On the 11th October 19 farmers, researchers, and local and general administration came together in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, to discuss the statute of “family farming”. This statute was created in Portugal in 2019 to benefit small farmers that are often not contemplated or eligible to other forms of support. The meeting focused the admission requirements, that were subject to change that same day. Talking from personal experience, the farmers reflected on their decisions to adhere or not to the statute, commenting on how the requirements fitted or missed their reality, being that some do not fit within the established criteria. It was also noted that the new changes to the statute may further reduce eligible small farmers.
New entrants to farming often start on small farms, and well adapted policies that benefit family farming are bound to support their establishment. Dialogue between the potential beneficiaries and policy makers is needed to understand how to best serve the wide array of family farmers.
