Farm Diversification in Ireland: Evidence from County Wicklow

Authors

  • C. E. Kelly Coventry University
  • B.W. Ilbery Coventry University
  • D.A. Gillmor Trinity College. Dublin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.1992.567

Abstract

Farm diversification is one of a number of strategies available to farmers as they learn to adjust to a period of rapid change in the agricultural industry. This paper examines the growth of farm diversification in one part of Ireland, describes the characteristics of the farms and farmers involved, outlines the main reasons behind the adoption of 'alternative enterprises', and highlights some of the problems involved in their development. Results indicate that farm diversification is biased towards younger, well-educated farmers who have larger than average farm sizes and extensive livestock/arable enterprises. Income benefits and personal interest are the dominant reasons given for the introduction and expansion of alternative enterprises; location and family labour are the least important factors. A new rural development initiative for Ireland, which provides grant aid lor alternative enterprises and agri-tourism, offers a promising future and enormous scope for research on farm diversification.

Author Biographies

C. E. Kelly, Coventry University

Department (if Geography

B.W. Ilbery, Coventry University

Department of Geography,

D.A. Gillmor, Trinity College. Dublin

Department of Geography.

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Published

2016-07-31

How to Cite

Kelly, C. E., Ilbery, B., & Gillmor, D. (2016). Farm Diversification in Ireland: Evidence from County Wicklow. Irish Geography, 25(1), 23–32. https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.1992.567

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (1992): Issue 1

Section

Articles

URN

http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:irg:ie:0000-igj.v25i1.5674

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