Two-thirds of farmers diversify

06 May 1999

Two-thirds of farmers diversify

NEARLY two-thirds of farmers have diversified into non-agricultural business areas to cope with falling incomes, according to the National Farmers Union.

Some 62% have gone into a broad range of non-farming occupations including landscaping, farm shops, bed-and-breakfast tourism and ice-cream making.

The figure stood at 50% five years go.

• Financial Times 06/05/99 page 10 (News Digest)