Abstract

Illegal diversification strategies in farming contexts are neglected in research terms. There are endogenous
and exogenous factors that influence the potential strategic capability and activity of illegal entrepreneurs
and criminal farmers. Internal factors include the personal characteristics of the farmer
equalities and skills. External factors, outside the control of the individual illegal entrepreneur, include
the activities and processes undertaken by them, the characteristics of the illegal enterprise, government
policies, markets and environmental factors. Using a documentary research methodology of 210 case
studies, located on the internet, from across the UK (where farmers had been charged with criminal
offences relating to their occupation), the article contributes to the literature on farm diversification and
rural crime.