Sustain member the Land Workers' Alliance (LWA) is a producer-led group that campaigns for the rights of smallholders. This year, it has conducted a survey of its members.
The results are still being analysed, but early indications are encouraging. Many of the horticultural holdings performed well, with average yields of some crops, such as salad leaves and French beans, significantly higher than standard organic and non-organic yields.
There was great diversity in the economic viability of the holdings, but a number were performing well enough to provide a modest but sufficient livelihood for small-scale farmers.
Importantly, small farmers were providing significantly higher employment (both self-employed and casual/longer-term paid employment), with an average of 0.72 full-time labour units per hectare. (According to Eurostat, the average level in the UK is 0.017 labour units per ha.)
The full findings will be presented at this year's LWA Skill Share Day, which takes place at Monkton Wyld Court, West Dorset, on Monday 10 October. There will also be an opportunity to watch the short films made about 10 of the most productive smallholdings, plus visits to local farms on Tuesday 11 October.
To find out more or book a place, email info@monktonwyldcourt.org.
Read more about Sustain's work for a greener, fairer food system here.
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.
