Community Models for Farm Ownership
The Community Supported Agriculture Network UK has contributed to a report on Community Models for Farm Ownership in collaboration with Stir to Action, Shared Assets and The Ecological Land Co-op.
We’ve worked together to carefully examine the strengths and weaknesses of current models, and to begin outlining possible alternatives.
This process started with a focused look at family farm succession — how farmers retire and consider selling their land. This is vital to protecting agricultural land and to opening up opportunities for community-led, democratic ownership.
Our report offers practical recommendations that will be helpful to those interested in, or involved in, financing and supporting agroecological farming, especially through community and democratic ownership models.
We’ve also provided useful guidance for organisations aiming to secure farmland through community buyouts, as well as for Community Land Trusts (CLTs) looking to acquire land for food production or housing.
Throughout our work, we explore the role of Land Trusts — both formal and informal — and their potential to sustainably expand the amount of farmland held under democratic ownership in England, ensuring long-term stewardship.
Our work is divided into four key areas, each explained in greater detail in a separate Briefing Paper, which you can access through the links below.
The briefing papers on Collective Enterprise and on Community Buyouts were written by the CSA Network UK.