Brian W. Ilbery

Farm diversification as an adjustment strategy on the urban fringe of the West Midlands

Abstract Agricultural systems in capitalist economies are being restructured and farmers are adjusting to change in different ways. Farm diversification is one farm adjustment strategy, supported by government policy. The term is conceptualized and geographical dimensions hypothesized, before its development on the urban fringe of the West Midlands is discussed. Diversification is a fairly recent phenomenon; it is concentrated within 5 km of Birmingham and Coventry and dominated by direct marketing and farm-based recreation. The need to generate extra income is the main reason for its introduction on the larger and predominantly beef/sheep farms in the area. Both ‘survivors’ and ‘accumulators’ are turning to diversification, which is still perceived as a source of pin money only and constrained by a set of resistance factors. Farm diversification is unlikely to solve the problem of agricultural surpluses. Suggested areas for future research are listed.

A conceptual framework for investigating farm-based accommodation and tourism in Britain

Abstract Farm-based accommodation is emerging as an important phenomenon in the restructuring of agricultural businesses. However, the reasons for its recent development remain largely unexplored. This paper outlines a conceptual framework for the examination of farm-based accommodation. Using ideas from the developing political economy approach to capitalist agricultural systems, external and internal farm environments and their interaction are identified. Each is discussed and related specifically to farm-based accommodation. It is argued that adequate research and analysis can be undertaken only when the many complex facets influencing the establishment and operation of farm accommodation ventures are clearly identified within a logical framework.

Farm-based accommodation and the restructuring of agriculture: evidence from three English counties.

Abstract Little is known about farm-based accommodation as a purposive restructuring strategy amongst family farm businesses. This paper presents the findings of a survey of 212 farm businesses operating accommodation ventures in three English counties (Dorset, Lincolnshire and Staffordshire). A previously devised conceptual framework, located within a broad political economy approach to capitalist agriculture, is employed to logically present empirical findings. The primary focus is upon the internal farm business environment. Characteristics of family businesses are highlighted to illustrate ways in which accommodation is used as an adjustment strategy. Financial reasons are found to represent the main driving force behind the initiation of accommodation enterprises in all areas. This appears to be part of an ‘accumulation strategy’ on larger farms, but a ‘survival strategy’ on smaller farms. The way in which the internal environment of family farm businesses interacts with agents in the external environment is then explored. Outside organisations are found to be increasing their involvement with accommodation, adding another dimension to the penetration of agriculture by private and public capitals. Currently, this operates at a low level, although further specific examination of the external environment is required.

Farm diversification and the restructuring of agriculture.

The intensive farming that has been a feature of western agriculture since the Second World War has led to increased productivity but also to overproduction and a consequent fall in prices. Government-imposed constraints to regulate production have had only limited success and farm incomes, in real terms, have fallen. To retrieve the situation, increasing numbers of farmers have diversified their interests into activities periperhal to the main stream of agriculture.

Factors affecting the structure of horticulture in the Vale of Evesham, U.K.: a behavioural interpretation

Abstract Horticulture in the Vale of Evesham is examined in relation to a set of grower and structural characteristics. Adopting a behavioural perspective, the relative importance of decision-making factors is assessed. Whilst physical factors dominate the ranking, socio-personal factors came first and third, with experience and such personal values as independence and doing the work you like influencing the decision behaviour of the horticulturists. The average ranking of economic factors reflects the problems facing the industry today. The importance of satisfaction is demonstrated and attention is drawn to the role of ‘opportunity cost’ and ‘social inertia’ in preventing a more rapid rate of decline.

Rural industrialization, ‘quality’ and service: some findings from South Warwickshire and North Devon

Studies of UK rural industrialization have traditionally sought to explain the success of rural SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) in terms of their capacity for innovative or enterprising behaviour. In turn, this has led researchers to focus their attention on the material aspects of competitive behaviour, particularly those connected to technology and technological exploitation, at the expense of more intangible aspects such as the advantages gained from novel working practices and marketing strategies. In particular, the notion of ‘quality’ as a determinant of competitive behaviour, an idea gaining increased emphasis within literature concerning rural SMEs in the food, farming and craft sectors, has been neglected in wider studies of rural industrialization. However, this paper contends that both ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ constructions of quality are significant factors in the success of manufacturers outside these specific sectors.

A behavioural analysis of hop farming in Hereford and Worcestershire

Abstract Behavioural studies in agricultural geography are comparatively rare, and this paper demonstrates the importance of the satisficer concept of economic behaviour when examining patterns of hop production in the West Midlands. The main farm and farmer characteristics of the hop growers are outlined before attention is focused on the relative importance of physical, economic and socio-personal factors in the decision-making process. Whilst economic factors dominate the ranking, socio-personal factors have a significant effect on the hop growers decision-behaviour. Opportunity cost and social inertia are forwarded as important concepts in accounting for patterns of hop farming and a multivariate analysis emphasized the complexity and individuality surrounding farmers decision-making behaviour. Differences in attitudes and behaviour are shown to be related to variations in the hop farmers personality and rationality and to differences in their age, education, experience and traditions.

Horticultural Decline in the Vale of Evesham, U.K., 1950–1980

Abstract There has been little geographical research on the spatial decline of particular agricultural enterprises. This paper traces the regression of horticulture in the Vale of Evesham since 1950 and shows how spatially the decline has been from the periphery inwards, leaving a distinct ‘core’ of production to the east of Evesham. Reasons for the demise of horticulture, both internal and external to the Vale, are outlined and it is demonstrated how the present plight of this part of the Avon Valley is the result of a complex interplay of economic, social, institutional and physical factors.

Harvey's principles reapplied: a case study of the declining West Midland hop industry

Abstract Patterns of hop production in the U.K. have received scant attention in the geographical literature and little attempt has been made to apply the theoretical principles developed by Harvey to a declining rather than expanding industry. Trends in the U.K. hop industry are outlined before attention is focused on spatial changes in hop production in the West Midlands. The role of distance as a locational factor is examined and shown to be of continuing importance as the industry becomes increasingly concentrated around the core parish of Castle Frome. Physical factors, vital in defining the initial core area, have reinserted their importance as the hop industry has declined spatially and temporally. It is demonstrated how Harveys economic principles are of limited value when attempting to explain patterns of decline, and the paper concludes by emphasizing the complexity of the situation and the need to examine the decision-making processes of the hop growers themselves.

Decision-making in agriculture: A case study of north-east Oxfordshire

Ilbery B. W. (1979) Decision-making in agriculture: a case study of north-east Oxfordshire, Reg. Studies 13, 199–210. Despite continued interest in agricultural geography, there is still a tendency in the literature to concentrate on the importance of physical and economic factors in accounting for spatial variations in land-use patterns. Few studies have looked, in detail, at the multiplicity of factors which affect a farmers choice of enterprise types, and little is known about the importance of the socio-personal circumstances of farmers as a factor in the decision-making process. After a brief introduction is given to the study area and theoretical developments in agricultural decision-making, the major ‘farm’ and ‘farmer’ types in north-east Oxfordshire are established, analysed and finally classified through principal components and cluster analysis. The importance of a number of decision-making factors are measured on a graduated scale and results clearly show the importance of socio-personal fact...