The uncertainty over controversial proposals to reform the Europe Union's agricultural regime, which could prove a particular blow to dairy farmers, will put a dampener on the UK farmland market.Savills warned of a hit to turnover in the land market, and to a less extent prices, from European Commission proposals to shake-up the Common Agricultural Policy from 2014, through measures such as limiting subsidies on largest farms, and those which dedicate less than 7% of land to environmental schemes.The plans, which would also punish arable farmers growing less than three crops, have been provoked considerable criticism, notably in the UK, where the National Farmers Union termed them a "dog's breakfast"."It is hard to say whether it is the requirement to grow three crops, the permanent pasture ploughing embargo, or the plan to force farmers to take 7% of their land out of production which is the biggest nonsense," Peter Kendall, the NFU president, said last week....MORE
Previously:
