Unwanted and unloved
Article Abstract:
It is clear that the UK agricultural sector is facing significant challenges. However, these are not as serious as the crises experienced in the sector in the past. The current crisis is the result of the convergence of several quite short-term negative trends. The crisis has not had an equal impact across the whole of agriculture, and farming is now playing a declining role in the rural economy. Nevertheless, the crisis is very real for the farmers who have been worst affected. These are principally those who have not diversified outside farming and who depend wholly on agriculture and its related industries.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Why should taxpayers prop up our inefficient farmers?
Article Abstract:
It is now time to recognize that the UK's farmers will never have an incentive to seek more efficient, less costly methods of production if their income is guaranteed by the state. The country's large-scale farmers are extremely efficient and thus potentially very competitive. However, they will not be able to maximize their advantage unless the pace of farming reform accelerates. It must be acknowledged that government subsidies eliminate incentives to be efficient, rather than boosting competitiveness.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1999
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Subsidise and be damned - farmers are a special case
Article Abstract:
The current structure of subsidies to farmers is not effective, but farmers should continue to receive subsidies. This is because there can be no replacement for family-scale farming as the foundation of a rural economy. Farming plays a vital role in preserving characteristic landscapes in western Europe, and removing subsidies to farming would simply encourage the creation of vast farms, bringing with them the destruction of hedgerows and villages.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1999
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