The survey will investigate the diversity of rural businesses and create a "snapshot" of agricultural production.

Mornington Peninsula Shire has employed a rural business officer to conduct the survey, which has been circulated to rural landholders throughout the region.

It comes after fierce criticism of the shire, and particularly mayor David Gibb, a third-generation Red Hill cattle farmer who insisted small land holdings could be profitable.

At a fiery meeting at Mornington racecourse earlier this month, landholders in the green wedge zone protested against shire planning decisions that would not allow new housing on properties in the wedge without associated agricultural enterprise.

The laws are designed to protect the agricultural potential of the green wedge zone and discourage hobby farmers and "lifestyle" rural properties.

Landholders told the shire it was impossible to carry out profitable enterprises on many blocks in the green wedge, particularly small holdings.

Rural business officer Gillian Stewart said the survey would be used to compile a report on the quantity and value of production in various rural industries.

It would also look at "key networks that support research and development, capacity building, marketing and strategic funding opportunities" and identify existing markets for peninsula produce. "The project will help us gain a better insight into the scale and diversity of agricultural production in the shire, and help identify pathways for supporting industry growth," she said.

Details: Gillian Stewart on 59501833.