Farming Editor

Small-holdings of 10 acres or less can provide viable and highly sustainable livelihoods – and could prove the way forward for survival in an ever-increasing world population.

The viability of very small farms was the key finding of a major piece of groundbreaking research from Dr Larch Maxey, an academic at the University of Plymouth, who worked on examples of small-holdings in Dorset and Somerset.

Dr Maxey said he believed the research could play a significant part in the transition to a more sustainable society, increasing local food production and boosting the rural economy in both developed and developing countries.

Small-holdings in the South West of England – including ones near Taunton, Bruton, and South Petherton in Somerset, and at Dorchester – were among those where accounts were examined, owners interviewed and working practices monitored.

Dr Maxey, the Research Fellow at the University who led the year-long study, said: "These farms' success turns upside down the established understanding that only large farms are viable.

"The fact that these businesses can succeed on tiny pockets of marginal land flies in the face of the perceived wisdom on farm viability. A wide range of enterprises are based on these small farms, from the traditional market-gardening of fruits and vegetables, to more innovative ventures such as champagne cider."

He continued: "Adding value is a key element of success, for example, with producers also processing and marketing food. Enterprises are increasingly spreading risk too – so if one crop or market fails, others are available. And they are developing synergies, such as using waste from one product to support another."

Dr Maxey said he hoped the report – "Small is Successful: Creating sustainable livelihoods on 10 acres or less" – would also inform the current process of developing a National Planning Policy Framework for England.

He added: "Our research shows the value of policies which allow highly sustainable, low-acreage livelihoods to flourish within the National Planning Policy Framework – and sets out recommendations to achieve this. This benefits sustainable small-holders, as it replaces the risk of being overlooked with policies which specifically acknowledge and support them."

He said that other significant findings from the research included evidence that small-scale livelihoods could increase the productivity of marginal land, and the range of enterprises capable of supporting low acreage livelihoods was diverse and growing.

"Livelihoods often mix and match different enterprise options," he added. "Mental attitude and approach are the strongest determinants of success."

But Dr Maxey stressed that high property prices and the constraints of the planning system were the greatest barriers to growth in the small-holding sector.