Farming has turned the corner – Brown

4 July 2000



Farming has turned the corner – Brown

By FWi staff

AGRICULTURE minister Nick Brown believes prospects for British farmers are finally looking more hopeful, according to the Financial Times.

Talking at the Royal Show, Mr Brown said there were some encouraging indicators following two years of crisis, reports the paper.

The paper reports he said there were some signals that give grounds for optimism. He added: “I do think we have turned the corner.”

The view was echoed by the National Farmers Union, which, says the FT, is “not normally prone to over-confidence”.

Ian Gardiner, NFU deputy director-general, said he was convinced that British agriculture had touched its lowest level and could only recover.

Analysts are reported as saying that those who remain in the industry are younger, determined to succeed, and often more free of debt.

The FT says they have learned to build efficiency through joint schemes with fellow farmers, reducing costs by sharing machinery, equipment and know-how.

• Financial Times, page 5