PROPOSAL 16

Support for Micro Agriculture and Small Scale Land Based Enterprises  

The primary layer of the rural economy comprises of micro agriculture and small-scale land based enterprises. It is vitally important and must never be underestimated or left unsupported. The fact that such businesses have small annual turnover figures, are often sole traders or rarely employ more than one or two people is irrelevant, their value lies in the role they play in opposing corporatisation through the creation of an independent and diversified thriving rural economy, in education and training and in social wellbeing.

Support for this sector goes hand in hand with our policy proposal for a low interest loan scheme for farmers aimed at funding the development of rural workshop spaces to provide the necessary infrastructure required for these types of enterprises. However, along with workspace provision, startup funding and planning easements are required especially in relation to market gardens located within designated green buffer zones around villages and other urban areas. A low interest loan scheme is required to help with set up costs and a new planning classification needs to be created for any business which qualifies as a ‘local self-sufficiency contributor’. This would be any enterprise directly involved in the growing of locally consumed fresh produce or value adding to any primary resource for local sale such as creating firewood or charcoal from local woodland management. We therefore propose:

i)A low interest (0.25%) loan scheme for micro agriculture and small-scale land-based enterprises of 1 hectare size or less. A single loan with a maximum value of £25k and maximum repayment period of 15 years to be made available to every business that qualifies as a local self-sufficiency contributor. An option to repay interest only at any point within the first 5 years to be made available.

ii)Local and national planning policy be amended for the creation of a new ‘local self-sufficiency contributor’ classification. Provided the following criteria are met easement should be granted under planning law to locate any such qualifying businesses on rural sites even within green buffer zones:

a)The site is not already taking land currently used for agriculture out of production.

b)All development is of a low impact and temporary nature.

c)A Proven biodiversity gain or beneficial use of a previously non captured woodland resource can be established.

d)Following the initial 5 year start up period the business must demonstrate a net profit equivalent to the wage value of a 20-hour working week for each person employed, calculated according to the present minimum wage rate.