fim iM iBm m Tm 'm m M 21 20 new clia enne S


PRING is always an excit­ ing time for many farm­ ers. -


The days lengthen and the


weather usually improves. But for me it is the arrival of


new life, with lambs and calves, and the start of the visible part of the livestock production cycle. Spring is also a very symbolic


time for many people, it is all about new beginnings and starts. This is very true particu­ larly this year for everyone involved in farming. Farmers and farming are at the start of the biggest changes and chal­ lenges since the 1950s. I am, of course, referring to


the major changes we now face as a result of a reform of the European Common Agricultural Policy. This reform will see the end


to production-related support for food produotion. Through that support, farmers have been able to provide a substantial amount of the food required by their UK oonsumers. Indeed, in times of global


uncertainties on many fronts it is heartening to know that British farming has, and should continue to have, the capacity to provide food security that is so essential for a country’s future. Additionally, as if by accident,


farming's by-product over the decades has been to provide the marvellous landscape many others enjoy so much. The Ribble Valley and Forest


of Rowland is a living testimony to farming skills in managing the natural environment for human good.These areas are not unique, as there are so many beautiful areas around our country. All have been fash­ ioned by the need to produce food to feed the nation. Farming has given rise to so


much, so why should this now change?


By Tom Binns,


former chairman of the Lancashire branch of the NFU


The support that has enabled


cheap food has, in fact, been failing both oonsumers and farmers. More than 65% of farmers now have some form of diversification to help keep income up, so that they can con­ tinue to do what they do best. This may be a family member


seeking part-time or full-time jobs away from the farm. It may be that some have developed, in response to demand, useful hol­ iday enterprises. The point 1 wish to make is


that for many years farmers have provided private support for food production even though the CAP provided public sup­ port. So in light of a system fail­ ing, change is needed.


Reform Change is not new to farm­


ing; some would say that the only constant over the last few years has, in fact, been change. Change is also not new to us as individuals or communities, but often the changes we experi­ ence are subtle and gradual. We often experience though


a few major step changes in our lives, which change our situation for good. Well the reform of the CAP for farmers can be likened to a major step change of life. But what will it mean?


It will mean that the global vil­


lage that we are often reminded about will also be the base line for the market we source food from. The price of food will be in the most part linked to the world market prices for food produc­ tion and also to availability. UK farmers will have to pro­


vide food in direct competition with others in the world and compete in the global market.


The development of Myerscough College Out-Centres in Burnley and Blackburn has enabled the college to offer a wide range of courses throughout East Lancashire.


Working in Partnership with Crow Wood Equestrian Centre, the following courses are now available;


• First Diploma in Horse Care • National Diploma in Horse Management


Students will also work towards BHS and other additional qualifications as part of their full time programme of study. Short and part time courses are available. We are also keen to discuss the benefits of loaning your horse to Myerscough College.


Please call for further details. F o r m o r s , n t o r i r a i i o r t p l s a s 9 c a ' i . ! ; f !Ema'u:jbiidey.®.mV®rsp'>w9h;a5,yi!:5Web4t^,.v^^ MVarscoudn College, Burnley Cen'lre.'TowneleyJdajl, Burnley BB11,3RQ .. iM y ^ u g h ^ Downham’sTom Binns down on the farm (s)


They will have to provide what the market demands. In most part, our farmers are


highly skilled and efficient and competition will not present too many problems for those that adjust their businesses accord­ ingly. But the change in CAP will challenge and threaten the exis­ tence of some farming enter­ prises that have over the deoades provided oontinuity in our food chain supply and given us the landscape of Britain we all enjoy. The potential disappearance


Equine Studied in East Lancashire


of farming activity, particularly from the more scenic and remote areas of our countryside will have an effect upon rural communities. Farming has often provided


other rural businesses with a valued client base. I often think of the picture that shovvs the farmer holding and feeding a dairy cow, while all those that provide his business with serv­ ices and goods are actually milk­ ing it! But seriously, these changes


brought about by CAP reform will have effects far beyond the farm gate. And while these changes


'


bring a new market focus for farming, it also brings new vigour in pursuit of what is known to many as "public goods" (sorry for the jargon). As I mentioned earlier, farm­


ing has produced a wonderful landscape, which in turn attracts many people to the countryside. This environmental manage­ ment, by farming's food produc­ tion, is seen by many as our valuable environmental her­ itage. In short, this is the very basis of public goods, which farmers have been providing, for generations, for others to enjoy, j So we see a move from


encouraging food production to developing and maintaining the natural environment. New envi­ ronmental schemes for farmers and "land managers" are about using public and private money for the improvement of habitats and landscape features.


Pendulum So has the pendulum swung


from food producers to park keepers? For some farmers this will be seen as the obvious thrust of the policy thinkers. What must not be underesti­


mated, however, is the balance between farming's ability to pro­ duce food and farming as a provider of public goods. We can often learn quite a lot from history and in this instance food production has also provided for public goods. The change in the policy


direction will'no doubt challenge this very balance and time will be the judge of its success. What is certain is that farmers are the key skill resource that can, and do, bond the useful use of nature’s resources with the changing requirements of the public and politicians. Skills that will be lost if farming, in whatever its new defined role is, cannot provide a living for today and security for tomor­ row.


So what can we all do to help farmers produce food and get


For a more personal approach to insurance


Call our local'office in CUtheroe on 01200 429622


Home, Motor and Business


^Insurance NFU Mutual office,


Wade House, 2 Church Brow, CUtheroe, BBy 2AA


NFU Mutual Fawcett & C Metcalfe Agent of The NaUonaI.Fa|raersiJn]on Mutual Insurance Society Limited. - ■


the environmental benefits "thrown in?" British farming has always


enjoyed consumer support and shoppers have always had a secure and plentiful basket of choice. This must be the principal


basis for the future. Clearly, global shopping by major food businesses will bring increased competition pressure for the farming sectors of the UK. Competition often drives effi­ ciency and economies, some­ thing British farming has become excellent at over the years. Farmers will strive to pro­


duce for the market and provide value with the highest of prod­ uct assurance.Thatis whatwe can and we will deliver.That in the future, however, may not automatically mean cheap. The challenge facing con­


sumers is of equal importance. It is about the desire for choice and value versus the under­ standing about how and where food of sustainable credentials is produced. It is becoming clear that con­


sumers are already prepared to engage in this logical thought process. An example is the rapid growth in regional and local products which the major retailers and food service sec­ tors now stock; it is demand led to meet the growth in con­ sumer desires. Food with facts and prove­


nance. These very desires are and will be essential in the future for providing local choice for local consumption. There is absolutely no reason


why local should not mean British. Let us hope that this continues as farming enters a very challenging and changing period. As production supports ends for both consumers and farming, let us hope that the


. farming industry can meet the new demands placed upon it, for food supply, at value, by our Great British consumers.


by Vivien Meath A


BOOK set to delight bird­ watchers near and far hit the bookshops this


spring. " Birdwatching Walks in Bow-


land" features 30 scenic walks in and around the Forest of Rowland, easy to follow maps and useful birding tips. And, set at the centre is an


exquisite 32-page full colour ref­ erence section, featuring photo­ graphs of the birds seen in and around Rowland, which has been funded by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Authors David Hindle and


John Wilson are already known to many and are themselves passionate about Rowland, bird­ watching and conservation. JohnWeld-Blundell, of Lea-


gram Hall, Chipping, has penned the foreword and refers to work ongoing with the RSPB and Countryside Stewardship Scheme, in which the 100-acre site Leagram Moss at Chipping is currently being improved for the benefit of wading birds, nesting and feeding. "By raising the water levels,


and reducing the heavy overbur­ den of rush, both mechanically and by grazing with traditional and rare breeds of cattle, we now have an oasis in the rela­ tively intensively farmed valley floor," he writes. , "To illustrate the benefits as


Bowland's birds


Top left: A tawny owl Above: A kingfisher


Top right: A wood warbler Right: A merganser


Below left: A goldfinch isi


M. J. ROBINSON TRACTORS AGRICULTURAL AND PLANT MACHINERY DEALERS AND EXPORTERS


NEW & USED PARTS


Large selection of new Ford and new Holland parts in stock SALES


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WHEEL & TYRES SUPPLIED & HnED INSURANCE REMIRS UNDERTAKEN


we conclude the second year of the project, in 2003 there was one breeding pair of lap­ wing and one pair of snipe. In the breeding season of 2004 there were nine pairs of lap­ wing and four breeding pairs of snipe." MrWeld-Blundell adds that


the book is the culmination of years of research and hard work by the authors. Royalties are to be donated to the RSPB Bowland Project and the Lan­ caster and District Birdwatching Society, which undertakes local survey work. Each walk is numbered so


that it can easily be cross-refer­ enced to a particular species. Walks are categorised as easy, moderate or strenuous and are illustrated by a sketch map. Where it has not been possible to start the walks with suitable car parking facilities, alterna­


tives are suggested.The nearest toilet and other facilities are also indicated. The authors also point out


that fell walks indicated by the symbol F in a circle may require navigational skills. At the back of the book, a


seasonal occurrence chart, gives readers a guide as to when species can be found throughout the year. With walks exquisitely enti­


tled; "Quest for the mountain blackbird," "Dotterel over Pen- dle," "The Tolkien birdwatching trail" and "The Chipping round robin wader walk," the book is a must for those who enjoy the countryside, its wildlife and con­


servation. ■The book is available from


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. f re g International 4 8 4 '2WD; pbwerlqader, tidy Ford 4000 2WD; power steenng, tidy; . .s


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