ARIANE BURGESS: Why small-scale food producers are vital for our communities
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Holyrood Diary by Ariane Burgess
The windswept landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland have long been shaped by the hands of farmers and crofters. Generations have worked the rugged soil, coaxing life from the land to nourish communities and fuel local economies.
However, the future of this agricultural heritage hangs in the balance, threatened by rising costs, limited support, and an uneven playing field.
Many people in Caithness and Sutherland share a desire for fresh, local produce. They understand the benefits of food security, environmental sustainability, and supporting neighbouring farmers and crofters.
Yet, reality paints a different picture. Local vegetables and fruits are scarce in supermarkets or community shops, often replaced by cheaper, imported options. This leaves consumers yearning for a connection to their food, and growers struggling to stay afloat.
Jo Hunt, from Knockfarrel Produce, embodies this struggle. His family-run croft in the Highlands feeds 220 families, employs four people, and trains future farmers. Their carbon-negative practices showcase responsible and regenerative agriculture at its finest. Yet, Jo echoes the concerns of many when he says they are “being squeezed out of production as a result of the current 'greedflation' crisis, whilst getting almost no farm subsidy for the public benefits we deliver.”
This is not just Jo's story. Half the Scottish agricultural budget goes to just 10 per cent of farms – the largest and most profitable ones – leaving Scotland’s approximately 40,000 small-scale growers like Jo struggling to compete.
Food producers working on under three hectares are excluded from crucial income support, placing them at a significant disadvantage.
To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by small-scale producers, I spoke with Jo on my podcast, Regenerative Scotland, slated for release tomorrow. We discussed the unique challenges faced by smaller crofts and market gardens.
Additionally, I spoke with Dr Tara Wight from the Landworkers Alliance and Simon Kenton-Lake from Nourish Scotland about the broader policy landscape and the changes needed to make support for all our food producers fair and ensure good, locally grown food is more affordable and accessible.
This is crucial, not just for our health but for the well-being of our rural communities.
The shift towards mechanisation, while improving efficiency, has come at a human cost. For many farmers and crofters, the traditional community spirit that sustained generations is fading. Long hours spent operating machinery in solitude replace the collaborative effort of many hands, leading to a growing sense of isolation.
This isolation, coupled with the financial pressures Jo described, can have a significant impact on mental health, adding another layer to the challenges faced by our rural communities.
However, there is hope. I am leading discussions with the Scottish Government to ensure the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill empowers local food heroes like Jo through inclusive measures.
Firstly, I’m championing removing the unfair three-hectare barrier. This change would ensure all growers, regardless of size, have access to the vital support they deserve.
Secondly, I'm advocating for a dedicated market garden scheme that provides income support and funding for infrastructure like polytunnels, glasshouses, and processing equipment. This investment would empower small-scale growers to expand, become more efficient, and reach wider markets.
Thirdly, I'm proposing a degree-level course in horticulture (the fruit and veg variety) and business skills. Equipping the next generation with the knowledge and experience needed for modern agriculture will ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of our local food system.
By implementing these changes, we can unlock the potential of Caithness and Sutherland's agricultural heritage. We can create green jobs, boost rural economies, and strengthen food security. Moreover, we can contribute to a Good Food Nation by ensuring access to healthy, local produce for everyone.
This is not just about supporting individual growers; it's about supporting our communities, our environment, and our future. The future of our food and the well-being of our rural communities go hand in hand.
- Ariane Burgess is a Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
