250 investment might make you wince, it’s worth every penny.
Consider it your peace-of-mind policy against foodborne pathogens.
Success in microgreen farming comes down to a beautiful dance of four elements:
- Seed selection: Choose certified organic varieties known for vigorous growth
- Environmental mastery: Balance temperature, humidity, and airflow
- Smart lighting: Provide intense but cool LED illumination
- Water wisdom: Find that sweet spot between too wet and too dry
Remember, each tiny leaf represents the intersection of ancient farming wisdom and modern innovation.
It’s about working smarter, not just harder.
Related Questions
How much does it cost to set up a basic microgreens operation under $25,000 revenue?
A basic setup including growing racks, LED lighting, irrigation system, and essential safety equipment typically costs between $2,000-5,000.
What’s the minimum space needed to start a microgreens business?
You can start with as little as 100 square feet of indoor growing space, though 200-400 square feet provides better economy of scale for a commercial operation.
How long does it take to get GAP certified for microgreens?
The GAP certification process typically takes 2-3 months, including preparation time and inspection, with costs ranging from $500-1,500 depending on operation size.
Success in microgreens farming requires attention to detail, from basic safety practices to advanced growing techniques.
By integrating traditional agricultural wisdom with modern technology and unwavering food safety standards, farmers can build sustainable, profitable operations.
References
Cooperative Extension-Sacramento County Garden Notes GN 154 SOIL TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR VEGETABLE SEED GERMINATION. (n.d.). http://sacmg.ucanr.edu/files/164220.pdf
Eicher-Sodo, Mitchell, Gordon, Robert J. and Zheng, Youbin. “Characterizing the Phytotoxic Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Common Microgreen Species and Lettuce Cultivars.” Horttechnology 29.3, 2019, pp. 283-289., American Society for Horticultural Science, ISSN 1063-0198, https://doi.org/10.21273/horttech04255-18
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Henderson, Bailee. “Microbial Hazards of Microgreens Production, Indoor Farming.” Food Safety RSS, 11 July 2022, www.food-safety.com/articles/7873-microbial-hazards-of-microgreens-production-indoor-farming.
Henderson, B. (2023, January 3). Sustainable Organic Acid an Effective Disinfectant Against Foodborne Pathogens, Biofilm. Food-Safety.com; Food Safety. https://www.food-safety.com/articles/8248-sustainable-organic-acid-an-effective-disinfectant-against-foodborne-pathogens-biofilm
Hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System Setup and Guide. (n.d.). https://constantdelights.com/post/nutrient-film-technique (2025).
Islam, Mohammad Tariqul, Park, Buem-Jun and Lee, Young-Tack. “Effect of salinity stress on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of wheat microgreen extract under organic cultivation conditions.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 140, 2019, pp. 631-636., Elsevier BV, ISSN 0141-8130, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.08.090
Kong, Yun, Schiestel, Katherine and Zheng, Youbin. “Pure blue light effects on growth and morphology are slightly changed by adding low-level UVA or far-red light: A comparison with red light in four microgreen species.” Environmental and Experimental Botany 157, 2019, pp. 58-68., Elsevier BV, ISSN 0098-8472, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2018.09.024
Mistra, G., and K.E. Gibson. “Survival of Salmonella Enterica Subsp. Enterica Serovar Javiana and Listeria Monocytogenes Is Dependent on Type of Soil-free Microgreen Cultivation Matrix.” Journal of Applied Microbiology, vol. 129, no. 6, 2020, https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1111/jam.14696
OLEDs could boost vertical farm efficiency by 20 per cent. (n.d.). www.brunel.ac.uk. https://www.brunel.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/articles/OLEDs-could-boost-vertical-farm-efficiency-by-20-per-cent
Querejeta, Giselle A. “Sterilize Methods Comparison for Soils: Cost, Time, and Efficiency.” International Journal of Methodology 2.1, 2023, pp. 34-40., AIJR Publisher, https://doi.org/10.21467/ijm.2.1.6263
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