A farmer’s market
UK agriculture has found itself
in an increasingly volatile state
over the last two years. This has
brought opportunities as well
as challenges.
A growing world population
continues to drive up demand
for food. This combined with
increased demand for crops to be
grown for biofuels and poor
harvests triggered a massive
increase in the wheat price in HUGH MAXFIELD
2007. The result was renewed
FISHER GERMAN
interest in farm land as an
investment and land prices soared, increasing by 47 percent in
the 12 months to June 2008 to reach an average of over £5,000
per acre. This came at a time when the wider economy was
beginning to suffer and the contrast with poorly performing
residential and commercial property began to look very stark.
Land prices eased back slightly towards the end of 2008 but
demand remains strong. However, smaller farms and small (
holdings have in some cases reduced in price quite significantly
where in reality most of the value lies with the house and this
can provide an opportunity to those looking to get a foot on the
agricultural property ladder.
There’s more interest now than ever before in what we eat,
where it comes from and how it is produced and this is
changing UK agriculture. For instance, The “Hugh
Fearnley-Whittingstall
effect” has massively
increased demand for
“There’s probably
free-range egg and
a new perspective
poultry production,
more optimism for
despite the recession. It
has been predicted that
the long term future
on colour
two billion free-range
Océ can help you to:
eggs will be sold in
of UK agriculture • Lower your printing costs
2009 with Sainsbury’s • Obtain the most value from
following Marks &
than for many years”
your investments
Spencer and Waitrose
• Track and control your
colour usage
in ceasing to stock
• Improve your workflow
battery eggs. Large poultry producers are changing their
and productivity
practices and smaller producers are keen to tap into this
• Enhance efficiency
enthusiasm.
For further information
Reduction in fossil fuel availability and the push to reduce
contact Yusuf Ukaye
green house gases is likely to see a steady growth in new uses telephone: 07885 297666
for crops. This might be for biofuel production, though that
email: yusuf.ukaye@oce.com
debate has become more contentious, or for the production of
www.oce.com
plastics, medicines and building materials.
There’s probably more optimism for the long term future of
UK agriculture at present than there has been for many years.
See how much you can
There are concerns about regulation, production costs and
save on printing costs
staffing, but the rewards may be there for those willing to
rise to the challenge.
For details, tel: 01565 757971. www.fishergerman.co.uk Dire
2680 Kings Court, The Crescent, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham, B37 7YE
ct dial: 0121 717 5435 Fax: 0121 717 5454
July-August2009| Border Business |27
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