There is a significant land-based economy within rural Leicestershire. Despite decreases, the proportion employed within the sector in Leicestershire is greater than the East Midlands and England. The principal employment is in farming but there is also a growing woodland economy sector based around the National Forest to the west of the County.
According to Defra statistics, in June 2008 in Leicestershire and Rutland, there were 6,500 people working as farmers, managers and farm labourers on 4,000 farms covering just under 200,000 hectares of farmed land. The majority of this land is used for growing crops, with wheat and oil seed rape being the most popular crops. A sizeable amount of agricultural land continues to be used for livestock farming, and in 2008 the animal population was 118,500 cattle, 57,000 pigs and 305,000 sheep in Leicestershire and Rutland. The land based sector also includes forestry, fishing, hunting and game propagation. The sector also has close links to other rural sectors such as food and drink, together with equestrian and outdoor recreation.
Funding for land-based businesses
There are a number of funding streams available to land-based businesses in Leicestershire.
- The LRP manage the INSPIRE Leicestershire programme. This replaces the very successful Rural Business Support Programme which ended in March 2009
- The Rural Development Programme for England, 2007-13 is delivered by emda, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
Land-based events in Leicestershire
The Leicestershire County Show is held on the first Bank Holiday in May each year and includes livestock showings, trade exhibitions, and food stalls. The National Forest Wood Fair is a showcase for the woodland economy which is held on the Bank Holiday Monday at the end of August.
Livestock markets
Melton Mowbray Market is an important regional livestock market. The livestock market is held on Tuesdays. The annual Traditional and Native Breeds National Show and Sale is held at Melton Mowbray Market.
For information about land-based sector organisations please see the Oakleaves links page
