EXPERIENCE WITH A SPATIAL MODEL OF THE HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN ENGLAND AND WALES

The first Location Theory was published in the early nineteenth century and, although supported by fairly extensive data, it made a large number of simplifying assumptions. Thereafter the theoretical approach was extended by economists, maintaining most of the assumptions of this earlier work.

During the past fifteen years we have witnessed the widespread adoption on the New Geography, which replaces qualitative appraisals by quantitative analyses. The simultaneous introduction of efficient computing facilities has resulted in applied economists being able to study the spatial aspects of their subject in a more detailed and realistic way. These studies combine the social sciences of geography and economics, and technologies such as agriculture or horticulture.

In this paper it is shown how an economic model has been built, employing the input/output relationships associated with horticultural crops. The method of handling the data for England and Wales is described together with its limitations. Assumptions and limitations of the present model are indicated as it is developed.

Finally a brief outline is given of the formulation of the algorithm, together with the interpretation of the output produced.