MODELING LOCATIONAL ACCESS TO MARKETS FOR PLURIACTIVITY - A STUDY IN THE GRAMPIAN REGION OF SCOTLAND

This paper investigates the role of location in determining the presen ce of on- and off-farm pluriactivity. Gravity models are developed to define degrees of access to markets from farm locations, and farm hous ehold survey data from the Grampian Region of Scotland are used to tes t the ability of the models to explain the observed location of pluria ctivity. Proximity to markets is shown to be an important factor for b oth tourist and non-tourist on-farm diversification, and is reflected in the location of farms with on-farm non-agricultural activities. How ever, there is no evidence of a relationship between access to labour market opportunities and the presence of off-farm employment at the su b-regional scale. Personal preferences concerning work location and ho usehold responsibilities may be more important in determining the pres ence of off-farm work than proximity to labour market opportunities. P ossible refinements to the technique and policy implications are discu ssed.