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Evaluate and acquire a smallholding

URN: LANCSH2
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 31 Jan 2022

Overview

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Smallholdings in the UK are generally regarded as having a land area of less than 50 acres (20 hectares). Common uses of smallholdings are mixed crops, livestock and woodland management.

Once you have decided on your chosen smallholding activity, you will need to find appropriate premises. Certain crops and animals require or flourish in specif-ic locations, and on particular soils, so it is important to match the location and the activity, if the venture is to be successful.

What choosing a smallholding involves:

  • Establishing the size and quality of land required
  • Consideration of the geographical location, climate, altitude, aspect, ac-cessibility and proximity to potential markets
  • Consideration of the buildings required by the total venture – including the working and living accommodation (where this is required)
  • Consideration of financial constraints, depending on the extent to which the venture is to support the purchase and maintenance of the property.

This standard is for anyone looking to acquire a smallholding.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. decide on your requirements for establishing a smallholding
  2. evaluate existing land or research suitable properties and opportunities 
  3. investigate possible properties for any issues with their location, such as flooding, access, availability of utilities and amenities, condition and the cost of any repairs or improvements
  4. investigate if any changes will be required to existing properties to accom-modate your activities, and the cost, legal requirements and permissions needed
  5. determine the market demand for any products or services, the location of outlets/markets, and how you will supply your customers 
  6. find out the seasonal population variations that might affect your business
  7. check if there are any restrictions on the use of the land or property
  8. determine the labour requirements to run the smallholding, if you will need to employ someone and the implications of this
  9. work out how much it will cost to get the venture started and operating
  10. investigate opportunities for grants, subsidies or other forms of funding or assistance 
  11. seek specialist advice where required

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. where to find out about the availability of smallholdings for sale or lease
  2. the suitability and condition of the access, both to and around the property 
  3. the need for any special boundaries/hedges/fences and the cost implications of establishing and maintaining these
  4. the condition of buildings and the cost implications of maintenance and re-pair
  5. the cost, legal implications and permissions needed for any changes to the existing smallholding, and the requirements for local authority planning per-mission
  6. the availability of public utilities and mains services, including broadband, the implications of this, and the opportunities for renewable energy production
  7. the availability of a water supply and where is it from – municipal, private or shared, and how water is  supplied to where you need it, which could be in fields or barns
  8. the availability of schools, shops, doctors, other services or social provision in the area
  9. the availability of business suppliers (feed, seeds, fertiliser, vets, repairs) in the area
  10. the importance of identifying or establishing a market for any products or services and what competition there is
  11. that any food production process, tourist-type accommodation or educational enterprise will need to meet Local Authority standards
  12. how your product could be transported to your customers and the cost of distribution
  13. the implications of any public footpaths/Rights of Way, Wayleaves, Mineral Rights, sporting rights, agricultural ties or any covenants over the land
  14. any other restrictions on the use of the land or property e.g. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), listed buildings status, tree protection orders or Environmentally Sensitive Area(s) (ESAS)
  15. how common grazing land works and what expenses you would be respon-sible for if this is available
  16. the labour required to run the smallholding and the implications of employing staff 
  17. the legal and other business obligations
  18. how to work out the cost of getting the venture started and operating and what needs to be included in the calculations
  19. where to find information on grants, subsidies or other forms of funding or assistance that might be available
  20. where to obtain professional advice and guidance and what type of advice is available

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Business obligations including:

  • Holding registration, environmental requirements, waste regulations, opera-tors’ licences
  • Defra regulations 
  • Keeping animals involves registration, traceability, medicines records, movement and transport records
  • Animal health and welfare regulations (including transport of livestock)
  • Health and Safety regulations, Fire Regulations, hygiene regulations, public health regulations
  • Public Health regulations for visitors to your property
  • Trading standards, sale of goods 
  • Company returns, VAT and other financial records
  • Insurances
  • Requirements for training and certification
  • Any food-production process, tourist-type accommodation or educational enter-prise will need to meet local authority standards

Information and advice could be obtained from e.g.

  • Breed organisations, local associations, The National Farmers' Retail & Mar-kets Association (FARMA), livestock market organisations
  • Local horticultural trade associations
  • National Farmers’ Union Scotland (NFUS), Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), Tenant Farmers’ Association, Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), NatureScot, land agents
  • National Farmers Union (NFU), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tenant Farmers’ Association, Country Land & Business Association, HCC-Hybu Cig Cymru, AHDB, DEFRA, EBLEX, Farming Connect etc.
  • Agricultural Shows, Farmer’s markets, local livestock markets, local agricul-tural suppliers, agricultural press and websites (use with care and make sure information given applies in the UK), community websites
  • Internet discussion groups and social media (with caution)
  • Local Wildlife Trust, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), Barn Owl Trust, RSPB etc 
  • Biofuel, windfarms, Soil Association, Organic farmers and Growers etc.
  • Banks, Business Gateway, Business support helpline on the gov.uk website, Defra, Scottish Government Rural Inspectorate and Payments Directorate (SGRIPD), Princes Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise (HIE)

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANCSH2

Relevant Occupations

Smallholder

SOC Code

5111

Keywords

business; smallholding