A group in Stroud is working to create a land commons, aiming to buy land and rent it out to local food producers. They use a model called "use-credit obligations" to support small-scale farmers. However, many of these producers are struggling. The income from small farms is decreasing because supermarkets push prices down, while costs, including housing, continue to rise. This double pressure makes it tough for them to afford rent on land.
To tackle this issue, Stroud Land Commons is collaborating with the Open Food Network (OFN). This partnership aims to boost sales for local food producers by providing an online platform where they can showcase and sell their products.
Historically, small farmers often couldn’t sell to large institutions like schools and hospitals. They couldn’t meet the high demand for quantities needed. But there’s a shift happening. Public sectors are now more interested in sourcing locally. This change is driven by the need to make food systems resilient against challenges like pandemics and climate change. Local food also tends to be healthier, adding to its appeal.
In 2023, the OFN launched a pilot project in Wales, which successfully linked small producers in a centralized online hub. This allowed local food sellers to take on contracts with public entities by consolidating their products into one manageable listing. Buyers found this system beneficial, enabling them to easily place orders and receive fresh produce from local sources.
Looking ahead, a new UKRI-funded project will build on this pilot work until 2028. There are plans for Gloucestershire County Council to initiate a similar project using the Stroudco Food Hub, which has been around since 2012. Stroudco primarily sells to the public but paused operations due to the recent cost of living crisis. Yet, it’s prepared to resume as the demand remains strong.
Additionally, The Great Plate, a local organization, currently supplies meals to 8 schools and is expecting to add more. There’s potential for the pilot project to expand if it proves successful.
This initiative has several benefits:
- It can improve nutrition in school meals.
- It supports eco-friendly farming practices.
- It strengthens the resilience of Gloucestershire’s food systems against global uncertainties.
By providing reliable markets for local food, the Stroud Land Commons project can help small producers thrive and contribute to a sustainable food future in the region. For more information on such initiatives, visit the Open Food Network and Stroud Land Commons.
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