A Middleton Walk Around: Non-Traditional Farming - Middleton Advisors
by Liz Seyi Digital marketing managerKeyword - off
market property ,property advisors london
With Mr Clarkson becoming the unlikely poster boy
for UK Agriculture, his ability to create mass engagement and understanding has
been widely welcomed. Whilst he has implemented some diversification (despite
the locals) much of his profit still comes from traditional farming operations.
Contrary to this, there has been a demand to
modernise established non-traditional farming processes, which have now become
the forefront of sustainable agriculture. Spanning back centuries, these
methods have faced ebbs and flows of traction but are now being readopted by
farmers that are refocused on the environment, ecology, and long-term land management.
But, like any industrial period, when methods become ‘vogue’, practices can be
rushed, concepts misunderstood and careful planning can be overlooked,
resulting in potentially harmful effects. So, it is imperative those looking to
invest must seek professional advice before beginning the process.
As part of our Walk Around series, our farming and
land expert, Will Langmead discusses these non-traditional farming methods and
their potential.
Viticulture
Despite Viticulture arriving in the UK with the
Romans, the U.K.’s ability to create top-quality wine has only recently seen a
real surge in viability and success. With our south-facing soils for sparkling
wines and the general effects of global warming, the UK is becoming a serious
contender for wine production across the globe.
Drawbacks
- Unsurprisingly,
there are plenty of boxes to tick when it comes to viticulture.
Historically, only certain soil types have been ideal for wine, although
the improvement in rootstocks is enabling a wider variety of land to
produce exceptional quality.
- A
lot of knowledge and expertise goes into a successful vineyard and with
the recent movements in immigration, it has become harder to hire highly
skilled workers who have previously worked in European vineyards and have
gained extensive experience.
Benefits
- Previously,
wine enthusiasts have turned their noses up to English wine. However, UK
sparkling wine is soaring, and its popularity is showing no sign of
decline. Langham Wine Estates recently won the International Wine &
Spirit Competition Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year, a huge leap
forward and proof that the UK is no longer being overlooked.
- The
warming climate is obviously creating better conditions for growing but
also reducing the potential for frost damage.
- With
the right marketing and knowledge, viticulture can become a very
profitable and successful business venture.
- Not
only does it add value to your land but, viticulture creates real
diversification.
Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative farming is a term used to describe
practices that strive to improve the farm’s ecosystem by improving
biodiversity, ecology, and soil structure alongside the production of food or
fibre. The process of doing this could include reducing the use of pesticides
or chemical fertilizers. Predictions show that the push towards a healthier
planet will lie less with those reducing their meat consumption but instead
with consumers who attempt to source all their food products from as close as
possible.
Drawbacks
- If
the aim is to source all produce locally, then inevitably seasonality will
become more relevant and so the variety of food would become more
restricted.
- From
a consumer perspective, regenerative agriculture brings the potential for
higher costs for food, which if not differentiated, could deter potential
customers.
- Though
it increases the farm’s productivity in the long run, these results can’t
be seen overnight and require complete buy-in from multiple generations.
Benefits
- One
of regenerative agriculture’s core concepts is improving the soil’s
health. There are many benefits to this with reduced erosion and increased
fertility to highlight a couple.
- Reduces
carbon footprint significantly. By reducing the passes of machinery and
aiming to increase biodiversity there should be less carbon used and more
ability to sequester it through the year.
- By
improving soil health, the need for harsh chemicals and pesticides can be
reduced. Furthermore, regenerative agriculture urges the integration of
livestock, which can act as both a fertiliser and pesticide, reducing
carbon emissions even more.
Rewilding
Rewilding is a conservation strategy that leaves
the land to its natural processes and reintroduces animals, plants and insects
that had previously been driven out. This could be to increase biodiversity,
carbon capture or even water management. All of these aren’t mutually exclusive
and can be interwoven with appropriate planning and objective revaluation.
Drawbacks
- There
is the potential for large swathes of land to be contributed to rewilding
schemes without due care or careful planning. Greater understanding is
required along with active management to support the natural ecosystem.
- In a
similar vein, misuse of rewilding can alienate communities and harm
existing biodiversity.
- Just
‘closing the gates’ on monoculture will not actively increase wildlife and
biodiversity long term. A closed gate will enviably cause a spike in
biodiversity but is unlikely to be a long-term solution.
Benefits
- If
done properly, rewilding can restore ecosystems and improve the yields on
commercial food production.
- Reduces
leaching of manmade agrichemicals thus preserving linked ecosystems.
- Large
potential for carbon sequestration.
Forestry
Dating back to the beginning of the 20th
century, around 90% of all Britain’s timber and forest products were imported
(according to Conservation Handbook),This
proved hugely problematic when the First World War erupted as enemy action
prevented imports from international sources. To combat this, the Forestry
Commission dedicated large acreages of land to forest growth. Post WW2,
however, food production was at a low rate and there was a resounding demand
for Britain to become a self-sufficient nation for all fruit and veg
production. The government encouraged landowners to rip up their woodland to
replace it with arable land to feed the country. In more recent years, various
farmers have shifted their concerns towards helping the environment and in
doing so, afforestation has seen a revival.
Drawbacks
- By
swapping arable land for woodlands, farmers could face reduced profits.
Reports show that this method of farming tends to appeal to
philanthropists whose main goal is less monetarily driven, but more
motivated by greener living.
- Service
requirement for employment associated with forestry is dramatically
reduced in comparison to traditional farming.
Benefits
- Alongside
the environmental benefits woodland can often create the opportunity for
diversification. This could be in the form of open access or even a
well-thought-through wellness retreat.
- Forests
are important for the wildlife’s habitat as it protects various plant,
animal and insect species populated there. This not only has a positive
impact on biodiversity but also reduces carbon emissions considerably.
For any farming and land management questions,
click hereto speak to Will directly.
For more information visit our website: https://middletonadvisors.com/
Sponsor Ads
Created on May 17th 2023 23:58. Viewed 105 times.