2009: Key industry figures look ahead

What are the big issues facing farmers in 2009? Key industry figures do a bit of crystal-ball gazing to predict the future

DAI DAVIES

President, NFU Cymru

I am determined to do all I can to support efforts by Wales’ rural affairs minister Elin Jones to eradicate bovine TB. I know members fully back the minister’s £27m programme, especially her courageous decision to authorise a limited badger cull.

Another priority will be to persuade Welsh farmers to vaccinate against bluetongue and to press for a watertight ban on livestock importations from countries where the disease is rife.

I also want to ensure that Less Favoured Area (LFA) boundaries are protected and that lowland farmers do not lose out through the redistribution of money under Axis 2.

Farming is all about confidence, and producers need to know that they will get the support they need to stay in business.

ANDREW SHIRLEY

Head of rural research, Knight Frank

The biggest issues facing the farmland market this year are uncertainty over future values and access to credit.

After exceptionally strong growth in the first half of 2008, prices in England peaked at £5100/acre, but are now weakening. Potential buyers are waiting for values to fall and the market has virtually ground to a halt.

Any upturn in grain prices should increase farmer optimism and we could start to see an upturn in activity this spring.

But despite remaining broadly supportive of farming, bank lending criteria has undoubtedly become tighter and this is making it harder to wrap up deals.

Coming up tomorrow… Richard Lochhead, Peter Morris and Nick Oakhill