Entrepreneurship in New Zealand Farming: A Study of Alternative Enterprises on Farms
Summary of findings and policy implications
MAF Policy Technical Paper 97/7a
By: Nick Taylor (Taylor Baines and Associates) and
Heather McCrostie Little (Ruris Consultancy)
ISSN 1171-4662
ISBN 0-478-07465-4
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate, the Ministry of Agriculture does not accept any responsibility or liability for error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion which may be present, nor for the consequences of any decision based on this information.
Reprinting of material from this report is welcomed (except for commercial use or on advertising or promotional material), provided proper acknowledgement is made to the source.
Comments on the contents of this paper, including errors of fact, omission and interpretation, would be appreciated and should be directed to:
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture
PO Box 2526
Wellington
Telephone (04) 894 0100
Facsimile (04) 474 4163
Requests for further copies should be directed to:
Manager
MAF Information Bureau
PO Box 2526
Wellington
Telephone (04) 894 0100
Facsimile (04) 894 0720
Foreword
This report summarises the findings of the final stage in a major research project which has documented the sources of income of farm families. Surveys of farmers undertaken by MAF staff for various purposes identified that the farm business operation was not the only economic activity pursued by farmers. It was also apparent that some of the other activities farm families engage in were a significant source of income. Little information was available about these activities, how they fitted into the farm business structure and how important they were to the farm family and local community.
To obtain this information MAF commissioned the following research: David Rhodes and Philip Journeaux Off-farm Income Survey: 1992/93 Financial Year MAF Policy Technical Paper 95/6; C N Taylor and H McC Little Means of Survival? A Study of Off Farm Employment Taylor Baines and Associates; and, Nicholas Taylor, Heather McCrostie Little and Wayne McClintock Entrepreneurship in New Zealand Farming: A Study of Farms with Alternative Enterprises MAF Policy Technical Paper 97/7. The latter report — an in-depth analysis of non-agricultural enterprises carried out on farm — is the subject of this summary paper.
Dr Ann Pomeroy
Manager Rural Affairs
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture (Rural Affairs and Social Science Policy) to provide information on the range of economic activities carried out on farms, the characteristics of such farms, and the implications of this diversity for farming and rural communities. Maria Fairburn helped with the field studies, and Dr Ann Pomeroy has provided advice and comments. MAF Policy Agents and staff from Agriculture New Zealand Ltd took part in the final workshops.
Erik Norder of Taylor Baines and Associates assisted with data, graphics and preparation of this publication. Final desktop publishing was undertaken by Karen Thompson, MAF Policy, Wellington.
Most importantly, we note with gratitude the input of 60 farm families who have made the study possible. We believe this research will provide policy makers and the farming community with insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, extensive skills and diverse activities of New Zealand farmers.
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