Farms, Small Farms That Is

Small Farms Worldwide

Of 525 million farms worldwide, roughly 85 percent are less than 5 acres. The overwhelming majority of these small farms--about 87 percent--are located in Asia. Africa is home to 8 percent.

Small farms in the U.S.

Small farms and ranches are an important sector of U.S. agriculture. A 2003 study by USDA's Economic Research Service shows that small-scale enterprises make up 91 percent of all farms and ranches in the United States, hold 70 percent of total farm and ranchland, and produce 27 percent of our food and fiber. -USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

Eighty-six percent of America’s fruits and vegetables are grown in metro regions in the path of development—and every hour, we're losing 125 acres of farm and ranch land.  -American Farmland Trust

RESOURCES

Small Farm Center, University of California 

Small Farms @ USDA

Small Farms Program, Cornell University