A new report from the Scottish Farm Land Trust examines the critical issue of land availability, looking at the demand for farmland, the barriers to entering the sector, and how a land trust could contribute to a positive future for farming in Scotland.
Sustain observer member Nourish Scotland argues that agroecological farming is a good use of land. It could help address rural depopulation, as well as delivering wide-ranging environmental and social benefits. Nevertheless, aspiring agroecological farmers in Scotland face huge obstacles and expense in finding land to farm and establishing their businesses.
Nourish has been working with the newly established Scottish Farm Land Trust to explore this issue. Their new report is based on a survey which received more than 1,200 responses from potential food producers, of whom 92% said that organic/agroecological methods were a priority for them, and 71% said access to land was a significant barrier to pursuing a career in farming. Read the report here.
The Sustain alliance campaigns for greener, healthier and fairer food systems for everyone. Find out more about our activities and support us here.
Published Thursday 12 October 2017
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.
