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Primary Land-Based Business Study
This review examines the literature on the economic, social and environmental contribution of primary land-based businesses.
It was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise Borders (on behalf of Scottish Enterprise Rural Group, Scottish Estates Business Group, National Farmers Union of Scotland and Scottish Rural Property and Business Association) and forms the first stage in a larger initiative to examine the impact of primary land-based businesses.
The study has its origins in the changing discourse surrounding rural land use. In both agriculture and forestry, the emphasis has shifted away from a narrow focus on production towards ‘multi-functionality’ and the wider benefits that can be derived from land use. Thus, while the production role of the land-based industries is still central, the wider role that these industries can play in delivering ‘public goods’ has become more important. Although many argue that a vibrant land-based sector is essential for the delivery of wider social, economic and environmental objectives, it is increasingly important for land-based industries to be able to provide the evidence to support these claims. This review surveys the evidence that is currently available.