The development of alternative farm enterprises : a study of organisations and farm businesses involved in the process of farm diversification

Abstract

This Thesis examined the process of farm diversification. In particular, it focused on the development of 'on-farm' alternative enterprises (AFEs). These were defined as non-traditional enterprises which involved the recombination of farm business resources, i.e. land, labour, capital and entrepreneurial ability, within as opposed to outside the farm business. Although policy measures for diversification represent only a small part of the overall agri-support system, they represent a major shift in ideologies and policy direction. Consequently, examination of the development of AFEs affords an ideal opportunity to investigate adjustment processes, both on and off the farm, as they are occurring.