FarmTogether vs Harvest Returns
Side-by-side comparison to help you decide which platform is right for your portfolio.
| Feature | FarmTogether | Harvest Returns |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.3 | 3.6✓ |
| Min. Investment | $15K | $5K✓ |
| Fee Rating | 2.5 | 5.0✓ |
| Liquidity | Illiquid | Illiquid |
| Accreditation | Required | Partial |
| Ease of Use | 3.0 | 3.2✓ |
| Transparency | 2.5 | 3.5✓ |
| Secondary Market | No | No |
| Mobile App | No | No |
FarmTogether Overview
FarmTogether is best suited for investors who want accredited investors seeking long-term farmland exposure with moderate to high returns, comfortable with 5-12 year holding periods and illiquid investments. The platform, FarmTogether has built a growing investor base.
With a minimum investment of $15K, FarmTogether requires accredited investor status. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and requires manual investment selection.
Key Strengths:
- Low minimum investment for accredited investors ($15,000 for crowdfunded offerings)
- Diversified farmland portfolio across multiple regions and crop types
- Professional management of farm operations and property maintenance
- Potential returns of 7-13% after fees on most offerings
Key Drawbacks:
- Accreditation requirement limits access to only qualified investors
- High liquidity constraints with holding periods of 5-12 years
- Limited transparency on historical performance; platform relies on forward-looking projections
Harvest Returns Overview
Harvest Returns is best suited for investors who want accredited investors seeking exposure to agricultural assets with favorable fee structures; those willing to accept illiquidity for mission-aligned farmland investing; investors comfortable with alternative asset classes outside traditional securities markets. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, Harvest Returns manages $30 million raised (as of April 2023) in assets.
With a minimum investment of $5K, Harvest Returns offers some investments open to non-accredited investors. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and requires manual investment selection.
Key Strengths:
- No annual fees or management fees charged to investors
- Low minimum investment ($5,000) compared to many alternative investments
- Diversified agricultural portfolio including farmland, timberland, livestock, specialty crops, and agritech
- Strong historical returns averaging 9.8% annually on private credit offerings since 2019
Key Drawbacks:
- Illiquid investments with no secondary market to sell shares
- Requires accreditation for most deals (some Rule 506b exceptions)
- No mobile app for portfolio management or monitoring
Head-to-Head Comparison
Fees & Costs
FarmTogether carries a fee rating of 2.5/5, with fees structured as: 1-2% annual; Performance: 5% net operating income (permanent crop) or 20% gross rent (row crop). Harvest Returns scores 5.0/5 on fees, charging: No annual fees charged to investors.
Edge: Harvest Returns. More competitive fee structure overall.
Minimum Investment
FarmTogether requires $15K to get started, while Harvest Returns requires $5K. Harvest Returns's lower minimum makes it more accessible for new investors.
Edge: Harvest Returns. Lower barrier to entry.
Accreditation Requirements
FarmTogether requires accreditation. Harvest Returns partially requires accreditation.
Edge: Tie. Similar accreditation requirements.
Liquidity
FarmTogether offers illiquid investments. Harvest Returns provides illiquid investments.
Edge: Tie. Similar liquidity profiles.
Ease of Use
FarmTogether scores 3.0/5 for ease of use. Harvest Returns scores 3.2/5.
Edge: Harvest Returns. Better overall user experience.
Transparency
FarmTogether earns a 2.5/5 transparency rating. Harvest Returns scores 3.5/5.
Edge: Harvest Returns. More transparent reporting and disclosures.
Who Should Choose FarmTogether?
FarmTogether is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a $15K minimum investment
- Meet accredited investor requirements and want premium deal flow
- Want exposure to diversified real estate portfolios
- Prefer to hand-pick your investments
Who Should Choose Harvest Returns?
Harvest Returns is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a $5K minimum investment
- Meet accredited investor requirements and want institutional-quality deals
- Want exposure to specific real estate deals or projects
- Prefer to hand-pick your investments
Verdict
Winner: Harvest Returns. With 3.6/5 overall rating versus FarmTogether's 3.3/5, Harvest Returns edges ahead with a lower minimum investment and better fees. That said, FarmTogether may be the better fit if you specifically need accredited investors seeking long-term farmland exposure with moderate to high r.
For most investors exploring alternatives, we recommend starting with Harvest Returns — but consider your specific goals before committing.
FAQ
Is FarmTogether or Harvest Returns better for beginners?
Harvest Returns is generally more beginner-friendly with its $5K minimum investment compared to FarmTogether's $15K.
Can I use both FarmTogether and Harvest Returns?
Yes. Many alternative investment portfolios benefit from diversification across platforms. FarmTogether and Harvest Returns overlap in some asset classes but may offer different deal structures, fee models, and investment approaches.
Which platform has better returns?
Historical returns vary by specific investment and time period. Harvest Returns has a higher overall rating, but past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Both platforms provide different risk-return profiles depending on the specific offerings you choose.
Are FarmTogether and Harvest Returns safe?
Both platforms are legitimate, regulated investment services. FarmTogether is regulated by SEC (Exempt Reporting Adviser, CRD # 304511, SEC # 802-117227). Harvest Returns is regulated by SEC (private placement syndications under Regulation D), FINRA (via broker-dealer partner North Capital Private Securities). As with all alternative investments, there is inherent risk — these are generally illiquid, long-term investments and not FDIC insured.
FarmTogether Asset Classes
Harvest Returns Asset Classes
FarmTogether
Pros
- +Low minimum investment for accredited investors ($15,000 for crowdfunded offerings)
- +Diversified farmland portfolio across multiple regions and crop types
- +Professional management of farm operations and property maintenance
- +Potential returns of 7-13% after fees on most offerings
Cons
- −Accreditation requirement limits access to only qualified investors
- −High liquidity constraints with holding periods of 5-12 years
- −Limited transparency on historical performance; platform relies on forward-looking projections
- −Complex fee structure with multiple fee components reducing net returns
Harvest Returns
Pros
- +No annual fees or management fees charged to investors
- +Low minimum investment ($5,000) compared to many alternative investments
- +Diversified agricultural portfolio including farmland, timberland, livestock, specialty crops, and agritech
- +Strong historical returns averaging 9.8% annually on private credit offerings since 2019
Cons
- −Illiquid investments with no secondary market to sell shares
- −Requires accreditation for most deals (some Rule 506b exceptions)
- −No mobile app for portfolio management or monitoring
- −Limited liquidity features; some deals allow eventual share buyback but not guaranteed
Disclaimer: ModernAlts is an independent research platform. We may receive compensation from platforms we review. Nothing on this site constitutes investment, legal, or tax advice. Alternative investments involve risk including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.