FARMERS must plan for the future and grasp an appetite for change in order to protect and grow the industry.
FARMERS must plan for the future and grasp an appetite for change in order to protect and grow the industry.
That is the view of experts, speaking after the results of a Future Farms Poll which was hosted by Agricultural law specialists Wilkin Chapman were released.
More than 200 farmers took part in the poll which was conducted at Cereals, the Lincolnshire Show and the Driffield Show.
Results showed that 41 percent said agricultural policy was their main priority, 26 percent said succession, 20 percent identified farm diversification with the remaining 13 percent citing environmental and disease.
Partner and Head of Agriculture at Wilkin Chapman, Catherine Harris said: “This year there are many issues of real importance within the farming community. It is so important for our firm to fully understand the future challenges and opportunities for our clients. One of the overriding discussions I have had with many farmers and landowners during the show season has been about future proofing their business. Our poll results clearly echo those discussions”
Speaking after hearing the poll results, NFU’s county adviser for Holland (Lincolnshire), Danny O’Shea added, “The Wilkin Chapman Future Farms Poll has shone a spotlight on the key issues that farmers and their families are currently concerned about.
“It is important that farm businesses are in a fit state to meet the challenges of the future – our exit from the EU will provide a different set of challenges for farming and horticulture so farming families must make sure that their business structures are secure and future-proof.”
As the NFU legal panel members for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, Wilkin Chapman will use the information gathered from the poll to assist their agriculture clients. Catherine Harris continued, “It is important for families to plan now to protect their businesses and grow the next generation of farmers and our expert agricultural law team are working with clients to do just that.”
