Why small producers are so important

About 90 percent of the world’s 570 million farms are run by families. Most of them are small and are found in the rural areas of the developing world. (Source: fao.org)
Considering these facts we realize that the general food market is driven by smallholder farmers. With the continuous increase of the world population and more mouths to feed we are facing a big challenge.
Are our current methods of growing food going to be sustainable in the next 30 years?
Will the small scale farm model survive or it will be swept away by big farms?
Here are a few concepts to take into consideration when deciding whether to buy from a small-scale or large farm.

Biodiversity

The disappearance of plants and animals in the last decade has increased dramatically. It is now estimated that we are losing 27,000 species every year, and that estimation continues to grow (Source: Slow Food).

The current intensive agriculture system used by big farms, based on monocultures and the use of chemicals and additives is contributing to this phenomenon.

A new model for agriculture

Intensive agriculture has lead to the loss of soil fertility, soil erosion, and desertification.
Is this a model to feed the world population?
Even more important, is it sustainable?

We need a type of agriculture focused on regenerating the soil. Some small farmers follow an old-new model of cultivation. Old, because traditional methods and knowledge are respected and utilized. And new, because modern technology and techniques are not being left out of the equation.

Re-population and farming jobs

The UN predicts that by 2050 as much as 68% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas. European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal are experiencing a real rural exodus. People, especially the youth, are leaving the countryside to seek opportunities in increasingly crowded and polluted cities.
Villages are left behind, with the older generations left to fend for themselves. Countryside repopulation will be Europe’s next big challenge.

It’s important for younger generations to have the opportunity to start a small farm business.
It is imperative that politicians take responsibility for developing prolific business environments so people will be able to set up small companies. It will then be possible to return life to our forgotten villages.