Farmers advised to assess business enterprises

Perthshire farmers have been told to scrutinise every business enterprise and assess its chances of survival without subsidy support.

The advice came at an industy breakfast briefing held by land agents Strutt & Parker.

The firm’s Perth-based farm business consultant Stephen Whiteford said on-farm appraisals should take place to identify opportunities for alternative or additional income streams.

He urged farmers to take advantage of the relative certainty offered by the pledge of continued support until 2020.

He added: “Unfortunately there are more questions than answers at the moment both in terms of future subsidy policy and future trading policy post-Brexit.

“Brexit will undoubtedly offer opportunities to the industry and arguably there is now an opportunity to have a more direct influence on how future agri-policy is formed.”

Strutt & Parker partner Mary Munro told delegates there was no point in dwelling on what they can’t control.

She added: “Clearly the trade deals negotiated post-Brexit will be key; they will have a huge impact on business. The question of support is high on the agenda. However, farmers in New Zealand lost their subsidies almost overnight and they have coped. It is about being prepared and taking advantage of any opportunity that can be identified.”

Mary Munro.