Research on the conditions and future of family farms in Britain lays bare the drastic changes they have faced over the past three decades. During this period, their number has declined by half, and many smaller farms have been consolidated into expanding larger holdings.
The study was commissioned by the Prince's Countryside Fund and led by rural policy specialist Professor Michael Winter from the University of Exeter. It has been flagged up by Sustain member the Campaign for Real Farming.
It found that Britain’s family farms continue to face the ‘agricultural treadmill’ – meaning ever larger volumes of outputs are needed just to ‘stand still in net income terms’. They face a crisis of 'succession', with older family members unable to step back and hand over to younger family members.
In addition, the Common Agricultural Policy's Basic Payment Scheme contributes over 100% of farm business income on most small mixed farms, highlighting how vulnerable they could be to a significant reduction, or loss, of this payment, post Brexit.
The report includes recommendations for actions that could help support some of Britain's most vulnerable rural food producers.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
