Our advice and support has been most frequently sought on the following subjects.

ALTERNATIVE CROPS
There are a number of different crops that should be considered as alternatives to the more traditional crops.   The restructuring of the CAP and Agenda 2000 have led to the lowering of support and a change in emphasis to some enterprises.   Landowning Initiatives are able to provide advice on the suitability of a number of crops and can provide information on potential markets and support for grants.  
Aspargus
Daffodils
Dried Grass and Lucerne
Horticulture
Industrial Crops and Essential Oils
Lupins
Mushrooms
Organic Farming
Potatoes
Sunflowers
Turf

ALTERNATIVE LIVESTOCK
There is considerable scope for setting up alternative animal enterprises, these can replace existing systems or be run as a complement to them.   Landowning Initiatives can provide information on the suitability and setting up of such enterprises, we are able to advise on a wide range of alternatives, some of which are detailed below.   If there are any further ideas you require assistance feel free to contact us.

Bison
Deer
Llamas and Alpacas
Ostriches
Snail Farming
Wild Boar

BUILDINGS and PROPERTY
Many farms and rural properties have a great deal of potential for development or for earning an income.   With the problems that the agricultural industry is facing at the moment this could be the key to finding an important alternative source of income for many farming families.   There are a number of options that are available to people looking to utilise the buildings that are possibly redundant.   Landowning Initiatives would be glad to provide further information on any of the options mentioned below and any others that you feel are relevant.

Accommodation 
Buildings and Conversions
Farm Shops
Restaurants/café or cream teas
Shared Ownership Schemes
Storage of goods (caravans, boxes or anything else really)

CO-OPERATIVES

EQUESTRIAN ENTERPRISES
Activities involving horses are on the increase and many people feel that this is an area where a reasonable return with minimal outlay is possible.   Landowning Initiatives will be able to advise on a suitable type of enterprise and help identify markets and potential customers and marketing strategies.   Many of these enterprises will complement the present farming situation and some ideas may not need a lot of land or capital outlay.   Landowning Initiatives can provide information on the suitability and setting up of such enterprises, we are able to advise on a wide range of alternatives, some of which are detailed below.

Competition Centres
Livery Provision
Off Road Riding Provision
Stud Provision
Trekking Centres


FRESH AND SALT WATER FISH (production on land)
There are a lot of farms which have access to some sort of water facility, be it natural streams and rivers or artificial irrigation lakes and reservoirs or even ponds which only have amenity value.   For people in this situation it may be possible to develop one or more enterprises using these facilities to generate income.   For farmers who are interested and situated near to the coast then there may be options on fish production for replenishing sea stocks.   Landowning Initiatives will be pleased to offer assistance to those thinking about these options and can help develop new ideas.

Coarse Fishery/Trout Lakes
Crayfish
Fish Breeding
Shell Fish and White Fish


FOOD & DRINK
Consumers are becoming more aware of the safety of their food and in some cases do not trust some of the big food manufacturers. This means that there may be considerable scope for adding value to farm produce at farm level by making the raw materials into the final product that can be sold to retail outlets or consumers directly in the UK world wide.   Landowning Initiatives are able to provide information, make suggestions and help set up proposed food and drink enterprises.

Cider
English and Welsh Wine
Dairy Products
Cheese Products
Meat Products

FORESTRY, TIMBER & WOODLAND
People are very much more aware of the importance of the environment and the role that trees and forestry products have to play in maintaining and enhancing the landscape.   There are now a number of grants available for the planting and maintaining of new woodlands and maintenance of existing woodland and forest.   These grants are available from Europe, Nationally and locally.   Landowning Initiatives will be pleased to offer help and support to farmers to identify grant availability and suggest suitable projects. 

Children's Toys and Household Accessories
Coppicing for Biomass for Production
Forestry
Furniture
Garden Accessories (furniture, mulch and fertiliser)
Timber Production
Woodland


HEAT AND ENERGY
Everyone is well aware of the possibility that non-renewable energy sources are going to run out eventually, this means that the search is on for cheap renewable energy sources.   Farmers and landowners may be able to help provide some of the alternatives, by producing crops that can be used for fuel or by providing land that is suitable for developing energy sites on.   Landowning Initiatives would be pleased to offer assistance in suggesting suitable schemes and helping to get them up and running.

Short Rotation Coppice
Miscanthus
Wind Farming
Oilseed Rape
Heating
Straw

LAKE AND RIVER CONSTRUCTION

LEISURE, SPORT and TOURISM
The public are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of leisure and sport time.   In a time where stress levels are high and many people have a reasonable income, they are turning to different leisure and sporting pursuits to improve health, reduce stress and make more quality time with family and loved ones.   Landowning Initiatives are able to give advice on the types of enterprise that is suitable and discuss the options for marketing and preparing the activities.   

Activity Holidays 
Adventure Games and Paintballing
Archery
Arts, Media and Entertainment Aviation
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Cricket
Golf
Motor Sports
Ricochet
Tennis
Training & Demonstrations
Touring Caravans and Camp Sites
Water Sports