A new report by small farming union the Landworkers Alliance (LWA) has highlighted the benefits of small-scale, agroecological farms, highlighting the jobs they support, their high yields of healthy produce and their environmental and social benefits.

Published on Tuesday, the “A Matter of Scale” report highlights how a diverse and vibrant sector of small farms is providing employment, attracting new entrants and incubating entrepreneurs. A survey of 69 holdings of 20ha and under was undertaken by the Landworkers’ Alliance in conjunction with the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience at Coventry University; it provides a preliminary insight into the diversity, productivity, financial viability and multifunctional benefits offered by smaller farms. The report is accompanied by five short films about key themes arising from the research, which can be viewed here.

It follows LWA’s calls for changes to agricultural support and overarching government policy, which are expected as Brexit progresses, to include more recognition of the country’s smaller farms, which are under pressure.

Major farm unions have been putting pressure on government to ensure continued access to overseas labour after Brexit. On Tuesday, the NFU released its own report on the sector’s reliance on workers from overseas, and pushed for clarification from the government, saying the supply of seasonal workers for the next two seasons is now in jeopardy.

However, the “A Matter of Scale” report offers an alternative vision for the future of UK horticulture. Author of the study, Rebecca Laughton commented, “Many young people are attracted to the more varied, meaningful and skilled work offered by small scale organic and agroecological holdings, as opposed to industrial farm work which is perceived to be monotonous. Aspiring new entrants are motivated to learn about systems which address environmental challenges such as climate change, soil depletion and biodiversity loss, and prefer the friendlier atmosphere of small farms and market gardens, where they can learn a variety of skills.”

The report shows how organic market gardens, many of which are less than 5ha (the threshold below which Basic Farm Payments are not currently available), are able to produce yields of certain crops that exceed those of non-organic growers.

A dramatic increase in the number of small, agroecological market gardens, especially in peri-urban areas, could help reduce the trade gap for fruit and vegetables, the report claims, while providing pleasant and meaningful year-round employment.

Key findings from the report include:

• The small-scale farmers surveyed were performing well against average UK farm incomes: 78% of the sample was receiving no farm subsidies, and subsidies made up less than 20% of the income for 19% of those who were in receipt of support payments.
• Most of the farms were adding value either by direct marketing or processing their produce into cheese, juices or preserves. Veg box schemes, farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture schemes also boosted incomes, and consumer trust was high.
• However, there was a lack of capital to invest in equipment and infrastructure, which affected the efficiency of some holdings. The affordability of land and accommodation, and the lack of technology suitable for small-scale producers were also having an effect.

Author of the study, Rebecca Laughton added, “Until now, little research has been conducted into the productivity and viability of small-scale, agroecological farms in the UK. This study shows that they deserve closer attention by both policy makers and academics as they simultaneously address many of the challenges facing twenty-first century food production, including UK provision of vegetables and fruit, fulfilling employment opportunities, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and food waste, and the re-building of rural communities.”

The full report can be read here.

Short films detailing the report’s findings can be watched here.