The case for small farms

The CPRE are the latest contributors to the debate on farm policy post Brexit and they make the case for the benefits of small farms: Uncertain harvest

The report highlights the declining number of smaller farms. It argues that farm size diversity is a crucial consideration as we move towards Brexit. 'It could help deliver the many public benefits that we need farming to provide and that public funding – and the market where possible – should foster and reward.'

There is a case to be considered here. Big farms generally get a poor press, although many of them make substantial efforts on environmental protection. Moreover, they are potentially more internationally competitive, not that that has ever been a big concern for the CAP.