How the land lies
Article Abstract:
The agricultural sector in the UK received subsidies that amounted to some three billion pounds sterling in 1994. The bulk of the subsidies came through the European Union's Common Agricultural Program, which paid out an estimated 2.6 billion pounds to British farmers in 1994 alone. The era of high-subsidy farming, however, may soon be coming to an end with the passage of GATT. The free-trade pact which was adopted in 1994 requires European countries to reduce farm spending by 20% while also lowering tariff barriers that protect farmers from cheaper agricultural products from the developing world. While few expect European governments to do away with subsidies altogether, most observers agree that the GATT era raises pressures on farmers to become more competitive. In the UK, this has led farmers to diversify and expand into niche markets where they can compete effectively, even at lower subsidy rates.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1995
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By any other name
Article Abstract:
UK manufacturers are earning tremendous profits from the willingness of consumers to purchase high-priced goods despite the availability of cheaper alternatives. One example is in the area of publishing. A hardback novel which costs about 1.70 pounds sterling to produce is sold at 16.99 pounds. Publishers justify this practice by saying that most hardbacks are actually loss leaders whose main purpose is to attract reviews. Cosmetics manufacturers are also getting away with significant markups given that most products contain the same ingredients. Blind tests showed that subjects using anti-ageing creams thought that they were using regular moisturizers. Moreover, about 38% of subjects using cheaper moisturizers believed that their skin improved compared to only 21% using premium products.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1998
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Time to crop subsidies?
Article Abstract:
Issues discussed concern the international aspects of agricultural protection, focusing on proponents for free trade and proponents for agricultural subsidies. Topics addressed include the economic aspects of the farming industry in Europe and the impact of inexpensive food production on farmer livelihood.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 2000
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