Report - Section 5.2.3

5.2.3   Fodder and crops for the equestrian market

Equines are vegetarian grazing animals using a wide range of crops. They support production of:

• Grassland especially in areas where the terrain produces poor quality forage (downland, heathland, traditional meadow grassland);
• Straw from wheat, oats, barley and now rape;
• Alfalfa;
• Hemp and miscanthus;
• Herbs (nettles, echinacea, willow herb);
• Substandard crops (carrots, apples);
• Hay and haylage; and
• Linseed.

Government grants are available for diversifying into certain alternative crops such as miscanthus and hemp. Obtaining the high gains that may be potentially offered through such schemes, requires the identification of a secure market, the establishment of supply chain links and investment in appropriate processing plant. The equine industry is an important outlet in this respect and local production is already established in East Sussex and could be developed. Most of these initiatives are compatible with other rural industries eg coppicing and could be encouraged under other Leaderplus themes.