Edexcel IGCSE Geography

Revision Notes

5.3.1 Diversification of Farming

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Farm Diversification

  • Farming in developed countries has changed significantly over the last 200 years:
    • Farms are larger: many small farms have been taken over and combined to create larger farms
    • Mechanisation has increased meaning less labour is needed
    • Fertilisers and pesticides have improved in effectiveness
    • Animals are bred to produce more milk and meat
  • In the UK farming now only creates 1% of the GDP
  • Overall farming is becoming less profitable. This has led to:
    • Diversification
    • Methods of raising productivity and profits
  • There are many different ways of diversifying

Examples of Rural Diversification

Examples of diversification

Recreation and Leisure

  • Many of the ways of diversifying are linked to recreation and leisure
  • People in developed countries have more time and disposable incomeĀ 
  • Visiting rural areas in leisure time for activities is increasingly popular
  • Leisure activities linked to this on farms include:
    • Horse riding
    • Alpaca walking
    • Hunting and shooting
    • Off-roading
    • Mountain biking
  • Farms often provide the accommodation as well with barns and outbuildings converted to holiday cottages and fields used as camping/caravan sites

Increasing Productivity

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

  • Genetic modification involves using genes from one species to improve another species and increase yields:
    • Crops can be made pesticide-resistant so that when pesticides are sprayed to remove the pests the crop is undamaged
    • The vitamin which causes carrots to be orange (beta carotene) is added to rice to increase human uptake of the vitamin
  • Genetic modification is controversial
  • GM crops are grown in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Argentina and India
  • In 2022, the UK government is looking to remove the controls which stop the widespread growth of GM crops
For Against

Increases crop yields

Could affect other species of plant

Improves food quality - taste and nutrition

No long-term studies available regarding the impacts on human health

Reduces the use of herbicides and pesticides in some cases

Seeds are expensive

Reduces the cost of food

No long-term studies on the effects on wildlife such as bees

Specialist crops

  • Farms may choose to specialise in a specialist crop or livestock
  • Specialist livestock and crops increase profits as they sell for higher prices
  • Other livestock farmed in the UK include:
    • Buffalo
    • Ostriches
    • Llamas
    • Alpacas
    • Reindeer
  • Specialist crops may include:
    • Cut flowers
    • Grapes for wine
    • The UK's first tea plantation is in Cornwall

Organic Farming

  • Increasing numbers of farmers are converting to organic methods
  • Demand for organic food is growing due to health and environmental concerns
  • Organic certification means that:
    • Organic livestock are grazed on the land and antibiotics are only used when it is medically necessary
    • Organic crops are grown without the use of artificial pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers
  • Organic farming may be less productive
  • The price farmers receive for organic produce is higher which compensates for the lower yield

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Bridgette

Author: Bridgette

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.