County Farms and the Rural Economy

Agriculture remains a prominent industry in Norfolk, employing over 20% of the county's workforce either directly or through an allied industry. The county farms estate reflects the diversity of different farming systems that can be found throughout Norfolk. A number of farm businesses have also successfully diversified to supplement their agricultural income with other income streams. Business activities within county farms therefore include:

• Intensive arable farms growing wheat, barley, peas, sugar beet, and potatoes

• Livestock farms rearing cattle, sheep, pigs, and rare breeds

• Specialist organic and conventional salad and vegetable growers

• Distillation of essential oils

• Flower, shrub, and seed growers

• Equestrian businesses

• Pheasant rearing

• Farm shops

• Tourism related activities.

Many of the estate's farms are in remote areas, and provide local employment opportunities as well as playing an important role in maintaining rural communities. On average, 3.6 jobs per farm are sustained either directly or indirectly. Part-time farmers and their partners provide a valuable pool of local labour in the rural economy, supporting other enterprises and businesses.

The current management policy of the farms estate in Norfolk is under review.