Typology of farms in Central Finland

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the suitability of multivariate analysis for identifying farm typology in central Finland. On the basis of factor analysis, it was possible to interpret four multi‑dimensional factors. The first represented size and wealth, the second traditionalism, the third pensionary and the fourth work away from the farm. The relationship of individual farms to the various factors was indicated by calculating factor scores for each farm. In general, those which obtained high scores with the first two factors were full‑time farms. High scores were obtained with the third and fourth factors mainly by part‑time farms. Finally, an attempt was made, using standard deviation and grouping analysis as a criterion, to classify farms more precisely on the basis of factor scores.