Small scale farming: A global perspective

Peter Rosset...

In 1998, the US Department of Agriculture’s National Commission on Small Farms published a landmark report on the importance of small farm agriculture, and the necessity of both preserving small farms and promoting them for the future. Coming from one of the world’s most pro-globalised farming governments, the report, A Time To Act, was extremely significant. Among the many benefits of small farm agriculture, it listed:

 Diversity: small farms embody a diversity of ownership, of cropping systems, of landscapes, of biological organisation, of culture and traditions.

 Environmental Benefits: responsible management of the natural resources of soil, water and wildlife on the 60 per cent of US farms below 180 acres in size produces significant environmental benefits.

 Community Empowerment: decentralised land ownership tends to produce more, and more equitable, opportunities for rural people. Landowners who rely on local people, business and services are likely to be more responsible.

 Personal Connection to Food:...

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