Key industry figures share their thoughts on the big issues of 2011.
Peter Kendall
NFU president
"I am going to be working hard to ensure that 2011 brings a series of decisions and developments that reflect the growing importance of farming to the economy.
From the government side, the right decision on the Pesticides Directive and TB control early in the year will send out the right signals. But it's not just government we need to look to.
We need the market to function properly and that needs urgent action from the big players in the chain. It's absolutely critical that the sharp hikes in production costs that livestock and dairy farmers are contending with are reflected by increases in farmgate prices.
And we farmers also need to play our part. The Campaign for the Farmed Environment is the yardstick by which our commitment to 'impacting less' will be measured come 2012, so let's make 2011 the year we all get involved and demonstrate that we don't need burdensome regulation - we can behave responsibly, and collectively, off our own bats. I really believe we are moving forward as an industry; let's make sure 2011 keeps up the momentum."
John Hoskins
Farmer of the Year 2010
"2011 will present producers with a real challenge to generate profitable returns from beef production. Higher input costs such as feed, fertiliser, straw and fuel, together with the added effects of an early winter, will put a severe strain on many businesses.
This set against a background of a reluctance by major buyers to pay a higher end price, the volatility of the currency market and the insatiable demand by the far Eastern countries for basic commodities certainly makes it difficult to plan for the future.
Bovine TB continues to pose huge problems. It is hoped that plans for a controlled cull will be set in motion. Healthy badgers living alongside healthy cattle is the wish of every country-loving farmer in the UK.
The great challenge over the next 12 months will be to increase profitable exports, hopefully leading to a shortening of the home market, theoretically lifting the UK market price. 2011 will not be easy, but committed businesses will no doubt take the necessary action."
Richard Jacobs
Organic Farmers & Growers chief executive
"We entered 2010 facing some very real fears in the organic sector, due to the state of the economy in general. But as we head into 2011, it's very positive to be able to note that the doom and gloom did not overtake us last year and that the New Year sees the majority of organic producers and processors, if not upbeat, then more confident and ready to supply a market for their products that is bouncing back.
The amazing success of the Yeo Valley adverts online and on TV has been a welcome reminder of the strength of organic products and brands and the sector will be building on that with the national, industry and EU-funded OrganicUK advertising campaign in 2011 - something it has never pulled together to do before.
As far as we're concerned organic food is getting back on track after a bumpy time and we can gaze ahead into the New Year with optimism."