In the heart of Belgium’s Coeur de Condroz region, a quiet revolution is taking root. Small- and medium-scale market gardening farms, often overlooked in the broader agricultural landscape, are proving that viability is not a one-size-fits-all concept. This is the focus of a recent study led by Benjamin Heine from the Plant Ecology, Eco-physiology, and Sustainable Agriculture unit at UCLouvain, published in the journal *Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems* (which translates to *Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems* in English).
The study, which delves into the viability of these farms, challenges conventional wisdom by introducing a nuanced approach to assessing farm performance. Heine and his team developed a set of five indicators—land productivity, labor productivity, gross added value, estimated profit, and a risk index—to paint a comprehensive picture of farm viability. “We realized that financial indicators alone don’t capture the full story,” Heine explains. “Farmers have their own perceptions of viability, often incorporating quality of life and other socio-economic factors.”
The research reveals a diverse landscape among the 17 farms studied. Some farms thrive, achieving viability through innovative strategies, while others rely on off-farm income to make ends meet. The study identifies three distinct farm profiles: one composed of less performant farms and two of viable farms with different strategies. Key drivers of viability include greenhouse surface area, crop diversity, and the number of years since establishment. Interestingly, farms that integrate complementary on-farm activities show lower risk but also lower productivity per hectare.
This research has significant implications for the agricultural sector, particularly for market gardening. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to viability assessment, one that considers both financial and socio-economic dimensions. “Our findings suggest that market gardening can be viable through diverse strategies, even with limited public financial support,” Heine notes. This could open doors for new funding models and policy initiatives that better support small- and medium-scale farms.
The study also offers practical recommendations for future research, highlighting the potential of applying this methodology to cross-regional longitudinal studies. It calls for further investigation into the relationship between perceived and measured viability, a gap that could yield valuable insights for both farmers and policymakers.
As the agricultural sector grapples with the challenges of sustainability and food security, this research provides a timely reminder that viability is multifaceted. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the people, their strategies, and their unique approaches to farming. By redefining viability assessment methods and engaging directly with farmers, Heine’s study offers a roadmap for a more sustainable and resilient food system.