The decline of agriculture on the Tasman Peninsula, 1970-1990

This thesis examines the development of the economy on the Tasman Peninsula. It argues that there have been at least five distinct historical economies. These include the aboriginal economy, the convict period, free settlement, mixed farming and modern agribusiness. Each of these five economies has drawn upon the resources of the area, the skills of the people and available technology to sustain a way of life. In the period of European settlement, the progression of economic development has generally been from relative self sufficiency to a dependent economy strongly controlled by outside influences. Detailed examination of major enterprises that form part of current agricultural practices on the Peninsula illustrate this trend. Local orcharding, dairying and poultry industries have all declined rapidly in recent years as primary production has become dominated by agribusinesses. The detail of the loss of local autonomy varies between enterprises but the overall theme is consistent. It is shown that a higher degree of local economic self sufficiency might be attained by careful resurrection of some past practices. This is not to advocate a return to the past, but to suggest that a future sustainable local economy can best be secured by striking a balance between the old and the new.