I wonder what sort of policies, if any, the Greater Manchester councils have regarding access to smaller farm tenancies aimed at younger people who want to stay in the sector or at newcomers who want to enter farming? Over here in Cheshire East there is precious little, and the exodus by many younger people raised in farming communities is huge - people who could perhaps have been the progressive farmers of the future. It would make total sense to turn over some farmland to smaller holdings (and allotments, yes).
Intensely allotment-person of me to ask, and they generally run at a loss anyway, but worth a look. Given how long the waiting lists supposedly are, might be something to float - turning some farmland into them. If not, then less productive land like golf courses might do well, too...
It doesn't include allotments - the data comes from surveying farmers. I'm with you - the wisdom of giving lots of precious urban land to golf has always seemed questionable to me...
Years ago, BBC Manchester spoke to someone from Salford council. As at the time Salford was 20 percent farm land, they were thinking of starting a scheme of growing fruit and vegetables locally, to be used in Salford schools and hospitals. I think the land was owned by Peel holdings. Anyway it never happened.
I wonder what sort of policies, if any, the Greater Manchester councils have regarding access to smaller farm tenancies aimed at younger people who want to stay in the sector or at newcomers who want to enter farming? Over here in Cheshire East there is precious little, and the exodus by many younger people raised in farming communities is huge - people who could perhaps have been the progressive farmers of the future. It would make total sense to turn over some farmland to smaller holdings (and allotments, yes).
Does the land set aside for farming include allotments, or not? Just an idle question that crossed my mind!
Ooh good question. I'll pass that one to Daniel. I think it probably doesn't...
Intensely allotment-person of me to ask, and they generally run at a loss anyway, but worth a look. Given how long the waiting lists supposedly are, might be something to float - turning some farmland into them. If not, then less productive land like golf courses might do well, too...
It doesn't include allotments - the data comes from surveying farmers. I'm with you - the wisdom of giving lots of precious urban land to golf has always seemed questionable to me...
Thanks, Daniel - makes sense to me. Workers of the world unite, we have nothing to lose but vast tracks of empty space given over to a tiny few...
Years ago, BBC Manchester spoke to someone from Salford council. As at the time Salford was 20 percent farm land, they were thinking of starting a scheme of growing fruit and vegetables locally, to be used in Salford schools and hospitals. I think the land was owned by Peel holdings. Anyway it never happened.