Allotments could offer farmers diversification opportunity
Allotments can generate extra income from underutilised or surplus land. File picture: iStock
Renting your land as allotments where individuals or groups can carry out gardening has been suggested by Teagasc as a way for farmers to boost their income.
These small parcels of land would typically be used by local residents or gardening enthusiasts for growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs.
According to Teagasc Energy and Rural Development Specialist, Barry Caslin, there are several reasons why allotment rental can be a diversification option for landowners.
It can generate extra income from underutilised or surplus land. Renting out allotments on otherwise unused portions of their land doesn't compromise their primary agricultural operations.
The farmer could add value to the deal by offering workshops, training, or educational sessions on gardening, organic farming, or sustainable practices for allotment holders.
Allotments also foster community engagement. They are a sustainable option, by encouraging self-sufficiency, and supporting environmentally friendly gardening practices, while contributing to production of local fresh produce, promoting healthier food choices, and reducing food miles.
Before implementing allotment rentals, farmers should consider several factors.
They must ensure compliance with local zoning laws, land use regulations, and tenancy agreements.
They must make available water, fencing, parking, and other necessary infrastructure for allotment users, and must develop a plan for managing and maintaining the allotments.
They should conduct market research to determine demand, and understand the needs of potential allotment renters, when setting rental prices.
Clear agreements or contracts with clients are needed, outlining terms, responsibilities, and expectations for both parties, in order to avoid misunderstandings.
It is now government policy in Ireland to identify locations in development plans for allotment development, made available usually by local authorities, to community groups or individuals for cultivation of vegetables and plants.
Community Gardens Ireland (CGI) hosted a National Allotments and Community Gardens Week in 2023 and 2024, for growers in local community gardens, school gardens, orchards or allotments. CGI volunteers work together to progress the need for more allotments and community gardens throughout Ireland.
Several allotment projects have been funded in the past two years by the Community Recognition Fund set up to support development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution by communities in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
Most of the local authorities nationwide provide allotments.
For example, the Cork City Council operates 53 allotment plots at Churchfield and 84 plots at the Ballincollig Regional Park. They are available to any Cork City resident to lease, allocated on a first come, first served basis. The cost of renting is €1 per square metre, and plot sizes vary from 50 to 100 square metres. However, the waiting time for these allotments has typically varied from two to three years.
Allotments are available at several other locations around Co Cork, for example at Bandon, Rathcormac, Douglas, Blarney, and Ballincollig.
