We’ve recently been approached by organic grower Rebecca Laughton of the Landworkers’ Alliance to see whether any of our host members would be willing to take part in a survey she is undertaking; the details are below. We would also like to know whether this is the kind of information you want to receive in your enewsletter. You can leave a comment below or email us using info@wwoof.org.uk.
How productive is your holding? A Matter of Scale is a survey of the productivity of small-farms (20ha, or 50 acres, and under) being carried out by the Landworkers’ Alliance in conjunction with Coventry University, until April 12th. A link to the online questionnaire can be found here www.survey.bris.ac.uk/coventry/amatterofscale/.
Research in developing countries shows an inverse relationship between productivity and scale, yet nobody seems to have carried out any research into the productivity of smallholdings in the UK. While we all know that small farms are about so much more than pure productivity, when arguing that they have a role to play in the future food security of the UK, the amount of food (and other goods) they can produce is clearly a factor. This lack of data limits the ability of the Landworkers’ Alliance to campaign effectively for better support for this sector from DEFRA. All those who submit the questionnaire will be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 voucher for a short break with Organic Farm Holidays www.organicholidays.co.uk.
In the next phase of the research we plan to conduct interviews at some of the highest yielding holdings/market gardens to find out how they manage to be so productive. Finally, we will hold a skill sharing event at which those who submit the questionnaire will be invited to share their tips and observations for increasing productivity in enterprise themed workshops. If you only wish to take part in the survey, however, then your contribution will still be very welcome.
