Allotments can boost farmers' income and promote 'the good life'

12.00.00am GMT Mon 21st Dec 2009

The European Commission is being called upon to support the conversion of farmland to allotments, which can boost the income of farmers, bring health benefits to consumers and protect the environment.

One farm in Cornwall claims to have increased its income on eight acres of land from £700 to around £12,000 per year, without major investment. Allotments also reduce the carbon footprint of food which can travel hundreds of miles before being consumed.

Local MEP Graham Watson has asked the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Affairs to investigate the possibility of EU support for allotments and the funding of conversion costs for farmers.

He said;

"The demand for allotments is growing because individuals want greater control over the food they eat and can save £950 per year on food bills.

"On average, there are 30 applicants for every plot in the UK. If farmers take advantage of this they can provide a much needed boost to their income.

"I want the EU to dangle the carrot farmers need to use their land in this way."