While there have been a substantial number of case studies of part time farming, diversification and pluriactivity, these have tended to focus on particular localities or have assessed the situation at a particular time. They are also difficult to compare due to differences in definitions and the complexity of the processes involved. This paper examines data from the June Census and from the European Farm Structures survey in order to examine the available evidence on the changing pattern at both the national and the regional levels. The June Census provides information on the numbers of part time farmers, partners and directors and on the numbers of 'other' holdings. These latter represent a group of holdings which cannot be classified into the other categories and typically include a range of diversified activities. The Farm Structures Survey provides additional evidence on the Other Gainful Activities of holders and other family workers. While neither of these sources provides an unambiguous indicator, taken together and looked at through time, they provide an insight into the changes taking place. The evidence indicates that the trend towards part time farming is not always matched by an increase in OGAs. There is also evidence of a substantial decline in the numbers of spouses working on farms. What is clear is that diversification in agriculture is a complex process. This raises questions about the reliance that is currently being placed on diversification as a route out of the problems of low incomes in agriculture. (Context) This paper arises from a 2-year project funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food jointly undertaken between the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology at Monks Wood. The project is due to be completed by the end of March. References on the topic may be found in McNally, S. (1999) A Review of the literature on 'Part-time farming'. Rural Economics Number 1. Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge.

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