Smallholding

A smallholding is a relatively small farm, generally worked by a single family, or a small group.

The size and scope of a smallholding varies depending on location and local regulations, but it typically involves fewer acres than a large, commercial farm.

Smallholdings often focus on diversified agriculture, including raising livestock, growing a variety of crops, and providing services.

They aim to provide a level of self-sufficiency for their owners and contribute to local food systems. Smallholdings differ from subsistence farming by the potential to sell produce, while subsistence farms typically only produce enough food to feed the farm's family.

They are more than a hobby farm, due to their agricultural production, and they can contribute significantly to food diversity and promote sustainable practices.

The owners often live on or adjacent to their plot, contributing to a close relationship with the land. The income from a smallholding can be the primary source of income for the owner-occupier, or it can be a secondary source to supplement other income.

They also contribute to the local economy by selling surplus goods, and by providing food security and contributing to the preservation of heritage breeds and crops.

Smallholding meaning with examples

• After years of working in the city, Sarah and Mark decided to purchase a smallholding in the countryside. They aimed to raise chickens, grow vegetables, and eventually sell their produce at a local farmers market, seeking a more self-sufficient lifestyle, with a lower carbon footprint, and a closer connection to the land.
• The community supported agriculture project encouraged urban dwellers to rent plots of land on a smallholding. They could grow their own food, learn about farming practices, and connect with the land. This initiative helped promote sustainable practices and combat a dependency on industrial agriculture.
• During an economic downturn, many families began investing in a smallholding. This gave them a degree of food security and the ability to supplement their income through selling their crops and livestock. Their investments gave them a sense of autonomy and a reliable source of food.
• The couple’s dream was to purchase a smallholding and restore it, creating a haven for rare breeds of sheep and developing an organic orchard. The property offered them the space to work towards their goals, promoting biodiversity while embracing sustainable farming methods.