
What is Agribusiness?
To determine how to start an agribusiness we first need to define what agribusiness is. According to Merriam-Webster agribusiness is “an industry engaged in the producing operations of a farm, the manufacture and distribution of farm equipment and supplies, and the processing, storage, and distribution of farm commodities.” Large outdoor farms come with a lot of risk. Mother nature can pose many challenges for farmers from extreme weather conditions to wildlife and pest problems. There has to be a better solution for those that are looking to dip their toes into the world of agribusiness. A greenhouse is a great way to mitigate risk and a Growing Dome Greenhouse is the ideal solution.

What is a Growing Dome Greenhouse?
A Growing Dome is a geodesic dome greenhouse which utilizes passive solar technology to create an environment for year-round gardening even in harsh climates. The shape is inherently strong, wind resistant, and can handle high snow loads. The above ground pond acts as the main source of thermal mass, helping to regulate the temperatures. Additionally there is automated ventilation, reflective north wall insulation, 16mm polycarbonate covering, insulated foundation wall, and an undersoil ventilation system. If that wasn’t enough the kits can be customized to your specific climate and use case by adding fans or venting panels, additional doors, and misting systems.
Why Choose a Growing Dome for Agribusiness?
A Growing Dome is extremely energy efficient compared to other greenhouse structures due to the minimized surface area. Less exterior surface area means that there is less heat exchange between the inside and outside. This means that depending on where you live and what you are growing there is a high likelihood that you will not need supplemental heat, but what if you want to grow bananas in Sweden or succulents in Idaho?


You might need to add some form of heat in those cases because the Growing Dome is on average 20-30 degrees warmer than outside ambient temperatures in Pagosa Springs, CO and similar climates. This could be in the form of a climate battery, wood stove, rocket mass heater, propane heat, or electric heat. No matter which heating source you choose, the amount of heat you need will be less than a traditional greenhouse due to the Growing Dome’s shape.
One of our customers in Idaho is growing tropicals and has both a Growing Dome and a hoop house. He fills his Growing Dome propane tank twice a year and his hoop house propane tank twice a month!
Now besides the costs that you will save on heating and cooling, it’s important to consider the longevity of the structure. A Growing Dome is an upfront investment, however it can pay for itself in as little as 3-5 years and potentially sooner depending on the crops you choose to grow. Try our return on investment calculator to determine how quickly you can recoup your initial costs.

A Growing Dome can easily last you 20-30 years or more with proper maintenance. This is thanks to both the design of the structure and the materials used. The durable premium 5-wall polycarbonate has a 10 year warranty against yellowing and hail damage, but can last for up to 20 years depending on UV exposure and weather conditions. Whereas the polyethylene plastic covering of a hoop house will only last 2-5 years and thinner polycarbonate coverings cannot withstand the same snow loads. Wind and hail can also severely damage other greenhouse structures. In the long run a Growing Dome is a cost-effective option and can actually save you money long term.
What Are The Highest Value Crops to Grow?
I know what you are thinking when we say high-value crops, and yes cannabis is an option but there are lots of options that can bring in big bucks. These include crops like microgreens, mushrooms, ginseng, exotic fruits, garlic, saffron, peppers, cut flowers, and herbs such as lavender, thyme, fennel, rosemary, or basil. Also think about selling not just the final crop, but seeds, starts, cuttings, and other finished goods such as spice or tea blends, sauces, or even body care products.
What you choose to grow is going to be influenced by whatever market you are selling to. If you are planning to sell to consumers at a local farmers market, think about things that are not readily available in your area. Is there a gap that you can fill? You could also consider a CSA program. If you are looking to sell directly to restaurants, go around and talk with chefs and owners to see what types of crops they desire.

Think about niche markets. For example, we are based in the southwest and green chili peppers are a big deal. Locally grown organic green chilis would be an easy sell here. Also consider thinking outside the box, or in this case, outside the raised garden bed. Hydroponically grown microgreens or lettuces could turn you a large profit. While aquaponics provides you with two potential revenue streams, fish and produce.
Examples of Growing Domes used for Agribusiness
Shiitake mushrooms might not be the first thing you think of growing in a greenhouse, but Fogwood Foods is using their 18’ Growing Dome greenhouse to do just that! In the beginning they sold their mushrooms at the local farmers market, but after retiring and making Fogwood Foods their main focus they needed a way to grow mushrooms all year-round and that is why they chose a Growing Dome. They now sell to restaurants, local shops, and online directly to consumers. By making mushroom powders for seasoning and drying whole mushrooms they have been able to expand their operation.

Another example is the greenhouse-to-table business model. We have had multiple restaurant owners and chefs desire to bring the freshest quality produce to their patrons. A Growing Dome provides the year-round growing environment that they need and the ample space allows them to experiment with different varieties of crops and grow a large amount of produce.

Step-by-Step Guide: Starting Agribusiness with a Growing Dome
The first step to starting an agribusiness is planning. You will want to assess the amount of space you have to work with. One of the many reasons to choose a Growing Dome over another style of greenhouse is the amount of vertical space you get. This space allows you to grow tall crops and use vertical growing methods to maximize yields.
Choosing your crops ahead of time will help to determine your growing method, whether in raised garden beds, pots, directly in the ground, via aquaponics, hydroponics, or others and what materials and/or utilities are needed to get set up.
Next you will need to install the Growing Dome. The first step of installation is site preparation. Our Growing Domes can be built on a gravel pad, concrete piers, or ICF. The foundation you choose will be influenced by local conditions, building requirements, and to some extent the crops you wish to grow and your growing method. Our detailed written and video instructions make it possible for DIYers to build the kit themselves, but we have professional installation options available for those that would like a helping hand. Once the structure is built, you then get to design the interior to your desires.

After your Growing Dome is constructed and operational it’s time to optimize. Think about incorporating irrigation systems to make the task of watering a bit easier and also less wasteful. Greenhouses are not necessarily pest free so developing an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy is imperative for long term success. If you are growing in soil, soil health is something to think about as well. Seasonal soil tests and crop rotation will help you determine if soil amendments are necessary. Also, if you are growing hydroponically or via aquaponics, monitoring water conditions and regular system maintenance will keep your gardens happy, healthy, and thriving.

Once your Growing Dome has been optimized, you may find you are so successful you are ready to scale your operation. We are so confident that you will be successful and profitable that any Growing Dome owner who purchases a second dome (or more) receives a discount!
Start Your Agribusiness Journey Today

In our opinion, one of the best reasons to choose a Growing Dome is the community behind it. You are not just buying a product, you are joining a community of like minded individuals that encourage and support each other. You are not alone and we are here to help. We have two Facebook groups, Growing Dome Enthusiasts and Growing Dome Owners. The first is for people like you that are dipping their toes in the water and exploring the world of Growing Domes and the second is for owners to ask more technical questions and share their successes. If online community is not your thing, we host in-person events for our community members to come together and network with each other!
Starting an agribusiness with a Growing Dome greenhouse is an innovative and sustainable way to enter the world of agriculture. By providing a controlled, energy-efficient environment, a Growing Dome minimizes risks associated with traditional farming while maximizing opportunities for profitability. From high-value crops to niche markets and diverse growing methods, the possibilities are vast and adaptable to your goals. With its durable design, long-term cost savings, and supportive community, a Growing Dome is more than just a greenhouse—it’s a foundation for a thriving agribusiness. Begin your journey today, and let a Growing Dome help you cultivate success year-round.