How do (or can) local farmers make it work?
Date
2011-10-17
Authors
Tunnicliffe, Robin
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Abstract
Small, locally-marketing farms are garnering more attention with regard to their ability
to supply their regions with food. Their economic viability is called into question
because if they cannot sustain themselves financially, they cannot be relied upon as an
alternative food system. This paper looks at economic viability and ask the question
“how are farmers making it work?” Data is based on a 25 interviews with farmers on the
Saanich Peninsula, British Columbia, Canada. The decision to continue running a farm
year to year is complex. The answer to valuing these farms may come by looking at the
productivity of the farms, their many services to the environment and to their
communities, rather than just the financial picture. Farmers are finding ways to retain
more of the value of their productivity from transactions with customers. Navigating the
regulatory environment remains a challenge. The paper concludes with policy
recommendations.
Description
Keywords
small farms, Saanich Peninsula, B.C., farming