BUSINESS + TECH
The Garden of England specifically has a diverse and extremely dynamic rural economy bolstered by multiple influences including a favourable natural environment, agricultural heritage and proximity to both London and mainland Europe. Having undergone significant transformation in recent decades, Kent’ s rural economy has adapted to shifts in agriculture and tourism, as well as wider socio-economic trends with skill, facing and continually overcoming challenges while always seeking opportunities for future sustainable development. Polly Humphris breaks down these components and digs a little deeper …
AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE Underscoring its important role in national food security, UK agriculture supplies around 50 % of the nation’ s food consumption, employing( according to 2023 figures) 462,100 people- 1.4 % of the total UK workforce- and is a key part of the food and drink sector, contributing over £ 127 billion to the economy when taking into account the broader agri-food sector.
Kent has long been held in high esteem for its agricultural prowess, particularly in fruit production, horticulture and arable farming. The county’ s fertile soil, beneficial climate and centuries-old farming traditions have made it a leading producer of apples, pears, cherries, plums, hops, and soft fruits such as strawberries and raspberries – in fact, the county contributes a massive share of the entire nation’ s soft fruit output.
Although these extensive orchards, fruitful hop gardens and lush vineyards that now perform successfully on a global scale have given our bucolic county its distinctive landscape and cultural identity, recent years have seen Kent’ s agricultural sector face multiple challenges, not least labour shortages following Brexit, which affected seasonal worker availability; pricing pressures from large retailers and global market competition; and environmental challenges including the need for more sustainable farming practices and a continued response to climate change. That said, there have also been major opportunities for innovation, such as the growth of vineyards and English wine production, with Kent becoming a leading region for sparkling wines particularly; local farms embracing agri-tourism, offering farm shops, pick-your-own experiences and holiday accommodation; and the development of sustainable farming techniques and participation in environmental stewardship schemes that reward farmers for managing land in ways that protect biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.
RURAL BUSINESSES & EMPLOYMENT Beyond agriculture, Kent’ s rural economy is supported by a wide range of small and medium-sized enterprises( SMEs) across a variety of sectors including rural services like garages and local shops; craft industries encompassing artisan food producers, breweries, distilleries and craft workshops; and hospitality and tourism with bed and breakfasts, pubs, cafes and rural attractions going from strength to strength, particularly in line with the growing popularity of staycations.
Covid’ s aftermath teamed with the rapid evolution of digital technology has also ensured a rise in both remote workforces and knowledgebased businesses operating from rural locations – business hubs and co-working spaces are popping up readily amongst Kent’ s glorious countryside, allowing SMEs to thrive without the need to be based in a town or city. The challenges to be overcome here generally relate to infrastructure in terms of reliable high-speed broadband and mobile coverage, as well as fast and regular transport links to connect rural communities to markets, services and wider economic networks.
TOURISM With all manner of beautiful places and attractions scattered across the county including the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty( AONB), which covers around 25 % of Kent; historic sites such as Leeds Castle, Chartwell House and Canterbury Cathedral; and of course, our quintessential coastal towns that appeal to both local staycationers and international visitors, tourism is a major contributor to Kent’ s rural economy. The county’ s natural beauty, historic sites and cultural heritage attract millions of visitors each year, which in turn supports local employment, sustains village economies and helps preserve cultural traditions.
The challenge here is to balance the growth of tourism with the need to protect precious landscapes and avoid the negative impacts of over-tourism, such as congestion on the roads and the deterioration of the natural environment through resource depletion, ecosystem destruction, habitat loss and pollution.
HOUSING, PLANNING & RURAL DEVELOPMENT Across rural Kent specifically( as with most of the UK, sadly), the availability of affordable housing remains a pressing issue. Rising property prices, driven in part by demand from DFLs( Down from Londons) seeking a rural lifestyle within commuting distance of the capital, have made it difficult for local people- especially Gen Zs- to afford first homes in their own communities.
Although this has potential to increase population ageing and the subsequent decline of rural services, planning policy will be crucial in shaping rural development for generations to come. Balancing the need for new housing, employment opportunities and infrastructure with the protection of Kent’ s countryside and heritage is an ongoing challenge for local authorities, but innovative approaches such as communityled housing projects, rural exception sites for affordable homes and sustainable rural design will help address and hopefully undo such pressures while keeping the inimitable character of rural Kent intact.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY Farming, tourism and rural businesses all depend on the health of the natural environment, so environmental sustainability and Kent’ s rural economy are
www. insidekent. co. uk • 181