Farm Diversification

Farms on the rural-urban fringe have 'branched out' from growing crops and tending to animals, to include offering shopping facilities and restaurants. Branching out from farming in to leisure and retailing is known as 'diversification'. This is Box Trees Farm on the southern edge of Solihull and is an excellent example of agricultural diversification.

 

The top left image shows the sign for Box Trees Farm - shopping courtyard. This is an excellent example of farm diversification. The farm can make more money by providing shopping facilities that the population living on the rural-urban fringe can access easily because of the improved road network.

Top right - the old farm buildings have become shops and restaurants.

 

Bottom right - there is still some evidence of farming going on beyond the 'courtyard shopping'.

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