Arable plight unrecognised
Arable plight unrecognised
THE plight of arable farmers is being overlooked as the government focuses more attention on the environment and rural development, according to the Home-Grown Cereals Authority.
"There seems to be a belief in government circles that arable farming is doing OK," HGCA chairman Tony Pike told industry leaders at the Annual Pre-Harvest Lunch in London on Wednesday (July 18).
But HGCA modelling suggests an average cereal and oilseed grower with 100ha (250 acres) will achieve a return of just £540 for the year after all costs. In 1995 the same model showed a return of £33,700. "Clearly this is not sustainable," Mr Pike stressed.
The shift in EU emphasis towards environmental management rather than production, probably through increased modulation, posed specific threats to the arable sector, he said.
If EU countries apply change at differing rates, then what is already an unlevel playing field will become steeper. "UK farmers could find themselves not only playing up hill, but into the sun and against the wind."
Secondly, modulation may divert money away from the arable sector, which would have adverse environmental repercussions. "Arable farmers have a key role, if not the key role, to play in countryside management and this must not be overlooked."
More schemes would also mean more red tape and bureaucracy, with less money getting to the farm where it can do most good, he added. *