FUW survey reveals farmers confidence remains high

Most Welsh farmers remain confident about their industry despite the credit crunch, a Farmers’ Union of Wales survey has revealed.

The survey, carried out on the FUW stand at the recent Royal Welsh Winter Fair, asked 100 farmers for their views on a range of topics.

And 52.7% of those surveyed declared they were "confident" or "very confident" about the current state of the Welsh farming industry. Of the remaining participants 38.7% stated they were "not confident" and 8.6% were unsure.

Surprisingly, age had a marginally significant effect on confidence levels with those in the 50-64 age range being more confident in the industry than any other age group.

The survey disclosed Bluetongue (BTV) and bovine TB were perceived as major risks to farmers’’ businesses with 59.1% fearing BTV and 39.8% TB.

However, 79.1% of respondents admitted they had not yet vaccinated against BTV with the majority of them (70.8%) stating they would do so in the spring.

The survey also revealed 71.7% had not diversified their business in the last 10 years. Of the 28.3% who had, the majority (34.6%) of projects were related to property rental and/or tourism and direct selling of farm products.

There was a similar response to a question about on-farm investments when 73.6% replied they had no plans for a major investment in the next five years and 26.4% stating they had plans.

There was a mixed response to a question about training with 51.6% stating they would not be undertaking training this year and the remainder equally divided between planning to do some or being unsure.

The survey also reflected the sharp reduction in dairy farming in Wales with only 6.5% of participants revealing dairy as their sole enterprise. The vast majority were involved with beef and/or sheep and dairy enterprises.

Farm types ranged from 39.6% hill, 24.2% upland and 20% lowland. The remaining participants (16.2%) were combinations of two or more farm types.

Just over half the respondents (51.1%) currently participate in at least one agri-environmental scheme or management agreement with the majority of them (53.2%) involved in Tir Gofal.

Commenting on the survey results, FUW president Gareth Vaughan said he was heartened to learn that there remained a large amount of confidence within the industry even though it has survived difficult times in the past and faced many future challenges.

"These challenges will include the impact the credit crunch will have on farmers’ cash flow and borrowing and whether the banks honour their obligation to pass on the huge sums injected by the government into the financial markets.

"As a union we are committed to ensuring all available funding is equally distributed for the needs of both upland and lowland farmers and the current financial crisis must not be used as an excuse to ignore our industry."

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