Small-Scale Farming

Heifer works with resource-poor farming families who manage small plots of land. Small farms ensure the resilience and diversity of food systems in communities around the world, and small-scale farmers are critical to long-term stewardship of the Earth. We assist in making integrated small farms more sustainable in three primary ways.

First, Heifer supports collaboration between small-scale farmers and other key players in the food system. This collaboration could include anything from adding value to their products and marketing to developing leadership skills or organizing to change food or farm policy.

Second, Heifer encourages environmentally sound, diverse production systems that include practices such as soil and water conservation interventions, zero or intensive grazing and pesticide-free production.

Finally, Heifer promotes strategies to improve the financial viability of small farms. Community marketing efforts such as farmers markets, cooperative purchasing or marketing, farm-to-school endeavors and on-farm sales are a key strategy. Other components such as record keeping, enterprise analysis and business planning are supported with critical education and training.