Can a rural renaissance be a reality?

Abstract

This article explores the factors contributing to and consequences of rural depopulation. The important economic and non-economic contribution of the agricultural sector to rural communities is discussed. It is argued that the role of agriculture is often underappreciated and misrepresented in public discourse, in particular in the climate change debate, leading to a ‘recognition gap’ which is damaging to the reputation of the sector, especially among potential new entrants. Farmers need to be positioned to avail themselves of the opportunities presented by the green economy and the transition to a low-carbon food system. This transition will be costly in terms of direct, indirect and opportunity costs, which will be mostly borne by farmers. Policy will need to be targeted to address these costs, support farmers in this transition and position rural communities to prosper in the coming generations.