New group to represent country’s smallholders

A new member-led organisation has been launched that promises to be the official voice for smallholders across Scotland.

Smallholding Scotland has been set up by a dedicated group of micro-scale farmers, in support and representation for those who own or rent units of land not exceeding 30 hectares.

The not-for-profit organisation intends to lobby the Scottish Government on key issues such as sustainability, access to funding and the development of routes to local food.

It also aims to develop community networks to share resources, provide information, guidance and training to grow the sustainability, cooperation and entrepreneurialism that already thrives within the smallholding community.

Rosemary Champion, co-chairwoman of the Smallholding Scotland management committee, said: “While there are organisations that represent large farm owners and crofters, up until now there has been no formal organisation that does the same for smallholders.

“Through Smallholding Scotland, we are dedicated to representing, promoting and supporting smallholding across Scotland.”

She said the organisation will seek to make a positive difference to smallholders and the communities in which they are embedded.

“Established and run by smallholders, we will actively engage with relevant government bodies, related agencies, businesses and other stakeholders to disseminate best practice in relation to sustainable land stewardship to prospective, new and existing smallholders.

“Our mission is to shape, promote and safeguard the rights of smallholders and underpin the wider culture of smallholding across Scotland through information, education and influencing local and national policy on rural, agricultural, environmental and other related matters,” Ms Champion said.