Sustain briefing: Fringe Farming in London

Sustain’s interest in bringing sustainable food production closer to urban communities has been strengthened by the inspiration of many growers in and around London’s urban fringe; but it is time to upscale from being a fringe activity to a mainstream part of the food system. This briefing investigates existing farm productivity in London’s Green Belt land, identifies data gaps, structural barriers, current opportunities and steps that should be taken to allow this vision to take place.

Compiled by Sustain’s Capital Growth team with input from Shared Assets, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and many organisations and individuals working on farms, with farmers or in supply chains, it follows an event held in 2020 which enabled the sharing of experiences and ideas on how to access land to grow food, increase markets for this food and create the skills needed to grow food at scale on London’s urban fringe.

This briefing presents the story so far and identifies gaps in knowledge. We welcome further contributions.