The power of small farms

The size and structure of Agricultural units in this country have changed significantly, moving from mainly small family-run farms to much larger-scale farming enterprises. However, with UK domestic production declining, do small farms have a role to play in our sustainable future?

Innovative practices are essential for the success of the farming industry. To attract those individuals who are more likely to innovate, we need to encourage a new wave of younger entrepreneurial farmers with the ideas and drive necessary to tackle global change. For this to happen, smaller farm units must be made available so that entry into agriculture does not come at such a financial cost.

Smaller, family-run farms are often at the heart of the community. They are more likely to invest in the fertility of their soil, such as growing a variety of crops to boost agro-diversity and the future productivity of their land. Smaller farms tend to have smaller fields with greater hedgerow density, encouraging a wealth of wildlife. They also help provide more employment for the local community, which impacts the social and economic factors and helps sustain vital services such as schools and shops.

To help smaller farms survive, the government needs to provide well-structured support schemes with access to affordable advice, facilitation and training.