The biggest-ever poll of farmers’ views on agricultural subsidy is underway on FWi.

Along with partner publications across four continents, Farmers Weekly has launched a global poll, which will seek views from about 1m farmers in developed countries.

FWi users are strongly encouraged to take part and vote in what is being seen as a unique opportunity to present farming’s view on such a crucial worldwide issue.

A forum has been set up so users can join the debate.

The timing could not be better to launch the poll, as Europe prepares for another round of CAP reform and the US Congress reviews the country’s Farm Bill.

US farmers are also encouraged to take part, through Successful Farming magazine’s website.

Their views are likely to differ from those of farmers just across the border in Canada, whose opinions will be sought through some of the country’s leading farming publications, such as Country Guide.

Contrast this with views from Australia and New Zealand, where farmers produce for a world trade with no subsidy at all.

Readers of New Zealand Farmers Weekly and Australia’s leading rural publication, The Weekly Times, will be encouraged to put forward their views.

Meanwhile, Farmer’s Weekly in South Africa will encourage its farming readers to take part, offering views from a continent where much is at stake from global decisions on subsidy and world trade.

To take part, simply follow the link and vote on one of the four options you feel is the best purpose for agricultural subsidies.

Keep an eye out for the results, which Farmers Weekly will draw together at the end of January, along with opinions from leading policy-makers.