The Land-based Economy of Kent

This study was commissioned by Kent County Council in 2002 to provide a better understanding of the scale and importance of farming, forestry and allied sectors to the County’s economy, rural communities and environment.

This was the first county-based study in England to address the key themes raised in Defra’s Strategy for Sustainable and Farming and Food, particularly the integration of agricultural and horticultural production with wider supply chains (such as the food processing and packing sectors); the relationship between farming and rural tourism and recreation; and the skills and training needs of the land-based sector. The study drew on evidence from a variety of sources including Defra’s agricultural census, the population census, the Annual Business Interest survey, Imperial College’s Farm Business Survey, data on planning applications and decisions and market intelligence gained during the study.

The study remains an exemplar of an integrated and evidenced-based approach to assessing the significance and policy needs of the land-based industries at a county scale.